Matthew 18:12
How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray?
Original Language Analysis
Τί
How
G5101
Τί
How
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
1 of 25
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
δοκεῖ
think
G1380
δοκεῖ
think
Strong's:
G1380
Word #:
3 of 25
compare the base of g1166) of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem (truthfully or uncertainly)
ἐὰν
if
G1437
ἐὰν
if
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
4 of 25
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
γένηταί
have
G1096
γένηταί
have
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
5 of 25
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
πρόβατα
sheep
G4263
πρόβατα
sheep
Strong's:
G4263
Word #:
9 of 25
something that walks forward (a quadruped), i.e., (specially), a sheep (literally or figuratively)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πλανώμενον
be gone astray
G4105
πλανώμενον
be gone astray
Strong's:
G4105
Word #:
11 of 25
to (properly, cause to) roam (from safety, truth, or virtue)
ἐξ
of
G1537
ἐξ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
13 of 25
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
αὐτῶν
them
G846
αὐτῶν
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
14 of 25
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
τὸ
that which
G3588
τὸ
that which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐπὶ
into
G1909
ἐπὶ
into
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
19 of 25
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τὸ
that which
G3588
τὸ
that which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πορευθεὶς
and goeth
G4198
πορευθεὶς
and goeth
Strong's:
G4198
Word #:
22 of 25
to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)
ζητεῖ
and seeketh
G2212
ζητεῖ
and seeketh
Strong's:
G2212
Word #:
23 of 25
to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)
Cross References
Ezekiel 34:12As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day.Ezekiel 34:16I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick: but I will destroy the fat and the strong; I will feed them with judgment.Ezekiel 34:28And they shall no more be a prey to the heathen, neither shall the beast of the land devour them; but they shall dwell safely, and none shall make them afraid.Ezekiel 34:6My sheep wandered through all the mountains, and upon every high hill: yea, my flock was scattered upon all the face of the earth, and none did search or seek after them.1 Peter 2:25For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.Isaiah 53:6All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.Jeremiah 50:6My people hath been lost sheep: their shepherds have caused them to go astray, they have turned them away on the mountains: they have gone from mountain to hill, they have forgotten their restingplace.Matthew 12:11And he said unto them, What man shall there be among you, that shall have one sheep, and if it fall into a pit on the sabbath day, will he not lay hold on it, and lift it out?Psalms 119:176I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant; for I do not forget thy commandments.Matthew 21:28But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard.
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.
Questions for Reflection
- What does this text reveal about human nature and God's grace?
- How can you apply this teaching to current struggles or questions?
- What changes in thinking or behavior does this passage require?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
This text illustrates key Reformed principles: sola Scriptura, sola gratia, and sola fide. The passage demonstrates how God's Word speaks authoritatively to human need, revealing both our depravity and God's merciful provision through Christ.