Matthew 27:42

Authorized King James Version

He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him.

Word-by-Word Analysis

Ἄλλους

G243

others

"else," i.e., different (in many applications)

σῶσαι·

G4982

He saved

to save, i.e., deliver or protect (literally or figuratively)

ἑαυτὸν

G1438

himself

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

οὐ

G3756

he cannot

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

δύναται

G1410

to be able or possible

σῶσαι·

G4982

He saved

to save, i.e., deliver or protect (literally or figuratively)

εἰ

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

βασιλεὺς

G935

the King

a sovereign (abstractly, relatively, or figuratively)

Ἰσραήλ

G2474

of Israel

israel (i.e., jisrael), the adopted name of jacob, including his descendants (literally or figuratively)

#10

ἐστιν

G2076

he be

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

#11

καταβάτω

G2597

come down

to descend (literally or figuratively)

#12

νῦν

G3568

now

"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate

#13

ἀπὸ

G575

from

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

#14

τοῦ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#15

σταυροῦ

G4716

the cross

a stake or post (as set upright), i.e., (specially), a pole or cross (as an instrument of capital punishment); figuratively, exposure to death, i.e.,

#16

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#17

πιστεύσομεν

G4100

we will believe

to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch

#18

αὐτῷ

G846

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

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

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?

Related Resources

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Matthew 27:42

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Topics

People

Study Resources