Jesus in confronted by the Pharisees after talking about John.
Luke 7:33 For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine; and ye say, He hath a devil.
Luke 7:33 For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon.’
Because he showed up, John the Dunker, rejecting eating bread and rejecting drinking wine, and you say he has an invisible oppressor.
We all do things without knowing where motivation comes from.
The negatives used here, both the "neither" and "nor," are the Greek negative of a subjective opinion, commands, and requests. The sense is that "he doesn't want" to eat or drink, not just that he didn't do it. The sense is "rejecting eating and drinking." This means a choice.
"Devil" and "demon" are from a Greek word that means "controlled by to an unseen force." It Jesus's era, the only unseen forces were thought to be spiritual. The word doesn't necessarily mean "evil". In Greek is used to refer to a controlling spiritual power, inferior to the gods. It was used to mean "knowing" and "skilled" in the sense that we might say, "He is a demon poker player." See this article on "demon" and related terms such as "devil". Generally, "having an unseen controller" was how people of Jesus's time said that someone had mental problems.
- CW - Confusing Word -- The "not" does not capture the word's subjective meaning of choices.
- CW - Confusing Word -- The "nor" does not capture the word's subjective meaning of choices.
- CW --Confusing Word -- This is not the common word translated as "devil." It means "unseen controller," the invisible causes of disease, especially insanity.
- CW - Confusing Word -- The "not" does not capture the word's subjective meaning of choices.
- CW - Confusing Word -- The "nor" does not capture the word's subjective meaning of choices.
- CW --Confusing Word -- This word means "unseen controller," the invisible causes of disease, especially insanity.
For --The word translated as "for" introduces a reason or explanation so "because" and, in questions, "why." However, since this word always appears in the second position, it is more like an aside remark like, "consequently" or "as a cause."
John -- "John" is the Greek word translated as the English proper name.
the -- The word translated as "the" is the Greek definite article, "the," which usually precedes a noun. Without a noun, it has the sense of "the one." Before an adjective or a particle, it changes the following word to act like a noun. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those") than the English "the." See this article for more.
Baptist - The Greek word translated as "baptize" means "to dip," "to plunge," "to be drenched," "to be drowned," and "getting in deep water." It is in the form of an adjective, baptizing."
came -- The word translated as "came" primarily means "to start out" but Christ usually uses it to mean "come" but not always. It indicates movement, especially its beginning, without indicating a direction toward or away from anything, so it works either as "start," "come," or "go," but it is more like our phrase "being underway." Our English word "show up" captures both the "start" and "come" ideas. See this article for more.
neither -- (CW) The negative used here is the Greek negative of a subjective opinion, commands, verbs of possibility, and requests. Used with verbs in the mood of possibility to express a prohibition. It is used with verbs of subjective action--thinking, feeling, seeing, etc. When used with verbs of physical action, its sense is that "not wanting" or "thinking" something, not that it isn't done or thought. With these verbs, the sense is "rejecting" the action, rather than simply not doing it.
eating -- The word translated as "eating" means "eat" but it also means "fret," as we say "something is eating me up."
bread -- The word translated as "bread" means "small loaf or cake of bread." It is more like a slice of bread today. It describes a thin 1/2 inch thick round or an oblong loaf of wheat bread, meant to be torn into pieces and not cut. It was closer to a flour tortilla or a piece of pan than a loaf of bread. "Bread" is one of Christ's most basic symbols, representing temporary physical nourishment as contrasted with permanent spiritual nourishment.
nor -- (CW)This Greek word translated as "nor" means "neither," "nor,"and not." It is used mostly double as a "neither...nor." The negative is the negative of opinion, not fact.
drinking --The word "drinking" is the Greek for meaning to "drink." It also has a double meaning. "To drink" also means "to celebrate."
wine; -- The word translated as "wine" means "wine" or any fermented juice. Wine, however, is Christ's metaphor for mental thought, the drink affecting the mind.
and -- The Greek word translated as "and" is used as the conjunction "and," but it also is used to add emphasis, "even," "also," and "just."In a series, it can be translated as "not only...but also." After words implying sameness "as."
ye -- This is from the second-person, plural form of the verb.
say, -- The word translated as "ye say" 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." 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." 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."."
