Luke 5:12

Authorized King James Version

And it came to pass, when he was in a certain city, behold a man full of leprosy: who seeing Jesus fell on his face, and besought him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.

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

ἐγένετο

G1096

it came to pass

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῷ

G3588

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

εἶναι

G1511

was

to exist

αὐτοῦ

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

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

μιᾷ

G1520

one

τῶν

G3588

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

#10

πόλεων

G4172

city

a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)

#11

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#12

ἰδού,

G2400

behold

used as imperative lo!

#13

ἀνὴρ

G435

a man

a man (properly as an individual male)

#14

πλήρης

G4134

full

replete, or covered over; by analogy, complete

#15

λέπρας·

G3014

of leprosy

scaliness, i.e., "leprosy"

#16

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#17

ἰδὼν

G1492

seeing

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

#18

τὸν

G3588

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

#19

Ἰησοῦν

G2424

Jesus

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

#20

πεσὼν

G4098

fell

to fall (literally or figuratively)

#21

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

#22

πρόσωπον

G4383

his face

the front (as being towards view), i.e., the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person

#23

ἐδεήθη

G1189

and besought

to beg (as binding oneself), i.e., petition

#24

αὐτοῦ

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

#25

λέγων,

G3004

saying

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

#26

Κύριε

G2962

Lord

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

#27

ἐὰν

G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

#28

θέλῃς

G2309

thou wilt

to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),

#29

δύνασαί

G1410

thou canst

to be able or possible

#30

με

G3165

#31

καθαρίσαι

G2511

clean

to cleanse (literally or figuratively)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Luke, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Luke.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Luke Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
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?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Luke 5:12

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Topics

People

Study Resources