Matthew 3:7

Authorized King James Version

But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Ἰδὼν
G1492
when he saw
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
#2
δὲ
G1161
But
but, and, etc
#3
πολλοὺς
G4183
many
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
#4
τῶν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
Φαρισαίων
G5330
of the Pharisees
a separatist, i.e., exclusively religious; a pharisean, i.e., jewish sectary
#6
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#7
Σαδδουκαίων
G4523
Sadducees
a sadducaean (i.e., tsadokian), or follower of a certain heretical israelite
#8
ἐρχομένους
G2064
come
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#9
ἐπὶ
G1909
to
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#10
τὸ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
βάπτισμα
G908
baptism
baptism (technically or figuratively)
#12
αὐτοῖς
G846
unto them
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
#13
εἶπεν
G2036
he said
to speak or say (by word or writing)
#14
αὐτοῖς
G846
unto them
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
#15
Γεννήματα
G1081
O generation
offspring; by analogy, produce (literally or figuratively)
#16
ἐχιδνῶν
G2191
of vipers
an adder or other poisonous snake (literally or figuratively)
#17
τίς
G5101
who
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
#18
ὑπέδειξεν
G5263
hath warned
to exhibit under the eyes, i.e., (figuratively) to exemplify (instruct, admonish)
#19
ὑμῖν
G5213
you
to (with or by) you
#20
φυγεῖν
G5343
to flee
to run away (literally or figuratively); by implication, to shun; by analogy, to vanish
#21
ἀπὸ
G575
from
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
#22
τῆς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#23
μελλούσης
G3195
to come
to intend, i.e., be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially events; in the sense of purpose, duty, necessity, probabili
#24
ὀργῆς;
G3709
the wrath
properly, desire (as a reaching forth or excitement of the mind), i.e., (by analogy), violent passion (ire, or (justifiable) abhorrence); by implicati

Analysis

Within the broader context of Matthew, this passage highlights salvation through rhetorical questioning that engages the reader. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Matthew.

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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