Matthew 16:24

Authorized King James Version

Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Τότε
G5119
Then
the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)
#2
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#3
Ἰησοῦς
G2424
Jesus
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
#4
εἶπεν
G2036
said
to speak or say (by word or writing)
#5
τοῖς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
μαθηταῖς
G3101
disciples
a learner, i.e., pupil
#7
αὐτοῦ
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
#8
Εἴ
G1487
if, whether, that, etc
#9
τις
G5100
some or any person or object
#10
θέλει
G2309
man will
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
#11
ὀπίσω
G3694
after
to the back, i.e., aback (as adverb or preposition of time or place; or as noun)
#12
μου
G3450
me
of me
#13
ἐλθεῖν
G2064
come
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#14
ἀπαρνησάσθω
G533
let him deny
to deny utterly, i.e., disown, abstain
#15
ἑαυτὸν
G1438
himself
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
#16
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#17
ἀράτω
G142
take 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
#18
τὸν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#19
σταυρὸν
G4716
cross
a stake or post (as set upright), i.e., (specially), a pole or cross (as an instrument of capital punishment); figuratively, exposure to death, i.e.,
#20
αὐτοῦ
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
#21
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#22
ἀκολουθείτω
G190
follow
properly, to be in the same way with, i.e., to accompany (specially, as a disciple)
#23
μοι
G3427
me
to me

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

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

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