Matthew Chapter 9 · Verse 10
And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐγένετο
it came to pass
G1096
ἐγένετο
it came to pass
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
2 of 21
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
αὐτοῦ
his
G846
αὐτοῦ
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 21
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
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οἰκίᾳ
the house
G3614
οἰκίᾳ
the house
Strong's:
G3614
Word #:
7 of 21
properly, residence (abstractly), but usually (concretely) an abode (literally or figuratively); by implication, a family (especially domestics)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πολλοὶ
many
G4183
πολλοὶ
many
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
10 of 21
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐλθόντες
came
G2064
ἐλθόντες
came
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
14 of 21
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦ
as Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦ
as Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
17 of 21
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
18 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Historical Context
Jewish purity laws created sharp social boundaries between righteous and sinners. Pharisees avoided contact with the ritually impure to maintain holiness. Tax collectors worked for Rome's oppressive system and were barred from synagogue leadership. They often extorted extra money (Luke 19:8). For a rabbi to eat with such people was professionally and religiously devastating. Jesus' action challenged the entire honor-shame cultural system, replacing exclusion with invitation. Early Christian table fellowship continued this radical inclusivity (Galatians 2:11-14, Acts 10-11).
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' table fellowship with sinners demonstrate the heart of the gospel?
- What is the difference between accepting sinners and condoning sin?
- Who are the modern equivalents of 'tax collectors and sinners' that Christians often avoid?
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus eating 'with publicans and sinners' (μετα των τελωνων και αμαρτωλων) was scandalous. Table fellowship in Jewish culture signaled acceptance, intimacy, and shared identity. To eat with someone was to endorse them. 'Publicans' (τελωναι/telōnai, tax collectors) were Jews who collaborated with Rome, extracting taxes plus extra for profit. They were considered traitors and extortioners. 'Sinners' (αμαρτωλοι) likely refers to those living openly immoral lives or violating purity laws. Jesus' willingness to dine with society's outcasts demonstrates radical grace. He doesn't condone their sin but offers redemptive fellowship. This pattern—eating with sinners—becomes Jesus' signature ministry approach, culminating in the Lord's Supper where sinners commune with their Savior.