Matthew 10:42

Authorized King James Version

And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
ὃς
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#3
ἐὰν
whosoever
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
#4
ποτίσῃ
shall give to drink
to furnish drink, irrigate
#5
ἕνα
unto one
one
#6
τῶν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
μικρῶν
little ones
small (in size, quantity, number or (figuratively) dignity)
#8
τούτων
of these
of (from or concerning) these (persons or things)
#9
ποτήριον
a cup
a drinking-vessel; by extension, the contents thereof, i.e., a cupful (draught); figuratively, a lot or fate
#10
ψυχροῦ
of cold
chilly (literally or figuratively)
#11
μόνον
water only
merely
#12
εἰς
in
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#13
ὄνομα
the name
a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)
#14
μαθητοῦ
of a disciple
a learner, i.e., pupil
#15
ἀμὴν
verily
properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)
#16
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
#17
ὑμῖν
unto you
to (with or by) you
#18
οὐ
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#19
μὴ
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
#20
ἀπολέσῃ
lose
to destroy fully (reflexively, to perish, or lose), literally or figuratively
#21
τὸν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#22
μισθὸν
reward
pay for service (literally or figuratively), good or bad
#23
αὐτοῦ
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

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

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The first-century Palestinian Jewish culture under Roman occupation would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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