Luke 8:38

Authorized King James Version

Now the man out of whom the devils were departed besought him that he might be with him: but Jesus sent him away, saying,

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἐδέετο
besought
to beg (as binding oneself), i.e., petition
#2
δὲ
Now
but, and, etc
#3
αὐτὸν
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
ἀνὴρ
the man
a man (properly as an individual male)
#6
ἀφ'
out of
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
#7
οὗ
whom
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#8
ἐξεληλύθει
were departed
to issue (literally or figuratively)
#9
τὰ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
δαιμόνια
the devils
a daemonic being; by extension a deity
#11
εἶναι
him that he might be
to exist
#12
σὺν
with
with or together (but much closer than g3326 or g3844), i.e., by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, additi
#13
αὐτὸν
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
#14
ἀπέλυσεν
away
to free fully, i.e., (literally) relieve, release, dismiss (reflexively, depart), or (figuratively) let die, pardon or (specially) divorce
#15
δὲ
Now
but, and, etc
#16
αὐτὸν
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
#17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#18
Ἰησοῦς,
Jesus
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
#19
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

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

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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