A crowd gathers, and Jesus addresses his followers.
Luke 12:7 But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.
Luke 12:7 Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
Instead, even the hairs of that head of yours all have been counted. Don't be afraid. You are more important than many sparrows.
There is no "very" in this Greek. It is added to make this seem more like Matthew, which does have it.
"Are numbered" is from the Greek source of our word "arithmetic," which means "to count", "to number", "to count out", "to pay," and "to account." It is in the passive, past perfect tense: "have been numbered." This is a task completed in the past.
"Are of more value" and "are worth more” are from a Greek word that means "to be different from," and "to be of importance." Jesus uses this word three times to compare men to animals: sparrows here, birds in Matthew 6:26, and sheep in Matthew 12:12. The word also means "to spread fame" which gives this word a triple meaning.
The Divine pays more attention to us than other animals because we pay more attention to Him.
- CW - Confusing Word -- The "but" is not the common word usually translated as "but" and works differently.
- IW - Inserted Word-- The "very" doesn't exist in the source.
- MW - Missing Word -- The word "the/this" before "hair" is not shown in the English translation.
- CW - Confusing Word -- The "not" does not capture the word's subjective meaning of choices.
- WT --Wrong Tense - The English verb "numbered" is not the present tense, but Greek is in the past perfect, a completed action, "have been numbered."
- OS -- Outdated Source -- The Greek word translated as "therefore" existed in the KJV Greek source but not the source we use today.
- CW - Confusing Word -- The "indeed" is not the common word usually translated as ""indeed" and works differently.
- MW - Missing Word -- The word "even" is not shown in the English translation.
- IW - Inserted Word-- The "very" doesn't exist in the source.
- MW - Missing Word -- The word "the/this" before "hair" is not shown in the English translation.
- CW - Confusing Word -- The "not" does not capture the word's subjective meaning of choices.
- WT --Wrong Tense - The English verb "numbered" is not the present tense, but Greek is in the past perfect, a completed action, "have been numbered."
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."
even -- The Greek word translated as "even" is used as the conjunction "and," but it also is used to add emphasis, "even," "also," and "just."
the -- The word translated as "the" 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," "those") than the English "the." See this article for more.
very -- (IW) This word is not in the Greek source.
hairs -- "Hairs" is the Greek word for both the hair of humans and animals. It is also a metaphor for life ("losing your head" in Greek doesn't mean losing emotional control but losing your life). In Greek, it meant "next to nothing." For example, being a hair from death means being virtually dead.
of -- This word "of" comes from the possessive form (genitive case) of the following word that requires the addition of a preposition in English. The most common is the "of" of possession.
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.
your -- The word translated as "your" is a plural, second-person pronoun in the possessive (genitive) case. This pronoun follows the noun so the possessive "of yours."
head -- The term translated as "head," it means "head" and "top" but also the completion of a thing (as we say, "bringing it to a head"). It is also a metaphor for life ("losing your head" in Greek doesn't mean an emotional outburst, but being killed).
are -- This helping verb "are" indicates the verb is passive. Helping or auxiliary verbs are needed to translate the Greek verb forms into English.
all -- The word translated as "all" is the Greek adjective meaning "all," "the whole," "every," and similar ideas. When it is used as a noun, we would say "everything." As an adverb, it means "in every way," "on every side," and "altogether."
numbered. -- (WT) "Numbered" is the Greek source of our word "arithmetic," which means "to count," "to number," "to count out," "to pay," and "to account." It is in a form which indicates that they, as the subject, are acting on themselves, so "have accounted for themselves" or "have paid for themselves." This is not the present but the past perfect tense, "have been numbered."
Fear -- "Fear" is translated from a Greek word that means "to terrify" and "to put to flight," but in the passive, it means to be put to flight and be frightened. When applied to people, it means to "be in awe of" or "dread." It is not a command, as you would think from the KJV.
not -- The negative used here is the Greek negative of a subjective opinion, commands, verbs of possibility, and requests. It applies to will, feeling, and thought. Used with verbs in the mood of possibility to express a prohibition.
therefore: -- (OS) There is nothing in the Greek that can be translated as this in the source we use today but it does exist in the source that the KJV translators used.
ye -- This is from the second-person, plural form of the verb.
are of more value - - The Greek verb translated as "are of more value" means "to be different from," and "to be of importance." Jesus always uses this to compare people to some animal.
than -- This word "than" comes from the possessive form (genitive case) of the following word that requires the addition of a preposition in English. The most common is the "of" of possession. However, it can also mean "than" in comparisons.
many -- The word translated as "many" means “many in number,” “great in power or worth,” and “large in size.”
sparrows. -- "Sparrows" is a word that is the diminutive of the word for "sparrow" so "tiny sparrow." These were sold at the temple as the least expensive animal sacrifices. It is also a metaphor for lechers.
Indeed-- (CW) The Greek word translated as "indeed" 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 "even " -- (MW) The untranslated word "even" is used as the conjunction "and," but it also is used to add emphasis, "even," "also," and "just."
the -- The word translated as "the" 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," "those") than the English "the." See this article for more.
very -- (IW) This word is not in the Greek source.
hairs -- "Hairs" is the Greek word for both the hair of humans and animals. It is also a metaphor for life ("losing your head" in Greek doesn't mean losing emotional control but losing your life). In Greek, it meant "next to nothing." For example, being a hair from death means being virtually dead.
of -- This word "of" comes from the possessive form (genitive case) of the following word that requires the addition of a preposition in English. The most common is the "of" of possession.
