Matthew 13:27

Authorized King James Version

So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
προσελθόντες
came
to approach, i.e., (literally) come near, visit, or (figuratively) worship, assent to
#2
δὲ
So
but, and, etc
#3
οἱ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
δοῦλοι
the servants
a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)
#5
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
οἰκοδεσπότου
of the householder
the head of a family
#7
εἶπον
and said
to speak or say (by word or writing)
#8
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
#9
Κύριε
Sir
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
#10
οὐχὶ
not
not indeed
#11
καλὸν
good
properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished
#12
σπέρμα
seed
something sown, i.e., seed (including the male "sperm"); by implication, offspring; specially, a remnant (figuratively, as if kept over for planting)
#13
ἔσπειρας
didst
to scatter, i.e., sow (literally or figuratively)
#14
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#15
τῷ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#16
σῷ
thy
thine
#17
ἀγρῷ
G68
field
a field (as a drive for cattle); genitive case, the country; specially, a farm, i.e., hamlet
#18
πόθεν
from whence
from which (as interrogative) or what (as relative) place, state, source or cause
#19
οὖν
then
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
#20
ἔχει
hath it
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#21
τὰ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#22
ζιζάνια
tares
darnel or false grain

Analysis

Within the broader context of Matthew, this passage highlights salvation through rhetorical questioning that engages the reader. 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

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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