Matthew 12:3

Authorized King James Version

But he said unto them, Have ye not read what David did, when he was an hungred, and they that were with him;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#2
δὲ
G1161
But
but, and, etc
#3
εἶπεν
G2036
he said
to speak or say (by word or writing)
#4
αὐτοῦ
G846
that were with 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
#5
Οὐκ
G3756
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#6
ἀνέγνωτε
G314
Have ye
to know again, i.e., (by extension) to read
#7
τί
G5101
what
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
#8
ἐποίησεν
G4160
did
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
#9
Δαβὶδ,
G1138
David
david, the israelite king
#10
ὅτε
G3753
when
at which (thing) too, i.e., when
#11
ἐπείνασεν
G3983
he was an hungred
to famish (absolutely or comparatively); figuratively, to crave
#12
αὐτοῦ
G846
that were with 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
#13
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#14
οἱ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
μετ'
G3326
they
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
#16
αὐτοῦ
G846
that were with 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

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

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