Luke Chapter 3

– Hēgemonias (v. 1): Literally “reign” or “rule”; genitive feminine singular noun indicating imperial authority. Grammatically, it’s a temporal genitive setting the historical timeframe. Translation choices: “Reign” for imperial connotation or “rule” for governance; “reign” chosen to reflect Caesar’s status. Theologically, it grounds the gospel in Roman history, contrasting earthly power with divine kingdom. Cross-references: Daniel 2:21 (God changes times and seasons); Romans 13:1 (authorities ordained by God). – Hēgemoneuontos (v. 1): Literally “governing” or “ruling”; present active participle in genitive absolute construction. Grammatically, it provides contemporaneous context for multiple leaders. Translation choices: “Being governor” for official role or “serving as governor” for duration; selected for clarity in listing. Theologically, it highlights political fragmentation under Rome, foreshadowing John’s call to repentance amid oppression. Cross-references: Acts 23:24 (governor Felix mentioned similarly); John 18:28 (Pilate’s praetorium). – Tetrarchountos (v. 1): Literally “ruling as tetrarch” or “governing a fourth part”; present active participle, repeated for Herod, Philip, and Lysanias. Grammatically, parallel genitive absolutes for synchronization. Translation choices: “Being tetrarch” to denote regional rulers or “governing as tetrarch”; retained for historical accuracy. Theologically, it illustrates divided Herodian rule, echoing Old Testament divisions and setting stage for messianic unity. Cross-references: Matthew 14:1 (Herod the tetrarch); Amos 1:1 (earthquake in days of kings). – Archieratias (v. 2): Literally “high priesthood”; genitive feminine singular, dual for Annas and Caiaphas. Grammatically, temporal genitive. Translation choices: “High priesthood” for joint role (Annas influential post-term). Theologically, it ties to religious establishment, contrasting with John’s wilderness prophetic voice. Cross-references: John 18:13 (Annas father-in-law to Caiaphas); Acts 4:6 (Annas the high priest). – Rhēma theou (v. 2): Literally “word of God”; nominative neuter singular with genitive. Grammatically, subject of “came.” Translation choices: “Word of God” for prophetic call or “message from God”; kept literal to echo Old Testament prophetic formulas. Theologically, it signifies divine commissioning, linking John to prophets like Elijah. Cross-references: 1 Samuel 3:1 (word of Lord rare); Jeremiah 1:2 (word came to Jeremiah). – Baptisma metanoias (v. 3): Literally “baptism of repentance”; accusative neuter singular with genitive. Grammatically, object of proclaiming. Translation choices: “Baptism of repentance” for ritual linked to change or “immersion for turning”; emphasizes inward transformation. Theologically, it prepares for forgiveness, prefiguring Christian baptism. Cross-references: Mark 1:4 (baptism of repentance); Acts 2:38 (repent and be baptized). – Eis aphesin hamartiōn (v. 3): Literally “for forgiveness of sins”; prepositional phrase with accusative. Grammatically, purpose clause. Translation choices: “For the forgiveness of sins” or “leading to remission”; highlights result of repentance. Theologically, it connects to messianic salvation. Cross-references: Isaiah 53:5 (wounded for transgressions); Matthew 26:28 (blood for forgiveness). – Gegraptai (v. 4): Literally “it is written”; perfect passive indicative. Grammatically, introduces quotation. Translation choices: “As it is written” for scriptural authority. Theologically, fulfills prophecy. Cross-references: Isaiah 40:3 (voice in wilderness); Matthew 3:3 (same quote). – Phōnē boōntos (v. 4): Literally “voice of one crying”; genitive participle. Grammatically, prophetic role. Translation choices: “Voice of one crying” or “someone shouting”; echoes KJV poetry. Theologically, John’s preparatory ministry. Cross-references: Malachi 3:1 (messenger prepares way); John 1:23 (I am the voice). – Pas sarks (v. 6): Literally “all flesh”; nominative femin

