Luke 9:16

Authorized King James Version

Then he took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed them, and brake, and gave to the disciples to set before the multitude.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
λαβὼν
G2983
he took
while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))
#2
δὲ
G1161
Then
but, and, etc
#3
τοὺς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
πέντε
G4002
the five
"five"
#5
ἄρτους
G740
loaves
bread (as raised) or a loaf
#6
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#7
τοὺς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
δύο
G1417
the two
"two"
#9
ἰχθύας
G2486
fishes
a fish
#10
ἀναβλέψας
G308
and looking up
to look up; by implication, to recover sight
#11
εἰς
G1519
to
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#12
τὸν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
οὐρανὸν
G3772
heaven
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
#14
εὐλόγησεν
G2127
he blessed
to speak well of, i.e., (religiously) to bless (thank or invoke a benediction upon, prosper)
#15
αὐτοὺς
G846
them
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
#16
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#17
κατέκλασεν
G2622
brake
to break down, i.e., divide
#18
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#19
ἐδίδου
G1325
gave
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
#20
τοῖς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#21
μαθηταῖς
G3101
to the disciples
a learner, i.e., pupil
#22
παρατιθέναι
G3908
to set before
to place alongside, i.e., present (food, truth); by implication, to deposit (as a trust or for protection)
#23
τῷ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#24
ὄχλῳ
G3793
the multitude
a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot

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

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