Matthew 20:7

Authorized King James Version

They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
λέγει
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
#2
αὐτοῖς,
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
#3
Ὅτι
Because
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#4
οὐδεὶς
no man
not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing
#5
ἡμᾶς
us
us
#6
ἐμισθώσατο
hath hired
to let out for wages, i.e., (middle voice) to hire
#7
λέγει
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
#8
αὐτοῖς,
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
#9
Ὑπάγετε
Go
to lead (oneself) under, i.e., withdraw or retire (as if sinking out of sight), literally or figuratively
#10
καὶ
also
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#11
ὑμεῖς
ye
you (as subjective of verb)
#12
εἰς
into
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#13
τὸν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#14
ἀμπελῶνα
the vineyard
a vineyard
#15
καὶ
also
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#16
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#17
ἐὰν
whatsoever
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
#18
is
(may, might, can, could, would, should, must, etc.; also with g1487 and its comparative, as well as with other particles) be
#19
δίκαιον
right
equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively)
#20
λήψεσθε
that shall ye receive
while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

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

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