A continuation of the discussion about why they should be vigilant.
Luke 12:51 Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:
Luke 12:51 Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division.
Do you imagine that I arrived to give peace on the earth? Didn't I tell you rather instead dissension?
Though not translated that way, this verse is two questions. The negative that begins the second is used to create negative questions that expect positive answers. What is funny is that the final word is one Jesus never uses anywhere else, and only found three other places in all of ancient Greek literature. Would his audience even know his word? He is like referring to Matthew 10:34, where he said "the sword" instead of peace.
Suppose ye that I am come(WV,CW) to give peace on (MW) earth? I tell you, Nay(CW); but (CW) rather division:
- WV --Wrong Voice - The "come" is not passive but in the middle voice, which requires the concept of "myself" as its object.
- CW --Confusing Word -- This is not the common word usually translated as "come."
- MW - Missing Word -- The word "the/this" before "earth" is not shown in the English translation.
- CW - Confusing Word -- The "nay" does not capture the specific meaning of the word, which is more extreme.
- CW - Confusing Word -- The "but" is not the common word usually translated as "but" and works differently.
Do you think(CW) (MWthat) I came(WV,CW) to bring(WW) peace on (MWthe) earth? No(CW), I tell you, but(CW) MWinstead) division.
- CW --Confusing Word -- This is not the common word usually translated as "think."
- MW - Missing Word -- The word "that" after "think" is not shown in the English translation.
- WV --Wrong Voice - The "come" is not passive but in the middle voice, which requires the concept of "myself" as its object.
- CW --Confusing Word -- This is not the common word usually translated as "come."
- WW --Wrong Word -- The word translated as "bring" should be something more like "give."
- MW - Missing Word -- The word "the/this" before "earth" is not shown in the English translation.
- CW - Confusing Word -- The "no" does not capture the specific meaning of the word, which is more extreme.
- CW - Confusing Word -- The "but" is not the common word usually translated as "but" and works differently.
- MW - Missing Word -- The word "instead" after "but" is not shown in the English translation.
Suppose -- The word translated as "suppose" means "expect," "suppose," or "imagine."
ye - This is from the second-person, plural form of the verb.
that -- The word translated as "that" introduces a statement of fact or cause, "for what," "because," "since," "seeing that," "that," and "wherefore." Jesus usually uses this word to mean "because" in statements that seem like an answer to a question because of the change of context. It means "because" when answering a "why" question and "that" when explaining a "what" question. Another common word is used for "for."
I -- This is from the first-person, singular form of the verb.
am -- (WV) This helping verb "am" seems to indicate that the verb is passive but it isn't. It is a verb form that indicates the subject is acting on/by/for itself.
come - (CW) "Come" is a Greek verb that Jesus rarely uses that means "to be beside, by, or near", "come to one's side", "stand by", "second", "come", and "arrive". This is not the word usually translated as "come."
to -- This "to" is added to create the infinitive form of the following verb.
give -- The verb translated as "give" means "to give," "to grant," "to hand over," "appoint," "establish," and "to describe." It is almost always translated as some form of "give."
peace -- "Peace" is the Greek term that means harmony between individuals and nations" and the general idea of safety, security, and prosperity. It is the opposite of the state of war. In Hebrew, the word for peace was used in salutations and as an inquiry as to one's health. Among Judeans, it refers to the "health" in the sense of a peace of the body. Jesus uses this word to mean "peace" as opposed to war, "peace" as harmony, and "peace" as health.
on -- The word translated as "on" means "in," "within," "on," "with" (an instrument), "by" (near), "by" (means of), "during" (time), or "among" with an indirect-object form object.
missing "the/this" -- (MW) The untranslated word is the Greek definite article," the," which usually precedes a noun or changes the word it precedes (adjective, infinitive, participle, etc.) to act like a noun. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," and "those"). See this article for more.
earth? -- The word translated as "earth" means "ground," "land," "country," and "dirt." Translated as "earth," it refers to the physical planet, not society, which Jesus describes as the world. See this article for more on these words.
I -- This is from the first-person, singular form of the verb.
tell - The word translated as "I tell" is the most common word that means "to say," "to tell," and "to speak," but when used with an objective noun or pronoun, the sense is "say of" or "speak of." It also has many ancillary meanings such as "to count" ("to number" or like we might say, "to recount" a story) or "to choose for yourself."
you, - The Greek pronoun "you" here is plural and in the form of an indirect object, "to you," "for you," etc.
