Matthew 3:9
And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
2 of 25
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
δόξητε
think
G1380
δόξητε
think
Strong's:
G1380
Word #:
3 of 25
compare the base of g1166) of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem (truthfully or uncertainly)
λέγω
I say
G3004
λέγω
I say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
4 of 25
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ἑαυτοῖς
yourselves
G1438
ἑαυτοῖς
yourselves
Strong's:
G1438
Word #:
6 of 25
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
Πατέρα
to our father
G3962
Πατέρα
to our father
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
7 of 25
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
ἔχομεν
We have
G2192
ἔχομεν
We have
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
8 of 25
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λέγω
I say
G3004
λέγω
I say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
11 of 25
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
12 of 25
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
14 of 25
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Θεὸς
God
G2316
Θεὸς
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
17 of 25
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
ἐκ
of
G1537
ἐκ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
18 of 25
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐγεῖραι
to raise up
G1453
ἐγεῖραι
to raise up
Strong's:
G1453
Word #:
22 of 25
to waken (transitively or intransitively), i.e., rouse (literally, from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death; or figuratively, from
Cross References
Luke 3:8Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.John 8:33They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free?Acts 13:26Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent.Romans 4:1What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found?Luke 16:24And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.Mark 7:21For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,John 8:53Art thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead? and the prophets are dead: whom makest thou thyself?Luke 5:22But when Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answering said unto them, What reason ye in your hearts?Ezekiel 33:24Son of man, they that inhabit those wastes of the land of Israel speak, saying, Abraham was one, and he inherited the land: but we are many; the land is given us for inheritance.Acts 15:14Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.
Historical Context
First-century Jews believed descent from Abraham assured covenant blessing. This ethnic confidence undergirded their rejection of Jesus. Paul later develops John's principle that the true Israel consists of those who have Abraham's faith (Galatians 3:7-9).
Questions for Reflection
- How does John's statement anticipate Paul's teaching about spiritual versus ethnic Israel (Romans 2:28-29)?
- What false securities do people trust today instead of genuine faith in Christ?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
John attacks the foundational error of Judaism—presuming that Abrahamic descent guarantees salvation. His radical statement that 'God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham' demonstrates that true Abrahamic sonship is spiritual, not merely physical (Romans 9:6-8). God's sovereign election, not ethnic privilege, determines covenant membership. This principle undergirds Paul's later theology of justification by faith alone.