Luke 10:40

Was cumbered [π ε ρ ι ε σ π α τ ο]. Only here in New Testament. The Rev. might better have inserted in the text the marginal rendering, was distracted. The verb means, literally, to draw from around [π ε ρ ι].

Martha's attention, instead of centering round Jesus, was drawn hither and thither. The peri, around, in composition with the verb, is followed immediately by another peri, "about much serving."

Came to him [ε π ι σ τ α σ α]. Came up to him, as Rev., suddenly stopping in her hurry.

Hath left [κ α τ ε λ ι π ε ν]. The aorist, as Rev., did leave, indicating that she had been assisting before she was drawn off by Jesus ' presence. Some read kateleipen, the imperfect, was leaving.

Help [σ υ ν α ν τ ι λ α β η τ α ι]. The verb consists of three elements : lambanw, to take hold; sun, together with; ajnti, reciprocally - doing her part as Martha does hers. It might be paraphrased, therefore, take hold and do her part along with me. It occurs only here and Romans 8:26, of the Spirit helping our infirmities, where all the elements of the verb are strikingly exemplified.