Matthew 21:27

Authorized King James Version

And they answered Jesus, and said, We cannot tell. And he said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.

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
ἀποκριθέντες
G611
they answered
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
#3
τῷ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
Ἰησοῦ
G2424
Jesus
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
#5
εἶπον,
G2036
and said
to speak or say (by word or writing)
#6
Οὐκ
G3756
We cannot
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#7
οἴδαμεν.
G1492
tell
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
#8
ἔφη
G5346
he said
to show or make known one's thoughts, i.e., speak or say
#9
αὐτός,
G846
unto them
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
#10
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#11
αὐτός,
G846
unto them
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
#12
Οὐδὲ
G3761
Neither
not however, i.e., neither, nor, not even
#13
ἐγὼ
G1473
I
i, me
#14
λέγω
G3004
tell
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#15
ὑμῖν
G5213
you
to (with or by) you
#16
ἐν
G1722
by
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#17
ποίᾳ
G4169
what
individualizing interrogative (of character) what sort of, or (of number) which one
#18
ἐξουσίᾳ
G1849
authority
privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o
#19
ταῦτα
G5023
these things
these things
#20
ποιῶ
G4160
I do
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

Analysis

The kingdom of God theme here intersects with the progressive revelation of God's rule from creation to consummation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of development from creation mandate through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's reign from creation through the millennial kingdom.

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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