Matthew 24:26

Authorized King James Version

Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἐὰν
if
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
#2
οὖν
Wherefore
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
#3
εἴπωσιν
they shall say
to speak or say (by word or writing)
#4
ὑμῖν
unto you
to (with or by) you
#5
Ἰδού,
Behold
used as imperative lo!
#6
ἐν
he is in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#7
τῇ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
ἐρήμῳ
the desert
lonesome, i.e., (by implication) waste (usually as a noun, g5561 being implied)
#9
ἐστίν,
he is
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
#10
μὴ
it not
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
#11
ἐξέλθητε·
forth
to issue (literally or figuratively)
#12
Ἰδού,
Behold
used as imperative lo!
#13
ἐν
he is in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#14
τοῖς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
ταμείοις
the secret chambers
a dispensary or magazine, i.e., a chamber on the ground-floor or interior of a middle eastern house (generally used for storage or privacy, a spot for
#16
μὴ
it not
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
#17
πιστεύσητε·
believe
to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch

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

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 revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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