Matthew 13:17

Authorized King James Version

For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἀμὴν
G281
verily
properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)
#2
γὰρ
G1063
For
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
#3
λέγω
G3004
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
#4
ὑμῖν
G5213
unto you
to (with or by) you
#5
ὅτι
G3754
That
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#6
πολλοὶ
G4183
many
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
#7
προφῆται
G4396
prophets
a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet
#8
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#9
δίκαιοι
G1342
righteous
equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively)
#10
ἐπεθύμησαν
G1937
men have desired
to set the heart upon, i.e., long for (rightfully or otherwise)
#11
εἶδον·
G1492
have
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
#12
ἃ
G3739
those things which
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#13
βλέπετε
G991
ye see
to look at (literally or figuratively)
#14
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#15
οὐκ
G3756
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#16
εἶδον·
G1492
have
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
#17
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#18
ἤκουσαν
G191
have
to hear (in various senses)
#19
ἃ
G3739
those things which
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#20
ἤκουσαν
G191
have
to hear (in various senses)
#21
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#22
οὐκ
G3756
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#23
ἤκουσαν
G191
have
to hear (in various senses)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of Jewish biographical literature presenting Jesus as the fulfillment of Scripture shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Matthew Understanding a worldview expecting divine intervention through a promised Messiah helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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