Matthew 16:3

Authorized King James Version

And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?

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

πρωΐ

G4404

in the morning

at dawn; by implication, the day-break watch

Σήμερον

G4594

to day

on the (i.e., this) day (or night current or just passed); generally, now (i.e., at present, hitherto)

χειμών,

G5494

It will be foul weather

akin to the base of 5490 through the idea of a channel), meaning a storm (as pouring rain); by implication, the rainy season, i.e., winter

πυῤῥάζει

G4449

is red

to redden (intransitively)

γὰρ

G1063

for

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

στυγνάζων

G4768

and lowring

to render gloomy, i.e., (by implication) glower (be overcast with clouds, or sombreness of speech)

ὁ

G3588

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

οὐρανοῦ

G3772

of the sky

the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)

#10

ὑποκριταί,

G5273

O ye hypocrites

an actor under an assumed character (stage-player), i.e., (figuratively) a dissembler ("hypocrite"

#11

τὸ

G3588

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

#12

μὲν

G3303

properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)

#13

πρόσωπον

G4383

the face

the front (as being towards view), i.e., the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person

#14

τοῦ

G3588

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

#15

οὐρανοῦ

G3772

of the sky

the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)

#16

γινώσκετε

G1097

ye can

to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)

#17

διακρίνειν,

G1252

discern

to separate thoroughly, i.e., (literally and reflexively) to withdraw from, or (by implication) oppose; figuratively, to discriminate (by implication,

#18

τὰ

G3588

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

#19

δὲ

G1161

but

but, and, etc

#20

σημεῖα

G4592

discern the signs

an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally

#21

τῶν

G3588

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

#22

καιρῶν

G2540

of the times

an occasion, i.e., set or proper time

#23

οὐ

G3756

not

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

#24

δύνασθε

G1410

can ye

to be able or possible

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 does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How does this verse's literary context within Matthew chapter 16 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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Matthew 16:3

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Topics

People

Study Resources