Matthew 26:12

Authorized King James Version

For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
βαλοῦσα
hath poured
to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)
#2
γὰρ
For in that
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
#3
αὕτη
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
#4
τὸ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
μύρον
ointment
"myrrh", i.e., (by implication) perfumed oil
#6
τοῦτο
this
that thing
#7
ἐπὶ
on
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#8
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
σώματός
body
the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively
#10
μου
my
of me
#11
πρὸς
it for
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
τὸ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
ἐνταφιάσαι
burial
to inswathe with cerements for interment
#14
με
my
me
#15
ἐποίησεν
she did
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

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

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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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