Matthew 18:26

Authorized King James Version

The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.

Word-by-Word Analysis

πεσὼν

G4098

fell down

to fall (literally or figuratively)

οὖν

G3767

therefore

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

ὁ

G3588

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

δοῦλος

G1401

The servant

a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)

προσεκύνει

G4352

and worshipped

to fawn or crouch to, i.e., (literally or figuratively) prostrate oneself in homage (do reverence to, adore)

αὐτῷ

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

λέγων,

G3004

saying

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

Κύριε,

G2962

Lord

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

Μακροθύμησον

G3114

have patience

to be long-spirited, i.e., (objectively) forbearing or (subjectively) patient

#10

ἐπ'

G1909

with

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

#11

ἐμοί

G1698

to me

#12

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#13

πάντα

G3956

all

all, any, every, the whole

#14

σοι

G4671

thee

to thee

#15

ἀποδώσω

G591

I will pay

to give away, i.e., up, over, back, etc. (in various applications)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Matthew. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within gospel presenting Jesus as the fulfillment of Jewish Messianic hope to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty 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?
How does this verse's literary context within Matthew chapter 18 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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Matthew 18:26

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

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People

Study Resources