Luke 5:8

Authorized King James Version

When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἰδὼν
saw
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
#2
δὲ
When
but, and, etc
#3
Σίμων
Simon
simon (i.e., shimon), the name of nine israelites
#4
Πέτρος
Peter
a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle
#5
προσέπεσεν
it he fell down at
to fall towards, i.e., (gently) prostrate oneself (in supplication or homage), or (violently) to rush upon (in storm)
#6
τοῖς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
γόνασιν
knees
the "knee"
#8
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
#10
λέγων,
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
#11
Ἔξελθε
Depart
to issue (literally or figuratively)
#12
ἀπ'
from
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
#13
ἐμοῦ
me
of me
#14
ὅτι
for
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#15
ἀνὴρ
man
a man (properly as an individual male)
#16
ἁμαρτωλός
a sinful
sinful, i.e., a sinner
#17
εἰμι
I am
i exist (used only when emphatic)
#18
κύριε
O Lord
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

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

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