Matthew 27:43

Authorized King James Version

He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
πέποιθεν
G3982
He trusted
to convince (by argument, true or false); by analogy, to pacify or conciliate (by other fair means); reflexively or passively, to assent (to evidence
#2
ἐπὶ
G1909
in
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#3
τὸν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
Θεοῦ
G2316
God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#5
ῥυσάσθω
G4506
let him deliver
compare g4511); to rush or draw (for oneself), i.e., rescue
#6
νῦν
G3568
now
"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate
#7
αὐτόν,
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
#8
εἰ
G1487
if
if, whether, that, etc
#9
θέλει
G2309
he will have
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
#10
αὐτόν,
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
#11
εἶπεν
G2036
he said
to speak or say (by word or writing)
#12
γὰρ
G1063
for
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
#13
ὅτι
G3754
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#14
Θεοῦ
G2316
God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#15
εἰμι
G1510
I am
i exist (used only when emphatic)
#16
υἱός
G5207
the Son
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

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 sovereignty 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

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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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