Matthew 26:20

Authorized King James Version

Now when the even was come, he sat down with the twelve.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Ὀψίας
when the even
late; feminine (as noun) afternoon (early eve) or nightfall (later eve)
#2
δὲ
Now
but, and, etc
#3
γενομένης
was come
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
#4
ἀνέκειτο
he sat down
to recline (as a corpse or at a meal)
#5
μετὰ
with
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
#6
τῶν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
δώδεκα
the twelve
two and ten, i.e., a dozen

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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