Luke 7:24

Authorized King James Version

And when the messengers of John were departed, he began to speak unto the people concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness for to see? A reed shaken with the wind?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Ἀπελθόντων
were departed
to go off (i.e., depart), aside (i.e., apart) or behind (i.e., follow), literally or figuratively
#2
δὲ
And
but, and, etc
#3
τῶν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
ἀγγέλων
G32
when the messengers
compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor
#5
Ἰωάννου
John
joannes (i.e., jochanan), the name of four israelites
#6
ἤρξατο
he began
to commence (in order of time)
#7
λέγειν
to speak
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#8
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,
#9
τοὺς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
ὄχλους
the people
a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot
#11
περὶ
concerning
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
#12
Ἰωάννου
John
joannes (i.e., jochanan), the name of four israelites
#13
Τί
What
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
#14
ἐξεληλύθατε
went ye out
to issue (literally or figuratively)
#15
εἰς
into
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#16
τὴν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#17
ἔρημον
the wilderness
lonesome, i.e., (by implication) waste (usually as a noun, g5561 being implied)
#18
θεάσασθαι
for to see
to look closely at, i.e., (by implication) perceive (literally or figuratively); by extension to visit
#19
κάλαμον
A reed
a reed (the plant or its stem, or that of a similar plant); by implication, a pen
#20
ὑπὸ
with
under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (
#21
ἀνέμου
the wind
wind; (plural) by implication, (the four) quarters (of the earth)
#22
σαλευόμενον
shaken
to waver, i.e., agitate, rock, topple or (by implication) destroy; figuratively, to disturb, incite

Analysis

Within the broader context of Luke, this passage highlights salvation through rhetorical questioning that engages the reader. The theological weight of covenant community connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant community, 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 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 covenant community. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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