Luke 6:13

Authorized King James Version

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And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles;

Original Language Analysis

καὶ And G2532
καὶ And
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 1 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὅτε when G3753
ὅτε when
Strong's: G3753
Word #: 2 of 17
at which (thing) too, i.e., when
ἐγένετο it was G1096
ἐγένετο it was
Strong's: G1096
Word #: 3 of 17
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
ἡμέρα day G2250
ἡμέρα day
Strong's: G2250
Word #: 4 of 17
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
προσεφώνησεν he called G4377
προσεφώνησεν he called
Strong's: G4377
Word #: 5 of 17
to sound towards, i.e., address, exclaim, summon
τοὺς G3588
τοὺς
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 6 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μαθητὰς disciples G3101
μαθητὰς disciples
Strong's: G3101
Word #: 7 of 17
a learner, i.e., pupil
αὐτῶν them G846
αὐτῶν them
Strong's: G846
Word #: 8 of 17
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
καὶ And G2532
καὶ And
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 9 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐκλεξάμενος he chose G1586
ἐκλεξάμενος he chose
Strong's: G1586
Word #: 10 of 17
to select
ἀπ' of G575
ἀπ' of
Strong's: G575
Word #: 11 of 17
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
αὐτῶν them G846
αὐτῶν them
Strong's: G846
Word #: 12 of 17
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
δώδεκα twelve G1427
δώδεκα twelve
Strong's: G1427
Word #: 13 of 17
two and ten, i.e., a dozen
οὓς whom G3739
οὓς whom
Strong's: G3739
Word #: 14 of 17
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
καὶ And G2532
καὶ And
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 15 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀποστόλους apostles G652
ἀποστόλους apostles
Strong's: G652
Word #: 16 of 17
a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the gospel; officially a commissioner of christ ("apostle") (with miraculous powers)
ὠνόμασεν he named G3687
ὠνόμασεν he named
Strong's: G3687
Word #: 17 of 17
to name, i.e., assign an appellation; by extension, to utter, mention, profess

Analysis & Commentary

When it was day he called unto him his disciples of them he chose twelve whom also he named apostles. Day hēmera after night prayer. Called prosephōnēsen summoned. Disciples mathētas learners followers. Of them ex autōn from among. Chose exelexato selected. Twelve dōdeka symbolic number. Named ōnomasen designated. Apostles apostolous sent ones. Jesus chose twelve after prayer. Deliberate selection. Twelve corresponds to twelve tribes new Israel. Apostles sent with authority. Apostolic office unique foundational. Reformed theology distinguishes apostolic era from later church. Apostles had unique authority revelation. Modern ministers are not apostles but under apostolic authority (Scripture).

Historical Context

Jesus prayed all night before choosing twelve (v. 12). Momentous decision required divine guidance. Twelve disciples became apostles sent with authority. Judas among twelve shows selection does not guarantee perseverance. Apostolic band diverse backgrounds united by call. Apostolic ministry unique eyewitnesses resurrection (Acts 1:21-22). Paul exceptional apostle Damascus road. Early church recognized apostolic authority. Apostolic succession debate whether authority transferable. Reformed view apostolic era unique Scripture is continuing apostolic authority. No new apostles but ministers under biblical authority. Modern apostolic movements claim continuing apostles Reformed theology rejects this.

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