Luke 9:20

Authorized King James Version

He said unto them, But whom say ye that I am? Peter answering said, The Christ of God.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
εἶπεν
He said
to speak or say (by word or writing)
#2
δὲ
But
but, and, etc
#3
αὐτοῖς
unto 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
#4
Ὑμεῖς
ye
you (as subjective of verb)
#5
δὲ
But
but, and, etc
#6
τίνα
whom
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
#7
με
that I
me
#8
λέγετε
say
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#9
εἶναι
am
to exist
#10
ἀποκριθεὶς
answering
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
#11
δὲ
But
but, and, etc
#12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
Πέτρος
Peter
a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle
#14
εἶπεν
He said
to speak or say (by word or writing)
#15
Τὸν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#16
Χριστὸν
The Christ
anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus
#17
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#18
θεοῦ
of God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Luke, this passage highlights salvation through rhetorical questioning that engages the reader. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Luke.

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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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