Luke 4:9

Authorized King James Version

And he brought him to Jerusalem, and set him on a pinnacle of the temple, and said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down from hence:

Word-by-Word Analysis

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

Ἤγαγεν

G71

he brought

properly, to lead; by implication, to bring, drive, (reflexively) go, (specially) pass (time), or (figuratively) induce

αὐτῷ

G846

him

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

εἰς

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

Ἰερουσαλὴμ

G2419

Jerusalem

hierusalem (i.e., jerushalem), the capitol of palestine

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἔστησεν

G2476

set

to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)

αὐτῷ

G846

him

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἐπὶ

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

#10

τὸ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#11

πτερύγιον

G4419

a pinnacle

a winglet, i.e., (figuratively) extremity (top corner)

#12

τοῦ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#13

ἱεροῦ

G2411

of the temple

a sacred place, i.e., the entire precincts (whereas g3485 denotes the central sanctuary itself) of the temple (at jerusalem or elsewhere)

#14

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#15

εἶπεν

G2036

said

to speak or say (by word or writing)

#16

αὐτῷ

G846

him

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

#17

Εἰ

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

#18

ὁ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#19

υἱὸς

G5207

the Son

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

#20

εἶ

G1488

thou be

thou art

#21

τοῦ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#22

θεοῦ

G2316

of God

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

#23

βάλε

G906

cast

to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)

#24

σεαυτὸν

G4572

thyself

of (with, to) thyself

#25

ἐντεῦθεν

G1782

from hence

hence (literally or figuratively); (repeated) on both sides

#26

κάτω·

G2736

down

downwards

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 divine sovereignty 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 divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How does this verse's literary context within Luke chapter 4 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

Related Resources

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Luke 4:9

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

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People

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