Luke 6:4

Authorized King James Version

How he went into the house of God, and did take and eat the shewbread, and gave also to them that were with him; which it is not lawful to eat but for the priests alone?

Word-by-Word Analysis

ὡς

G5613

How

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

εἰσῆλθεν

G1525

he went

to enter (literally or figuratively)

εἰς

G1519

into

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὸν

G3588

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

οἶκον

G3624

the house

a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family (more or less related, literally or figuratively)

τοῦ

G3588

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

θεοῦ

G2316

of God

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

καὶ

G2532

also

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

τοὺς

G3588

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

#10

ἄρτους

G740

the shewbread

bread (as raised) or a loaf

#11

τῆς

G3588

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

#12

προθέσεως

G4286

a setting forth, i.e., (figuratively) proposal (intention); specially, the show-bread (in the temple) as exposed before god

#13

ἔλαβεν

G2983

did take

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

#14

καὶ

G2532

also

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

#15

φαγεῖν

G5315

eat

to eat (literally or figuratively)

#16

καὶ

G2532

also

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

#17

ἔδωκεν

G1325

gave

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

#18

καὶ

G2532

also

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

#19

τοῖς

G3588

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

#20

μετ'

G3326

to them that were with

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

#21

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

#22

οὓς

G3739

which

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

#23

οὐκ

G3756

not

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

#24

ἔξεστιν

G1832

it is

so also ???? <pronunciation strongs="ex-on'"/> neuter present participle of the same (with or without some form of g1510 expressed); impersonally, it

#25

φαγεῖν

G5315

eat

to eat (literally or figuratively)

#26

εἰ

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

#27

μὴ

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

#28

μόνους

G3441

alone

remaining, i.e., sole or single; by implication, mere

#29

τοὺς

G3588

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

#30

ἱερεῖς

G2409

the priests

a priest (literally or figuratively)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Luke, this passage highlights salvation through rhetorical questioning that engages the reader. 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

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?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How does this verse's literary context within Luke chapter 6 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

Related Resources

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Luke 6:4

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

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People

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