Matthew 21:41

Authorized King James Version

They say unto him, He will miserably destroy those wicked men, and will let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall render him the fruits in their seasons.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
λέγουσιν
They say
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#2
αὐτῶν
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
#3
Κακοὺς
wicked men
worthless (intrinsically, such; whereas g4190 properly refers to effects), i.e., (subjectively) depraved, or (objectively) injurious
#4
κακῶς
He will miserably
badly (physically or morally)
#5
ἀπολέσει
destroy
to destroy fully (reflexively, to perish, or lose), literally or figuratively
#6
αὐτῶν
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
#7
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#8
τὸν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
ἀμπελῶνα
his vineyard
a vineyard
#10
ἐκδόσεται
will let out
to give forth, i.e., (specially) to lease
#11
ἄλλοις
unto other
"else," i.e., different (in many applications)
#12
γεωργοῖς
husbandmen
a land-worker, i.e., farmer
#13
οἵτινες
which
which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same
#14
ἀποδώσουσιν
shall render
to give away, i.e., up, over, back, etc. (in various applications)
#15
αὐτῶν
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
#16
τοὺς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#17
καρποὺς
the fruits
fruit (as plucked), literally or figuratively
#18
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#19
τοῖς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#20
καιροῖς
seasons
an occasion, i.e., set or proper time
#21
αὐτῶν
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

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Matthew. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to gospel presenting Jesus as the fulfillment of Jewish Messianic hope, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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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