Matthew 6:14

Authorized King James Version

For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Ἐὰν
if
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
#2
γὰρ
For
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
#3
ἀφήσει
forgive
to send forth, in various applications (as follow)
#4
τοῖς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
ἀνθρώποις
men
man-faced, i.e., a human being
#6
τὰ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
παραπτώματα
trespasses
a side-slip (lapse or deviation), i.e., (unintentional) error or (wilful) transgression
#8
αὐτῶν
their
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
#9
ἀφήσει
forgive
to send forth, in various applications (as follow)
#10
καὶ
will also
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#11
ὑμῖν
you
to (with or by) you
#12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
πατὴρ
Father
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
#14
ὑμῶν
your
of (from or concerning) you
#15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#16
οὐράνιος·
heavenly
celestial, i.e., belonging to or coming from the sky

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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