Matthew 22:29

Authorized King James Version

Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἀποκριθεὶς
answered
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
#2
δὲ
and
but, and, etc
#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
εἶπεν
said
to speak or say (by word or writing)
#6
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
#7
Πλανᾶσθε
Ye do err
to (properly, cause to) roam (from safety, truth, or virtue)
#8
μὴ
not
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
#9
εἰδότες
knowing
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
#10
τὰς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
γραφὰς
the scriptures
a document, i.e., holy writ (or its contents or a statement in it)
#12
μηδὲ
nor
but not, not even; in a continued negation, nor
#13
τὴν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#14
δύναμιν
the power
force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)
#15
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#16
θεοῦ·
of God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Matthew, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. 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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