Matthew 21:32

Authorized King James Version

For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ἦλθεν

G2064

came

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

γὰρ

G1063

For

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

πρὸς

G4314

unto

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

ὑμᾶς

G5209

you

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

Ἰωάννης

G2491

John

joannes (i.e., jochanan), the name of four israelites

ἐν

G1722

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

ὁδῷ

G3598

the way

a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means

δικαιοσύνης

G1343

of righteousness

equity (of character or act); specially (christian) justification

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#10

οὐ

G3756

not

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

#11

πιστεῦσαι

G4100

believed

to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch

#12

αὐτῷ

G846

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

οἱ

G3588

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

#14

δὲ

G1161

and

but, and, etc

#15

τελῶναι

G5057

the publicans

a tax-farmer, i.e., collector of public revenue

#16

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#17

αἱ

G3588

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

#18

πόρναι

G4204

the harlots

a strumpet; figuratively, an idolater

#19

πιστεῦσαι

G4100

believed

to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch

#20

αὐτῷ

G846

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

#21

ὑμεῖς

G5210

you (as subjective of verb)

#22

δὲ

G1161

and

but, and, etc

#23

ἰδόντες

G1492

when ye had seen

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

#24

οὐ

G3756

not

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

#25

μετεμελήθητε

G3338

it repented

to care afterwards, i.e., regret

#26

ὕστερον

G5305

afterward

more lately, i.e., eventually

#27

τοῦ

G3588

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

#28

πιστεῦσαι

G4100

believed

to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch

#29

αὐτῷ

G846

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

Analysis

Within the broader context of Matthew, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of righteousness connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about righteousness, 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 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 righteousness in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding righteousness in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does this verse's literary context within Matthew chapter 21 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

Related Resources

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Matthew 21:32

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Topics

People

Study Resources