Matthew 20:28

Authorized King James Version

Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ὥσπερ
G5618
Even as
just as, i.e., exactly like
#2
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#3
υἱὸς
G5207
the Son
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
#4
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
ἀνθρώπου
G444
of man
man-faced, i.e., a human being
#6
οὐκ
G3756
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#7
ἦλθεν
G2064
came
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#8
διακονῆσαι
G1247
to be ministered unto
to be an attendant, i.e., wait upon (menially or as a host, friend, or (figuratively) teacher); technically, to act as a christian deacon
#9
ἀλλὰ
G235
but
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
#10
διακονῆσαι
G1247
to be ministered unto
to be an attendant, i.e., wait upon (menially or as a host, friend, or (figuratively) teacher); technically, to act as a christian deacon
#11
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#12
δοῦναι
G1325
to give
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
#13
τὴν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#14
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
#15
αὐτοῦ
G846
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
#16
λύτρον
G3083
a ransom
something to loosen with, i.e., a redemption price (figuratively, atonement)
#17
ἀντὶ
G473
for
opposite, i.e., instead or because of (rarely in addition to)
#18
πολλῶν
G4183
many
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

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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