Matthew 11:12

Authorized King James Version

And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἀπὸ
G575
from
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
#2
δὲ
G1161
And
but, and, etc
#3
τῶν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
ἡμερῶν
G2250
the days
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
#5
Ἰωάννου
G2491
of John
joannes (i.e., jochanan), the name of four israelites
#6
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
βαπτιστοῦ
G910
the Baptist
a baptizer, as an epithet of christ's forerunner
#8
ἕως
G2193
until
a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)
#9
ἄρτι
G737
now
just now
#10
ἡ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
βασιλεία
G932
the kingdom
properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)
#12
τῶν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
οὐρανῶν
G3772
of heaven
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
#14
βιάζεται
G971
suffereth violence
to force, i.e., (reflexively) to crowd oneself (into), or (passively) to be seized
#15
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#16
βιασταὶ
G973
the violent
a forcer, i.e., (figuratively) energetic
#17
ἁρπάζουσιν
G726
by force
to seize (in various applications)
#18
αὐτήν
G846
it
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 kingdom of God theme central to Matthew. The concept of kingdom reflects the development of kingdom of God 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 kingdom. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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