Matthew 5:16

Authorized King James Version

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
οὕτως
G3779
so
in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)
#2
λαμψάτω
G2989
shine
to beam, i.e., radiate brilliancy (literally or figuratively)
#3
τοῖς
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
φῶς
G5457
light
luminousness (in the widest application, natural or artificial, abstract or concrete, literal or figurative)
#5
ὑμῶν
G5216
Let your
of (from or concerning) you
#6
ἔμπροσθεν
G1715
before
in front of (in place (literally or figuratively) or time)
#7
τοῖς
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
ἀνθρώπων
G444
men
man-faced, i.e., a human being
#9
ὅπως
G3704
that
what(-ever) how, i.e., in the manner that (as adverb or conjunction of coincidence, intentional or actual)
#10
ἴδωσιν
G1492
they may see
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
#11
ὑμῶν
G5216
Let your
of (from or concerning) you
#12
τοῖς
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
καλὰ
G2570
good
properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished
#14
ἔργα
G2041
works
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
#15
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#16
δοξάσωσιν
G1392
glorify
to render (or esteem) glorious (in a wide application)
#17
τοῖς
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#18
πατέρα
G3962
Father
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
#19
ὑμῶν
G5216
Let your
of (from or concerning) you
#20
τοῖς
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#21
ἐν
G1722
is in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#22
τοῖς
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#23
οὐρανοῖς
G3772
heaven
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)

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

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

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