He -- This is from the third-person, singular form of the verb.
hath -- The word translated as "hath" means to "have," "possess," "bear," "keep close," "hold in," "to have due to one," or "keep" and many specific uses. When its object is an infinitive verb, it means "it could," not "in must" as in English. This verb isn't used to form past tenses as the helper verb does in English. Nor does it have the sense of "must" when used with infinitives.
a -- There is no indefinite article in Greek, but when a noun doesn't have a definite article, the indefinite article can be added in English translation.
devil. -- (CW) "Devil" is a word that means "belonging to a controlling spiritual power" so the sense is "an invisible controller." The word doesn't necessarily mean "evil". In Greek is used to refer to a controlling spiritual power, inferior to the gods. It was used to mean "knowing" and "skilled" in the sense that we might say, "He is a demon poker player." However, Jesus seems to always use it negatively as "an unseen controller" referring to invisible causes of disease, especially mental disorders (see this article). In English, our word "daemon" retains these same meanings when it isn't used as an alternate spelling of "demon."
For --The word translated as "for" introduces a reason or explanation so "because" and, in questions, "why." However, since this word always appears in the second position, it is more like an aside remark like, "consequently" or "as a cause."
John -- "John" is the Greek word translated as the English proper name.
the -- The word translated as "the" is the Greek definite article, "the," which usually precedes a noun. Without a noun, it has the sense of "the one." Before an adjective or a particle, it changes the following word to act like a noun. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those") than the English "the." See this article for more.
Baptist - The Greek word translated as "baptize" means "to dip," "to plunge," "to be drenched," "to be drowned," and "getting in deep water." It is in the form of an adjective, baptizing."
came -- The word translated as "came" primarily means "to start out" but Christ usually uses it to mean "come" but not always. It indicates movement, especially its beginning, without indicating a direction toward or away from anything, so it works either as "start," "come," or "go," but it is more like our phrase "being underway." Our English word "show up" captures both the "start" and "come" ideas. See this article for more.
neither -- (CW) The negative used here is the Greek negative of a subjective opinion, commands, verbs of possibility, and requests. Used with verbs in the mood of possibility to express a prohibition. It is used with verbs of subjective action--thinking, feeling, seeing, etc. When used with verbs of physical action, its sense is that "not wanting" or "thinking" something, not that it isn't done or thought. With these verbs, the sense is "rejecting" the action, rather than simply not doing it.
eating -- The word translated as "ye shall eat" means "eat" but it also means "fret," as we say "something is eating me up."
bread -- The word translated as "bread" means "small loaf or cake of bread." It is more like a slice of bread today. It describes a thin 1/2 inch thick round or an oblong loaf of wheat bread, meant to be torn into pieces and not cut. It was closer to a flour tortilla or a piece of pan than a loaf of bread. "Bread" is one of Christ's most basic symbols, representing temporary physical nourishment as contrasted with permanent spiritual nourishment.
nor -- (CW)This Greek word translated as "nor" means "neither," "nor,"and not." It is used mostly double as a "neither...nor." The negative is the negative of opinion, not fact.
drinking -- The word "drink" is the Greek for meaning to "drink." It also has a double meaning. "To drink" also means "to celebrate."
wine; -- The word translated as "wine" means "wine" or any fermented juice. Wine, however, is Christ's metaphor for mental thought, the drink affecting the mind.
and -- The Greek word translated as "and" is used as the conjunction "and," but it also is used to add emphasis, "even," "also," and "just."In a series, it can be translated as "not only...but also." After words implying sameness "as."
you -- This is from the second-person, plural form of the verb.
For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and say, ‘He has a .’
say, -- The word translated as "ye say" 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." 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." 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."."
He -- This is from the third-person, singular form of the verb.
has-- The word translated as "has" means to "have," "possess," "bear," "keep close," "hold in," "to have due to one," or "keep" and many specific uses. When its object is an infinitive verb, it means "it could," not "in must" as in English. This verb isn't used to form past tenses as the helper verb does in English. Nor does it have the sense of "must" when used with infinitives.
a -- There is no indefinite article in Greek, but when a noun doesn't have a definite article, the indefinite article can be added in English translation.
demon. -- (CW) "Demon" is a word that means "belonging to a controlling spiritual power" so the sense is "an invisible controller." The word doesn't necessarily mean "evil". In Greek is used to refer to a controlling spiritual power, inferior to the gods. It was used to mean "knowing" and "skilled" in the sense that we might say, "He is a demon poker player." However, Jesus seems to always use it negatively as "an unseen controller" referring to invisible causes of disease, especially mental disorders (see this article). In English, our word "daemon" retains these same meanings when it isn't used as an alternate spelling of "demon."
