Matthew 11:25

Authorized King James Version

At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.

Word-by-Word Analysis

Ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ἐκείνῳ

G1565

that

that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed

τῷ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

καιρῷ

G2540

time

an occasion, i.e., set or proper time

ἀποκριθεὶς

G611

answered

to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)

ὁ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἰησοῦς

G2424

Jesus

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

εἶπεν

G2036

and said

to speak or say (by word or writing)

Ἐξομολογοῦμαί

G1843

I thank

to acknowledge or (by implication, of assent) agree fully

#10

σοι

G4671

thee

to thee

#11

πάτερ

G3962

O Father

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

#12

κύριε

G2962

Lord

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

#13

τοῦ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#14

οὐρανοῦ

G3772

of heaven

the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)

#15

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#16

τῆς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#17

γῆς

G1093

earth

soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)

#18

ὅτι

G3754

because

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

#19

απέκρυψας

G613

thou hast hid

to conceal away (i.e., fully); figuratively, to keep secret

#20

ταῦτα

G5023

these things

#21

ἀπὸ

G575

from

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

#22

σοφῶν

G4680

the wise

wise (in a most general application)

#23

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#24

συνετῶν

G4908

prudent

mentally put (or putting) together, i.e., sagacious

#25

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#26

ἀπεκάλυψας

G601

hast revealed

to take off the cover, i.e., disclose

#27

αὐτὰ

G846

them

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

#28

νηπίοις·

G3516

unto babes

not speaking, i.e., an infant (minor); figuratively, a simple-minded person, an immature christian

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 sovereignty 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 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 sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How does this verse's literary context within Matthew chapter 11 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

Related Resources

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Matthew 11:25

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

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People

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