Nay;-- (CW) The word translated as "nay" is a different form of the usual Greek negative of fact meaning "no truly," "assuredly not," "not however," "nevertheless," and "notwithstanding." This word can have a reversing effect, making a negative into a positive, with questions. Used in questions where an affirmative answer is expected. Used in answers where a "yes" must be supplied. Perhaps best translated as an "isn't it?" at the end of the sentence. The fact that ancient Greek has no clear verb form for questions makes interpreting it difficult.
but -- (CW) The Greek word translated as "but" denotes an exception or simple opposition. It is used to emphasize the contrast between things like we use "instead," "but instead,"or "rather." It is not the common word usually translated as "but." It is the Greek word "other" like we use "otherwise." Jesus almost always uses this conjunction to connect a negative clause, "not this," with a positive one, "instead this."
rather -- "Rather" is translated from a Greek word that means primarily "or" but serves as "than" or
rather than" in a comparison. The same word could also be the exclamation "hi" or the adverb meaning "in truth." The combination of this word with the words above means "except," often in questions of remonstration.
division: - The word is translated as "division" but it also means "dissension" which make a better opposition for "peace", which means tranquility. This ending is typical of Jesus's "punchline" structure, see Christ's Humor.
Do -- This helping verb is used to create questions, commands, negative statements, and smooth word flow in English.
you - This is from the second-person, plural form of the verb.
think -- (CW) The word translated as "think" means "expect," "suppose," or "imagine." This is not the word usually translated as "think."
missing "that" -- (MW) The untranslated word "that" introduces a statement of fact or cause, "for what," "because," "since," "seeing that," "that," and "wherefore." Jesus usually uses this word to mean "because" in statements that seem like an answer to a question because of the change of context. It means "because" when answering a "why" question and "that" when explaining a "what" question. Another common word is used for "for."
I -- This is from the first-person, singular form of the verb.
come - (CW) "Come" is a Greek verb that Jesus rarely uses that means "to be beside, by, or near", "come to one's side", "stand by", "second", "come", and "arrive". This is not the word usually translated as "come." It is a verb form that indicates the subject is acting on/by/for itself. In English, we come or arrive or stand by only by ourselves.
to -- This "to" is added to create the infinitive form of the following verb.
bring -- (WW) The verb translated as "give" means "to give," "to grant," "to hand over," "appoint," "establish," and "to describe." It is almost always translated as some form of "give." This word doesn't mean "bring."
peace -- "Peace" is the Greek term that means harmony between individuals and nations" and the general idea of safety, security, and prosperity. It is the opposite of the state of war. In Hebrew, the word for peace was used in salutations and as an inquiry as to one's health. Among Judeans, it refers to the "health" in the sense of a peace of the body. Jesus uses this word to mean "peace" as opposed to war, "peace" as harmony, and "peace" as health.
on -- The word translated as "on" means "in," "within," "on," "with" (an instrument), "by" (near), "by" (means of), "during" (time), or "among" with an indirect-object form object.
missing "the/this" -- (MW) The untranslated word is the Greek definite article," the," which usually precedes a noun or changes the word it precedes (adjective, infinitive, participle, etc.) to act like a noun. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," and "those"). See this article for more.
earth? -- The word translated as "earth" means "ground," "land," "country," and "dirt." Translated as "earth," it refers to the physical planet, not society, which Jesus describes as the world. See this article for more on these words.
No;-- (CW) The word translated as "nay" is a different form of the usual Greek negative of fact meaning "no truly," "assuredly not," "not however," "nevertheless," and "notwithstanding." This word can have a reversing effect, making a negative into a positive, with questions. Used in questions where an affirmative answer is expected. Used in answers where a "yes" must be supplied. Perhaps best translated as an "isn't it?" at the end of the sentence. The fact that ancient Greek has no clear verb form for questions makes interpreting it difficult.
I -- This is from the first-person, singular form of the verb.
tell - The word translated as "I tell" is the most common word that means "to say," "to tell," and "to speak," but when used with an objective noun or pronoun, the sense is "say of" or "speak of." It also has many ancillary meanings such as "to count" ("to number" or like we might say, "to recount" a story) or "to choose for yourself."
but -- (CW) The Greek word translated as "but" denotes an exception or simple opposition. It is used to emphasize the contrast between things like we use "instead," "but instead,"or "rather." It is not the common word usually translated as "but." It is the Greek word "other" like we use "otherwise." Jesus almost always uses this conjunction to connect a negative clause, "not this," with a positive one, "instead this."
missing "instead" -- (MW) The untranslated word "instead" that means primarily "or" but serves as "than" or
rather than" in a comparison. The same word could also be the exclamation "hi" or the adverb meaning "in truth." The combination of this word with the words above means "except instead," often in questions of remonstration.
division: - The word is translated as "division" but it also means "dissension" which make a better opposition for "peace", which means tranquility. This ending is typical of Jesus's "punchline" structure, see Christ's Humor.
