Matthew 18:23
Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.
Original Language Analysis
Διὰ
Therefore
G1223
Διὰ
Therefore
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
1 of 17
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
ὡμοιώθη
likened
G3666
ὡμοιώθη
likened
Strong's:
G3666
Word #:
3 of 17
to assimilate, i.e., compare; passively, to become similar
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βασιλεία
is the kingdom
G932
βασιλεία
is the kingdom
Strong's:
G932
Word #:
5 of 17
properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οὐρανῶν
of heaven
G3772
οὐρανῶν
of heaven
Strong's:
G3772
Word #:
7 of 17
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
ὃς
which
G3739
ὃς
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
10 of 17
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἠθέλησεν
would
G2309
ἠθέλησεν
would
Strong's:
G2309
Word #:
11 of 17
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
συνᾶραι
take
G4868
συνᾶραι
take
Strong's:
G4868
Word #:
12 of 17
to make up together, i.e., (figuratively) to compute (an account)
λόγον
account
G3056
λόγον
account
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
13 of 17
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
μετὰ
of
G3326
μετὰ
of
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
14 of 17
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Matthew 13:24Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field:Romans 14:12So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.Matthew 13:47Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind:Matthew 3:2And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Historical Context
The historical setting involved complex religious and political dynamics. Jewish leaders maintained authority through Roman tolerance while common people sought deliverance. Jesus' teaching addressed both immediate concerns and eternal truths.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this passage challenge your understanding of God's character?
- What practical application does this truth have in your daily walk?
- How should this verse shape your priorities and decisions?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
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.