Matthew 19:21

Authorized King James Version

Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ἔφη

G5346

said

to show or make known one's thoughts, i.e., speak or say

αὐτῷ

G846

unto 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

ὁ

G3588

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

Ἰησοῦς

G2424

Jesus

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

Εἰ

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

θέλεις

G2309

thou wilt

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

τέλειος

G5046

perfect

complete (in various applications of labor, growth, mental and moral character, etc.); neuter (as noun, with g3588) completeness

εἶναι

G1511

to exist

ὕπαγε

G5217

to lead (oneself) under, i.e., withdraw or retire (as if sinking out of sight), literally or figuratively

#10

πώλησόν

G4453

and sell

to barter (as a pedlar), i.e., to sell

#11

σου

G4675

that thou

of thee, thy

#12

τὰ

G3588

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

#13

ὑπάρχοντα

G5224

hast

things extant or in hand, i.e., property or possessions

#14

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#15

δὸς

G1325

give

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

#16

πτωχοῖς

G4434

to the poor

akin to g4422 and the alternate of g4098); a beggar (as cringing), i.e., pauper (strictly denoting absolute or public mendicancy, although also used i

#17

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#18

ἕξεις

G2192

thou shalt have

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

#19

θησαυρὸν

G2344

treasure

a deposit, i.e., wealth (literally or figuratively)

#20

ἐν

G1722

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

#21

οὐρανῷ

G3772

heaven

the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)

#22

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#23

δεῦρο

G1204

come

here; used also imperative hither!; and of time, hitherto

#24

ἀκολούθει

G190

and follow

properly, to be in the same way with, i.e., to accompany (specially, as a disciple)

#25

μοι

G3427

to me

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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The first-century Palestinian Jewish culture under Roman occupation would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
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 the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

Related Resources

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

Matthew 19:21

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Topics

People

Study Resources