Matthew 9:15

Authorized King James Version

And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast.

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

εἶπεν

G2036

said

to speak or say (by word or writing)

αὐτῶν

G846

them

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

ὁ

G3588

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

Ἰησοῦς

G2424

Jesus

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

Μὴ

G3361

Can

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

δύνανται

G1410

to be able or possible

οἱ

G3588

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

υἱοὶ

G5207

the children

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

#10

τοῦ

G3588

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

#11

νυμφῶνος

G3567

of the bridechamber

the bridal room

#12

πενθεῖν

G3996

mourn

to grieve (the feeling or the act)

#13

ἐφ'

G1909

as long as

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

#14

ὅσον

G3745

as (much, great, long, etc.) as

#15

μετ'

G3326

with

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

#16

αὐτῶν

G846

them

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

#17

ἐστιν

G2076

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

#18

ὁ

G3588

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

#19

νυμφίος

G3566

the bridegroom

a bride-groom (literally or figuratively)

#20

ἐλεύσονται

G2064

will come

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

#21

δὲ

G1161

but

but, and, etc

#22

ἡμέραι

G2250

the days

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

#23

ὅταν

G3752

when

whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as

#24

ἀπαρθῇ

G522

shall be taken

to lift off, i.e., remove

#25

ἀπ'

G575

from

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

#26

αὐτῶν

G846

them

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

#27

ὁ

G3588

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

#28

νυμφίος

G3566

the bridegroom

a bride-groom (literally or figuratively)

#29

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#30

τότε

G5119

then

the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)

#31

νηστεύσουσιν

G3522

shall they fast

to abstain from food (religiously)

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 divine revelation 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

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The first-century Palestinian Jewish culture under Roman occupation would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Matthew chapter 9 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about 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?

Related Resources

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Matthew 9:15

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Topics

People

Study Resources