Luke 9:54

Authorized King James Version

And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἰδόντες
G1492
saw
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
#2
δὲ
G1161
And
but, and, etc
#3
οἱ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
μαθηταὶ
G3101
disciples
a learner, i.e., pupil
#5
αὐτούς
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
#6
Ἰάκωβος
G2385
James
jacobus, the name of three israelites
#7
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#8
Ἰωάννης
G2491
John
joannes (i.e., jochanan), the name of four israelites
#9
εἴπωμεν
G2036
that we command
to speak or say (by word or writing)
#10
Κύριε
G2962
Lord
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
#11
θέλεις
G2309
wilt thou
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
#12
εἴπωμεν
G2036
that we command
to speak or say (by word or writing)
#13
πῦρ
G4442
fire
"fire" (literally or figuratively, specially, lightning)
#14
καταβῆναι
G2597
to come down
to descend (literally or figuratively)
#15
ἀπὸ
G575
from
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
#16
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#17
οὐρανοῦ
G3772
heaven
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
#18
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#19
ἀναλῶσαι
G355
consume
properly, to use up, i.e., destroy
#20
αὐτούς
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
#21
ὡς
G5613
as
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#22
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#23
Ἠλίας
G2243
Elias
helias (i.e., elijah), an israelite
#24
ἐποίησεν
G4160
did
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Luke, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. 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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