Matthew 10:23

Authorized King James Version

But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ὅταν
when
whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as
#2
δὲ
But
but, and, etc
#3
διώκωσιν
they persecute
compare the base of g1169 and g1249); to pursue (literally or figuratively); by implication, to persecute
#4
ὑμᾶς
you
you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)
#5
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#6
τῇ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
πόλεις
city
a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)
#8
ταύτῃ
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
#9
φεύγετε
flee ye
to run away (literally or figuratively); by implication, to shun; by analogy, to vanish
#10
εἰς
into
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#11
τὴν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
ἄλλην·
another
"else," i.e., different (in many applications)
#13
ἀμὴν
verily
properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)
#14
γὰρ
for
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
#15
λέγω
I say
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#16
ὑμῖν
unto you
to (with or by) you
#17
οὐ
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#18
μὴ
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
#19
τελέσητε
Ye shall
to end, i.e., complete, execute, conclude, discharge (a debt)
#20
τὰς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#21
πόλεις
city
a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)
#22
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#23
Ἰσραὴλ
of Israel
israel (i.e., jisrael), the adopted name of jacob, including his descendants (literally or figuratively)
#24
ἕως
till
a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)
#25
ἂν
be
whatsoever
#26
ἔλθῃ
come
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#28
υἱὸς
the Son
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
#29
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#30
ἀνθρώπου
of man
man-faced, i.e., a human being

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Matthew. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to gospel presenting Jesus as the fulfillment of Jewish Messianic hope, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within Roman imperial rule over Jewish Palestine with messianic expectations. The author writes to address Jewish Christians seeking to understand Jesus as Messiah, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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