Matthew 14:15

Authorized King James Version

And when it was evening, his disciples came to him, saying, This is a desert place, and the time is now past; send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves victuals.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ὀψίας

G3798

evening

late; feminine (as noun) afternoon (early eve) or nightfall (later eve)

δὲ

G1161

And

but, and, etc

γενομένης

G1096

when it was

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

προσῆλθον

G4334

came

to approach, i.e., (literally) come near, visit, or (figuratively) worship, assent to

αὐτοῦ,

G846

his

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

οἱ

G3588

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

μαθηταὶ

G3101

disciples

a learner, i.e., pupil

αὐτοῦ,

G846

his

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

λέγοντες

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

#10

Ἔρημός

G2048

a desert

lonesome, i.e., (by implication) waste (usually as a noun, g5561 being implied)

#11

ἐστιν

G2076

This is

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

#12

ὁ

G3588

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

#13

τόπος

G5117

place

a spot (general in space, but limited by occupancy; whereas g5561 is a large but participle locality), i.e., location (as a position, home, tract, etc

#14

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#15

ἡ

G3588

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

#16

ὥρα

G5610

the time

an "hour" (literally or figuratively)

#17

ἤδη

G2235

is now

even now

#18

παρῆλθεν·

G3928

past

to come near or aside, i.e., to approach (arrive), go by (or away), (figuratively) perish or neglect, (causative) avert

#19

ἀπόλυσον

G630

away

to free fully, i.e., (literally) relieve, release, dismiss (reflexively, depart), or (figuratively) let die, pardon or (specially) divorce

#20

τοὺς

G3588

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

#21

ὄχλους

G3793

the multitude

a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot

#22

ἵνα

G2443

that

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

#23

ἀπελθόντες

G565

they may go

to go off (i.e., depart), aside (i.e., apart) or behind (i.e., follow), literally or figuratively

#24

εἰς

G1519

into

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

#25

τὰς

G3588

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

#26

κώμας

G2968

the villages

a hamlet (as if laid down)

#27

ἀγοράσωσιν

G59

and buy

properly, to go to market, i.e., (by implication) to purchase; specially, to redeem

#28

ἑαυτοῖς

G1438

themselves

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

#29

βρώματα

G1033

victuals

food (literally or figuratively), especially (ceremonially) articles allowed or forbidden by the jewish 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 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

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?

Related Resources

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Matthew 14:15

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

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People

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