Matthew 17:10

Authorized King James Version

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And his disciples asked him, saying, Why then say the scribes that Elias must first come?

Original Language Analysis

καὶ And G2532
καὶ And
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 1 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐπηρώτησαν asked G1905
ἐπηρώτησαν asked
Strong's: G1905
Word #: 2 of 17
to ask for, i.e., inquire, seek
αὐτοῦ him G846
αὐτοῦ him
Strong's: G846
Word #: 3 of 17
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
οἱ G3588
οἱ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 4 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μαθηταὶ disciples G3101
μαθηταὶ disciples
Strong's: G3101
Word #: 5 of 17
a learner, i.e., pupil
αὐτοῦ him G846
αὐτοῦ him
Strong's: G846
Word #: 6 of 17
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
λέγουσιν say G3004
λέγουσιν say
Strong's: G3004
Word #: 7 of 17
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Τί Why G5101
Τί Why
Strong's: G5101
Word #: 8 of 17
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
οὖν then G3767
οὖν then
Strong's: G3767
Word #: 9 of 17
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
οἱ G3588
οἱ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 10 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γραμματεῖς the scribes G1122
γραμματεῖς the scribes
Strong's: G1122
Word #: 11 of 17
a professional writer
λέγουσιν say G3004
λέγουσιν say
Strong's: G3004
Word #: 12 of 17
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ὅτι that G3754
ὅτι that
Strong's: G3754
Word #: 13 of 17
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
Ἠλίαν Elias G2243
Ἠλίαν Elias
Strong's: G2243
Word #: 14 of 17
helias (i.e., elijah), an israelite
δεῖ must G1163
δεῖ must
Strong's: G1163
Word #: 15 of 17
also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)
ἐλθεῖν come G2064
ἐλθεῖν come
Strong's: G2064
Word #: 16 of 17
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
πρῶτον first G4412
πρῶτον first
Strong's: G4412
Word #: 17 of 17
firstly (in time, place, order, or importance)

Analysis & Commentary

Reformed theology emphasizes the divine initiative evident in this text. The verse connects to broader biblical themes of covenant, redemption, and God's unchanging character. Understanding this passage requires recognizing both its historical context and its application to Christian life.

Historical Context

First-century Palestine was marked by religious fervor and political tension. The passage reflects interactions between Jesus and various groups: Pharisees, Sadducees, disciples, and crowds. Each audience received teaching tailored to their needs and spiritual condition.

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