Matthew 7:29
For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 12
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
αὐτοὺς
them
G846
αὐτοὺς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 12
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
ὡς
as
G5613
ὡς
as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
5 of 12
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
ἐξουσίαν
authority
G1849
ἐξουσίαν
authority
Strong's:
G1849
Word #:
6 of 12
privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o
ἔχων
one having
G2192
ἔχων
one having
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
7 of 12
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 12
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὡς
as
G5613
ὡς
as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
10 of 12
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
Cross References
Luke 20:8And Jesus said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.Isaiah 50:4The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned.
Historical Context
Scribes were professional interpreters of the law who taught by appealing to previous rabbis' interpretations, creating chains of tradition. Their authority was derivative and traditional. Jesus' direct proclamation 'But I say unto you' (Matthew 5:22, 28, 32, etc.) claimed unique authority shocking to hearers accustomed to traditional rabbinic methodology.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' teaching with inherent authority demonstrate His divine identity and unique qualifications as Teacher?
- What difference should Christ's absolute authority make in how you receive and obey His word compared to human teaching?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The crowds' astonishment at Jesus' teaching stemmed from His inherent authority in contrast to the scribes' derivative authority. Scribes taught by citing previous rabbinical opinions and traditions, but Jesus taught as one possessing intrinsic authority—'I say unto you.' This authority derived from His divine nature as the eternal Word incarnate. His teaching carried self-authenticating power, requiring no external validation or appeals to tradition. This distinction between Christ and all merely human teachers remains absolute.