Matthew 26:43

Authorized King James Version

And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
ἐλθὼν
he came
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#3
εὑρίσκει
and found
to find (literally or figuratively)
#4
αὐτῶν
their
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
#5
πάλιν
again
(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand
#6
καθεύδοντας
asleep
to lie down to rest, i.e., (by implication) to fall asleep (literally or figuratively)
#7
ἦσαν
were
i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)
#8
γὰρ
for
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
#9
αὐτῶν
their
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
#10
οἱ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
ὀφθαλμοὶ
eyes
the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication, vision; figuratively, envy (from the jealous side-glance)
#12
βεβαρημένοι
heavy
to weigh down (figuratively)

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

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