Matthew 8:27

Authorized King James Version

But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
οἱ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#2
δὲ
But
but, and, etc
#3
ἄνθρωποι
the men
man-faced, i.e., a human being
#4
ἐθαύμασαν
marvelled
to wonder; by implication, to admire
#5
λέγοντες
saying
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#6
Ποταπός
What manner of man
interrogatively, whatever, i.e., of what possible sort
#7
ἐστιν
is
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
#8
οὗτος
this
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
#9
ὅτι
that
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#10
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#11
οἱ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
ἄνεμοι
the winds
wind; (plural) by implication, (the four) quarters (of the earth)
#13
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
θάλασσα
the sea
the sea (genitive case or specially)
#16
ὑπακούουσιν
obey
to hear under (as a subordinate), i.e., to listen attentively; by implication, to heed or conform to a command or authority
#17
αὐτῷ
him
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

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

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 salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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