Matthew 18:25

Authorized King James Version

But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
μὴ
G3361
not
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
#2
εἶχεν,
G2192
he had
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#3
δὲ
G1161
But forasmuch as
but, and, etc
#4
αὐτοῦ
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
#5
ἀποδοθῆναι
G591
payment to be made
to give away, i.e., up, over, back, etc. (in various applications)
#6
ἐκέλευσεν
G2753
commanded
"hail"; to incite by word, i.e., order
#7
αὐτοῦ
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
#8
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
κύριος
G2962
lord
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
#10
αὐτοῦ
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
#11
πραθῆναι
G4097
to be sold
from the base of g4008); to traffic (by travelling), i.e., dispose of as merchandise or into slavery (literally or figuratively)
#12
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#13
τὴν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#14
γυναῖκα
G1135
wife
a woman; specially, a wife
#15
αὐτοῦ
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
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#17
τὰ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#18
τέκνα
G5043
children
a child (as produced)
#19
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#20
πάντα
G3956
all
all, any, every, the whole
#21
ὅσα
G3745
that
as (much, great, long, etc.) as
#22
εἶχεν,
G2192
he had
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#23
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#24
ἀποδοθῆναι
G591
payment to be made
to give away, i.e., up, over, back, etc. (in various applications)

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 sovereignty 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 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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