Matthew 11:7

Authorized King James Version

And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Τούτων
G5130
as
of (from or concerning) these (persons or things)
#2
δὲ
G1161
And
but, and, etc
#3
πορευομένων
G4198
they departed
to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)
#4
ἤρξατο
G756
began
to commence (in order of time)
#5
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
Ἰησοῦς
G2424
Jesus
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
#7
λέγειν
G3004
to 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
#8
τοῖς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
ὄχλοις
G3793
unto the multitudes
a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot
#10
περὶ
G4012
concerning
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
#11
Ἰωάννου
G2491
John
joannes (i.e., jochanan), the name of four israelites
#12
Τί
G5101
What
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
#13
ἐξήλθετε
G1831
went ye
to issue (literally or figuratively)
#14
εἰς
G1519
out into
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#15
τὴν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#16
ἔρημον
G2048
the wilderness
lonesome, i.e., (by implication) waste (usually as a noun, g5561 being implied)
#17
θεάσασθαι
G2300
to see
to look closely at, i.e., (by implication) perceive (literally or figuratively); by extension to visit
#18
κάλαμον
G2563
A reed
a reed (the plant or its stem, or that of a similar plant); by implication, a pen
#19
ὑπὸ
G5259
with
under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (
#20
ἀνέμου
G417
the wind
wind; (plural) by implication, (the four) quarters (of the earth)
#21
σαλευόμενον
G4531
shaken
to waver, i.e., agitate, rock, topple or (by implication) destroy; figuratively, to disturb, incite

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