Matthew 21:18
Now in the morning as he returned into the city, he hungered.
Original Language Analysis
ἐπανάγων
as he returned
G1877
ἐπανάγων
as he returned
Strong's:
G1877
Word #:
3 of 7
to lead up on, i.e., (technical) to put out (to sea); (intransitively) to return
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
4 of 7
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 7
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
The morning journey from Bethany to Jerusalem was roughly two miles uphill. Travelers commonly ate breakfast after arrival rather than before departure. Fig trees near the road were considered public property—anyone could take fruit for immediate consumption (Deut 23:24-25).
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus's experience of hunger deepen your confidence that He understands your physical struggles?
- What does Christ's voluntary acceptance of human limitations teach about humble service versus grasping at privilege (Phil 2:6-7)?
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Analysis & Commentary
Now in the morning as he returned into the city, he hungered—The Greek ἐπείνασεν (epeinasen) emphasizes Jesus's genuine humanity. The eternal Word who fed 5,000 experienced hunger Himself. This wasn't playacting but authentic human limitation, though without sin (Heb 4:15).
His hunger sets up the fig tree incident (v.19), but Matthew records this physical detail to affirm the Incarnation: Jesus knew fatigue (John 4:6), thirst (John 19:28), and hunger. He entered fully into human experience to become our sympathetic High Priest. God the Son subjected Himself to bodily needs to redeem bodies and souls.