Luke 8:15

Authorized King James Version

But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
τὸ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#2
δὲ
But
but, and, etc
#3
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#4
τῇ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
καλῇ
an honest
properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished
#6
γῇ
ground
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
#7
οὗτοί
they
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
#8
εἰσιν
are
they are
#9
οἵτινες
which
which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same
#10
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#11
καρδίᾳ
heart
the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle
#12
καλῇ
an honest
properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished
#13
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#14
ἀγαθῇ
G18
good
"good" (in any sense, often as noun)
#15
ἀκούσαντες
having heard
to hear (in various senses)
#16
τὸν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#17
λόγον
the word
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
#18
κατέχουσιν
keep
to hold down (fast), in various applications (literally or figuratively)
#19
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#20
καρποφοροῦσιν
bring forth fruit
to be fertile (literally or figuratively)
#21
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#22
ὑπομονῇ
patience
cheerful (or hopeful) endurance, constancy

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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