– Ochlois (v. 7): Literally “multitudes” or “crowds”; dative masculine plural. Grammatically, to whom said. Translation choices: “Multitudes” for large groups or “crowds” for readability; gender-neutral “people” implied. Theologically, broad appeal of John’s message. Cross-references: Matthew 3:7 (to Pharisees and Sadducees); Acts 4:4 (many heard). – Genēmata echidnōn (v. 7): Literally “brood of vipers” or “offspring of snakes”; nominative neuter plural with genitive. Grammatically, vocative address. Translation choices: “Brood of vipers” for harsh metaphor or “you snake offspring”; retains prophetic rebuke. Theologically, hypocrisy warning. Cross-references: Matthew 12:34 (brood of vipers); Isaiah 59:5 (hatch viper eggs). – Hypedeixen (v. 7): Literally “warned” or “showed”; aorist active indicative. Grammatically, interrogative. Translation choices: “Warned” for urgency or “suggested”; implies divine prompt. Theologically, escape from judgment. Cross-references: Ezekiel 3:18 (warn wicked); Acts 20:27 (declare whole counsel). – Orgēs tēs mellousēs (v. 7): Literally “wrath to come”; genitive feminine singular with present participle. Grammatically, from which flee. Translation choices: “Wrath to come” for eschatological. Theologically, impending judgment. Cross-references: Romans 1:18 (wrath revealed); 1 Thessalonians 1:10 (rescue from wrath). – Karpous axious tēs metanoias (v. 8): Literally “fruits worthy of repentance”; accusative masculine plural with genitive. Grammatically, bear. Translation choices: “Fruits worthy of repentance” or “deeds consistent with turning”; emphasizes action. Theologically, genuine change. Cross-references: Matthew 3:8 (bear fruit); Acts 26:20 (deeds worthy of repentance). – Mē arxēsthe legein (v. 8): Literally “do not begin to say”; aorist middle subjunctive with infinitive. Grammatically, prohibition. Translation choices: “Do not begin to say” for presumption. Theologically, rejects ancestral privilege. Cross-references: John 8:33 (Abraham our father); Romans 2:17 (rely on law). – Ek tōn lithōn toutōn (v. 8): Literally “from these stones”; genitive with demonstrative. Grammatically, raise up. Translation choices: “From these stones” for miracle. Theologically, God’s sovereignty. Cross-references: Isaiah 51:1 (rock from which hewn); Matthew 3:9 (same). – Axinē (v. 9): Literally “ax”; nominative feminine singular. Grammatically, laid. Translation choices: “Ax” for judgment tool. Theologically, imminent cutting. Cross-references: Matthew 3:10 (ax at root); Isaiah 10:15 (ax boast). – Dendron mē poioun karpon kalon (v. 9): Literally “tree not bearing good fruit”; nominative with negative participle. Grammatically, every. Translation choices: “Tree which does not bear good fruit” for unproductive. Theologically, judgment on fruitlessness. Cross-references: John 15:2 (branch not bearing fruit); Jeremiah 11:16 (green olive tree burned).

– Epērōtōn (v. 10): Literally “asked” or “inquired”; imperfect active indicative. Grammatically, continuous. Translation choices: “Asked” for seeking guidance. Theologically, response to preaching. Cross-references: Acts 2:37 (what shall we do); Luke 18:18 (ruler asked). – Chitōnas (v. 11): Literally “tunics” or “coats”; accusative masculine plural. Grammatically, has two. Translation choices: “Tunics” for undergarments or “shirts”; modern equivalent clothing. Theologically, sharing basics. Cross-references: Isaiah 58:7 (share bread, clothe naked); James 2:15-16 (naked and lacking). – Telōnai (v. 12): Literally “tax collectors” or “publicans”; nominative masculine plural. Grammatically, came. Translation choices: “Tax collectors” for role or “revenue agents”; inclusive despised group. Theologically, repentance for sinners. Cross-references: Matthew 9:10 (tax collectors and sinners); Luke 19:2 (Zacchaeus tax collector). – Didaskale (v. 12): Literally “teacher” or “master”; vocative masculine singular. Grammatically, address. Translation choices: “Teacher” for respect. Theologically, John’s authority. Cross-references: John 3:2 (teacher from God); Matthew 22:16 (Teacher, we know). – Pra ssete (v. 13): Literally “collect” or “exact”; present active imperative. Grammatically, command. Translation choices: “Collect” for tax function. Theologically, honesty. Cross-references: Leviticus 19:11 (do not steal); Romans 13:7 (pay taxes due). – Strateuomenoi (v. 14): Literally “soldiers” or “serving as soldiers”; present middle participle. Grammatically, asked. Translation choices: “Soldiers” for military. Theologically, ethical conduct. Cross-references: Matthew 8:5 (centurion); Acts 10:1 (devout soldier). – Diaseisēte (v. 14): Literally “intimidate” or “shake down”; aorist active subjunctive negative. Grammatically, prohibition. Translation choices: “Do not intimidate” for abuse of power. Theologically, justice. Cross-references: Exodus 23:2 (no injustice); Micah 3:9 (abhor justice). – Arkeisthe (v. 14): Literally “be content”; present passive imperative. Grammatically, command. Translation choices: “Be content” for satisfaction. Theologically, avoid greed. Cross-references: 1 Timothy 6:8 (content with food/clothing); Philippians 4:11 (learned contentment).

