Matthew 22:29

Authorized King James Version

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

Original Language Analysis

ἀποκριθεὶς answered G611
ἀποκριθεὶς answered
Strong's: G611
Word #: 1 of 16
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
δὲ and G1161
δὲ and
Strong's: G1161
Word #: 2 of 16
but, and, etc
ὁ G3588
ὁ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 3 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς Jesus G2424
Ἰησοῦς Jesus
Strong's: G2424
Word #: 4 of 16
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
εἶπεν said G2036
εἶπεν said
Strong's: G2036
Word #: 5 of 16
to speak or say (by word or writing)
αὐτοῖς unto them G846
αὐτοῖς unto them
Strong's: G846
Word #: 6 of 16
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
Πλανᾶσθε Ye do err G4105
Πλανᾶσθε Ye do err
Strong's: G4105
Word #: 7 of 16
to (properly, cause to) roam (from safety, truth, or virtue)
μὴ not G3361
μὴ not
Strong's: G3361
Word #: 8 of 16
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
εἰδότες knowing G1492
εἰδότες knowing
Strong's: G1492
Word #: 9 of 16
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
τὰς G3588
τὰς
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 10 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γραφὰς the scriptures G1124
γραφὰς the scriptures
Strong's: G1124
Word #: 11 of 16
a document, i.e., holy writ (or its contents or a statement in it)
μηδὲ nor G3366
μηδὲ nor
Strong's: G3366
Word #: 12 of 16
but not, not even; in a continued negation, nor
τὴν G3588
τὴν
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 13 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δύναμιν the power G1411
δύναμιν the power
Strong's: G1411
Word #: 14 of 16
force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)
τοῦ G3588
τοῦ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 15 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ· of God G2316
θεοῦ· of God
Strong's: G2316
Word #: 16 of 16
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

Analysis & Commentary

Jesus' response 'Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God' identifies two sources of theological error: scriptural ignorance and underestimating God's power. The Sadducees' question about resurrection (vv. 23-28) revealed both problems—they didn't understand Scripture's teaching on resurrection or God's power to accomplish it. Doctrinal error stems from biblical illiteracy and limiting God to human understanding. Truth requires both scriptural knowledge and faith in God's omnipotence.

Historical Context

The Sadducees rejected resurrection, afterlife, angels, and spirits—accepting only the Torah (first five books). Their hypothetical scenario about seven brothers marrying one woman (based on Deuteronomy 25:5-6) attempted to make resurrection seem absurd. Jesus refutes them by demonstrating their misunderstanding of Scripture and divine power.

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