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Matthew 11:11 Unborn of women
1. Matthew 11:11
KJV: Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
Greek: αμην λεγω υμιν ουκ εγηγερται εν γεννητοις γυναικων μειζων ιωαννου του βαπτιστου ο δε μικροτερος εν τη βασιλεια των ουρανων μειζων αυτου εστιν
2. Matthew 11
3. Matthew 11:11 Unborn of women
What does it mean to be
"more" than a
"prophet"? Why is this phrase included in this verse?
Matthew 11:9 But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet. [kjv]
Speaking about John the Baptist, Jesus makes an interesting remark about those
"born" of
"women" in terms of
not "greater" and then
"smallest".
11:11 Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. [kjv]
Matthew 11:11, taken by itself, has a logical issue that can be resolved in an interesting way.
Who are those that are born of women?
Who are those that that are not born of women?
Using the "
verily I say unto you" Matthew 11:11 as connecting the previous verse (omitting scripture reference) to the next saying (in that verse), the logical issue disappears. Perhaps both meanings have importance.
4. Matthew 11:11 Pronoun
Matthew 11:11 Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. [kjv]
αμην λεγω υμιν ουκ εγηγερται εν γεννητοις γυναικων μειζων ιωαννου του βαπτιστου ο δε μικροτερος εν τη βασιλεια των ουρανων μειζων αυτου εστιν [gnt]
| * |
Masc.
Sing. |
Masc.
Plural |
Fem.
Sing. |
Fem.
Plural |
Neuter
Sing. |
Neuter
Plural |
| Nom. |
αὐτὁς |
αὐτοί |
αὐτἡ |
αὐταί |
αὐτό |
αὐτά |
| Gen. |
αὐτοῦ |
αὐτῶν |
αὐτῆς |
αὐτῶν |
αὐτοῦ |
αὐτῶν |
| Dat. |
αὐτῷ |
αὐτοῖς |
αὐτῇ |
αὐταῖς |
αὐτῷ |
αὐτοῖς |
| Acc. |
αὐτόν |
αὐτούς |
αὐτήν |
αὐτάς |
αὐτό |
αὐτά |
The pronoun
"he" (grammatically masculine) at the end of the verse can be ambiguous as it could be
"it" (grammatically neuter).
It appears to refer to John the Baptist but that is an assumption. A logical issue arises from this assumption that can be resolved in an interesting way.
If the pronoun refers to the idea of a
"prophet", as connected with a previous verse, then the logical issue disappears.
5. Matthew 11:11 Born
Matthew 11:11 Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. [kjv]
αμην λεγω υμιν ουκ εγηγερται εν γεννητοις γυναικων μειζων ιωαννου του βαπτιστου ο δε μικροτερος εν τη βασιλεια των ουρανων μειζων αυτου εστιν [gnt]
The ancient Greek word
"γένηται" ≈ "come into being, take place" from
"γίγνομαι" ≈ "come into being, take place" and is the word used in John 3 for
"born" "
again" or
"born" "
from above".
6. Matthew 11:11 Among those risen
Matthew 11:11 Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. [kjv]
αμην λεγω υμιν ουκ εγηγερται εν γεννητοις γυναικων μειζων ιωαννου του βαπτιστου ο δε μικροτερος εν τη βασιλεια των ουρανων μειζων αυτου εστιν [gnt]
The Greek preposition "
in" is translated as "
among".
... in them that are born of women ...
... among them that are born of women ...
The ancient Greek word
"ἐγείρω" ≈ "awaken, raise up, erect a building"`. Jesus often uses the word for "
sleep" as "
dead". He thus, "
awakens" the "
dead" such as Lazarus. The same word is used for a "
lame" person who is "
raised up" to walk.
