Matthew 5:25-26 Adversarial agreement

There are some interesting connections of the Beatitudes in the Sermon on the Mount to other parts of scripture, including other parts of the Sermon on the Mount.

The Beatitudes can be connected to church history and with the Kingdom Parables and with the letters to the seven churches in Revelation. Redundancy and fault tolerant principles can be used to provide additional meaning to the Beatitudes.

More: Sermon on the Mount connections

5:17. Not come to reside in the law
5:18. Jots and tittles of the law
5:19. Birdhouse rules
5:20. Birdhouse righteousness
7:21. Not everyone will enter
7:22 Many works will not count
7:23 I never knew you. Depart !

[7 RC + 7 KP + 7 B + 7 + 7 = 35 ARMS, plus more]

More: Sermon on the Mount connections

In the Sermon on the Mount, in Matthew 5:22-41, Jesus addresses the following.

Matthew 5:22 The danger of brotherly anger
Matthew 5:23-24 Alterated gifts
Matthew 5:25-26 Adversarial agreement (this page)
Matthew 5:27-28 Adulterated hearts
Matthew 5:31-32 Cutout the adultery and divorce
Matthew 5:33-35 Oaths and swearing
Matthew 5:36-37 Hairs of the head
Matthew 5:38 Seeing aye to aye
Matthew 5:39 Turning the other cheek
Matthew 5:40 A garment cloaked in separation
Matthew 5:41 Walk a mile for a camel
Matthew 5:42 Do not loan shirk
Matthew 5:43-48: Neighbors and enemies

More: Matthew 5:21-26 Divorcing the brotherly gift agreement

Matthew 5:22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. [kjv]

The difficulty of paraphrasing a translated verse with multiple meanings is not easy.

5:22: But I say to you. Whoever is [and remains] angry with the brother (Jesus) is liable for the judgment. Whoever says to the brother Raca (Aramaic word for fool) [rag, band aid], is liable with respect to the council (religious institution that uses that language). But whoever calls the brother (Jesus) fool (Greek word) is liable for hell fire. Additional (double) meanings: If Jesus (one of the many) is angry with the brother, that brother is liable for the judgment (as is Jesus who must then do that judgment) .... but whoever Jesus calls a fool (Greek word, in parables, sayings, etc.) is liable for hell fire (as is Jesus who must then do that hell fire).

Can Jesus implicitly and indirectly call the religious establishment "fools" by teaching the "truth"? Once the people know the "truth", it becomes obvious to them that the religious establishment is not teaching the entire "truth" and they thus appear as "fools".

[computer science teaching examples, Green Acres syndrome]

More: Matthew 5:22 The danger of brotherly anger

Matthew 5:23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; [kjv]

5:24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. [kjv]

5:23: If therefore you offer [resemble] your gift on the altar, [bad (righteousness)], remember [as a groom wooing a bride] that the brother of yours (Jesus) has some things against (down on) you (detailed in Revelation).

5:24: Forgive yourself as the gift in front of the altar, go (flee) and first interact [through being in a different place] with the brother (Jesus) and then go (as in the Great Commission) and offer your gift (yourself as a living sacrifice) (as in doing good works before men).

Will the religious establishment be upset about you not offering the gift they use to support themselves and using their establishment only as a house of prayer? What do you do? Jesus answers this question in the next verse, though some mistranslations hide the real meaning.

More: Matthew 5:23-24 Alterated gifts

Matthew 5:25

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KJV: Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.

Greek: ισθι ευνοων τω αντιδικω σου ταχυ εως οτου ει μετ αυτου εν τη οδω μετ αυτου μηποτε μηποτε σε παραδω ο αντιδικος τω κριτη και ο κριτης σε παραδω τω τω υπηρετη και εις φυλακην βληθηση

Latin: esto consentiens adversario tuo cito dum es in via cum eo ne forte tradat te adversarius iudici et iudex tradat te ministro et in carcerem mittaris

Matthew 5:26

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KJV: Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.

Greek: αμην λεγω σοι ου μη εξελθης εκειθεν εως αν αποδως τον εσχατον κοδραντην

Matthew 5:25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison. [kjv]

5:26 Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing. [kjv]

What does "agree" mean? (mistranslated)
Who is "the" "adversary"? Who is the "judge"?
What is the difference between "while" (mistranslated) and "until"?
Who is the "officer"? What is the "prison"? (double-meaning)
What is the "last" of the "farthings"?

Matthew 5:25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison. [kjv]

ισθι ευνοων τω αντιδικω σου ταχυ εως οτου ει μετ αυτου εν τη οδω μηποτε σε παραδω ο αντιδικος τω κριτη και ο κριτης τω υπηρετη και εις φυλακην βληθηση [gnt]

esto consentiens adversario … cito dum … via cum … adversarius iudici … iudex tradat … ministro … carcerem mittaris [v]

The ancient Greek word "ἀντίδικος" ≈ "legal opponent" but could, in general, mean any opponent. The literal meaning is that of someone "in place of you or yours".

This is not any "adversary". Who is "the" "adversary" of you? Should you "agree" to something that goes against the laws of God? Is it something else? Path:

"you", "sheep" (believer) with
"the" "adversary" "snake" (opposite) to
"judge", "bird" (separator, false teachers and decision makers) to
"officer", "pig" (overseer, enforcers and influencers) to
"prison", "fish" (watch, passive spies, observe and talk).

Luke, from memories of people, reports a more limited and literal interpretation of this verse.

Details are left as a future topic.

1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: [kjv]

νηψατε γρηγορησατε ο αντιδικος υμων διαβολος ως λεων ωρυομενος περιπατει ζητων καταπιειν [gnt]

The ancient Greek word "ἀντίδικος" ≈ "legal opponent" but could, in general, mean any opponent. The literal meaning is that of someone "in place of you or yours".

Peter says that the "devil" is the "adversary". Can the "adversary" work through others? In the temptation of Jesus, Jesus does not dispute who controls the kingdoms (mountains) of the world. Here is one progression.

Adversary: (snake) world power and those using world power
Judge: birds (false teachers and decision makers)
Officer: pigs (enforcers and influencers)
Prison: watch (passive spies such as the fish who observe and talk)

Discuss: Are people who offer at the altar watched? Are there fish (spies) reporting back through the pigs to the birds? What happens if the sheep do anything wrong according to the rules of the bird house?

1 Peter 5:8

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KJV: Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

Greek: νηψατε γρηγορησατε οτι ο αντιδικος υμων διαβολος ως λεων ωρυομενος περιπατει ζητων τινα καταπιη καταπιειν

In Matthew 10:16, Jesus uses four creatures in one verse: sheep, wolves, serpents and doves (pigeons) as "birds".

Matthew 10:16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. [kjv]

ιδου εγω αποστελλω υμας ως προβατα εν μεσω λυκων γινεσθε ουν φρονιμοι ως οι οφεις και ακεραιοι ως αι περιστεραι [gnt]

"Wolves" operate in groups and look for any weakness in their prey. Wolves and dogs can interbreed. A "wolf-dog" is in contrast to a "sheep-dog".

The "serpents" are not "wise" in the English sense. They are opportunistic and prudent. So, no "wise crackers" here!

The "doves" or "pigeons" (same bird) or "birds" are not "harmless" in the English sense. They are without frills (insect antennas), with smooth feathers, preened of pests. not fact-checked, etc. Is this how "birds" of "prey" or "pray" want to appear?

More: Matthew 7:6-12 The hunt for holy hounds

More: Flipping the pigeon bird as reality or perception

More: A wise opportunity to be prudent

Matthew 10:16

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KJV: Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

Greek: ιδου εγω αποστελλω υμας ως προβατα εν μεσω λυκων γινεσθε ουν φρονιμοι ως οι οφεις και ακεραιοι ως αι περιστεραι

Acts 15:15 And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written, [kjv]

και τουτω συμφωνουσιν οι λογοι των προφητων καθως γεγραπται [gnt]

… concordant … [v]

The Latin word "concordo" ≈ "agree, harmonize" and is the source of the English word "concordant".

The ancient Greek word "συμφωνία" ≈ "agreement" and comes from the words for "same voice". The English word "symphony" cames from a group of people with the "same voice".

The ancient Greek word "φωνή" ≈ "voice, sound" comes from the ancient Greek word "φως" ≈ "light" and the ancient Greek word "νους" ≈ "mind". That is, a "sound" or "voice" is "light" into the "mind".

More: Same as in like or similar

Acts 15:15

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KJV: And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written,

Greek: και τουτω συμφωνουσιν οι λογοι των προφητων καθως γεγραπται

Greek today: Και με τουτο συμφωνουσιν οι λογοι των προφητων, καθως ειναι γεγραμμενον

Latin: et huic concordant verba prophetarum sicut scriptum est

Slavonic: и сему согласуют словеса пророк, якоже пишет:

Russian: И с сим согласны слова пророков, как написано:

Matthew 5:25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison. [kjv]

The ancient Greek word "συμφωνία" ≈ "agreement" and comes from the words for "same voice". The English word "symphony" cames from a group of people with the "same voice".

