Matthew 25:24

Authorized King James Version

Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
προσελθὼν
came
to approach, i.e., (literally) come near, visit, or (figuratively) worship, assent to
#2
δὲ
Then
but, and, etc
#3
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#4
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
τὸ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
ἓν
the one
one
#7
τάλαντον
talent
a balance (as supporting weights), i.e., (by implication) a certain weight (and thence a coin or rather sum of money) or "talent"
#8
εἰληφὼς
he which had received
while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))
#9
εἶπεν
and said
to speak or say (by word or writing)
#10
Κύριε
Lord
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
#11
ἔγνων
I knew
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
#12
σε
thee
thee
#13
ὅτι
that
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#14
σκληρὸς
an hard
dry, i.e., hard or tough (figuratively, harsh, severe)
#15
εἶ
thou art
thou art
#16
ἄνθρωπος
man
man-faced, i.e., a human being
#17
θερίζων
reaping
to harvest
#18
ὅπου
where
what(-ever) where, i.e., at whichever spot
#19
οὐ
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#20
ἔσπειρας
sown
to scatter, i.e., sow (literally or figuratively)
#21
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#22
συνάγων
gathering
to lead together, i.e., collect or convene; specially, to entertain (hospitably)
#23
ὅθεν
where
from which place or source or cause (adverb or conjunction)
#24
οὐ
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#25
διεσκόρπισας
strawed
to dissipate, i.e., (genitive case) to rout or separate; specially, to winnow; figuratively, to squander

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Matthew. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within gospel presenting Jesus as the fulfillment of Jewish Messianic hope to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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

Questions for Reflection

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