Matthew 8:11

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
λέγω
G3004
I say
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#2
δὲ
G1161
And
but, and, etc
#3
ὑμῖν
G5213
unto you
to (with or by) you
#4
ὅτι
G3754
That
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#5
πολλοὶ
G4183
many
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
#6
ἀπὸ
G575
from
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
#7
ἀνατολῶν
G395
the east
a rising of light, i.e., dawn (figuratively); by implication, the east (also in plural)
#8
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#9
δυσμῶν
G1424
west
the sun-set, i.e., (by implication) the western region
#10
ἥξουσιν
G2240
shall come
to arrive, i.e., be present (literally or figuratively)
#11
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#12
ἀνακλιθήσονται
G347
shall sit down
to lean back
#13
μετὰ
G3326
with
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
#14
Ἀβραὰμ
G11
Abraham
abraham, the hebrew patriarch
#15
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#16
Ἰσαὰκ
G2464
Isaac
isaac (i.e., jitschak), the son of abraham
#17
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#18
Ἰακὼβ
G2384
Jacob
jacob (i.e., ja`akob), the progenitor of the israelites
#19
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#20
τῇ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#21
βασιλείᾳ
G932
the kingdom
properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)
#22
τῶν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#23
οὐρανῶν
G3772
of heaven
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)

Analysis

The kingdom of God theme here intersects with the progressive revelation of God's rule from creation to consummation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of development from creation mandate through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment. The phrase emphasizing kingdom relates to eschatology and the ultimate purpose of God's redemptive plan and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's reign from creation through the millennial kingdom.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within Roman imperial rule over Jewish Palestine with messianic expectations. The author writes to address Jewish Christians seeking to understand Jesus as Messiah, making the emphasis on kingdom of God particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show imperial and royal imagery familiar to subjects of ancient monarchies, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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