Matthew 7:26

Authorized King James Version

And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
πᾶς
every one
all, any, every, the whole
#3
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
ἀκούων
that heareth
to hear (in various senses)
#5
μου
of mine
of me
#6
τοὺς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
λόγους
sayings
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
#8
τούτους
these
these (persons, as objective of verb or preposition)
#9
καὶ
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#10
μὴ
not
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
#11
ποιῶν
doeth
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
#12
αὐτοῦ
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
#13
ὁμοιωθήσεται
shall be likened
to assimilate, i.e., compare; passively, to become similar
#14
ἀνδρὶ
man
a man (properly as an individual male)
#15
μωρῷ
unto a foolish
dull or stupid (as if shut up), i.e., heedless, (morally) blockhead, (apparently) absurd
#16
ὅστις
which
which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same
#17
ᾠκοδόμησεν
built
to be a house-builder, i.e., construct or (figuratively) confirm
#18
τὴν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#19
οἰκίαν
house
properly, residence (abstractly), but usually (concretely) an abode (literally or figuratively); by implication, a family (especially domestics)
#20
αὐτοῦ
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
#21
ἐπὶ
upon
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#22
τὴν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#23
ἄμμον·
the sand
sand (as heaped on the beach)

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 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

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Topics

People

Study Resources