Luke 5:31

Authorized King James Version

And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
ἀποκριθεὶς
answering
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
#3
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
#5
εἶπεν
said
to speak or say (by word or writing)
#6
πρὸς
unto
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
#7
αὐτούς
them
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
#8
Οὐ
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#9
χρείαν
need
employment, i.e., an affair; also (by implication) occasion, demand, requirement or destitution
#10
ἔχοντες·
they that are
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#11
οἱ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
ὑγιαίνοντες
They that are whole
to have sound health, i.e., be well (in body); figuratively, to be uncorrupt (true in doctrine)
#13
ἰατροῦ
a physician
a physician
#14
ἀλλ'
but
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
#15
οἱ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#16
κακῶς
sick
badly (physically or morally)
#17
ἔχοντες·
they that are
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Luke. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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