Matthew 16:21

Authorized King James Version

From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ἀπὸ

G575

From

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

τότε

G5119

that time forth

the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)

ἤρξατο

G756

began

to commence (in order of time)

ὁ

G3588

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

Ἰησοῦς

G2424

Jesus

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

δεικνύειν

G1166

to shew

to show (literally or figuratively)

τοῖς

G3588

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

μαθηταῖς

G3101

disciples

a learner, i.e., pupil

αὐτὸν

G846

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

#10

ὅτι

G3754

how that

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

#11

δεῖ

G1163

must

also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)

#12

αὐτὸν

G846

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

#13

ἀπελθεῖν

G565

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

#14

εἰς

G1519

unto

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

#15

Ἱεροσόλυμα

G2414

Jerusalem

hierosolyma (i.e., jerushalaim), the capitol of palestine

#16

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#17

πολλὰ

G4183

many things

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

#18

παθεῖν

G3958

suffer

to experience a sensation or impression (usually painful)

#19

ἀπὸ

G575

From

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

#20

τῶν

G3588

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

#21

πρεσβυτέρων

G4245

the elders

older; as noun, a senior; specially, an israelite sanhedrist (also figuratively, member of the celestial council) or christian "presbyter"

#22

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#23

ἀρχιερέων

G749

chief priests

the high-priest (literally, of the jews; typically, christ); by extension a chief priest

#24

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#25

γραμματέων

G1122

scribes

a professional writer

#26

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#27

ἀποκτανθῆναι

G615

be killed

to kill outright; figuratively, to destroy

#28

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#29

τῇ

G3588

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

#30

τρίτῃ

G5154

the third

third; neuter (as noun) a third part, or (as adverb) a (or the) third time, thirdly

#31

ἡμέρᾳ

G2250

day

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

#32

ἐγερθῆναι

G1453

be raised again

to waken (transitively or intransitively), i.e., rouse (literally, from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death; or figuratively, from

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

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The first-century Palestinian Jewish culture under Roman occupation would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
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?

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Matthew 16:21

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Topics

People

Study Resources