Matthew 9:13

Authorized King James Version

But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

Word-by-Word Analysis

πορευθέντες

G4198

go ye

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

δὲ

G1161

But

but, and, etc

μάθετε

G3129

and learn

to learn (in any way)

τί

G5101

what

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

ἐστιν

G2076

that meaneth

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

Ἔλεον

G1656

have mercy

compassion (human or divine, especially active)

θέλω

G2309

I will

to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),

καὶ

G2532

and

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

οὐ

G3756

not

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

#10

θυσίαν·

G2378

sacrifice

sacrifice (the act or the victim, literally or figuratively)

#11

οὐ

G3756

not

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

#12

γὰρ

G1063

for

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

#13

ἦλθον

G2064

I am

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

#14

καλέσαι

G2564

to call

to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)

#15

δικαίους

G1342

the righteous

equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively)

#16

ἀλλ'

G235

but

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

#17

ἁμαρτωλοὺς

G268

sinners

sinful, i.e., a sinner

#18

εἰς

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

#19

μετάνοιαν

G3341

repentance

(subjectively) compunction (for guilt, including reformation); by implication, reversal (of (another's) decision)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing mercy contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How does this verse's literary context within Matthew chapter 9 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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Matthew 9:13

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

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People

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