Matthew 24:38

Authorized King James Version

For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ὥσπερ
G5618
as
just as, i.e., exactly like
#2
γὰρ
G1063
For
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
#3
ἦσαν
G2258
that were
i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)
#4
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#5
ταῖς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
ἡμέρας
G2250
the day
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
#7
ταῖς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
πρὸ
G4253
before
"fore", i.e., in front of, prior (figuratively, superior) to
#9
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
κατακλυσμοῦ
G2627
the flood
an inundation
#11
τρώγοντες
G5176
they were eating
or perhaps rather of a base of g5167 and g5149 through the idea of a craunching sound; to gnaw or chew, i.e., (generally) to eat
#12
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#13
πίνοντες
G4095
drinking
to imbibe (literally or figuratively)
#14
γαμοῦντες
G1060
marrying
to wed (of either sex)
#15
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#16
ἐκγαμίζοντες,
G1547
giving in marriage
to marry off a daughter
#17
ἄχρι
G891
until
(of time) until or (of place) up to
#18
ἧς
G3739
that
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#19
ἡμέρας
G2250
the day
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
#20
εἰσῆλθεν
G1525
entered
to enter (literally or figuratively)
#21
Νῶε
G3575
Noe
no, (i.e., noch), a patriarch
#22
εἰς
G1519
into
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#23
τὴν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#24
κιβωτόν
G2787
the ark
a box, i.e., the sacred ark and that of noah

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

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

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