Matthew 21:45

Authorized King James Version

And when the chief priests and Pharisees had heard his parables, they perceived that he spake of them.

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
ἀκούσαντες
G191
had heard
to hear (in various senses)
#3
οἱ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
ἀρχιερεῖς
G749
when the chief priests
the high-priest (literally, of the jews; typically, christ); by extension a chief priest
#5
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#6
οἱ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
Φαρισαῖοι
G5330
Pharisees
a separatist, i.e., exclusively religious; a pharisean, i.e., jewish sectary
#8
τὰς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
παραβολὰς
G3850
his parables
a similitude ("parable"), i.e., (symbolic) fictitious narrative (of common life conveying a moral), apothegm or adage
#10
αὐτῶν
G846
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
ἔγνωσαν
G1097
they perceived
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
#12
ὅτι
G3754
that
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#13
περὶ
G4012
of
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
#14
αὐτῶν
G846
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
#15
λέγει·
G3004
he spake
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

Analysis

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

Questions for Reflection

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