Matthew 6:4

Authorized King James Version

That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ὅπως
That
what(-ever) how, i.e., in the manner that (as adverb or conjunction of coincidence, intentional or actual)
#2
may be
(may, might, can, could, would, should, must, etc.; also with g1487 and its comparative, as well as with other particles) be
#3
σου
thine
of thee, thy
#4
τῷ
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
ἐλεημοσύνη
alms
compassionateness, i.e., (as exercised towards the poor) beneficence, or (concretely) a benefaction
#6
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#7
τῷ
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
κρυπτῷ
secret
concealed, i.e., private
#9
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#10
τῷ
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
πατήρ
Father
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
#12
σου
thine
of thee, thy
#13
τῷ
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#14
βλέπων
seeth
to look at (literally or figuratively)
#15
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#16
τῷ
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#17
κρυπτῷ
secret
concealed, i.e., private
#18
αὑτὸς
himself
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
#19
ἀποδώσει
shall reward
to give away, i.e., up, over, back, etc. (in various applications)
#20
σοι
thee
to thee
#21
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#22
τῷ
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#23
φανερῷ
shining, i.e., apparent (literally or figuratively); neuter (as adverb) publicly, externally

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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