Matthew 11:19

Authorized King James Version

The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἦλθεν
G2064
came
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#2
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#3
υἱὸς
G5207
The Son
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
#4
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
ἄνθρωπος
G444
a man
man-faced, i.e., a human being
#6
ἐσθίων
G2068
eating
used only in certain tenses, the rest being supplied by g5315; to eat (usually literal)
#7
καὶ
G2532
But
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#8
πίνων
G4095
drinking
to imbibe (literally or figuratively)
#9
καὶ
G2532
But
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#10
λέγουσιν
G3004
they 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
#11
Ἰδού,
G2400
Behold
used as imperative lo!
#12
ἄνθρωπος
G444
a man
man-faced, i.e., a human being
#13
φάγος
G5314
gluttonous
a glutton
#14
καὶ
G2532
But
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#15
οἰνοπότης
G3630
a winebibber
a tippler
#16
τελωνῶν
G5057
of publicans
a tax-farmer, i.e., collector of public revenue
#17
φίλος
G5384
a friend
actively, fond, i.e., friendly (still as a noun, an associate, neighbor, etc.)
#18
καὶ
G2532
But
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#19
ἁμαρτωλῶν
G268
sinners
sinful, i.e., a sinner
#20
καὶ
G2532
But
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#21
ἐδικαιώθη
G1344
is justified
to render (i.e., show or regard as) just or innocent
#22
ἡ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#23
σοφία
G4678
wisdom
wisdom (higher or lower, worldly or spiritual)
#24
ἀπὸ
G575
of
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
#25
τῶν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#26
τέκνων
G5043
children
a child (as produced)
#27
αὐτῆς
G846
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 wisdom 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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