Matthew 7:12

Authorized King James Version

Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Πάντα
all things
all, any, every, the whole
#2
οὖν
Therefore
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
#3
ὅσα
as (much, great, long, etc.) as
#4
ἂν
whatsoever
whatsoever
#5
θέλητε
ye would
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
#6
ἵνα
that
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
#7
ποιεῖτε
do
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
#8
ὑμῖν
to you
to (with or by) you
#9
οἱ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
ἄνθρωποι
men
man-faced, i.e., a human being
#11
οὕτως
so
in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)
#12
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#13
ὑμεῖς
ye
you (as subjective of verb)
#14
ποιεῖτε
do
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
#15
αὐτοῖς·
to them
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
#16
οὗτος
this
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
#17
γάρ
for
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
#18
ἐστιν
is
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
#19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#20
νόμος
the law
law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
#21
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#22
οἱ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#23
προφῆται
the prophets
a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet

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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