Matthew 22:16

Authorized King James Version

And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men.

Word-by-Word Analysis

καὶ

G2532

And

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

ἀποστέλλουσιν

G649

they sent out

set apart, i.e., (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively

αὐτῶν

G846

unto 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

τοὺς

G3588

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

μαθητὰς

G3101

disciples

a learner, i.e., pupil

αὐτῶν

G846

unto 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

μετὰ

G3326

with

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

τῶν

G3588

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

Ἡρῳδιανῶν

G2265

the Herodians

herodians, i.e., partisans of herod

#10

λέγοντες

G3004

saying

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

#11

Διδάσκαλε

G1320

Master

an instructor (genitive case or specially)

#12

οἴδαμεν

G1492

we know

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

#13

ὅτι

G3754

that

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

#14

ἀληθὴς

G227

true

true (as not concealing)

#15

εἶ

G1488

thou art

#16

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#17

τὴν

G3588

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

#18

ὁδὸν

G3598

the way

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

#19

τοῦ

G3588

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

#20

θεοῦ

G2316

of God

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

#21

ἐν

G1722

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

#22

ἀληθείᾳ

G225

truth

#23

διδάσκεις

G1321

teachest

to teach (in the same broad application)

#24

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#25

οὐ

G3756

neither

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

#26

μέλει

G3199

carest

to be of interest to, i.e., to concern (only third person singular present indicative used impersonally, it matters)

#27

σοι

G4671

thou

to thee

#28

περὶ

G4012

for

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

#29

οὐδενός·

G3762

any

not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing

#30

οὐ

G3756

neither

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

#31

γὰρ

G1063

man for

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

#32

βλέπεις

G991

thou regardest

to look at (literally or figuratively)

#33

εἰς

G1519

not

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

#34

πρόσωπον

G4383

the person

the front (as being towards view), i.e., the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person

#35

ἀνθρώπων

G444

of men

man-faced, i.e., a human being

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Matthew. The concept of truth reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within gospel presenting Jesus as the fulfillment of Jewish Messianic hope to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. 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 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 truth. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding truth in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
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?
How might the original audience's understanding of truth differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Matthew 22:16

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Topics

People

Study Resources