Matthew 12:36

Authorized King James Version

But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
λέγω
I 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
#2
δὲ
But
but, and, etc
#3
ὑμῖν
unto you
to (with or by) you
#4
ὅτι
That
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#5
πᾶν
every
all, any, every, the whole
#6
ῥῆμα
word
an utterance (individually, collectively or specially),; by implication, a matter or topic (especially of narration, command or dispute); with a negat
#7
ἀργὸν
idle
inactive, i.e., unemployed; (by implication) lazy, useless
#8
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#9
ἐὰν
that
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
#10
λαλήσωσιν
shall speak
to talk, i.e., utter words
#11
οἱ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
ἄνθρωποι
men
man-faced, i.e., a human being
#13
ἀποδώσουσιν
they shall give
to give away, i.e., up, over, back, etc. (in various applications)
#14
περὶ
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
#15
αὐτοῦ
thereof
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
#16
λόγον
account
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
#17
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#18
ἡμέρᾳ
the day
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
#19
κρίσεως·
of judgment
decision (subjectively or objectively, for or against); by extension, a tribunal; by implication, justice (especially, divine law)

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

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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