Luke 8:30

Authorized King James Version

And Jesus asked him, saying, What is thy name? And he said, Legion: because many devils were entered into him.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἐπηρώτησεν
asked
to ask for, i.e., inquire, seek
#2
δὲ
And
but, and, etc
#3
αὐτόν
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
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
#6
λέγων,
saying
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#7
Τί
What
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
#8
σοι
thy
to thee
#9
ἐστιν
is
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
#10
ὄνομά
name
a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)
#11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
δὲ
And
but, and, etc
#13
εἶπεν
he said
to speak or say (by word or writing)
#14
Λεγεών·
Legion
a "legion", i.e., roman regiment (figuratively)
#15
ὅτι
because
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#16
δαιμόνια
devils
a daemonic being; by extension a deity
#17
πολλὰ
many
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
#18
εἰσῆλθεν
were entered
to enter (literally or figuratively)
#19
εἰς
into
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#20
αὐτόν
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

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Luke. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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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