Matthew 23:34

Authorized King James Version

Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city:

Word-by-Word Analysis

διὰ

G1223

Wherefore

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τοῦτο

G5124

that thing

ἰδού,

G2400

behold

used as imperative lo!

ἐγὼ

G1473

i, me

ἀποστέλλω

G649

send

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

πρὸς

G4314

unto

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

ὑμᾶς

G5209

you

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

προφήτας

G4396

prophets

a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#10

σοφοὺς

G4680

wise men

wise (in a most general application)

#11

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#12

γραμματεῖς·

G1122

scribes

a professional writer

#13

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#14

ἐξ

G1537

some of

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

#15

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

#16

ἀποκτενεῖτε

G615

ye shall kill

to kill outright; figuratively, to destroy

#17

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#18

σταυρώσετε

G4717

crucify

to impale on the cross; figuratively, to extinguish (subdue) passion or selfishness

#19

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#20

ἐξ

G1537

some of

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

#21

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

#22

μαστιγώσετε

G3146

shall ye scourge

to flog (literally or figuratively)

#23

ἐν

G1722

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

#24

ταῖς

G3588

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

#25

συναγωγαῖς

G4864

synagogues

an assemblage of persons; specially, a jewish "synagogue" (the meeting or the place); by analogy, a christian church

#26

ὑμῶν

G5216

your

of (from or concerning) you

#27

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#28

διώξετε

G1377

persecute

compare the base of g1169 and g1249); to pursue (literally or figuratively); by implication, to persecute

#29

ἀπὸ

G575

them from

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

#30

πόλιν·

G4172

city

a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)

#31

εἰς

G1519

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

#32

πόλιν·

G4172

city

a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within Roman imperial rule over Jewish Palestine with messianic expectations. The author writes to address Jewish Christians seeking to understand Jesus as Messiah, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Matthew chapter 23 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
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?

Related Resources

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Matthew 23:34

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Topics

People

Study Resources