Luke 9:56

Authorized King James Version

For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them. And they went to another village.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#2
γὰρ
For
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
#3
ὑιὸς
the Son
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
#4
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
ἀνθρώπων
men's
man-faced, i.e., a human being
#6
οὐκ
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#7
ἦλθεν
come
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#8
ψυχὰς
lives
breath, i.e., (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from g4151, wh
#9
ἀνθρώπων
men's
man-faced, i.e., a human being
#10
ἀπολέσαι,
to destroy
to destroy fully (reflexively, to perish, or lose), literally or figuratively
#11
αλλα
but
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
#12
σῶσαι
to save
to save, i.e., deliver or protect (literally or figuratively)
#13
καὶ
them And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#14
ἐπορεύθησαν
they went
to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)
#15
εἰς
to
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#16
ἑτέραν
another
(an-, the) other or different
#17
κώμην
village
a hamlet (as if laid down)

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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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