– Prosdokōntos (v. 15): Literally “in expectation” or “waiting”; present active participle genitive absolute. Grammatically, temporal. Translation choices: “Were in expectation” for anticipation. Theologically, messianic hope. Cross-references: Luke 1:21 (people waiting); Acts 3:5 (expecting to receive). – Dialogizomenōn (v. 15): Literally “reasoned” or “debated”; present middle participle. Grammatically, all in hearts. Translation choices: “Reasoned” for internal thought. Theologically, speculation about John. Cross-references: Mark 2:6 (reasoning in hearts); Luke 5:22 (perceived thoughts). – Christos (v. 15): Literally “Christ” or “Messiah”; nominative masculine singular. Grammatically, was he. Translation choices: “The Christ” for anointed. Theologically, expectation fulfilled in Jesus. Cross-references: John 1:20 (I am not Christ); Acts 18:5 (Jesus is Christ). – Baptizō hymas hydati (v. 16): Literally “baptize you with water”; present active indicative with dative. Grammatically, I indeed. Translation choices: “Baptize you with water” for ritual. Theologically, preparatory. Cross-references: Matthew 3:11 (same); Acts 1:5 (baptized with water). – Ischyroteros (v. 16): Literally “mightier” or “stronger”; nominative masculine singular comparative. Grammatically, coming. Translation choices: “Mightier” for superiority. Theologically, Jesus’ preeminence. Cross-references: Psalm 93:4 (mightier than waves); Mark 1:7 (mightier than I). – Baptisei hymas en pneumati hagiō kai pyri (v. 16): Literally “will baptize you with Holy Spirit and fire”; future active indicative with en. Grammatically, He. Translation choices: “Baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire” capitalized Spirit. Theologically, Pentecost and judgment. Cross-references: Acts 2:3 (tongues of fire); Joel 2:28 (pour Spirit). – Ptyon (v. 17): Literally “winnowing fan” or “shovel”; nominative neuter singular. Grammatically, in hand. Translation choices: “Winnowing fan” for agricultural tool. Theologically, separation metaphor. Cross-references: Isaiah 30:24 (winnowing shovel); Matthew 3:12 (same). – Diakatharai (v. 17): Literally “thoroughly clean out” or “purge”; aorist active infinitive. Grammatically, purpose. Translation choices: “Thoroughly clean out” for complete. Theologically, purification. Cross-references: Malachi 3:3 (purify sons of Levi); John 15:2 (cleans branch). – Asbestō (v. 17): Literally “unquenchable”; dative neuter singular. Grammatically, fire. Translation choices: “Unquenchable” for eternal. Theologically, hellfire. Cross-references: Mark 9:43 (unquenchable fire); Isaiah 66:24 (fire not quenched).

– Parakalōn (v. 18): Literally “exhortations” or “encouragements”; present active participle. Grammatically, with many other. Translation choices: “Exhortations” for urgings. Theologically, prophetic call. Cross-references: Acts 2:40 (exhorted them); Hebrews 3:13 (exhort one another). – Euēggelizeto (v. 18): Literally “preached good news” or “evangelized”; imperfect middle indicative. Grammatically, he. Translation choices: “Preached good news” for gospel. Theologically, kingdom announcement. Cross-references: Luke 4:18 (preach good news to poor); Romans 10:15 (preach good news). – Elegchomenos (v. 19): Literally “being rebuked” or “reproved”; present passive participle. Grammatically, Herod. Translation choices: “Being rebuked” for correction. Theologically, prophetic confrontation. Cross-references: 2 Timothy 4:2 (reprove, rebuke); Proverbs 9:7 (rebukes wicked). – Peri Hērōdiados (v. 19): Literally “concerning Herodias”; preposition with genitive. Grammatically, rebuked about. Translation choices: “Concerning Herodias” for issue. Theologically, adultery rebuke. Cross-references: Leviticus 18:16 (not uncover brother’s wife); Mark 6:18 (not lawful to have brother’s wife). – Katekleisen (v. 20): Literally “shut up” or “imprisoned”; aorist active indicative. Grammatically, added this. Translation choices: “Shut John up in prison” for confinement. Theologically, persecution of prophets. Cross-references: Matthew 14:3 (bound in prison); Jeremiah 32:2 (prophet in prison).

