Matthew 21:16

Authorized King James Version

And said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?

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
εἶπον
G2036
said
to speak or say (by word or writing)
#3
αὐτοῖς
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
#4
Ἀκούεις
G191
Hearest thou
to hear (in various senses)
#5
τί
G5101
what
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
#6
οὗτοι
G3778
these
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
#7
λέγει
G3004
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
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
δὲ
G1161
And
but, and, etc
#10
Ἰησοῦς
G2424
Jesus
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
#11
λέγει
G3004
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
#12
αὐτοῖς
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
#13
Ναί
G3483
Yea
yes
#14
οὐδέποτε
G3763
have ye never
not even at any time, i.e., never at all
#15
ἀνέγνωτε
G314
read
to know again, i.e., (by extension) to read
#16
ὅτι
G3754
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#17
Ἐκ
G1537
Out of
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#18
στόματος
G4750
the mouth
the mouth (as if a gash in the face); by implication, language (and its relations); figuratively, an opening (in the earth); specially, the front or e
#19
νηπίων
G3516
of babes
not speaking, i.e., an infant (minor); figuratively, a simple-minded person, an immature christian
#20
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#21
θηλαζόντων
G2337
sucklings
to suckle, (by implication) to suck
#22
κατηρτίσω
G2675
thou hast perfected
to complete thoroughly, i.e., repair (literally or figuratively) or adjust
#23
αἶνον
G136
praise
properly, a story, but used in the sense of g1868; praise (of god)

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

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