Matthew 14:33

Authorized King James Version

Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
οἱ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#2
δὲ
Then
but, and, etc
#3
ἐν
they that were in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#4
τῷ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
πλοίῳ
the ship
a sailer, i.e., vessel
#6
ἐλθόντες
came
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#7
προσεκύνησαν
and worshipped
to fawn or crouch to, i.e., (literally or figuratively) prostrate oneself in homage (do reverence to, adore)
#8
αὐτῷ
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
λέγοντες
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
Ἀληθῶς
Of a truth
truly
#11
θεοῦ
of God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#12
υἱὸς
the Son
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
#13
εἶ
thou art
thou art

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Matthew. The concept of truth reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within gospel presenting Jesus as the fulfillment of Jewish Messianic hope to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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