Matthew 5:28

Authorized King James Version

But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἐγὼ
I
i, me
#2
δὲ
But
but, and, etc
#3
λέγω
say
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#4
ὑμῖν
unto you
to (with or by) you
#5
ὅτι
That
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#6
πᾶς
whosoever
all, any, every, the whole
#7
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
βλέπων
looketh
to look at (literally or figuratively)
#9
γυναῖκα
on a woman
a woman; specially, a wife
#10
πρὸς
to
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
#11
τὸ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
ἐπιθυμῆσαι
lust after
to set the heart upon, i.e., long for (rightfully or otherwise)
#13
αὐτοῦ
her
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
#14
ἤδη
already
even now
#15
ἐμοίχευσεν
hath committed adultery
to commit adultery
#16
αὐτοῦ
her
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
#17
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#18
τῇ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#19
καρδίᾳ
heart
the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle
#20
αὐτοῦ
her
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

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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