Matthew 14:23

Authorized King James Version

And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.

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

ἀπολύσας

G630

away

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

τοὺς

G3588

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

ὄχλους

G3793

the multitudes

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

ἀνέβη

G305

he went up

to go up (literally or 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

τὸ

G3588

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

ὄρος

G3735

a mountain

a mountain (as lifting itself above the plain)

κατ'

G2596

apart

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

#10

ἰδίαν

G2398

pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate

#11

προσεύξασθαι

G4336

to pray

to pray to god, i.e., supplicate, worship

#12

ὀψίας

G3798

when the evening

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

#13

δὲ

G1161

and

but, and, etc

#14

γενομένης

G1096

was come

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

#15

μόνος

G3441

alone

remaining, i.e., sole or single; by implication, mere

#16

ἦν

G2258

he was

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

#17

ἐκεῖ

G1563

there

there; by extension, thither

Analysis

Within the broader context of Matthew, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. 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

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 this verse's literary context within Matthew chapter 14 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?

Related Resources

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Matthew 14:23

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Topics

People

Study Resources