Matthew 12:11

Authorized King James Version

And he said unto them, What man shall there be among you, that shall have one sheep, and if it fall into a pit on the sabbath day, will he not lay hold on it, and lift it out?

Word-by-Word Analysis

ὁ

G3588

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

δὲ

G1161

And

but, and, etc

εἶπεν

G2036

he said

to speak or say (by word or writing)

αὐτὸ

G846

on 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

Τίς

G5101

What

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

ἔσται

G2071

shall there be

will be

ἐξ

G1537

among

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

ὑμῶν

G5216

you

of (from or concerning) you

ἄνθρωπος

G444

man

man-faced, i.e., a human being

#10

ὃς

G3739

that

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

#11

ἕξει

G2192

shall have

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

#12

πρόβατον

G4263

sheep

something that walks forward (a quadruped), i.e., (specially), a sheep (literally or figuratively)

#13

ἕν,

G1520

one

#14

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#15

ἐὰν

G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

#16

ἐμπέσῃ

G1706

fall

to fall on, i.e., (literally) to be entrapped by, or (figuratively) be overwhelmed with

#17

τοῦτο

G5124

that thing

#18

τοῖς

G3588

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

#19

σάββασιν

G4521

on the sabbath day

the sabbath (i.e., shabbath), or day of weekly repose from secular avocations (also the observance or institution itself); by extension, a se'nnight,

#20

εἰς

G1519

into

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

#21

βόθυνον

G999

a pit

a hole (in the ground); specially, a cistern

#22

οὐχὶ

G3780

not

not indeed

#23

κρατήσει

G2902

lay hold

to use strength, i.e., seize or retain (literally or figuratively)

#24

αὐτὸ

G846

on 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

#25

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#26

ἐγερεῖ;

G1453

lift it out

to waken (transitively or intransitively), i.e., rouse (literally, from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death; or figuratively, from

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Matthew. The concept of divine revelation 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

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
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?

Related Resources

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

Matthew 12:11

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Topics

People

Study Resources