Matthew 20:23

Authorized King James Version

And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
λέγει
G3004
he 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
#3
αὐτοῖς
G846
unto them
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
#4
Τὸ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
μὲν
G3303
indeed
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
#6
ποτήριόν
G4221
cup
a drinking-vessel; by extension, the contents thereof, i.e., a cupful (draught); figuratively, a lot or fate
#7
μου
G3450
my
of me
#8
πίεσθε
G4095
Ye shall drink
to imbibe (literally or figuratively)
#9
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#10
τὸ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
βάπτισμα
G908
with the baptism
baptism (technically or figuratively)
#12
οἷς
G3739
it shall be given to them for whom
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#13
ἐγὼ
G1473
I
i, me
#14
βαπτισθήσεσθε·
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
#15
βαπτισθήσεσθε·
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
#16
Τὸ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#17
δὲ
G1161
but
but, and, etc
#18
καθίσαι
G2523
to sit
to seat down, i.e., set (figuratively, appoint); intransitively, to sit (down); figuratively, to settle (hover, dwell)
#19
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
#20
δεξιῶν
G1188
right hand
the right side or (feminine) hand (as that which usually takes)
#21
μου
G3450
my
of me
#22
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#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
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
μου
G3450
my
of me
#26
οὐκ
G3756
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#27
ἔστιν
G2076
is
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
#28
ἐμὸν
G1699
mine
my
#29
δοῦναι
G1325
to give
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
#30
ἀλλ'
G235
but
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
#31
οἷς
G3739
it shall be given to them for whom
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#32
ἡτοίμασται
G2090
it is prepared
to prepare
#33
ὑπὸ
G5259
of
under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (
#34
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#35
πατρός
G3962
Father
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
#36
μου
G3450
my
of 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

Related Resources

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

Topics

People

Study Resources