Matthew 21:36

Authorized King James Version

Again, he sent other servants more than the first: and they did unto them likewise.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
πάλιν
Again
(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand
#2
ἀπέστειλεν
he sent
set apart, i.e., (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively
#3
ἄλλους
other
"else," i.e., different (in many applications)
#4
δούλους
servants
a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)
#5
πλείονας
more
more in quantity, number, or quality; also (in plural) the major portion
#6
τῶν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
πρώτων
than the first
foremost (in time, place, order or importance)
#8
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#9
ἐποίησαν
they did
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
#10
αὐτοῖς
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
#11
ὡσαύτως
likewise
as thus, i.e., in the same way

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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