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.
your -- The word translated as "your" is a plural, second-person pronoun in the possessive (genitive) case. This pronoun follows the noun so the possessive "of yours."
head -- The term translated as "head," it means "head" and "top" but also the completion of a thing (as we say, "bringing it to a head"). It is also a metaphor for life ("losing your head" in Greek doesn't mean an emotional outburst, but being killed).
are -- This helping verb "are" indicates that the verb is passive. Helping or auxiliary verbs are needed to translate the Greek verb forms into English.
all -- The word translated as "all" is the Greek adjective meaning "all," "the whole," "every," and similar ideas. When it is used as a noun, we would say "everything." As an adverb, it means "in every way," "on every side," and "altogether."
numbered. -- (WT) "Numbered" is the Greek source of our word "arithmetic," which means "to count," "to number," "to count out," "to pay," and "to account." It is in a form which indicates that they, as the subject, are acting on themselves, so "have accounted for themselves" or "have paid for themselves." This is not the present but the past perfect tense, "have been numbered."
Do--- This helping verb is used to create questions, commands, negative statements, and smooth word flow in English.
n’t -- The negative used here is the Greek negative of a subjective opinion, commands, verbs of possibility, and requests. It applies to will, feeling, and thought. Used with verbs in the mood of possibility to express a prohibition.
be -- This helping verb "be" indicates that the verb is passive. Helping or auxiliary verbs are needed to translate the Greek verb forms into English.
afraid -- "Afraid" is translated from a Greek word that means "to terrify" and "to put to flight," but in the passive, it means to be put to flight and be frightened. When applied to people, it means to "be in awe of" or "dread." It is not a command, as you would think from the KJV.
you -- This is from the second-person, plural form of the verb.
are worth more - - The Greek verb translated as "are worth more" means "to be different from," and "to be of importance." Jesus always uses this to compare people to some animal.
than -- This word "than" comes from the possessive form (genitive case) of the following word that requires the addition of a preposition in English. The most common is the "of" of possession. However, it can also mean "than" in comparisons.
many -- The word translated as "many" means many in number, great in power or worth, and large in size.
sparrows. -- "Sparrows" is a word that is the diminutive of the word for "sparrow" so "tiny sparrow." These were sold at the temple as the least expensive animal sacrifices. It is also a metaphor for lechers.
ἀλλὰ [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"
καὶ [1089 verses](conj/adv) "Even" 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." In a series, it can be translated as "not only...but also." After words implying sameness "as."
αἱ [821 verses](article pl fem nom) "The" 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 word that can become a noun, takes the meaning of "the one" or, in the plural, "the ones."
τρίχες [5 verses](noun pl fem nom)"Hairs" is thrix, which means "human hair," "a single hair," "a horses mane," "sheep's wool," "pig bristles," "a hair's breadth."
τῆς [821 verses](article sg fem gen) 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 word that can become a noun, takes the meaning of "the one" or, in the plural, "the ones."
κεφαλῆς [12 verses] (noun sg fem gen) "Head" is kephale, which means "head of a man or beast," "an extremity," "the top," "the capital (top) of a pillar," "the coping of a wall," "the source of a rivalry," and, metaphorically the "crowning" or "completion" of a thing.
ὑμῶν [168 verses](pron 2nd pl gen) "Your" is humon, the plural possessive form of su the pronoun of the second person, "you." It is either a possessive pronoun or the object of a preposition. As an object of a preposition, the genitive indicates movement away or a position away from something.
πᾶσαι [212 verses] (adj pl fem nom) "All" is pas, which means "all," "the whole," "every," "anyone," "all kinds," and "anything." In the adverbial form, it means "every way," "on every side," "in every way," and "altogether."
ἠρίθμηνται: [2 verses](verb 3rd pl perf ind mp) "Are numbered" is arithmeo, which means "to count," and "to number," but for the tax collector it also means "to count out," "to pay," and "to account."
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 with verbs of subjective action: thinking, feeling, seeing, etc. It is used in imperative and subjunctive clauses because both express opinions. With pres. or aor. subjunctive, it is used in a warning or statement of fear, "take care." The combination of ἵνα μή means "lest." The combination of ὅτι μή, means "except." 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. When used with verbs of physical action, its sense is "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. With the verb "to be," the sense is "doesn't seem." When a negative precedes the verb, it affects the whole clause. When it precedes other words, its force is limited to those words. Used with an imperative to express a will or wish. Used in negative conditional "when/if/whoever" clauses. With "have," the sense is "lacks" or "wants."
φοβεῖσθε: [19 verses] (2nd pl pres imperat mp) "Fear" is phobeo, which means to "put to flight." "terrify," "alarm," "frighten," and in the passive, "be put to flight," "be seized with fear," be frightened," "stand in awe of" (of persons)," "dread (of persons)," and "fear or fear about something."
πολλῶν [61 verses](adj pl masc gen) "Many" is polys, which means "many (in number)," "great (in size or power or worth)," and "large (of space)." As an adverb, it means "far," "very much," "a great way," and "long."
στρουθίων [4 verses] (noun pl masc gen ) "Sparrows" is strouthion, which actually means a "tiny sparrows" from strouthos, the word for "sparrow." The word is also a metaphor for a "lecher" or "lewd fellow."
διαφέρετε [5 verses](2nd pl pres ind act) "Are of more value" is diaphero, which means to "carry over or across," "carry from one to another," "go through life [of Time]," "bear through," "bear to the end," "go through with," "carry different ways," "differ," "to be different," "spread...fame abroad," "tear asunder," "defer or reserve for judgment," "differ," "make the difference," "to be of importance," "have an interest at stake," "prevail," "quarrel," "struggle," "come between," and "intervene."
The word translated as "sparrow" is a diminutive, "tiny sparrow". The "a lot of tiny sparrows" could also be translated as "a big group of tiny sparrows" making the joke funnier. Since "sparrows" was used as a double entendre referring to lewd people, it becomes more a joke.