– Ebaptisthē (v. 21): Literally “were baptized”; aorist passive indicative. Grammatically, when all. Translation choices: “Were baptized” for immersion. Theologically, Jesus joins people. Cross-references: Matthew 3:15 (fulfill righteousness); Acts 2:41 (baptized that day). – Proseuchomenou (v. 21): Literally “prayed” or “praying”; present middle participle. Grammatically, while He. Translation choices: “While He prayed” for during. Theologically, prayer at baptism. Cross-references: Luke 5:16 (withdrew to pray); Acts 1:14 (devoted to prayer). – Aneōchthēnai (v. 21): Literally “was opened”; aorist passive infinitive. Grammatically, heaven. Translation choices: “Was opened” for divine act. Theologically, heavens torn. Cross-references: Mark 1:10 (heavens torn); Isaiah 64:1 (rend heavens). – Pneuma to hagion (v. 22): Literally “the Holy Spirit”; accusative neuter singular. Grammatically, descended. Translation choices: “The Holy Spirit” capitalized. Theologically, Trinitarian moment. Cross-references: John 1:32 (Spirit descending as dove); Genesis 8:8 (dove sent). – Sōmatikō eidei (v. 22): Literally “in bodily form”; dative neuter singular with dative. Grammatically, like dove. Translation choices: “In bodily form like a dove” for visible. Theologically, incarnation parallel. Cross-references: Acts 2:3 (tongues as fire); Exodus 13:21 (pillar of fire). – Phōnē ex ouranou (v. 22): Literally “voice from heaven”; nominative feminine singular. Grammatically, came. Translation choices: “Voice came from heaven.” Theologically, divine affirmation. Cross-references: Matthew 17:5 (voice from cloud); Psalm 2:7 (You are My Son). – Sy ei ho huios mou ho agapētos (v. 22): Literally “You are My beloved Son”; nominative with article. Grammatically, declaration. Translation choices: “You are My beloved Son” capitalized Son. Theologically, sonship. Cross-references: Isaiah 42:1 (My chosen in whom pleased); Mark 1:11 (same).

– Ērxato (v. 23): Literally “began”; aorist middle indicative. Grammatically, Jesus Himself. Translation choices: “Began His ministry” for start or “was about”; implies public work. Theologically, age of maturity. Cross-references: Numbers 4:3 (thirty for service); Luke 4:16 (custom to synagogue). – Hōsei etōn triakonta (v. 23): Literally “about thirty years”; genitive with adverb. Grammatically, being. Translation choices: “At about thirty years of age” for approximate. Theologically, priestly age. Cross-references: Ezekiel 1:1 (thirtieth year); 1 Chronicles 23:3 (Levites from thirty). – Ōn huios hōs enomizeto (v. 23): Literally “being son as was supposed”; nominative participle with imperfect passive. Grammatically, parenthetical. Translation choices: “Being (as was supposed) the son” for legal paternity. Theologically, virgin birth implied. Cross-references: Matthew 1:16 (Joseph husband of Mary); John 1:45 (Jesus son of Joseph). – Tou Iōsēph tou Ēli (v. 23): Literally “the son of Joseph, the son of Heli”; genitive chain. Grammatically, genealogy format. Translation choices: “The son of Joseph, the son of Heli” repeated structure. Theologically, legal line through Joseph. Cross-references: Matthew 1:1-17 (similar genealogy); Ruth 4:18-22 (Perez to David). – Tou Dauid (v. 31): Literally “the son of David”; genitive. Grammatically, key link. Translation choices: “The son of David.” Theologically, messianic descent. Cross-references: 2 Samuel 7:12 (offspring on throne); Romans 1:3 (descended from David). – Tou Abraam (v. 34): Literally “the son of Abraham”; genitive. Grammatically, patriarchal. Translation choices: “The son of Abraham.” Theologically, promise fulfillment. Cross-references: Genesis 12:3 (bless all families); Galatians 3:16 (offspring Christ). – Tou theou (v. 38): Literally “the son of God”; genitive. Grammatically, ending. Translation choices: “The son of God” lowercase for Adam. Theologically, humanity from God. Cross-references: Genesis 1:27 (image of God); Acts 17:28 (His offspring).