The ancient Greek word "φωνή" ≈ "voice, sound" comes from the ancient Greek word "φως" ≈ "light" and the ancient Greek word "νους" ≈ "mind". That is, a "sound" or "voice" is "light" into the "mind".

This is not the Greek word translated as "agree" in Matthew 5:25.

The Latin word "consentio" ≈ "consent, agree" and is the source of the English word "consent".

Acts 15:15 And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written, [kjv]

και τουτω συμφωνουσιν οι λογοι των προφητων καθως γεγραπται [gnt]

… concordant … [v]

The Latin word "concordo" ≈ "agree, harmonize" and is the source of the English word "concordant".

The ancient Greek word "συμφωνία" ≈ "agreement" and comes from the words for "same voice". The English word "symphony" cames from a group of people with the "same voice".

The ancient Greek word "φωνή" ≈ "voice, sound" comes from the ancient Greek word "φως" ≈ "light" and the ancient Greek word "νους" ≈ "mind". That is, a "sound" or "voice" is "light" into the "mind".

More: Same as in like or similar

Acts 15:15

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KJV: And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written,

Greek: και τουτω συμφωνουσιν οι λογοι των προφητων καθως γεγραπται

Greek today: Και με τουτο συμφωνουσιν οι λογοι των προφητων, καθως ειναι γεγραμμενον

Latin: et huic concordant verba prophetarum sicut scriptum est

Slavonic: и сему согласуют словеса пророк, якоже пишет:

Russian: И с сим согласны слова пророков, как написано:

Luke 18:3 And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. [kjv]

χηρα δε ην εν τη πολει εκεινη και ηρχετο προς αυτον λεγουσα εκδικησον με απο του αντιδικου μου [gnt]

Discuss: Who is the "adversary"? Some choices include the following.

The ancient Greek word "ἀντίδικος" ≈ "legal opponent" but could, in general, mean any opponent. The literal meaning is that of someone "in place of you or yours". That is, an opponent. The "in place of" is similar to the word "Anti-Christ" which means, literally, someone who puts them self "in place of Christ".

The "antichrist" in the Bible is both a general term for those who put themselves "in place of Christ" and the "Antichrist" or "beast" (or many other names in the Bible) as a unique being in the end times of the Bible.

More: The one Antichrist and many antichrists

More: Luke 18:1-8 Parable of the unjust judge

At least one should not provoke that "adversary".

2 Peter 2:11 Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord. [kjv]

οπου αγγελοι ισχυι και δυναμει μειζονες οντες ου φερουσιν κατ αυτων παρα κυριω βλασφημον κρισιν [gnt]

The Greek translated as "railing" is that of "judging" in the sense of "separating".

The Greek translated as "accusation" is that of "blasphemy" or "talking bad".

If angels are not to do this against false teachers (birds, judges) and the adversary they work for, are humans?

More: 2 Peter 2:1-22 Déjà vu all over again

More: Brute beasts and magnificent war horses

More: Speaking evil in a famous way

2 Peter 2:11

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KJV: Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord.

Greek: οπου αγγελοι ισχυι και δυναμει μειζονες οντες ου φερουσιν κατ αυτων παρα κυριω βλασφημον κρισιν

Matthew 5:25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison. [kjv]

ισθι ευνοων τω αντιδικω σου ταχυ εως οτου ει μετ αυτου εν τη οδω μηποτε σε παραδω ο αντιδικος τω κριτη και ο κριτης τω υπηρετη και εις φυλακην βληθηση [gnt]

esto consentiens adversario … cito dum … via cum … adversarius iudici … iudex tradat … ministro … carcerem mittaris [v]

The ancient Greek word "ευνοώ" ≈ "show goodwill, be well disposed towards" and means, literally, a "good mind" or "good thought". The idea of ""agree"" or "consent" comes from Luke and the Latin Vulgate translation of the Latin word "consentia" ≈ "agree". The Greek is that of "be of good mind" with the "quick" added later in the phrase.

Might it be good to carefully word one's message in a way that shows a "good" "quick" "mind" in dealing with that "adversary"? The word "be" in the Greek, used one time in this exact form by Jesus in Matthew, is untranslated. There may be a play on words here.

*G1510 *0 εἰμί (i-mee') : the first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist (used only when emphatic):--am, have been, X it is I, was.

Words: ει=89 ειη=11 ειμι=134 ειναι=123 εισιν=158 εσεσθαι=4 εσεσθε=11 εση=8 εσμεν=51 εσομαι=13 εσομεθα=4 εσομενον εσονται=31 εσται=119 εστε=85 εστιν=888 εστω=12 εστωσαν=2 η=43 ημεθα=5 ημεν=8 ημην=15 ην=313 ης=7 ησαν=96 ησθα=2 ητε=19 ητω=2 ισθι=5 ον οντα=19 οντας=11 οντες=26 οντι=4 οντος=15 οντων=6 ουσα=6 ουσαι ουσαν=6 ουση=4 ουσης=6 ουσιν=9 ουσων ω=2 ωμεν=3 ων=45 ωσιν=11

The ancient Greek word "ισθι" ≈ "be" and appears only five times in the GNT (Greek New Testament) and not in the LXX (Septuagint). This is the only time it is used in this exact form by Jesus in Matthew.

*G2132 *1 εὐνοέω (yoo-no-eh'-o) : from a compound of G2095 and G3563; to be well- minded, i.e. reconcile:--agree.

Usage

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ευνοων

Matthew 5:25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art ...

*G2132 *1 εὐνοέω (yoo-no-eh'-o) : from a compound of G2095 and G3563; to be well- minded, i.e. reconcile:--agree.

Words: ευνοων=1

The ancient Greek word "ευνοώ" ≈ "show goodwill, be well disposed towards" and means, literally, a "good mind" or "good thought".

The idea of ""agree"" or "consent" comes from Luke and the Latin Vulgate translation of the Latin word "consentia" ≈ "agree".

Since this word is only used one time in the GNT and not in the LXX, it may be a play on words. The word before this word in the Greek may be a clue.

Matthew 5:25
Strong	Used	Unique	Word	Part of speech

"ἴσθι" ≈ "be".
"ευνοώ" ≈ "show goodwill, be well disposed towards".

As translated: (be) agree(able) ... (from the Latin)
As written: be of good mind ...

As translated: (be) agree(able) ... (from the Latin)
As written: be of good mind ... (from the Greek)

"ἴσθι" ≈ "be".
"ευνοώ" ≈ "show goodwill, be well disposed towards".

Play on words: be of a temple of God ...

"ἴσθι" ≈ "be" (combining/sliding «θι» with «θε»).
"θεού" ≈ "of God" from "θεός" ≈ "God".
"ναου" ≈ "of the temple" from "ναός" ≈ "temple"

The Greek vowel sounds (and consonants) were close enough for native Greek listeners to understand. English example: I went to a pig party. I had a swine time. The previous verse was about the gift on and before the altar or temple or sanctuary and that you are the real temple/sanctuary/gift.

Start of this verse: be of/as a Godly temple to the adversary of yours. Is this what Jesus did when examined (tempted) by the devil?

The previous verse was about the "altar" or "sanctuary" and the "gift" on the "altar" and the "gift" "in front of" the "altar".

Matthew 5:25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison. [kjv]

ισθι ευνοων τω αντιδικω σου ταχυ εως οτου ει μετ αυτου εν τη οδω μηποτε σε παραδω ο αντιδικος τω κριτη και ο κριτης τω υπηρετη και εις φυλακην βληθηση [gnt]

The ancient Greek word "ταχύς" ≈ "quick, rapid, soon" where the "soon" appears to require a context for the "quick".

Should one be "quick" to "agree" or should one use a "quick" "good mind"?

In Revelation, the Greek word for "quickly" is often translated as "soon" to support the idea that Jesus is coming "soon" or that the events in Revelation were fulfilled in the first century - a view called preterism.

More: Come quickly: sooner or later

Matthew 5:25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison. [kjv]

ισθι ευνοων τω αντιδικω σου ταχυ εως οτου ει μετ αυτου εν τη οδω μηποτε σε παραδω ο αντιδικος τω κριτη και ο κριτης τω υπηρετη και εις φυλακην βληθηση [gnt]

5:26 Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing. [kjv]

αμην λεγω σοι ου μη εξελθης εκειθεν εως αν αποδως τον εσχατον κοδραντην [gnt]

The ancient Greek word "ἕως" ≈ "until". The KJV (King James Version) translates this as "while" in verse 25 and "until" in verse 26.

... while you are in the way ...
... until you are in the way ...

As in computer logic, the words "while" and "until" are not the same.

A while loop starts with a condition being true (else the body is never done) and continues until that condition becomes false.
A until loop starts with a condition being false (else the body is never done) and continues until that condition becomes true.

Thus, assumptions are made both on the starting and termination conditions.

Here you are together with him in the way or path.

25: ... while you are in the way with/of him ...

Here you are blocking the way or path of him.

25: ... until you are in the way with/of him...

Which of the two fits better? Do they both fit in some way?

