Matthew 25:26

Authorized King James Version

His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἀποκριθεὶς
G611
answered
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
#2
δὲ
G1161
but, and, etc
#3
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
κύριος
G2962
lord
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
#5
αὐτῷ
G846
His
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
#6
εἶπεν
G2036
and said
to speak or say (by word or writing)
#7
αὐτῷ
G846
His
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
#8
Πονηρὲ
G4190
Thou wicked
hurtful, i.e., evil (properly, in effect or influence, and thus differing from g2556, which refers rather to essential character, as well as from g455
#9
δοῦλε
G1401
servant
a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)
#10
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#11
ὀκνηρέ
G3636
slothful
tardy, i.e., indolent; (figuratively) irksome
#12
ᾔδεις
G1492
thou knewest
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
#13
ὅτι
G3754
that
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#14
θερίζω
G2325
I reap
to harvest
#15
ὅπου
G3699
where
what(-ever) where, i.e., at whichever spot
#16
οὐ
G3756
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#17
ἔσπειρα
G4687
I sowed
to scatter, i.e., sow (literally or figuratively)
#18
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#19
συνάγω
G4863
gather
to lead together, i.e., collect or convene; specially, to entertain (hospitably)
#20
ὅθεν
G3606
where
from which place or source or cause (adverb or conjunction)
#21
οὐ
G3756
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#22
διεσκόρπισα
G1287
I have
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

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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