Matthew 14:5

Authorized King James Version

And when he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
θέλων
G2309
when he would
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
#3
αὐτὸν
G846
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
#4
ἀποκτεῖναι
G615
have put
to kill outright; figuratively, to destroy
#5
ἐφοβήθη
G5399
he feared
to frighten, i.e., (passively) to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e., revere
#6
τὸν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
ὄχλον
G3793
the multitude
a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot
#8
ὅτι
G3754
because
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#9
ὡς
G5613
as
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#10
προφήτην
G4396
a prophet
a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet
#11
αὐτὸν
G846
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
#12
εἶχον
G2192
they counted
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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