Discuss: Is the "adversary" concerned with what you are doing before or after you start doing what God wants you to do?

Matthew 5:25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison. [kjv]

This is not any "way" but "the" "way".

With her way blocked, one three year old girl exclaimed: Excuse me! I need to get in the way!
Have you ever gotten in the way of someone? At a church? What happened?

Did Jesus ever get in the way of others? With the council? What happened?

The ancient Greek word "ὁδός" ≈ "way, path" as in the last part of the English words "method" and "exodus". Early Christians called themselves "the way".

Matthew 5:25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison. [kjv]

ισθι ευνοων τω αντιδικω σου ταχυ εως οτου ει μετ αυτου εν τη οδω μηποτε σε παραδω ο αντιδικος τω κριτη και ο κριτης τω υπηρετη και εις φυλακην βληθηση [gnt]

esto consentiens adversario … cito dum … via cum … adversarius iudici … iudex tradat … ministro … carcerem mittaris [v]

This is not any "way" but the (dative) "way" or "with respect to the" "way".

Psalms 1:1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. [kjv]

μακαριος ανηρ ος ουκ επορευθη εν βουλη ασεβων και εν οδω αμαρτωλων ουκ εστη και επι καθεδραν λοιμων ουκ εκαθισεν [lxx]

The Greek of the LXX is "in" (the) "way" which could one of many "ways" since there is no definite article.

More: Dative case in Greek

More: Psalms 1: Here come the pigs

Matthew 5:25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison. [kjv]

ισθι ευνοων τω αντιδικω σου ταχυ εως οτου ει μετ αυτου εν τη οδω μηποτε σε παραδω ο αντιδικος τω κριτη και ο κριτης τω υπηρετη και εις φυλακην βληθηση [gnt]

esto consentiens adversario … cito dum … via cum … adversarius iudici … iudex tradat … ministro … carcerem mittaris [v]

The German word "der Weg" ≈ "the way" with the hard "g" as often happened, softened to the "y" sound as in the Middle English word "weye" ≈ "way".

More: Germanic g to English y

Psalms 1:1

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KJV: Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

Hebrew: אשרי האיש אשר לא הלך בעצת רשעים ובדרך חטאים לא עמד ובמושב לצים לא ישב׃

Greek: μακαριος ανηρ ος ουκ επορευθη εν βουλη ασεβων και εν οδω αμαρτωλων ουκ εστη και επι καθεδραν λοιμων ουκ εκαθισεν

*G3180 *0 μεθοδεία (meth-od-i'-ah) : from a compound of G3326 and G3593 (compare "method"); travelling over, i.e. travesty (trickery):--wile, lie in wait.

Usage

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μεθοδιαν

Ephesians 4:14 ... cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

μεθοδιας

Ephesians 6:11 ... may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

*G3180 *0 μεθοδεία (meth-od-i'-ah) : from a compound of G3326 and G3593 (compare "method"); travelling over, i.e. travesty (trickery):--wile, lie in wait.

Words: μεθοδιαν μεθοδιας

The ancient Greek word "μέθοδος" ≈ "following after, pursuit" and is used here for as "deception".

This is the only verse in the GNT where Jesus uses the two words that make up the Greek word for "method"

"μετ" ≈ "after, with".
"οδω" ≈ "way, path" (dative case)

Matthew 11:10 For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. [kjv]

ουτος εστιν περι ου γεγραπται ιδου εγω αποστελλω τον αγγελον μου προ προσωπου σου ος κατασκευασει την οδον σου εμπροσθεν σου [gnt]

This is "the way" (Greek) and not just a "way" (English). This is not a direct quote from Malachi in the LXX. Instead, part of the word for "prepare" has the word for "construction" as in "vessel" or "goods" but can also refer to people. Paul uses that word for "vessel" as having a "treasure".

2 Corinthians 4:7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. [kjv]

εχομεν δε τον θησαυρον τουτον εν οστρακινοις σκευεσιν ινα η υπερβολη της δυναμεως η του θεου και μη εξ ημων [gnt]

[prepare the way vs. birds make a nest in the law/tree]

More: Matthew 12:26-29 Snatching the raptured goods from the strong man

One often thinks of the "prepare" the "way" as being a "path" that needs "prepared". The early Christians were called (and called themselves) "the way" . In this sense, the "way" represents a group of believers and not a path. The word "Exodus" comes from the Greek words for "the way out".

Acts 24:14 But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets: [kjv]

ομολογω δε τουτο σοι οτι κατα την οδον ην λεγουσιν αιρεσιν ουτως λατρευω τω πατρωω θεω πιστευων πασιν τοις κατα τον νομον και τοις εν τοις προφηταις γεγραμμενοις [gnt]

One can contrast the "way" with the "narrow gate" and the prevailing "Gates of Hell".

[Hell on earth, Sheridan and Texas]

More: Matthew 7:13-14 Strait talk about narrow and wide gates

More: The key to the keys to an open and shut heavenly gate

More: Matthew 16: 13-19 Prevailing gates

More: Matthew 11:10 Prepare the way

Matthew 5:25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison. [kjv]

ισθι ευνοων τω αντιδικω σου ταχυ εως οτου ει μετ αυτου εν τη οδω μηποτε σε παραδω ο αντιδικος τω κριτη και ο κριτης τω υπηρετη και εις φυλακην βληθηση [gnt]

The "birds" will consider you in the "way" if you proclaim the truth and that truth goes against their personal agenda. Instead of standing in the "way" as "pigs" (blocking sinners from repentance) one should be "standing on the promises".

Discuss: How have leaders (religious and otherwise) viewed those who proclaimed the truth when that truth did not agree with their personal views?

Old Testament times (prophets)
New Testament times (Jesus, apostles, disciples)
times since then including today

More: Psalms 1: Here come the pigs

More: Song: Standing on the promises

Ephesians 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; [kjv]

ινα μηκετι ωμεν νηπιοι κλυδωνιζομενοι και περιφερομενοι παντι ανεμω της διδασκαλιας εν τη κυβεια των ανθρωπων εν πανουργια προς την μεθοδειαν της πλανης [gnt]

Paul talks of deception in various ways in Ephesians 4:14. The ancient Greek word "μέθοδος" ≈ "following after, pursuit" and is used here for as "deception". The KJV translates this as "lie in wait". Who are the "they"?

The ancient Greek word "πλάνη" ≈ "wandering, roaming" and, figuratively, "going astray" or "in error". as in wandering off-target.

The ancient Greek word "πανοῦργος" ≈ "ready to try anything" and is often translated as "crafty".

More: Ready to try anything crafty

Ephesians 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; [kjv]

ινα μηκετι ωμεν νηπιοι κλυδωνιζομενοι και περιφερομενοι παντι ανεμω της διδασκαλιας εν τη κυβεια των ανθρωπων εν πανουργια προς την μεθοδειαν της πλανης [gnt]

The following is conducive to a play on words in the Greek. Paul appears to do this once in Ephesians 4:14. The Greek for "doctrine" is that of "teaching".

"ἄνεμος" ≈ "wind, breeze, gale" and often used in verses with Satin or the devil as "accuser" throwing/breathing accusations.
"ἄνομος" ≈ "without law" which could be "lawless", "impious", "unmusical", "illegal", etc.
English: ... carried about by every wind of teaching.
Play on words: ... carried about by every without-law teaching.

Any teaching that goes against "Loving God" or "Loving neighbor as yourself" would be "without-law" or "against-law".

More: Ephesians 6: Defending the full armor of God

More: An unlawful wind as an air of the spirit

Ephesians 4:14

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KJV: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

Greek: ινα μηκετι ωμεν νηπιοι κλυδωνιζομενοι και περιφερομενοι παντι ανεμω της διδασκαλιας εν τη κυβεια των ανθρωπων εν πανουργια προς την μεθοδειαν της πλανης

Matthew 5:25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison. [kjv]

ισθι ευνοων τω αντιδικω σου ταχυ εως οτου ει μετ αυτου εν τη οδω μηποτε σε παραδω ο αντιδικος τω κριτη και ο κριτης τω υπηρετη και εις φυλακην βληθηση [gnt]

The ancient Greek word "μέθοδος" ≈ "following after, pursuit" has a connotation of a "deception". This is the only verse in the GNT where Jesus uses the two words (in order and near) that make up the Greek word for "method" as in "deception".

"μετ" ≈ "with, after".
"οδω" ≈ "way, path" (dative case)

English: ... in a way with him ...
Greek: with him in the way

The English word order is more natural, even in the Greek. Greek allows word order to be changed to accommodate, for example, play on words. This play on words requires the Greek word used. Might this be subliminal message suggesting "deception" by the "adversary"?

Matthew 7:6 Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you. [kjv]

μη δωτε το αγιον τοις κυσιν μηδε βαλητε τους μαργαριτας υμων εμπροσθεν των χοιρων μηποτε καταπατησουσιν αυτους εν τοις ποσιν αυτων και στραφεντες ρηξωσιν υμας [gnt]

The word translated as "lest" is that of "never" but in a sarcastic negative sense as in "that will never happen" - "wrong" It will certainly happen. The ancient Greek word "μήποτε" ≈ "never" and comes from two words.

