Matthew 12:2

Authorized King James Version

But when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto him, Behold, thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the sabbath day.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
οἱ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#2
δὲ
But
but, and, etc
#3
Φαρισαῖοι
when the Pharisees
a separatist, i.e., exclusively religious; a pharisean, i.e., jewish sectary
#4
ἰδόντες
saw
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
#5
εἶπον
it they said
to speak or say (by word or writing)
#6
αὐτῷ
unto 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
#7
Ἰδού,
Behold
used as imperative lo!
#8
οἱ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
μαθηταί
disciples
a learner, i.e., pupil
#10
σου
thy
of thee, thy
#11
ποιεῖν
do
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
#12
that which
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#13
οὐκ
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#14
ἔξεστιν
is
so also ???? <pronunciation strongs="ex-on'"/> neuter present participle of the same (with or without some form of g1510 expressed); impersonally, it
#15
ποιεῖν
do
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
#16
ἐν
upon
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#17
σαββάτῳ
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,

Analysis

Within the broader context of Matthew, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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

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

Questions for Reflection

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