Matthew 25:39

Authorized King James Version

Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
πότε
Or when
interrogative adverb, at what time
#2
δέ
but, and, etc
#3
σε
thee
thee
#4
εἴδομεν
saw we
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
#5
ἀσθενῆ
sick
strengthless (in various applications, literal, figurative and moral)
#6
or
disjunctive, or; comparative, than
#7
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#8
φυλακῇ
prison
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
#9
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#10
ἤλθομεν
came
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#11
πρός
unto
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
#12
σε
thee
thee

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

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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