"μή" ≈ "not"
"ποτέ" ≈ "ever, at some time".

The Koine definition is that of "perhaps" but the sarcastic "never" appears to be a better fit. The modern Greek word "μήποτε" (MEE-po-teh) ≈ "perhaps". The "swine" or "pigs" would "never" (sarcastic remark) do this. Instead, they "certainly" will "trample" the "pearls".

More: Matthew 7:6-12 The hunt for holy hounds

More: Matthew 7:3-23 A splitting feat of how the swine flew on pearls at a wide gait

More: Matthew 9:14-17 Old and new garments and bottles

More: Matthew 7:6-12 The hunt for holy hounds

Matthew 5:25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison. [kjv]

ισθι ευνοων τω αντιδικω σου ταχυ εως οτου ει μετ αυτου εν τη οδω μηποτε σε παραδω ο αντιδικος τω κριτη και ο κριτης τω υπηρετη και εις φυλακην βληθηση [gnt]

The "at any time" is inferred and not in the Greek. The word translated as "lest" is that of "never" but in a sarcastic negative sense as in "that will never happen" - "wrong" It will certainly happen. The ancient Greek word "μήποτε" ≈ "never" and comes from two words.

"μή" ≈ "not"
"ποτέ" ≈ "ever, at some time".

The Koine definition is that of "perhaps" but the sarcastic "never" appears to be a better fit. The modern Greek word "μήποτε" (MEE-po-teh) ≈ "perhaps".

This word is used later in the Sermon on the Mount.

Matthew 4:6 And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. [kjv]

και λεγει αυτω ει υιος ει του θεου βαλε σεαυτον κατω γεγραπται γαρ οτι τοις αγγελοις αυτου εντελειται περι σου και επι χειρων αρουσιν σε μηποτε προσκοψης προς λιθον τον ποδα σου [gnt]

The devil uses the word for "never" in "perhaps" a sarcastic sense, in the temptation, meaning examination with intent to deceive, in Matthew 4.

In other words, Jesus would "certainly" dash his foot against a stone if the angels did not intervene.

More: Matthew 4:1-11 Examining evil temptations

Matthew 4:6

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KJV: And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.

Greek: και λεγει αυτω ει υιος ει του θεου βαλε σεαυτον κατω γεγραπται γαρ οτι τοις αγγελοις αυτου εντελειται περι σου και επι χειρων αρουσιν σε μηποτε προσκοψης προς λιθον τον ποδα σου

*G3860 *119 παραδίδωμι (par-ad-id'-o-mee) : from G3844 and G1325; to surrender, i.e yield up, intrust, transmit:--betray, bring forth, cast, commit, deliver (up), give (over, up), hazard, put in prison, recommend.

Usage

All

παρεδωκεν *17

Matthew 18:34 And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till ...
Matthew 25:14 ... his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.
Matthew 27:26 ... and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.
Mark 3:19 ... Iscariot, which also betrayed him: and they went ...
Mark 15:15 ... Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified.
Luke 23:25 ... whom they had desired; but he delivered Jesus to their will.
John 19:16 Then delivered he him therefore unto them to ...
John 19:30 ... and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.
Acts 6:14 ... the customs which Moses delivered us.
Acts 7:42 ... turned, and gave them up to worship the host ...
Romans 1:24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness ...
Romans 1:26 ... cause God gave them up unto vile ...
Romans 1:28 ... their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate ...
Romans 8:32 ... Son, but delivered him up for us ...
Ephesians 5:2 ... hath loved us, and hath given himself for us ...
Ephesians 5:25 ... loved the church, and gave himself for it;
2 Peter 2:4 ... but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved ...

παραδιδους *10

Matthew 26:25 Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, ...
Matthew 26:46 Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me.
Matthew 26:48 Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, ...
Matthew 27:3 Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that ...
Mark 14:42 Rise up, let us go; lo, he that betrayeth me is at hand.
Mark 14:44 And he that betrayed him had given them ...
John 18:2 And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: ...
John 18:5 ... Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them.
John 21:20 ... which is he that betrayeth thee?
Acts 22:4 ... the death, binding and delivering into prisons both ...

παραδωσουσιν *7

Matthew 10:17 ... of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, ...
Matthew 20:19 And shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock, ...
Matthew 24:9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and ...
Matthew 24:10 ... many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.
Mark 10:33 ... the Son of man shall be delivered unto the chief priests, and unto the scribes; and they shall condemn him to death, and shall deliver him to the Gentiles:
Mark 13:9 ... to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; ...
Acts 21:11 ... this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.

παραδωσει *7

Matthew 10:21 And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, ...
Matthew 26:21 ... one of you shall betray me.
Matthew 26:23 ... in the dish, the same shall betray me.
Mark 13:12 Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, ...
Mark 14:18 ... eateth with me shall betray me.
Luke 12:58 ... the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and ...
John 13:21 ... one of you shall betray me.

παραδιδοται *7

Matthew 26:2 ... and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified.
Matthew 26:24 ... whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for ...
Matthew 26:45 ... and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.
Mark 9:31 ... unto them, The Son of man is delivered into the hands of men, ...
Mark 14:21 ... whom the Son of man is betrayed! good were it for that ...
Mark 14:41 ... behold, the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.
Luke 22:22 ... man by whom he is betrayed!

παρεδωκαν *6

Matthew 27:2 ... they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor.
Matthew 27:18 ... that for envy they had delivered him.
Mark 15:1 ... and carried him away, and delivered him to Pilate.
Luke 24:20 ... and our rulers delivered him to be condemned ...
John 18:35 ... nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done?
Ephesians 4:19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to ...

παρεδοθη *4

Matthew 4:12 ... had heard that John was cast into prison, he departed into Galilee;
Matthew 11:27 All things are delivered unto me of my Father: ...
Luke 10:22 All things are delivered to me of my Father: ...
Romans 4:25 Who was delivered for our offences, and ...

παραδω *4

Matthew 5:25 ... lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, ...
Matthew 26:16 ... he sought opportunity to betray him.
Luke 22:4 ... and captains, how he might betray him unto them.
1 Corinthians 13:3 ... to feed the poor, and though I give my body to ...

παραδους *4

Matthew 10:4 ... Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.
Matthew 27:4 Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And ...
John 19:11 ... from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath ...
Acts 12:4 ... he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers ...

παραδοι *4

Mark 4:29 But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, ...
Mark 14:10 ... unto the chief priests, to betray him unto them.
Mark 14:11 ... he sought how he might conveniently betray him.
John 13:2 ... Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him;

παρεδωκα *4

1 Corinthians 11:2 ... keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you.
1 Corinthians 11:23 ... that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:
1 Corinthians 15:3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I ...
1 Timothy 1:20 ... and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn ...

παραδοθησεται *3

Matthew 20:18 ... and the Son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests and unto the scribes, ...
Mark 10:33 ... the Son of man shall be delivered unto the chief priests, and unto the scribes; and they shall condemn him to death, and shall deliver him to the Gentiles:
Luke 18:32 For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and ...

παραδουναι *3

Luke 20:20 ... of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power ...
Luke 22:6 ... and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude.
1 Corinthians 5:5 To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, ...

παραδιδοσθαι *2

Matthew 17:22 ... The Son of man shall be betrayed into the hands of men:
Luke 9:44 ... the Son of man shall be delivered into the hands of men.

παρεδωκας *2

Matthew 25:20 ... talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: ...
Matthew 25:22 ... came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: ...

παραδοθηναι *2

Mark 1:14 Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into ...
Luke 24:7 Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful ...

παρεδωκατε *2

Mark 7:13 ... through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such ...
Acts 3:13 ... Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him ...

παραδιδοντες *2

Mark 13:11 But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand ...
Luke 21:12 ... and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, ...

παραδιδοναι *2

John 6:71 ... for he it was that should betray him, being one ...
John 12:4 ... Iscariot, Simon's son, which should betray him,

παρεδιδου *2

Acts 8:3 ... men and women committed them to prison.
1 Peter 2:23 ... he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:

παραδωσιν

Matthew 10:19 But when they deliver you up, take no ...

παραδωσω

Matthew 26:15 ... give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And ...

παραδεδωκεισαν

Mark 15:10 For he knew that the chief priests had delivered him for envy.

παρεδοσαν

Luke 1:2 Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning ...

παραδεδοται

Luke 4:6 ... the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever ...

παραδοθησεσθε

Luke 21:16 And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and ...

παραδιδοντος

Luke 22:21 But, behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me ...

παραδιδως

Luke 22:48 ... said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?

παραδωσων

John 6:64 ... and who should betray him.

παραδιδοντα

John 13:11 For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, ...

παρεδωκαμεν

John 18:30 ... not a malefactor, we would not have delivered him up unto thee.

παραδοθω

John 18:36 ... fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but ...

παραδεδομενοι

Acts 14:26 ... Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for ...

παραδεδωκοσι

Acts 15:26 Men that have hazarded their lives for the name ...

παραδοθεις

Acts 15:40 ... chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.

