Matthew 26:56

Authorized King James Version

But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
τοῦτο
this
that thing
#2
δὲ
But
but, and, etc
#3
ὅλον
all
"whole" or "all", i.e., complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb
#4
γέγονεν
was done
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
#5
ἵνα
that
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
#6
πληρωθῶσιν
might be fulfilled
to make replete, i.e., (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute
#7
αἱ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
γραφαὶ
the scriptures
a document, i.e., holy writ (or its contents or a statement in it)
#9
τῶν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
προφητῶν
of the prophets
a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet
#11
Τότε
Then
the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)
#12
οἱ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
μαθηταὶ
the disciples
a learner, i.e., pupil
#14
πάντες
all
all, any, every, the whole
#15
ἀφέντες
forsook
to send forth, in various applications (as follow)
#16
αὐτὸν
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
#17
ἔφυγον
and fled
to run away (literally or figuratively); by implication, to shun; by analogy, to vanish

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

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