Luke 8:20

Authorized King James Version

And it was told him by certain which said, Thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to see thee.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
ἀπηγγέλη
it was told
to announce
#3
αὐτῷ
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
#4
λέγοντων,
by certain which said
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#5
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
μήτηρ
mother
a "mother" (literally or figuratively, immediate or remote)
#7
σου
Thy
of thee, thy
#8
καὶ
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#9
οἱ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
ἀδελφοί
G80
brethren
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
#11
σου
Thy
of thee, thy
#12
ἑστήκασιν
stand
to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)
#13
ἔξω
without
out(-side) (of doors), literally or figuratively
#14
ἰδεῖν
to see
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
#15
σε
thee
thee
#16
θέλοντές
desiring
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),

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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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