Matthew 25:9

Authorized King James Version

But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ἀπεκρίθησαν

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)

δὲ

G1161

But

but, and, etc

αἱ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

φρόνιμοι

G5429

the wise

thoughtful, i.e., sagacious or discreet (implying a cautious character; while g4680 denotes practical skill or acumen; and g4908 indicates rather inte

λέγουσαι

G3004

saying

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

Μήποτε

G3379

Not so lest

not ever; also if (or lest) ever (or perhaps)

οὐκ

G3756

not

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἀρκέσῃ

G714

enough

properly, to ward off, i.e., (by implication) to avail (figuratively, be satisfactory)

ἡμῖν

G2254

for us

to (or for, with, by) us

#10

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#11

ὑμῖν·

G5213

you

to (with or by) you

#12

πορεύεσθε

G4198

go ye

to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)

#13

δὲ

G1161

But

but, and, etc

#14

μᾶλλον

G3123

rather

(adverbially) more (in a greater degree)) or rather

#15

πρὸς

G4314

to them

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,

#16

τοὺς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#17

πωλοῦντας

G4453

that sell

to barter (as a pedlar), i.e., to sell

#18

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#19

ἀγοράσατε

G59

buy

properly, to go to market, i.e., (by implication) to purchase; specially, to redeem

#20

ἑαυταῖς

G1438

for yourselves

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

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 revelation 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

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

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

Related Resources

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Matthew 25:9

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

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People

Study Resources