παρεδιδοσαν

Acts 16:4 And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, ...

παρεδιδουν

Acts 27:1 ... should sail into Italy, they delivered Paul and certain ...

παρεδοθην

Acts 28:17 ... or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem ...

παρεδοθητε

Romans 6:17 ... that form of doctrine which was delivered you.

παρεδιδετο

1 Corinthians 11:23 ... that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:

παραδιδοι

1 Corinthians 15:24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even ...

παραδιδομεθα

2 Corinthians 4:11 For we which live are alway delivered unto death for ...

παραδοντος

Galatians 2:20 ... loved me, and gave himself for me.

παραδοθεισης

2 Peter 2:21 ... the holy commandment delivered unto them.

παραδοθειση

Jude 1:3 ... you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.

*G3860 *119 παραδίδωμι (par-ad-id'-o-mee) : from G3844 and G1325; to surrender, i.e yield up, intrust, transmit:--betray, bring forth, cast, commit, deliver (up), give (over, up), hazard, put in prison, recommend.

Words: παραδεδομενοι παραδεδοται παραδεδωκεισαν παραδεδωκοσι παραδιδοι παραδιδομεθα παραδιδοναι=2 παραδιδοντα παραδιδοντες=2 παραδιδοντος παραδιδοσθαι=2 παραδιδοται=7 παραδιδους=10 παραδιδως παραδοθεις παραδοθειση παραδοθεισης παραδοθηναι=2 παραδοθησεσθε παραδοθησεται=3 παραδοθω παραδοι=4 παραδοντος παραδουναι=3 παραδους=4 παραδω=4 παραδωσει=7 παραδωσιν παραδωσουσιν=7 παραδωσω παραδωσων παρεδιδετο παρεδιδοσαν παρεδιδου=2 παρεδιδουν παρεδοθη=4 παρεδοθην παρεδοθητε παρεδοσαν παρεδωκα=4 παρεδωκαμεν παρεδωκαν=6 παρεδωκας=2 παρεδωκατε=2 παρεδωκεν=17

Matthew 5:25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison. [kjv]

ισθι ευνοων τω αντιδικω σου ταχυ εως οτου ει μετ αυτου εν τη οδω μηποτε σε παραδω ο αντιδικος τω κριτη και ο κριτης τω υπηρετη και εις φυλακην βληθηση [gnt]

esto consentiens adversario … cito dum … via cum … adversarius iudici … iudex tradat … ministro … carcerem mittaris [v]

The Greek word translated "deliver" is that of "turn over" or "betray". Luke uses the Greek word for "drag away". Is it is a "parody" that this "turnover" or "betrayal" would happen?

"παραδω" ≈ "hand over, betray, deliver". This is the only time this exact word is used by Jesus in Matthew.
"παρῳδία" ≈ "parody" from the Greek words for "beyond" and "song".

Discuss: How does the meaning of the verse change if "deliver" is changed to "betray"?

Discuss: Are there any historical examples of a religious institution "betraying" true believers for their own purposes? What a "parody"!

Matthew 5:25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison. [kjv]

ισθι ευνοων τω αντιδικω σου ταχυ εως οτου ει μετ αυτου εν τη οδω μηποτε σε παραδω ο αντιδικος τω κριτη και ο κριτης τω υπηρετη και εις φυλακην βληθηση [gnt]

The Greek for "judge" has the meaning of "separation" into parts. A person as a "judge", such as Pilate, may have authority over all three parts. English uses the same word for all three parts whereas the Gerek had a different word for each part. In context, the word for part 1 might imply parts 2 and 3.

1. Judge as in separate guilt and/or innocence.
2. Judge as in determine the penalty for the crime.
3. Judge as in enforcing the penalty for the crime.

In this context, Jesus appears to be using the word "judge" for a "bird" or "false leader" in the religious institution, who tends to be involved in these three parts of the "judge" process. [birds judging heaven and/or hell]

More: Matthew 7:1-2 Here comes the judge, but just barley

More: Luke 18:1-8 Parable of the unjust judge

Matthew 7:1 Judge not, that ye be not judged. [kjv]

7:2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. [kjv]

Barley is a cereal grain, known from ancient times, that has many uses. The usual process is to seed it, grow it, harvest it, break it up, and winnow to separate the grain (fruit) from the chaff so that the grain can be used.
The ancient Greek word "κρίνω" ≈ "separate" appears to be the related to "κριθή" ≈ "barley" in that the grain needed to be separated to be used - allowing a play on words "κριθήτε" ≈ "judged" as used by Jesus. The "separation" is related to the English word "rinse" and the Latin word "discernere" ≈ "separate, divide, distinguish, discern" which is the source of the English word "discern". The Latin word is from the Latin word "cernere" ≈ "to separate".

Since separation is an important and sometimes misunderstood part of the three-step judgment process (separation of guilt or innocence, sentence, punishment) the connections can be interesting in, say, the context of Matthew 7.

More: Matthew 7:1-2 Here comes the judge, but just barley

Matthew 5:25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison. [kjv]

ισθι ευνοων τω αντιδικω σου ταχυ εως οτου ει μετ αυτου εν τη οδω μηποτε σε παραδω ο αντιδικος τω κριτη και ο κριτης τω υπηρετη και εις φυλακην βληθηση [gnt]

esto consentiens adversario … cito dum … via cum … adversarius iudici … iudex tradat … ministro … carcerem mittaris [v]

The Greek word translated as "officer" is that of someone "under the rowing" which later took on the meaning of someone (e.g., a "pig") working under someone else (e.g., a "bird").

The ancient Greek word "ὑπηρέτης" ≈ "rower, assistant performing manual work for another" which appears to fit the model of a "pig" working for a "bird".

"υπό" ≈ "under" as in English words beginning with "hypo-".
"ἐρέσσω" ≈ "row, paddle" from "ἐρετής" ≈ "rower".

This exact form of the word for "officer" is appears two times in the GNT. In the other usage, in Luke 4:20, the translation is "minister" as in a religious "official" who runs a part of the religious institution.

Matthew 5:25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison. [kjv]

ισθι ευνοων τω αντιδικω σου ταχυ εως οτου ει μετ αυτου εν τη οδω μηποτε σε παραδω ο αντιδικος τω κριτη και ο κριτης τω υπηρετη και εις φυλακην βληθηση [gnt]

esto consentiens adversario … cito dum … via cum … adversarius iudici … iudex tradat … ministro … carcerem mittaris [v]

In Godfather terms, the "officer" or "pig" as "influencer" or "enforcer" is the "muscle" while the Godfather relates to a "bird".

In Roman times the title of "procurator" was used for those who controlled finances.

Details are left as a future topic.

Luke 4:20 And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him. [kjv]

και πτυξας το βιβλιον αποδους τω υπηρετη εκαθισεν και παντων οι οφθαλμοι εν τη συναγωγη ησαν ατενιζοντες αυτω [gnt]

… plicuisset librum … ministro … [v]

… þa boc be-feold … þeigne … [wes]

… closid the book… mynystre… [wy]

… enrollando el libro… ministro… [es]

The Old English word "befeold" ≈ "closed, folded" as in folding the book to close it. The ancient Greek word "πτύξις" ≈ "folding".

The ancient Greek word "ὑπηρέτης" ≈ "rower, assistant performing manual for another" which appears to fit the model of a "pig" working for a "bird".

"υπό" ≈ "under" as in English words beginning with "hypo-".
"ἐρέσσω" ≈ "row, paddle" from "ἐρετής" ≈ "rower".

More: Luke 4: Jesus reads in Luke and stops

*G5257 *20 ὑπηρέτης (hoop-ay-ret'-ace) : from G5259 and a derivative of eresso (to row); an under-oarsman, i.e. (generally) subordinate (assistant, sexton, constable):--minister, officer, servant.

Usage

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υπηρεται *9

Mark 14:65 ... unto him, Prophesy: and the servants did strike him with the palms of their hands.
Luke 1:2 ... were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word;
John 7:45 Then came the officers to the chief priests and ...
John 7:46 The officers answered, Never man spake like ...
John 18:12 ... and the captain and officers of the Jews took Jesus, ...
John 18:18 And the servants and officers stood there, who had made a fire of coals; ...
John 18:36 ... world, then would my servants fight, that I should ...
John 19:6 When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they cried out, ...
Acts 5:22 But when the officers came, and found ...

υπηρετων *3

Matthew 26:58 ... in, and sat with the servants, to see the end.
Mark 14:54 ... and he sat with the servants, and warmed himself at the fire.
John 18:22 ... thus spoken, one of the officers which stood by struck Jesus ...

υπηρετας *3

John 7:32 ... and the chief priests sent officers to take him.
John 18:3 ... having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and ...
1 Corinthians 4:1 ... account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards ...

υπηρετη *2

Matthew 5:25 ... the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.
Luke 4:20 ... the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes ...

υπηρετην *2

Acts 13:5 ... they had also John to their minister.
Acts 26:16 ... this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both ...

υπηρεταις

Acts 5:26 Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them ...

