Matthew 14:20

Authorized King James Version

And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
ἔφαγον
eat
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#3
πάντες
all
all, any, every, the whole
#4
καὶ
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#5
ἐχορτάσθησαν
were filled
to fodder, i.e., (generally) to gorge (supply food in abundance)
#6
καὶ
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#7
ἦραν
they took up
to lift up; by implication, to take up or away; figuratively, to raise (the voice), keep in suspense (the mind), specially, to sail away (i.e., weigh
#8
τὸ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
περισσεῦον
that remained
to superabound (in quantity or quality), be in excess, be superfluous; also (transitively) to cause to superabound or excel
#10
τῶν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
κλασμάτων
of the fragments
a piece (bit)
#12
δώδεκα
twelve
two and ten, i.e., a dozen
#13
κοφίνους
baskets
a (small) basket
#14
πλήρεις
full
replete, or covered over; by analogy, complete

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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