Matthew 20:22

Authorized King James Version

But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ἀποκριθεὶς

G611

answered

to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)

δὲ

G1161

But

but, and, etc

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

εἶπεν

G2036

and said

to speak or say (by word or writing)

Οὐκ

G3756

not

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

οἴδατε

G1492

Ye know

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

τί

G5101

what

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

αἰτεῖσθε

G154

ye ask

to ask (in genitive case)

#10

Δυνάμεθα

G1410

Are ye able

to be able or possible

#11

πίνειν

G4095

drink of

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

#12

τὸ

G3588

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

#13

ποτήριον

G4221

of the cup

a drinking-vessel; by extension, the contents thereof, i.e., a cupful (draught); figuratively, a lot or fate

#14

ὁ

G3739

that

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

#15

ἐγὼ

G1473

i, me

#16

μέλλω

G3195

shall

to intend, i.e., be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially events; in the sense of purpose, duty, necessity, probabili

#17

πίνειν

G4095

drink of

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

#18

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#19

τὸ

G3588

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

#20

βάπτισμα

G908

with the baptism

baptism (technically or figuratively)

#21

ὁ

G3739

that

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

#22

ἐγὼ

G1473

i, me

#23

βαπτισθῆναι

G907

am baptized with

to immerse, submerge; to make whelmed (i.e., fully wet); used only (in the new testament) of ceremonial ablution, especially (technically) of the ordi

#24

βαπτισθῆναι

G907

am baptized with

to immerse, submerge; to make whelmed (i.e., fully wet); used only (in the new testament) of ceremonial ablution, especially (technically) of the ordi

#25

λέγουσιν

G3004

They say

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

#26

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

#27

Δυνάμεθα

G1410

Are ye able

to be able or possible

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 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 revelation in this particular way.

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?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

Related Resources

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Matthew 20:22

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Topics

People

Study Resources