Matthew 23:37

Authorized King James Version

O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!

Word-by-Word Analysis

Ἰερουσαλήμ,

G2419

Jerusalem

hierusalem (i.e., jerushalem), the capitol of palestine

Ἰερουσαλήμ,

G2419

Jerusalem

hierusalem (i.e., jerushalem), the capitol of palestine

ἡ

G3588

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

ἀποκτείνουσα

G615

thou that killest

to kill outright; figuratively, to destroy

τοὺς

G3588

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

προφήτας

G4396

the 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

λιθοβολοῦσα

G3036

stonest

to throw stones, i.e., lapidate

τοὺς

G3588

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

#10

ἀπεσταλμένους

G649

them which are sent

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

#11

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,

#12

αὐτήν,

G846

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

#13

ποσάκις

G4212

how often

how many times

#14

ἠθελήσατε

G2309

would I

to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),

#15

ἐπισυνάγει

G1996

gathereth

to collect upon the same place

#16

τὰ

G3588

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

#17

τέκνα

G5043

children

a child (as produced)

#18

σου

G4675

thy

of thee, thy

#19

ὃν

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

#20

τρόπον

G5158

even as

a turn, i.e., (by implication) mode or style (especially with preposition or relative prefix as adverb, like); figuratively, deportment or character

#21

ἐπισυνάγει

G1996

gathereth

to collect upon the same place

#22

ὄρνις

G3733

a hen

a bird (as rising in the air), i.e., (specially), a hen (or female domestic fowl)

#23

τὰ

G3588

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

#24

νοσσία

G3556

chickens

a birdling

#25

ἑαυτῆς

G1438

her

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

#26

ὑπὸ

G5259

under

under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (

#27

τὰς

G3588

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

#28

πτέρυγας

G4420

her wings

a wing

#29

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#30

οὐκ

G3756

not

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

#31

ἠθελήσατε

G2309

would I

to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Matthew. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to gospel presenting Jesus as the fulfillment of Jewish Messianic hope, advancing the author's theological argument. 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 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

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

Related Resources

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

Matthew 23:37

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Topics

People

Study Resources