Luke 8:5

Authorized King James Version

A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it.

Word-by-Word Analysis

Ἐξῆλθεν

G1831

went out

to issue (literally or figuratively)

ὁ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

σπείρειν

G4687

A sower

to scatter, i.e., sow (literally or figuratively)

τοῦ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

σπείρειν

G4687

A sower

to scatter, i.e., sow (literally or figuratively)

τὸν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

σπόρον

G4703

seed

a scattering (of seed), i.e., (concretely) seed (as sown)

αὐτό

G846

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

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#10

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#11

τῷ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#12

σπείρειν

G4687

A sower

to scatter, i.e., sow (literally or figuratively)

#13

αὐτό

G846

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

ὃ

G3739

some

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

#15

μὲν

G3303

properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)

#16

ἔπεσεν

G4098

fell

to fall (literally or figuratively)

#17

παρὰ

G3844

properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj

#18

τὴν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#19

ὁδόν

G3598

the way side

a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means

#20

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#21

κατεπατήθη

G2662

it was trodden down

to trample down; figuratively, to reject with disdain

#22

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#23

τὰ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#24

πετεινὰ

G4071

the fowls

a flying animal, i.e., bird

#25

τοῦ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#26

οὐρανοῦ

G3772

of the air

the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)

#27

κατέφαγεν

G2719

devoured

to eat up, i.e., devour (literally or figuratively)

#28

αὐτό

G846

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 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

How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?

Related Resources

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Luke 8:5

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Topics

People

Study Resources