*G5257 *20 ὑπηρέτης (hoop-ay-ret'-ace) : from G5259 and a derivative of eresso (to row); an under-oarsman, i.e. (generally) subordinate (assistant, sexton, constable):--minister, officer, servant.

Words: υπηρεται=9 υπηρεταις υπηρετας=3 υπηρετη=2 υπηρετην=2 υπηρετων=3

How bad was I at canoing?

I was so bad at canoing I had to be paddled! Or (oar) what, you say. Can you (canoe) do it? That does not bode (boat) well for me.

Why should you not start a fire in your kayak?

You cannot have your kayak and heat it too! That was a warmed over joke.

Matthew 5:25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison. [kjv]

ισθι ευνοων τω αντιδικω σου ταχυ εως οτου ει μετ αυτου εν τη οδω μηποτε σε παραδω ο αντιδικος τω κριτη και ο κριτης τω υπηρετη και εις φυλακην βληθηση [gnt]

The modern Greek word "φυλακή" (fee-la-KEE) ≈ "watch, prison" from the ancient Greek word "φυλακή" ≈ "watch, prison" where "prison" was one way to be "watched". The Greek word is the source of the English word "prophylactic".

14:25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. [kjv]

τεταρτη δε φυλακη της νυκτος ηλθεν προς αυτους περιπατων επι την θαλασσαν [gnt]

Jesus wants believers to "walk" in "righteousness" in the "sea" of "humanity" and be "fishers" of "men" and not "fishers" of "pigs" or "birds".

More: Matthew 14:21-36 The all in one boat fallacy and deception

Matthew 14:25

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KJV: And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.

Greek: τεταρτη δε φυλακη της νυκτος απηλθεν ηλθεν προς αυτους ο ιησους περιπατων επι της θαλασσης την θαλασσαν

Matthew 5:25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison. [kjv]

ισθι ευνοων τω αντιδικω σου ταχυ εως οτου ει μετ αυτου εν τη οδω μηποτε σε παραδω ο αντιδικος τω κριτη και ο κριτης τω υπηρετη και εις φυλακην βληθηση [gnt]

An animal model that fits is the following.

The "adversary" is the "serpent" or those that work for the "serpent".
The "judge" is a "bird" (false teacher/leader) or "eyes".
The "officer" is a "pig" or "hands" (getting in the way of sinners, doing the dirty work for the "birds").
The "watch" has many "fish" or "feet", some of which "watch" and report back to the "pigs" and/or "birds". How about, figuratively a "fish" "bowl"?

More: Matthew 5:13-16 Animal crackers

*G5438 *46 φυλακή (foo-lak-ay') : from G5442; a guarding or (concretely, guard), the act, the person; figuratively, the place, the condition, or (specially), the time (as a division of day or night), literally or figuratively:--cage, hold, (im-)prison(-ment), ward, watch.

Usage

All

φυλακη *19

Matthew 14:3 ... and put him in prison for Herodias' sake, his ...
Matthew 14:10 ... and beheaded John in the prison.
Matthew 14:25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went ...
Matthew 24:43 ... the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, ...
Matthew 25:36 ... me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
Matthew 25:39 ... sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?
Matthew 25:43 ... sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.
Matthew 25:44 ... sick, or in prison, and did not ...
Mark 6:17 ... bound him in prison for Herodias' sake, his ...
Mark 6:28 And brought his head in a charger, ...
Luke 3:20 ... he shut up John in prison.
Luke 12:38 ... he shall come in the second watch, or come ...
Luke 23:19 ... for murder, was cast into prison.)
Acts 5:22 ... them not in the prison, they returned, and told,
Acts 5:25 ... whom ye put in prison are standing in ...
Acts 12:5 Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was ...
1 Peter 3:19 ... and preached unto the spirits in prison;
Revelation 18:2 ... of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean ...

φυλακην *15

Matthew 5:25 ... and thou be cast into prison.
Matthew 18:30 ... cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.
Mark 6:48 ... and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto ...
Luke 12:58 ... cast thee into prison.
Luke 22:33 ... thee, both into prison, and to death.
Luke 23:25 ... murder was cast into prison, whom they had desired; but ...
John 3:24 ... not yet cast into prison.
Acts 8:3 ... women committed them to prison.
Acts 12:4 ... he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions ...
Acts 12:6 ... before the door kept the prison.
Acts 12:10 ... the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron ...
Acts 16:23 ... upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep ...
Acts 16:24 ... them into the inner prison, and made their ...
Acts 16:37 ... Romans, and have cast us into prison; and now do they thrust ...
Revelation 2:10 ... some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ...

φυλακης *6

Acts 5:19 ... by night opened the prison doors, and brought ...
Acts 12:17 ... had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew ...
Acts 16:27 ... of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out ...
Acts 16:40 And they went out of the prison, and entered into the house of Lydia: ...
Hebrews 11:36 ... moreover of bonds and imprisonment:
Revelation 20:7 ... shall be loosed out of his prison,

φυλακας *3

Luke 2:8 ... shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
Luke 21:12 ... to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings ...
Acts 22:4 ... and delivering into prisons both men and women.

φυλακαις *3

Acts 26:10 ... did I shut up in prison, having received authority from ...
2 Corinthians 6:5 In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in ...
2 Corinthians 11:23 ... stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft.

*G5438 *46 φυλακή (foo-lak-ay') : from G5442; a guarding or (concretely, guard), the act, the person; figuratively, the place, the condition, or (specially), the time (as a division of day or night), literally or figuratively:--cage, hold, (im-)prison(-ment), ward, watch.

Words: φυλακαις=3 φυλακας=3 φυλακη=19 φυλακην=15 φυλακης=6

How about, figuratively a "fish" "bowl"?

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1 Jesus teaches people

2 Matthew writes Gospel

3 Luke writes Gospel

Luke records and correctly reports what people remembered as to the meaning of what Jesus said, sometimes using other words. This often loses the additional meanings as recorded in Matthew.

More: Parables and secret codes used and explained by Jesus

Many of the differences between Matthew and Luke can be explained by the context in which each was written.

Jesus: Jew, spoke Aramaic and Greek.
Matthew: Jew, spoke Aramaic and Greek, eyewitness, took notes.
Luke: Greek, spoke Greek, interviewed eyewitnesses about their memory.

More: An errant look at Biblical inerrancy and infallibility

More: The Gospel styles and the Q source hypothesis

Luke 12:58 When thou goest with thine adversary to the magistrate, as thou art in the way, give diligence that thou mayest be delivered from him; lest he hale thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and the officer cast thee into prison. [kjv]

ως γαρ υπαγεις μετα του αντιδικου σου επ αρχοντα εν τη οδω δος εργασιαν απηλλαχθαι απ αυτου μηποτε κατασυρη σε προς τον κριτην και ο κριτης σε παραδωσει τω πρακτορι και ο πρακτωρ σε βαλει εις φυλακην [gnt]

As happens many times, people tended to remember and tell Luke some 20 years later is a more literal interpretation of what was recorded by Matthew, adding and embellishing those ideas in a literal sense.

In many cases, the context recorded by Matthew, which tends to fit together as pieces of a puzzle, are not found in Luke. Luke does, however, do a good job of putting together what pieces he was provided with in a nice thematic way.

Matthew 5:25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison. [kjv]

Luke 12:58 When thou goest with thine adversary to the magistrate, as thou art in the way, give diligence that thou mayest be delivered from him; lest he hale thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and the officer cast thee into prison. [kjv]

Luke adds the turning over to the (civil) "magistrate".
Luke changes the "quick" "good mind" (without any conditions) to "earnestness" (with the goal) to be "set free".
Luke changes the general "officer" who works for the "judge" to the (civil) "officer" (different word).
Luke changes the neutral "turned over" (parody) to the one way meaning of "drug away".

In general, Luke, from what people remembered, changes general words that have multiple meanings to a word that has only one (of many) literal meanings.

Luke 12:58

All

KJV: When thou goest with thine adversary to the magistrate, as thou art in the way, give diligence that thou mayest be delivered from him; lest he hale thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and the officer cast thee into prison.

Greek: ως γαρ υπαγεις μετα του αντιδικου σου επ αρχοντα εν τη οδω δος εργασιαν απηλλαχθαι απ αυτου μηποτε κατασυρη σε προς τον κριτην και ο κριτης σε παραδω παραδωσει τω πρακτορι και ο πρακτωρ σε βαλλη βαλει εις φυλακην

Matthew 10:16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. [kjv]

Animal	Religious hierarchy	Civil hierarchy	Body part
snake	(adversary)	(adversary)	(false) head
birds	judge (High Priest)	judge (Pilate)	(false) eyes
pigs	religious workers	soldiers	(false) hands
fish	crowd	crowd	(false) feet

Discuss:

Snake: The adversary needs others to do the actual dirty work.
Birds: Where did Jesus get the more fair trial by the judge?
Pigs: Where was Jesus treated better before the judgment?
Fish: Who did (the vocal part of) the crowd support? For whom was (the vocal part of) the crowd working?

