Luke 6:9

Authorized King James Version

Then said Jesus unto them, I will ask you one thing; Is it lawful on the sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? to save life, or to destroy it?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
εἶπεν
said
to speak or say (by word or writing)
#2
οὖν
Then
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
#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
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,
#6
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
#7
Ἐπερωτήσω
I will ask
to ask for, i.e., inquire, seek
#8
ὑμᾶς
you
you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)
#9
τί
one thing
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
#10
ἔξεστιν
Is it lawful
so also ???? <pronunciation strongs="ex-on'"/> neuter present participle of the same (with or without some form of g1510 expressed); impersonally, it
#11
τοῖς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
σάββασιν,
on the sabbath days
the sabbath (i.e., shabbath), or day of weekly repose from secular avocations (also the observance or institution itself); by extension, a se'nnight,
#13
ἀγαθοποιῆσαι
G15
to do good
to be a well-doer (as a favor or a duty)
#14
or
disjunctive, or; comparative, than
#15
κακοποιῆσαι
to do evil
to be a bad-doer, i.e., (objectively) to injure, or (genitive) to sin
#16
ψυχὴν
life
breath, i.e., (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from g4151, wh
#17
σῶσαι
to save
to save, i.e., deliver or protect (literally or figuratively)
#18
or
disjunctive, or; comparative, than
#19
ἀπολέσαι
to destroy
to destroy fully (reflexively, to perish, or lose), literally or figuratively

Analysis

Within the broader context of Luke, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of life connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about life, 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 life in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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