Matthew 13:24

Authorized King James Version

Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Ἄλλην
G243
Another
"else," i.e., different (in many applications)
#2
παραβολὴν
G3850
parable
a similitude ("parable"), i.e., (symbolic) fictitious narrative (of common life conveying a moral), apothegm or adage
#3
παρέθηκεν
G3908
put he forth
to place alongside, i.e., present (food, truth); by implication, to deposit (as a trust or for protection)
#4
αὐτοῦ
G846
unto them
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
λέγων,
G3004
saying
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#6
Ὡμοιώθη
G3666
is likened
to assimilate, i.e., compare; passively, to become similar
#7
ἡ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
βασιλεία
G932
The kingdom
properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)
#9
τῶν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
οὐρανῶν
G3772
of heaven
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
#11
ἀνθρώπῳ
G444
unto a man
man-faced, i.e., a human being
#12
σπείροντι
G4687
which sowed
to scatter, i.e., sow (literally or figuratively)
#13
καλὸν
G2570
good
properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished
#14
σπέρμα
G4690
seed
something sown, i.e., seed (including the male "sperm"); by implication, offspring; specially, a remnant (figuratively, as if kept over for planting)
#15
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#16
τῷ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#17
ἀγρῷ
G68
field
a field (as a drive for cattle); genitive case, the country; specially, a farm, i.e., hamlet
#18
αὐτοῦ
G846
unto them
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 kingdom of God theme central to Matthew. The concept of kingdom reflects the development of kingdom of God 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 kingdom of God particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show imperial and royal imagery familiar to subjects of ancient monarchies, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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