More: Matthew 5:13-16 Animal crackers

In Matthew 10:16, Jesus uses four creatures in one verse: sheep, wolves, serpents and doves (pigeons) as "birds".

Matthew 10:16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. [kjv]

ιδου εγω αποστελλω υμας ως προβατα εν μεσω λυκων γινεσθε ουν φρονιμοι ως οι οφεις και ακεραιοι ως αι περιστεραι [gnt]

"Wolves" operate in groups and look for any weakness in their prey. Wolves and dogs can interbreed. A "wolf-dog" is in contrast to a "sheep-dog".

The "serpents" are not "wise" in the English sense. They are opportunistic and prudent. So, no "wise crackers" here!

The "doves" or "pigeons" (same bird) or "birds" are not "harmless" in the English sense. They are without frills (insect antennas), with smooth feathers, preened of pests. not fact-checked, etc. Is this how "birds" of "prey" or "pray" want to appear?

More: Matthew 7:6-12 The hunt for holy hounds

More: Flipping the pigeon bird as reality or perception

More: A wise opportunity to be prudent

Matthew 10:16

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KJV: Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

Greek: ιδου εγω αποστελλω υμας ως προβατα εν μεσω λυκων γινεσθε ουν φρονιμοι ως οι οφεις και ακεραιοι ως αι περιστεραι

Matthew 5:25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison. [kjv]

5:26 Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing. [kjv]

αμην λεγω σοι ου μη εξελθης εκειθεν εως αν αποδως τον εσχατον κοδραντην [gnt]

Jesus starts this verse with the Latin-based word "verily" or "truly" that is the Greek word for "amen". During the Middle Ages, any "amen" spoken by Jesus at the start of a verse was changed from "amen" to "verily" or "truly".

Jesus tends to so the "verily I say unto you" (in this case singular) to tell the reader to connect the previous and following thoughts. The "prison" or "watch" appears to refer to the "sanctuary" where the "gift" for which money is paid is offered (two verses earlier).

More: Verily I say to you: connect the dots

More: Verily, a true beginning and amen

More: Usage of Greek amen by John

Matthew 5:26 Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing. [kjv]

αμην λεγω σοι ου μη εξελθης εκειθεν εως αν αποδως τον εσχατον κοδραντην [gnt]

The Hebrew word "amen" has been translated as a transliteration into almost every language on the planet (that has a Bible in their language). The meaning is that of affirming "it is so" and can appear at the beginning, middle or end of a sentence. Saying that "amen" means "so be it" tends to place the "amen" at the end of the sentence.

The Hebrew root has a connotation of "right" as in right-hand side which historically was considered the stronger side. The connotation of direction, when facing the rising sun (in the northern hemisphere) was that of "south" while "north" was considered more sinister and "evil" as in "bad". This idea was often associated with the tribe of Dan and with the snake (serpent) and, later, the eagle (bird of prey).

More: Verily, a true beginning and amen

Matthew 5:26 Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing. [kjv]

αμην λεγω σοι ου μη εξελθης εκειθεν εως αν αποδως τον εσχατον κοδραντην [gnt]

The Greek translated as "by no means" is a double-negative (for emphasis) in Greek.

"ου" ≈ "no" (physical, actual) and "μη" ≈ "not" (abstract, potential).
"ου μη" ≈ "no not" and appears in 137 verses in the GNT.

More: Do not no way use double negatives

*G1831 *219 ἐξέρχομαι (ex-er'-khom-ahee) : from G1537 and G2064; to issue (literally or figuratively):--come (forth, out), depart (out of), escape, get out, go (abroad, away, forth, out, thence), proceed (forth), spread abroad.

Words: εξελευσεται=3 εξελευσονται=3 εξεληλυθασιν εξεληλυθατε=4 εξεληλυθει=2 εξεληλυθεν=2 εξεληλυθος εξεληλυθοτας εξεληλυθυιαν εξελθατε=2 εξελθε=10 εξελθειν=10 εξελθη=3 εξελθης=2 εξελθητε=3 εξελθοντα=3 εξελθοντες=18 εξελθοντι εξελθοντος=3 εξελθοντων=2 εξελθουσα=3 εξελθουσαι εξελθουσαν εξελθουση εξελθων=21 εξερχεσθε=2 εξερχεται=3 εξερχομενοι=5 εξερχομενος εξερχομενων εξερχονται=2 εξερχωμεθα εξηλθαν=4 εξηλθατε=5 εξηλθεν=67 εξηλθες εξηλθομεν εξηλθον=20 εξηρχετο=2 εξηρχοντο=3

Matthew 5:26 Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing. [kjv]

αμην λεγω σοι ου μη εξελθης εκειθεν εως αν αποδως τον εσχατον κοδραντην [gnt]

As in a previous verse, the word translated as "come out" is, in Greek, the same word as "go out". Context determines the meaning. When one of two meanings is picked in English any double-meaning is lost.

In this case, one should "go out" to do the good works that Jesus wants done. The religious establishment may use the "yoke of compulsion" to enslave the faithful so that they cannot "go out".

This exact form of the word is used two times in the GNT and six times in the LXX - with the meaning of "go forth" and not "come forth"

Here are two of the six usages of the word in the LXX.

Deuteronomy 23:9 When the host goeth forth against thine enemies, then keep thee from every wicked thing. [kjv]

εαν δε εξελθης παρεμβαλειν επι τους εχθρους σου και φυλαξη απο παντος ρηματος πονηρου [lxx]

Ezekiel 3:25 But thou, O son of man, behold, they shall put bands upon thee, and shall bind thee with them, and thou shalt not go out among them: [kjv]

και συ υιε ανθρωπου ιδου δεδονται επι σε δεσμοι και δησουσιν σε εν αυτοις και ου μη εξελθης εκ μεσου αυτων [lxx]

Deuteronomy 23:9

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KJV: When the host goeth forth against thine enemies, then keep thee from every wicked thing.

Hebrew: כי תצא מחנה על איביך ונשמרת מכל דבר רע׃

Greek: εαν δε εξελθης παρεμβαλειν επι τους εχθρους σου και φυλαξη απο παντος ρηματος πονηρου

Ezekiel 3:25

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KJV: But thou, O son of man, behold, they shall put bands upon thee, and shall bind thee with them, and thou shalt not go out among them:

Hebrew: ואתה בן אדם הנה נתנו עליך עבותים ואסרוך בהם ולא תצא בתוכם׃

Greek: και συ υιε ανθρωπου ιδου δεδονται επι σε δεσμοι και δησουσιν σε εν αυτοις και ου μη εξελθης εκ μεσου αυτων

Matthew 5:26 Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing. [kjv]

αμην λεγω σοι ου μη εξελθης εκειθεν εως αν αποδως τον εσχατον κοδραντην [gnt]

Luke 12:59 I tell thee, thou shalt not depart thence, till thou hast paid the very last mite. [kjv]

λεγω σοι ου μη εξελθης εκειθεν εως και το εσχατον λεπτον αποδως [gnt]

The exact form of the word "come out" or "go out" is used only two times in the GNT - the other being the corresponding verse in Luke. As such, it appears to be a play on words.

"εξελθής" ≈ "go out, come out".
"εξελπής" ≈ "out of hope, out of expectation" from the Greek word for "hope" or "expectation". Note that this is a made-up word of other actual words that could form a play on words.

Play on words: you shall not be out of hope/expectation until ...

Luke 12:59

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KJV: I tell thee, thou shalt not depart thence, till thou hast paid the very last mite.

Greek: λεγω σοι ου μη εξελθης εκειθεν εως ου και το εσχατον λεπτον αποδως

*G591 *48 ἀποδίδωμι (ap-od-eed'-o-mee) : from G575 and G1325; to give away, i.e. up, over, back, etc. (in various applications):--deliver (again), give (again), (re-)pay(-ment be made), perform, recompense, render, requite, restore, reward, sell, yield.

Words: απεδετο απεδιδουν απεδοντο απεδοσθε απεδωκεν=2 αποδιδοναι αποδιδοντες=2 αποδιδοτω αποδιδους αποδιδωμι αποδιδωσιν αποδοθηναι=2 αποδοι αποδος=3 αποδοτε=5 αποδουναι=4 αποδους αποδω=2 αποδως=2 αποδωσει=7 αποδωσεις αποδωσοντες αποδωσουσιν=3 αποδωσω=3

*G591 *48 ἀποδίδωμι (ap-od-eed'-o-mee) : from G575 and G1325; to give away, i.e. up, over, back, etc. (in various applications):--deliver (again), give (again), (re-)pay(-ment be made), perform, recompense, render, requite, restore, reward, sell, yield.

The ancient Greek word "ἀποδίδωμι" ≈ "give back, render what is due, return" and many other associated meanings. The Greek word translated as "pay" is that of, literally, "turning over" as in the saying "fork it over". This exact form of the word appears two times in the GNT. The Luke verse in what people remembered about what Jesus said as recorded by Matthew.

