Matthew 24:43

Authorized King James Version

But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἐκεῖνο
this
that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed
#2
δὲ
But
but, and, etc
#3
γινώσκετε
know
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
#4
ὅτι
that
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#5
εἰ
if
if, whether, that, etc
#6
ᾔδει
had known
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
#7
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
οἰκοδεσπότης
the goodman of the house
the head of a family
#9
ποίᾳ
in what
individualizing interrogative (of character) what sort of, or (of number) which one
#10
φυλακῇ
watch
a guarding or (concretely, guard), the act, the person; figuratively, the place, the condition, or (specially), the time (as a division of day or nigh
#11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
κλέπτης
the thief
a stealer (literally or figuratively)
#13
ἔρχεται
would come
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#14
ἐγρηγόρησεν
have watched
to keep awake, i.e., watch (literally or figuratively)
#15
ἂν
he would
whatsoever
#16
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#17
οὐκ
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#18
ἂν
he would
whatsoever
#19
εἴασεν
have suffered
to let be, i.e., permit or leave alone
#20
διορυγῆναι
to be broken up
to penetrate burglariously
#21
τὴν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#22
οἰκίαν
house
properly, residence (abstractly), but usually (concretely) an abode (literally or figuratively); by implication, a family (especially domestics)
#23
αὐτοῦ
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

Analysis

Within the broader context of Matthew, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Matthew.

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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