Matthew 20:21

Authorized King James Version

And he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#2
δὲ
G1161
And
but, and, etc
#3
Εἰπὲ
G2036
Grant
to speak or say (by word or writing)
#4
αὐτῷ
G846
unto her
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
Τί
G5101
What
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
#6
θέλεις
G2309
wilt thou
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
#7
λέγει
G3004
She saith
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#8
αὐτῷ
G846
unto her
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
#9
Εἰπὲ
G2036
Grant
to speak or say (by word or writing)
#10
ἵνα
G2443
that
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
#11
καθίσωσιν
G2523
may sit
to seat down, i.e., set (figuratively, appoint); intransitively, to sit (down); figuratively, to settle (hover, dwell)
#12
οὗτοι
G3778
these
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
#13
οἱ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#14
δύο
G1417
two
"two"
#15
υἱοί
G5207
sons
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
#16
μου
G3450
my
of me
#17
εἷς
G1520
the one
one
#18
ἐξ
G1537
on
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#19
δεξιῶν
G1188
right hand
the right side or (feminine) hand (as that which usually takes)
#20
σου
G4675
thy
of thee, thy
#21
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#22
εἷς
G1520
the one
one
#23
ἐξ
G1537
on
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#24
εὐωνύμων
G2176
the left
properly, well-named (good-omened), i.e., the left (which was the lucky side among the pagan greeks); neuter as adverbial, at the left hand
#25
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#26
τῇ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#27
βασιλείᾳ
G932
kingdom
properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)
#28
σου
G4675
thy
of thee, thy

Analysis

Within the broader context of Matthew, this passage highlights kingdom of God through rhetorical questioning that engages the reader. The theological weight of kingdom connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about kingdom, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Matthew.

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

Questions for Reflection

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