ἐλήλυθεν [198 verses](verb 3rd sg perf ind act) "Came" is erchomai, which means "to start," "to set out," "to come," "to go," and any kind of motion. It means both "to go" on a journey and "to arrive" at a place.
γὰρ [205 verses](partic) "For" comes from gar which is the introduction of a clause explaining a reason or explanation: "for," "since," and "as." In an abrupt question, it means "why" and "what."
Ἰωάνης [17 verses](noun sg masc nom) John" is from Ioannes, which is the Greek form of the name "John."
ὁ [821 verses](article sg masc nom) "The" is the Greek definite article, hos, ("the"). When not preceding a noun, takes the meaning of "the one" or, in the plural, "the ones." Proper nouns do normally not take articles but they are needed when the noun ending cannot be changed to show the noun's role in the sentence as an object, indirect object, or genitive (possessive) form. However, the Greek article is very close to "this" so the purpose of an article like this can also be demonstrative. See this article.
βαπτιστὴς [8 verses](noun sg masc nom) "Baptist" is baptizo, which means "to dip," "to plunge," "to be drenched," "to be drowned," and "getting in deep water."
μὴ [447 verses](conj) "Not" is me , which is the negative used in prohibitions and expressions of doubt meaning "not" and "no." The negative, μή, rejects, is relative, and subjective. It is used in imperative and subjunctive clauses because both express opinions. This negative applies to will and thought. With pres. or aor. subjunctive, it is used in a warning or statement of fear, "take care" It can be the conjunction "lest" or "for fear that." Used before tis with an imperative to express a will or wish for something in independent sentences and, with subjunctives, to express prohibitions. It is used with infinitives that express a purpose.
ἔσθων [30 verses] (part sg pres act masc nom) "Eating" is esthio, which means "to eat," "devour," "fret," "vex," and to "take in one's mouth." It is also a metaphor for decay and erosion.
ἄρτον [32 verses] (noun sg masc acc) "Bread"is artos, which means specifically a "cake of whole wheat bread," and generally "loaf," and "bread."
μήτε [10 verses](partic) "Neither" is mete, which means "and not" and "either...or." It is used mostly double. A variation on mede. The negative is the negative of opinion, not fact.
πίνων [36 verses](part sg pres act masc nom) "Drinking" is pino, which means "to drink," "to celebrate," and "soak up."
οἶνον [5 verses](noun sg neut acc ) "Wine" is from oinos, which means "wine" and "fermented juice of any kind."
καὶ [1089 verses](conj/adv) "And" is kai, which is the conjunction joining phrases and clauses, "and," or "also." After words implying sameness, "as" (the same opinion as you). Used in series, joins positive with negative "Not only...but also." Also used to give emphasis, "even," "also," and "just."
λέγετε [264 verses](verb 2nd pl pres ind act) "Ye say" 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.
Δαιμόνιον [13 verses] (noun sg neut nom/acc) "Devil"is daimonion, which means "divinity," "divine power," "a lower divine being," and "evil spirit." Technically, this word means "belonging to a controlling spiritual power." It is from daimôn, which actually is the noun that is translated as "demon." "Evil spirit" is a New Testament usage or interpretation. However, in the Greek Septuagint, the Greek word was used both for the different Hebrew words for "idols" and for "disease," but Greek used it to refer to a controlling spiritual power, inferior to the gods. It was used to mean "knowing" and "skilled" in the sense that we might say, "He is a demon poker player." In the Stoic philosophy, it was the voice of reason inside of us. Plato described his inner voice of conscience as a daimon.
ἔχει: [181 verses](3rd sg pres ind act) "He hath" is echo, which means "to have," "to hold," "to possess," "to keep," "to have charge of," "to have due to one," "to maintain," "to hold fast," "to hold in," "to bear," "to carry," "to keep close," "to keep safe," and "to have means to do." In aorist, it can mean "acquire," or "get." The main sense when it has an object is "to have" or "to hold." It can also mean "to without" or "keep back" a thing.
In a rare reversal, this version of the verse is longer than the one in Matthew (Matthew 11:18). Several explanatory elements are added, but none of the changes affect the meaning.