Matthew 5:26 Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing. [kjv]

αμην λεγω σοι ου μη εξελθης εκειθεν εως αν αποδως τον εσχατον κοδραντην [gnt]

Luke 12:59 I tell thee, thou shalt not depart thence, till thou hast paid the very last mite. [kjv]

λεγω σοι ου μη εξελθης εκειθεν εως και το εσχατον λεπτον αποδως [gnt]

1 Corinthians 7:23 Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men. [kjv]

τιμης ηγορασθητε μη γινεσθε δουλοι ανθρωπων [gnt]

Matthew 5:26 Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing. [kjv]

αμην λεγω σοι ου μη εξελθης εκειθεν εως αν αποδως τον εσχατον κοδραντην [gnt]

Elvina M. Hall (1818-1889) Virginia, wrote the words to the song "Jesus paid it all" in the hymnal while day-dreaming during a sermon. John T. Grape happened to have just written a melody. They fit exactly. It was written in 1865 as the American Civil War was coming to a close.

Question: If Jesus paid it all, do we need to keep paying the religious establishment? Can we just go out and do what Jesus asks us to do?
Music: Jesus paid it all

More: Song: Jesus paid it all

Matthew 5:26 Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing. [kjv]

αμην λεγω σοι ου μη εξελθης εκειθεν εως αν αποδως τον εσχατον κοδραντην [gnt]

The Greek for "uttermost" is that of "last" as in the "last days" and is the first part of the English word "eschatology".

A joke about "consultants" is that their primary objective is to "extend" the "consulting contract".

Will the "last payment" ever happen if those who are being "paid" make a "profit" or otherwise "subsist" on those "payments"? The phrase "last farthing" does not mean there will be a "last farthing".

Prank: In a group setting, put a new member (as initiation) under a blanket and tell them they need to take off something (e.g., clothing) that they do not need and hand it to you.

[band camp initiation]

More: Infinity beyond experience

Matthew 5:26 Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing. [kjv]

αμην λεγω σοι ου μη εξελθης εκειθεν εως αν αποδως τον εσχατον κοδραντην [gnt]

The Greek translated as "uttermost" is that of "last". Is there ever a "last" "payment"?

Incorrect idea: Infinity is like a number so large that there are no numbers beyond it.
Correct idea: Infinity is like a number so large that there is always a number beyond it.

More: Infinity beyond experience

Certainty? In this world nothing is certain but death and taxes.
Benjamin Franklin (American scientist, inventor, philosopher, statesman) .
Which gets worse over time?

He does not possess wealth; it possesses him. Benjamin Franklin.

What does Jesus say about taxes (yokes of compulsion) by religious institutions?

More: Matthew 17:24-27 Tacky attacks on a senseless tax

More: Genesis 47:14-27 Joseph and taxes and enslavement

More: Benjamin Franklin

Matthew 19:30 But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first. [kjv]

πολλοι δε εσονται πρωτοι εσχατοι και εσχατοι πρωτοι [gnt]

It is not clear as to the meaning of "many" in this context.

"πρῶτος" ≈ "first, earliest, most prominent, prime (number)" as in English words beginning with "proto".
"ἔσχατος" ≈ "farthest, most remote, last, final, extreme" and is the source of the English word "eschatology" as a "study of the end times".

This is the end of Matthew 19. This idea is repeated again in several ways in Matthew 20.

More: Matthew 20:1-19 Parable of the vineyard workers

More: Chapter and verse divisions

Matthew 19:30 But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first. [kjv]

πολλοι δε εσονται πρωτοι εσχατοι και εσχατοι πρωτοι [gnt]

In computer science, a "stack" is a LIFO (Last In First Out) data structure that works as a "stack" of cafeteria trays.

By contrast, a "queue" is a FIFI (First In First Out) data structure.
Using the "new" as living and the "old" as dead, does a stack-based or first-in last-out structure have any meaning?

That is, from a time sequence perspective, the last in shall be first out and the first in shall be last out. This is the definition of a stack structure.

Paraphrase: The first in shall be the last out and the last in shall be the first out.

More: Matthew 19:13-30 perfect end to complete perfection

Matthew 5:26 Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing. [kjv]

αμην λεγω σοι ου μη εξελθης εκειθεν εως αν αποδως τον εσχατον κοδραντην [gnt]

Mark 12:42 And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. [kjv]

και ελθουσα μια χηρα πτωχη εβαλεν λεπτα δυο ο εστιν κοδραντης [gnt]

The English "farthing" is used for the Greek word that comes from the Latin word "quadrans" ≈ "fourth part" of a Roman coin. The "quarter" is one fourth of a dollar. Two "farthings" made a Roman "assarian" or "as" and used as a play on words by Jesus in reference to the "birds" selling themselves (and others) out to the Romans.
Two bits, four bits, six bits, a dollar. All for our church, stand up and holler! Crowd cheer, rhyming holler and dollar.
You better cut the pizza in four pieces because I’m not hungry enough to eat six. Yogi Berra.

More: Matthew 10: 28-31 Taking care of the sparrows

Matthew 10:29 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. [kjv]

ουχι δυο στρουθια ασσαριου πωλειται και εν εξ αυτων ου πεσειται επι την γην ανευ του πατρος υμων [gnt]

Here then is a paraphrase that fits the specific context of the verse and the general idea of birds being the of the evil one.

The "one cookie rule" can be applied here.
Paraphrase: All the sparrows (of the evil one) who sell themselves (or others) out for earthly gain will fall on that earthly ground because they are without God the Father.

Discuss: Provide instances of people (as sparrows) selling themselves (or others) out for money. This could be influence peddling, pay for play, etc.

More: Matthew 10: 28-31 Taking care of the sparrows

Mark 12:42

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KJV: And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.

Greek: και ελθουσα μια χηρα πτωχη εβαλεν λεπτα δυο ο εστιν κοδραντης

*G2835 *2 κοδράντης (kod-ran'-tace) : of Latin origin; a quadrans, i.e. the fourth part of an as:--farthing.

Usage

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κοδραντην

Matthew 5:26 ... till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.

κοδραντης

Mark 12:42 ... mites, which make a farthing.

Words: κοδραντην=1 κοδραντης

The best way to keep a prisoner from escaping is to make sure he never knows he's in prison. Fyodor Dostoevsky (1821-1881), author of Crime and punishment.

Russian: Фёдор Михайлович Достоевский (1821-1881)
Analogy: The best way to keep people separated (rooted up, loosed, judged) from the love of Christ is to not let them know they have separated themselves from the love of Christ. One way: Convince the people that nothing can separate them from the love of Christ. Therefore, they do not need to worry about anything.

Many are "happy" in the "abyss", "pit", "ditch", "wide area" as in better together, all in the same boat/vote, etc.

Human beings are born with different capacities. If they are free, they are not equal. And if they are equal, they are not free. Alexander Solzhenitsyn.

More: Romans 8: Battle cry separation for the love of Christ (part 1)

More: Romans 8: Battle cry separation for the love of Christ (part 2)

More: Matthew 14:21-36 The all in one boat fallacy and deception

More: Blind goats and prison pits in Matthew

More: Matthew 10: 28-31 Taking care of the sparrows

Matthew 5:25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison. [kjv]

5:26 Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing. [kjv]

25: Be of a good quick mind [as a temple of God] with your adversary (the evil one) until, when you are (getting) in the way [with way = method = deception], it would never happen (sarcastic not!), that the adversary turns you over [parody] to the judge (birds who work for the adversary) who use the officer (pigs who work for the birds) to put you in with the watched (fish who are deceived by the birds),
26: Truly, they will require payments (offerings) of you forever so that you [out of hope] cannot go out (to do what Jesus wants you to do).

Jesus will repeat this same idea with the twig and block in the eye, another pair of verses that are not often understood since the meaning requires logical analysis and/or understanding the play on words used.

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Thinking: oaths, head and hairs, yes-yes no-no
Doing: turn the cheek, walk the mile, loan, etc.
Loving: enemies (as neighbors)
Acting: not doing it, doing it
Praying: asking (not doing it). Lord's Prayer
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Computer science thinking	Most people see it as
bottom‑up	forward
top‑down	backward
declarative	random

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Matthew 5:23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; [kjv]

εαν ουν προσφερης το δωρον σου επι το θυσιαστηριον κακει μνησθης οτι ο αδελφος σου εχει τι κατα σου [gnt]

5:24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. [kjv]

αφες εκει το δωρον σου εμπροσθεν του θυσιαστηριου και υπαγε πρωτον διαλλαγηθι τω αδελφω σου και τοτε ελθων προσφερε το δωρον σου [gnt]

More: Matthew 5:23-24 Alterated gifts

Matthew 5:27 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: [kjv]

5:28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. [kjv]

This verse is a "one-way" look.

Why does Jesus refer only to the man and not the woman?
How much of a sin is coveting, desiring, lusting that happens only in the mind?
How much physical manifestation of coveting, desiring, lusting is needed before it becomes a problem?

In the Apocryphal book of Suzanna, part of Daniel, Susanna has two men that lust for her and accuse her unjustly. Daniel saves the day with the first documented example of cross-examination in a legal setting.

[God cross-examining Eve and then Adam]

More: Daniel: Susanna in Babylon

More: Matthew 5:27-28 Adulterated hearts