Luke 9:29

Authorized King James Version

And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
ἐγένετο
was
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
#3
ἐν
as
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#4
τῷ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
προσεύχεσθαι
he prayed
to pray to god, i.e., supplicate, worship
#6
αὐτοῦ
his
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
#7
τὸ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
εἶδος
the fashion
a view, i.e., form (literally or figuratively)
#9
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
προσώπου
countenance
the front (as being towards view), i.e., the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person
#11
αὐτοῦ
his
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
#12
ἕτερον
altered
(an-, the) other or different
#13
καὶ
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
ἱματισμὸς
raiment
clothing
#16
αὐτοῦ
his
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
λευκὸς
was white
white
#18
ἐξαστράπτων
and glistering
to lighten forth, i.e., (figuratively) to be radiant (of very white garments)

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

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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