Matthew 8:11
And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.
Original Language Analysis
λέγω
I say
G3004
λέγω
I say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
1 of 23
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ὅτι
That
G3754
ὅτι
That
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
4 of 23
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
πολλοὶ
many
G4183
πολλοὶ
many
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
5 of 23
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
6 of 23
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
ἀνατολῶν
the east
G395
ἀνατολῶν
the east
Strong's:
G395
Word #:
7 of 23
a rising of light, i.e., dawn (figuratively); by implication, the east (also in plural)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἥξουσιν
shall come
G2240
ἥξουσιν
shall come
Strong's:
G2240
Word #:
10 of 23
to arrive, i.e., be present (literally or figuratively)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
μετὰ
with
G3326
μετὰ
with
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
13 of 23
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
17 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Ἰακὼβ
Jacob
G2384
Ἰακὼβ
Jacob
Strong's:
G2384
Word #:
18 of 23
jacob (i.e., ja`akob), the progenitor of the israelites
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βασιλείᾳ
the kingdom
G932
βασιλείᾳ
the kingdom
Strong's:
G932
Word #:
21 of 23
properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)
Cross References
Ephesians 3:6That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:Malachi 1:11For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense shall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering: for my name shall be great among the heathen, saith the LORD of hosts.Luke 12:37Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.Isaiah 59:19So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him.Acts 10:45And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.Acts 11:18When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.Colossians 3:11Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.Matthew 24:31And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
Historical Context
Jewish theology generally assumed the messianic banquet would include only ethnic Israel. Jesus' prophecy that Gentiles would share this blessing while many Jews would be excluded reversed these assumptions, anticipating the gospel's expansion to all nations after Pentecost.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' prophecy of Gentile inclusion demonstrate that faith, not ethnicity or religious heritage, determines salvation?
- What does the image of the messianic banquet teach about the joy and fellowship of the consummated kingdom?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus' statement that Gentiles from 'east and west' will sit with the patriarchs in the kingdom was shocking to Jewish listeners who assumed ethnic privilege guaranteed salvation. This prophesies the gospel going to all nations and Gentile inclusion in God's covenant people. The language of reclining at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob depicts the messianic banquet, the consummated kingdom. Faith, not ethnicity, determines covenant membership—anticipating Paul's doctrine that true Israel is defined spiritually, not ethnically (Romans 9:6-8).