Matthew 12:18

Authorized King James Version

Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Ἰδού,
G2400
Behold
used as imperative lo!
#2
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#3
παῖς
G3816
servant
a boy (as often beaten with impunity), or (by analogy), a girl, and (genitive case) a child; specially, a slave or servant (especially a minister to a
#4
μου
G3450
my
of me
#5
ὃν
G3739
whom
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#6
ᾑρέτισα
G140
I have chosen
to make a choice
#7
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
ἀγαπητός
G27
beloved
beloved
#9
μου
G3450
my
of me
#10
εἰς
G1519
in
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#11
ὃν
G3739
whom
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#12
εὐδόκησεν
G2106
is well pleased
to think well of, i.e., approve (an act); specially, to approbate (a person or thing)
#13
ἡ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#14
ψυχή
G5590
soul
breath, i.e., (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from g4151, wh
#15
μου
G3450
my
of me
#16
θήσω
G5087
I will put
to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly, in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from g2476, which pr
#17
τὸ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#18
πνεῦμά
G4151
spirit
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
#19
μου
G3450
my
of me
#20
ἐπ'
G1909
upon
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#21
αὐτόν,
G846
him
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
#22
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#23
κρίσιν
G2920
judgment
decision (subjectively or objectively, for or against); by extension, a tribunal; by implication, justice (especially, divine law)
#24
τοῖς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#25
ἔθνεσιν
G1484
to the Gentiles
a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)
#26
ἀπαγγελεῖ
G518
he shall shew
to announce

Analysis

Within the broader context of Matthew, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of love connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about love, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Matthew.

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 patron-client relationships and family loyalty concepts, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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