Matthew 25:18

Authorized King James Version

But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#2
δὲ
But
but, and, etc
#3
τὸ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
ἓν
one
one
#5
λαβὼν
he that had received
while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))
#6
ἀπελθὼν
went
to go off (i.e., depart), aside (i.e., apart) or behind (i.e., follow), literally or figuratively
#7
ὤρυξεν
and digged
to "burrow" in the ground, i.e., dig
#8
ἓν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#9
τῇ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
γῇ
the earth
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
#11
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#12
ἀπέκρυψεν
hid
to conceal away (i.e., fully); figuratively, to keep secret
#13
τὸ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#14
ἀργύριον
money
silvery, i.e., (by implication) cash; specially, a silverling (i.e., drachma or shekel)
#15
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#16
κυρίου
lord's
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
#17
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

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 sovereignty 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 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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