Matthew 21:23

Authorized King James Version

And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority?

Word-by-Word Analysis

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐλθόντι

G2064

when he was come

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

αὐτῷ

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

εἰς

G1519

into

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὸ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἱερὸν

G2411

the temple

a sacred place, i.e., the entire precincts (whereas g3485 denotes the central sanctuary itself) of the temple (at jerusalem or elsewhere)

προσῆλθον

G4334

came

to approach, i.e., (literally) come near, visit, or (figuratively) worship, assent to

αὐτῷ

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

διδάσκοντι

G1321

as he was teaching

to teach (in the same broad application)

#10

οἱ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#11

ἀρχιερεῖς

G749

the chief priests

the high-priest (literally, of the jews; typically, christ); by extension a chief priest

#12

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#13

οἱ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#14

πρεσβύτεροι

G4245

the elders

older; as noun, a senior; specially, an israelite sanhedrist (also figuratively, member of the celestial council) or christian "presbyter"

#15

τοῦ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#16

λαοῦ

G2992

of the people

a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)

#17

λέγοντες

G3004

and said

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

#18

Ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#19

ποίᾳ

G4169

what

individualizing interrogative (of character) what sort of, or (of number) which one

#20

ἐξουσίαν

G1849

authority

privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o

#21

ταῦτα

G5023

these things

#22

ποιεῖς

G4160

doest thou

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

#23

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#24

τίς

G5101

who

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

#25

σοι

G4671

thee

to thee

#26

ἔδωκεν

G1325

gave

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

#27

τὴν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#28

ἐξουσίαν

G1849

authority

privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o

#29

ταύτην

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Matthew, this passage highlights kingdom of God through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of covenant community connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant community, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Matthew.

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 kingdom of God within the theological tradition of Matthew Understanding a worldview expecting divine intervention through a promised Messiah helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from earthly theocracy through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How does this verse's literary context within Matthew chapter 21 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on covenant community address the apparent delay of Christ's return and God's justice, and how should the church respond?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Matthew 21:23

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Topics

People

Study Resources