Matthew 5:19

Authorized King James Version

Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ὃς
G3739
Whosoever
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#2
ἐὰν
G1437
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
#3
οὖν
G3767
therefore
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
#4
λύσῃ
G3089
shall break
to "loosen" (literally or figuratively)
#5
μίαν
G1520
one
#6
τῶν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
ἐντολῶν
G1785
commandments
injunction, i.e., an authoritative prescription
#8
τούτων
G5130
of these
of (from or concerning) these (persons or things)
#9
τῶν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
ἐλάχιστος
G1646
least
used as equivalent to g3398; least (in size, amount, dignity, etc.)
#11
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#12
διδάξῃ
G1321
shall teach
to teach (in the same broad application)
#13
οὕτως
G3779
so
in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)
#14
τοὺς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
ἀνθρώπους
G444
men
man-faced, i.e., a human being
#16
ἐλάχιστος
G1646
least
used as equivalent to g3398; least (in size, amount, dignity, etc.)
#17
κληθήσεται
G2564
he shall be called
to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)
#18
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#19
τῇ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#20
βασιλείᾳ
G932
the kingdom
properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)
#21
τῶν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#22
οὐρανῶν
G3772
of heaven
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
#23
ὃς
G3739
Whosoever
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#24
δ'
G1161
but
but, and, etc
#25
ἂν
G302
whatsoever
#26
ποιήσῃ
G4160
shall do
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
#27
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#28
διδάξῃ
G1321
shall teach
to teach (in the same broad application)
#29
οὗτος
G3778
them the same
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
#30
μέγας
G3173
great
big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)
#31
κληθήσεται
G2564
he shall be called
to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)
#32
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#33
τῇ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#34
βασιλείᾳ
G932
the kingdom
properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)
#35
τῶν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#36
οὐρανῶν
G3772
of heaven
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)

Analysis

The kingdom of God theme here intersects with the progressive revelation of God's rule from creation to consummation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of development from creation mandate through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment. The phrase emphasizing kingdom relates to eschatology and the ultimate purpose of God's redemptive plan and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's reign from creation through the millennial kingdom.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The first-century Palestinian Jewish culture under Roman occupation would have shaped how the original audience understood kingdom. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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