Luke 6:27

Authorized King James Version

But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἀλλ'
But
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
#2
ὑμῖν
unto you
to (with or by) you
#3
λέγω
I say
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#4
τοῖς
to them which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
ἀκούουσιν
hear
to hear (in various senses)
#6
ἀγαπᾶτε
G25
Love
to love (in a social or moral sense)
#7
τοῖς
to them which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
ἐχθροὺς
enemies
hateful (passively, odious, or actively, hostile); usually as a noun, an adversary (especially satan)
#9
ὑμῶν
your
of (from or concerning) you
#10
καλῶς
good
well (usually morally)
#11
ποιεῖτε
do
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
#12
τοῖς
to them which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
μισοῦσιν
hate
to detest (especially to persecute); by extension, to love less
#14
ὑμᾶς
you
you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Luke. The concept of love reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The emotional and relational language employed here is characteristic of biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, emphasizing the personal nature of divine-human relationship. The original language emphasizes agape in Greek contexts or hesed in Hebrew, indicating covenantal loyalty, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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

Questions for Reflection

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