Matthew 2:20

Authorized King James Version

Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child's life.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
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
#2
Ἐγερθεὶς
G1453
Arise
to waken (transitively or intransitively), i.e., rouse (literally, from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death; or figuratively, from
#3
παράλαβε
G3880
and take
to receive near, i.e., associate with oneself (in any familiar or intimate act or relation); by analogy, to assume an office; figuratively, to learn
#4
τοῦ
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
παιδίου
G3813
the young child
a childling (of either sex), i.e., (properly), an infant, or (by extension) a half-grown boy or girl; figuratively, an immature christian
#6
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#7
τοῦ
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
μητέρα
G3384
mother
a "mother" (literally or figuratively, immediate or remote)
#9
αὐτοῦ
G846
his
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
#10
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#11
πορεύου
G4198
go
to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)
#12
εἰς
G1519
into
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#13
γῆν
G1093
the land
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
#14
Ἰσραήλ·
G2474
of Israel
israel (i.e., jisrael), the adopted name of jacob, including his descendants (literally or figuratively)
#15
τεθνήκασιν
G2348
they are dead
to die (literally or figuratively)
#16
γὰρ
G1063
for
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
#17
τοῦ
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#18
ζητοῦντες
G2212
sought
to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)
#19
τοῦ
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#20
ψυχὴν
G5590
life
breath, i.e., (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from g4151, wh
#21
τοῦ
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#22
παιδίου
G3813
the young child
a childling (of either sex), i.e., (properly), an infant, or (by extension) a half-grown boy or girl; figuratively, an immature christian

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 life 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 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 life. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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