Matthew 11:2

Authorized King James Version

Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples,

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#2
δὲ
Now
but, and, etc
#3
Ἰωάννης
when John
joannes (i.e., jochanan), the name of four israelites
#4
ἀκούσας
had heard
to hear (in various senses)
#5
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#6
τῷ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
δεσμωτηρίῳ
the prison
a place of bondage, i.e., a dungeon
#8
τὰ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
ἔργα
the works
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
#10
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
Χριστοῦ
of Christ
anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus
#12
πέμψας
he sent
to dispatch (from the subjective view or point of departure, whereas ???? (as a stronger form of ????) refers rather to the objective point or <i>term
#13
δύο
two
"two"
#14
τῶν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
μαθητῶν
disciples
a learner, i.e., pupil
#16
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

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of Jewish biographical literature presenting Jesus as the fulfillment of Scripture shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Matthew Understanding a worldview expecting divine intervention through a promised Messiah helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Topics

People

Study Resources