Luke 8:40

Authorized King James Version

And it came to pass, that, when Jesus was returned, the people gladly received him: for they were all waiting for him.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Ἐγένετο
it came to pass
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
#2
δὲ
And
but, and, etc
#3
Ἐν
that when
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#4
τῷ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
ὑποστρέψαι
was returned
to turn under (behind), i.e., to return (literally or figuratively)
#6
τὸν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
Ἰησοῦν
Jesus
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
#8
ἀπεδέξατο
gladly received
to take fully, i.e., welcome (persons), approve (things)
#9
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
#10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
ὄχλος
the people
a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot
#12
ἦσαν
they were
i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)
#13
γὰρ
for
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
#14
πάντες
all
all, any, every, the whole
#15
προσδοκῶντες
waiting for
to anticipate (in thought, hope or fear); by implication, to await
#16
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

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 covenant community 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 covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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