Matthew 5:25

Authorized King James Version

Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Ἴσθι
Agree
be thou
#2
εὐνοῶν
to be well- minded, i.e., reconcile
#3
τῷ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
ἀντίδικος
adversary
an opponent (in a lawsuit); specially, satan (as the arch-enemy)
#5
σου
with thine
of thee, thy
#6
ταχὺ
quickly
shortly, i.e., without delay, soon, or (by surprise) suddenly, or (by implication, of ease) readily
#7
ἕως
whiles
a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)
#8
ὅτου
during which same time, i.e., whilst
#9
εἶ
thou art
thou art
#10
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#11
τῇ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
ὁδῷ
the way
a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means
#13
μετ'
with
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
#14
αὐτοῦ
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
#15
μήποτέ
lest at any time
not ever; also if (or lest) ever (or perhaps)
#16
σε
thee
thee
#17
παραδῷ
deliver
to surrender, i.e yield up, entrust, transmit
#18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#19
ἀντίδικος
adversary
an opponent (in a lawsuit); specially, satan (as the arch-enemy)
#20
τῷ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#21
κριτής
the judge
a judge (genitive case or specially)
#22
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#24
κριτής
the judge
a judge (genitive case or specially)
#25
σε
thee
thee
#26
παραδῷ
deliver
to surrender, i.e yield up, entrust, transmit
#27
τῷ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#28
ὑπηρέτῃ
to the officer
an under-oarsman, i.e., (generally) subordinate (assistant, sexton, constable)
#29
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#30
εἰς
into
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#31
φυλακὴν
prison
a guarding or (concretely, guard), the act, the person; figuratively, the place, the condition, or (specially), the time (as a division of day or nigh
#32
βληθήσῃ·
thou be cast
to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)

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

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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