Matthew 27:34

Authorized King James Version

They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἔδωκαν
They gave
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
#2
αὐτῷ
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
πιεῖν
drink
to imbibe (literally or figuratively)
#4
ὄξος
vinegar
vinegar, i.e., sour wine
#5
μετὰ
with
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
#6
χολῆς
gall
"gall" or bile, i.e., (by analogy) poison or an anodyne (wormwood, poppy, etc.)
#7
μεμιγμένον·
mingled
to mix
#8
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#9
γευσάμενος
when he had tasted
to taste; by implication, to eat; figuratively, to experience (good or ill)
#10
οὐκ
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#11
ἤθελεν
thereof he would
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
#12
πιεῖν
drink
to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

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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