Matthew 17:12

Authorized King James Version

But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them.

Word-by-Word Analysis

λέγω

G3004

I say

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

δὲ

G1161

But

but, and, etc

ὑμῖν

G5213

unto you

to (with or by) you

ὅτι

G3754

That

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

Ἠλίας

G2243

Elias

helias (i.e., elijah), an israelite

ἤδη

G2235

already

even now

ἦλθεν

G2064

is come

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

καὶ

G2532

also

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

οὐκ

G3756

not

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

#10

ἐπέγνωσαν

G1921

they knew

to know upon some mark, i.e., recognize; by implication, to become fully acquainted with, to acknowledge

#11

αὐτῶν

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

ἀλλ'

G235

but

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

#13

ἐποίησαν

G4160

have done

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

#14

ἐν

G1722

unto

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#15

αὐτῶν

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

#16

ὅσα

G3745

whatsoever

as (much, great, long, etc.) as

#17

ἠθέλησαν·

G2309

they listed

to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),

#18

οὕτως

G3779

Likewise

in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)

#19

καὶ

G2532

also

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

#20

ὁ

G3588

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

#21

υἱὸς

G5207

the Son

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

#22

τοῦ

G3588

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

#23

ἀνθρώπου

G444

of man

man-faced, i.e., a human being

#24

μέλλει

G3195

shall

to intend, i.e., be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially events; in the sense of purpose, duty, necessity, probabili

#25

πάσχειν

G3958

suffer

to experience a sensation or impression (usually painful)

#26

ὑπ'

G5259

under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (

#27

αὐτῶν

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

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

How does this verse's literary context within Matthew chapter 17 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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 systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Matthew 17:12

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Topics

People

Study Resources