Matthew 8:9

Authorized King James Version

For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.

Word-by-Word Analysis

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

γὰρ

G1063

For

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ἐγὼ

G1473

i, me

ἄνθρωπός

G444

a man

man-faced, i.e., a human being

εἰμι

G1510

i exist (used only when emphatic)

ὑπ'

G5259

under

under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (

ἐξουσίαν

G1849

authority

privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o

ἔχων

G2192

having

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

ὑπ'

G5259

under

under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (

#10

ἐμαυτὸν

G1683

of myself so likewise the dative case ?????? <pronunciation strongs="em-ow-to'"/>, and accusative case ??????? <pronunciation strongs="em-ow-ton'"/>

#11

στρατιώτας

G4757

soldiers

a camper-out, i.e., a (common) warrior (literally or figuratively)

#12

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#13

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

#14

τούτῳ,

G5129

to this

to (in, with or by) this (person or thing)

#15

πορεύεται,

G4198

he goeth

to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)

#16

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#17

πορεύεται,

G4198

he goeth

to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)

#18

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#19

ἄλλῳ.

G243

to another

"else," i.e., different (in many applications)

#20

ἔρχεται,

G2064

Come

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

#21

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#22

ἔρχεται,

G2064

Come

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

#23

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#24

τῷ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#25

δούλῳ

G1401

servant

a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)

#26

μου,

G3450

to my

of me

#27

ποιεῖ

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

#28

τοῦτο,

G5124

this

that thing

#29

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#30

ποιεῖ

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

Analysis

This verse develops the kingdom of God theme central to Matthew. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of kingdom of God 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 literary and historical milieu of Jewish biographical literature presenting Jesus as the fulfillment of Scripture shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of kingdom of God within the theological tradition of Matthew Understanding a worldview expecting divine intervention through a promised Messiah helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address the apparent delay of Christ's return and God's justice, and how should the church respond?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of kingdom of God, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of eschatology and the doctrine of last things?

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