Matthew 21:16
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?
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτοῖς
unto him
G846
αὐτοῖς
unto him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 23
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
τί
what
G5101
τί
what
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
5 of 23
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
οὗτοι
these
G3778
οὗτοι
these
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
6 of 23
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
λέγει
saith
G3004
λέγει
saith
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
7 of 23
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
10 of 23
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
λέγει
saith
G3004
λέγει
saith
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
11 of 23
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
αὐτοῖς
unto him
G846
αὐτοῖς
unto him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
12 of 23
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
ὅτι
G3754
Ἐκ
Out of
G1537
Ἐκ
Out of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
17 of 23
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
στόματος
the mouth
G4750
στόματος
the mouth
Strong's:
G4750
Word #:
18 of 23
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
νηπίων
of babes
G3516
νηπίων
of babes
Strong's:
G3516
Word #:
19 of 23
not speaking, i.e., an infant (minor); figuratively, a simple-minded person, an immature christian
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
20 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Psalms 8:2Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.Matthew 11:25At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.Matthew 19:4And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,Mark 2:25And he said unto them, Have ye never read what David did, when he had need, and was an hungred, he, and they that were with him?Matthew 12:3But he said unto them, Have ye not read what David did, when he was an hungred, and they that were with him;
Historical Context
This verse originates in Jesus' ministry during a pivotal period. The first-century Jewish context included Roman occupation, Pharisaic religious authority, and messianic expectations. Understanding these factors illuminates the passage's significance.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse deepen your appreciation for Christ?
- What false beliefs or practices does this text correct?
- How should you share this truth with others?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
This text illustrates key Reformed principles: sola Scriptura, sola gratia, and sola fide. The passage demonstrates how God's Word speaks authoritatively to human need, revealing both our depravity and God's merciful provision through Christ.