Matthew 26:34

Authorized King James Version

Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἔφη
said
to show or make known one's thoughts, i.e., speak or say
#2
αὐτῷ
unto him
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
#3
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
#5
Ἀμὴν
Verily
properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)
#6
λέγω
I say
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#7
σοι
unto thee
to thee
#8
ὅτι
That
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#9
ἐν
this
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#10
ταύτῃ
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
#11
τῇ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
νυκτὶ
night
"night" (literally or figuratively)
#13
πρὶν
before
before
#14
ἀλέκτορα
the cock
a cock or male fowl
#15
φωνῆσαι
crow
to emit a sound (animal, human or instrumental); by implication, to address in words or by name, also in imitation
#16
τρὶς
thrice
three times
#17
ἀπαρνήσῃ
thou shalt deny
to deny utterly, i.e., disown, abstain
#18
με
me
me

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 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

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Topics

People

Study Resources