Luke 4:25

Authorized King James Version

But I tell you of a truth, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elias, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, when great famine was throughout all the land;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἐπὶ
G1909
of
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#2
ἀληθείας
G225
a truth
truth
#3
δὲ
G1161
But
but, and, etc
#4
λέγω
G3004
I tell
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#5
ὑμῖν
G5213
you
to (with or by) you
#6
πολλαὶ
G4183
many
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
#7
χῆραι
G5503
widows
a widow (as lacking a husband), literally or figuratively
#8
ἦσαν
G2258
were
i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)
#9
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#10
ταῖς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
ἡμέραις
G2250
the days
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
#12
Ἠλίου
G2243
of Elias
helias (i.e., elijah), an israelite
#13
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#14
τῷ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
Ἰσραήλ
G2474
Israel
israel (i.e., jisrael), the adopted name of jacob, including his descendants (literally or figuratively)
#16
ὅτε
G3753
when
at which (thing) too, i.e., when
#17
ἐκλείσθη
G2808
was shut up
to close (literally or figuratively)
#18
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#19
οὐρανὸς
G3772
the heaven
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
#20
ἐπὶ
G1909
of
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#21
ἔτη
G2094
years
a year
#22
τρία
G5140
three
"three"
#23
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#24
μῆνας
G3376
months
a month
#25
ἕξ,
G1803
six
six
#26
ὡς
G5613
when
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#27
ἐγένετο
G1096
was
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
#28
λιμὸς
G3042
famine
a scarcity of food
#29
μέγας
G3173
great
big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)
#30
ἐπὶ
G1909
of
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#31
πᾶσαν
G3956
all
all, any, every, the whole
#32
τὴν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#33
γῆν
G1093
the land
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing truth contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood truth. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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