Matthew 21:42

Authorized King James Version

Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
λέγει
saith
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
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
#3
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
#5
Οὐδέποτε
never
not even at any time, i.e., never at all
#6
ἀνέγνωτε
Did ye
to know again, i.e., (by extension) to read
#7
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#8
ταῖς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
γραφαῖς
the scriptures
a document, i.e., holy writ (or its contents or a statement in it)
#10
Λίθον
The stone
a stone (literally or figuratively)
#11
ὃν
which
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#12
ἀπεδοκίμασαν
rejected
to disapprove, i.e., (by implication) to repudiate
#13
οἱ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#14
οἰκοδομοῦντες
the builders
to be a house-builder, i.e., construct or (figuratively) confirm
#15
αὕτη
the same
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
#16
ἐγένετο
doing
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
#17
εἰς
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#18
κεφαλὴν
the head
the head (as the part most readily taken hold of), literally or figuratively
#19
γωνίας·
of the corner
an angle
#20
παρὰ
is
properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj
#21
κυρίου
the Lord's
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
#22
ἐγένετο
doing
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
#23
αὕτη
the same
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
#24
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#25
ἔστιν
it is
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
#26
θαυμαστὴ
marvellous
wondered at, i.e., (by implication) wonderful
#27
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#28
ὀφθαλμοῖς
eyes
the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication, vision; figuratively, envy (from the jealous side-glance)
#29
ἡμῶν
our
of (or from) us

Analysis

Within the broader context of Matthew, this passage highlights salvation through rhetorical questioning that engages the reader. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 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 sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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