Matthew 13:54

Authorized King James Version

And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works?

Word-by-Word Analysis

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐλθὼν

G2064

when he was come

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

εἰς

G1519

into

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὴν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πατρίδα

G3968

country

a father-land, i.e., native town; (figuratively) heavenly home

αὐτοὺς

G846

their

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

ἐδίδασκεν

G1321

he taught

to teach (in the same broad application)

αὐτοὺς

G846

their

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

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#10

τῇ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#11

συναγωγῇ

G4864

synagogue

an assemblage of persons; specially, a jewish "synagogue" (the meeting or the place); by analogy, a christian church

#12

αὐτοὺς

G846

their

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

ὥστε

G5620

insomuch that

so too, i.e., thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow)

#14

ἐκπλήττεσθαι

G1605

they were astonished

to strike with astonishment

#15

αὐτοὺς

G846

their

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

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#17

λέγειν

G3004

said

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

#18

Πόθεν

G4159

Whence

from which (as interrogative) or what (as relative) place, state, source or cause

#19

τούτῳ

G5129

hath this man

to (in, with or by) this (person or thing)

#20

ἡ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#21

σοφία

G4678

wisdom

wisdom (higher or lower, worldly or spiritual)

#22

αὕτη

G3778

this

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

#23

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#24

αἱ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#25

δυνάμεις

G1411

these mighty works

force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Matthew, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of wisdom connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about wisdom, 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

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 wisdom in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding wisdom in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on wisdom address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Matthew 13:54

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Topics

People

Study Resources