δοκεῖτε[17 verses] (verb 2nd pl pres ind act) "Suppose ye" is dokeo, which means "expect," "suppose," "imagine," "have an opinion," "seem," "seem good," and "to be reputed."
ὅτι [332 verses](adv/conj) "for" is hoti, which introduces a statement of fact "with regard to the fact that," "seeing that," and acts as a causal adverb meaning "for what," "because," "since," and "wherefore." This is the same word can be translated as both "because" and "that" in the same verse when answering two different types of questions.
εἰρήνην [18 verses] (noun sg fem acc) "Peace" is eirene, which means "time of peace," "national tranquility," "peace," "tranquility," "personal tranquility," and "harmony." It is the name for the goddess of peace. Among Judeans, it refers to the "health" in the sense of a peace of the body.
παρεγενόμην [4 verses] (verb 1st sg aor ind mid) "I am come"is from paraginomai, which means "to be beside, by, or near", "come to one's side", "stand by", "second", "come", and "arrive".
δοῦναι [147 verses] (verb aor inf act) "To give" is didomi, which means "to give," "to grant," "to hand over," "appoint," "establish," and "to describe."
ἐν [413 verses](prep) "In" is en, which means, with its usual indirect (dative) object, "in," "on," "at," "by," "among," "within," "surrounded by," "in one's hands," "in one's power," "during," and "with." With a direct (accusative) object, it means "into," "on," and "for." Referring to time, it means. "in the course of" or "during."
τῇ [821 verses](article sg masc dat) Untranslated is the Greek definite article, hos, ("the"). It usually precedes a noun or changes the word it precedes (adjective, infinitive, participle, etc.) to act like a noun. When not preceding a a word that can become a noun, takes the meaning of "the one" or, in the plural, "the ones."
γῇ; [59 verses] (noun sg fem dat) "The earth"is ge, which means "the element of earth," "land (country)," "arable land," "the ground," and "the world" as the opposite of the sky. Like our English word "earth," it means both dirt and the planet.
οὐχὶ [23 verses](adv) "Not" is ouchi, an adverb which means "no," "no truly," "assuredly not," "not however," "nevertheless," "notwithstanding," "yet," "still," "never yet," "for not," "indeed," "for surely not," "no,—certainly not," "for I don't suppose," and "for in no manner." Sometimes it is used to create negative questions where a positive answer is expected.
λέγω [264 verses] (1st sg pres ind act) "I tell" is lego, which means "to recount," "to tell over," "to say," "to speak," "to teach," "to mean," "boast of," "tell of," "recite," nominate," and "command." When used with an object is has the sense of "call by name." It has a secondary meaning "pick out," "choose for oneself," "pick up," "gather," "count," and "recount." A less common word that is spelled the same means "to lay," "to lay asleep" and "to lull asleep." This word is more about making a statement than participating in a discussion. Translating is as "stated" might distinguish it better. When two accusative objects are used, the sense is "say of him this," or "call him this." The form Jesus uses to describe his own speaking can be either indicative, "I say/tell" or subjunctive, "I should/could say/tell." -
ὑμῖν [289 verses](pron 2nd pl dat) "To you" is humin the plural form of the pronoun of the second person, "you." As the object of a preposition, this form implies no movement, but in a fixed position or events occur at a specified time or while the action was being performed. With the "to be," it acts as a possessive, "yours."
ἀλλ᾽ [154 verses](conj) "But" is alla, which means "instead," "otherwise," "but," "still," "at least," "except," "yet," nevertheless," "rather," "moreover," and "nay." Followed by οὐ, the sense is "still," and "at least." Followed by γὰρ. the sense is "but really" and "certainly." Following an εἰ μὴ, clause the sense is "if not" some word , related to time, "at least still," and without the reference time, "at least." The ἀλλ᾽ ἤ means, "except," escpecially in questions of surprise or remonstration.
ἢ [92 verses](conj/adv) "Or" is e, which is a particle used as a disjunctive, "either," "or," , or as a comparative, "than" or "rather than." It is (explam) also an exclamation, "hi!" and an adverb,(adv) meaning "in truth" and "of a surety." It is used with comparative forms of adjective or with positive adjective implying a comparison.
διαμερισμόν. [1 verse](noun sg masc acc) "Division" is diamerismos, which means "division" and "dissension". -- We end on a unique word. There is clearly a pattern in Luke of Jesus doing this. Here the word is translated as "division" but it also means "dissension" which make a better opposition for "peace", which means tranquility. This ending is very typical of Jesus's "punchline" structure, see Christ's Humor.
We end with a unique word. There is clearly a pattern in Luke of Jesus doing this.