7. Usage - risen
*G1453 *143 ἐγείρω (eg-i'-ro) : probably akin to the base of G58 (through the idea of collecting one's faculties); to waken (transitively or intransitively), i.e. rouse (literally, from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death; or figuratively, from obscurity, inactivity, ruins, nonexistence):--awake, lift (up), raise (again, up), rear up, (a-)rise (again, up), stand, take up.
 |
Words: εγειραι=2 εγειραντα=2 εγειραντος=3 εγειρας=3 εγειρε=12 εγειρει=2 εγειρειν=2 εγειρεσθε=3 εγειρεται=7 εγειρετε εγειρηται εγειρομαι εγειρονται=9 εγειροντι εγειρου εγειρουσιν εγερει=3 εγερεις εγερθεις=13 εγερθεντι=2 εγερθη=2 εγερθηναι=5 εγερθησεται=7 εγερθησονται=4 εγερθητε εγερθητι εγερω εγηγερμενον=2 εγηγερται=9 ηγειραν ηγειρεν=21 ηγερθη=17 ηγερθησαν=2
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8. Matthew 11:11 Women
Matthew 11:11 Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. [kjv]
αμην λεγω υμιν ουκ εγηγερται εν γεννητοις γυναικων μειζων ιωαννου του βαπτιστου ο δε μικροτερος εν τη βασιλεια των ουρανων μειζων αυτου εστιν [gnt]
The ancient Greek word
"γυνή" ≈ "woman". The word is related to the English word
"queen". The ancient Greek word
"γυναίκα" ≈ "woman, wife".
The use of the word and the context appear to mean actual women and not a figurative meaning.
9. Matthew 11:11 Greater
Matthew 11:11 Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. [kjv]
αμην λεγω υμιν ουκ εγηγερται εν γεννητοις γυναικων μειζων ιωαννου του βαπτιστου ο δε μικροτερος εν τη βασιλεια των ουρανων μειζων αυτου εστιν [gnt]
The terms
"greater",
"least", "
not"
"greater", etc., tend to confuse people, both now and then. Let us look at these words.
The ancient Greek word
"μείζων" ≈ "greater, larger" in a comparative sense.
The phrase "not" "greater" is logically the same as "less than or equal to".
The phrase "not" "less than" is logically the same as "greater than or equal to".
10. Aristotle: Physics
In his work on
Physics, Aristotle is refuting a claim by
Anaxagoras.
English: Besides, since the subtraction of anything from a given body must reduce the size of that body, and since a mass of flesh cannot be indefinitely great or small, it is clear that from the minimum of flesh no other body can be extracted, for that would reduce it below its minimum. (Loeb #228, p. 47)
Greek: πρὸς δὲ τούτοις, εἰ ἅπαν μὲν σῶμα ἀφαιρεθέντος τινὸς ἔλαττον ἀνάγκη γίγνεσθαι, τῆς δὲ σαρκὸς ὥρισται τὸ ποσὸν καὶ μεγέθει καὶ μικρότητι, φανερὸν ὅτι ἐκ τῆς ἐλαχίστης σαρκὸς οὐθὲν ἐκκριθήσεται σῶμα· ἔσται γὰρ ἐλάττων τῆς ἐλαχίστης. [188a]
"ἐλάχιστος" ≈ "fewest, least, smallest". The usage of this word appears to be more abstract (according to some criteria) than concrete.
"μικρότερος" ≈ "smallest" and is the source of the English prefix "micro". The usage of this word appears to be more concrete than abstract.
"μεγας" ≈ "great" and is the source of the English prefix "mega".
"ανάγκη" ≈ "necessity, constraint, compulsion, force" and is used by Amos, Jesus, Barnabas, etc., as the word "compulsion" in "yoke" of "compulsion".
11. Matthew 11:11 Smallest
Matthew 11:11 Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. [kjv]
αμην λεγω υμιν ουκ εγηγερται εν γεννητοις γυναικων μειζων ιωαννου του βαπτιστου ο δε μικροτερος εν τη βασιλεια των ουρανων μειζων αυτου εστιν [gnt]
The ancient Greek word
"μικρός" ≈ "small, little, short" and is the source of the English word
"micro". The word is used as a diminutive by Jesus and others in the
GNT (Greek New Testament) to refer to "
believers" of
any age. In Luke 19, Zacchaeus is described as
"small" in "
age" and
not "
short" in "
height".
"μικρότερος" ≈ "smallest".
"ἐλάχιστος" ≈ "fewest, least, smallest".
If Jesus had meant to say
"least", there is a Greek word for
"least". Here, Jesus uses the diminutive of the Greek word for
"smallest".
Greek: ... he that is smallest in the kingdom ...
KJV (King James Version): ... he that is least in the kingdom ...
12. Matthew 5:19 Birdhouse rules
Matthew 5:19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. [kjv]
As in the "
peacemaker" verse, 10 verses earlier, Jesus does
not say who it is who is doing the
"calling". The paraphrase fits any
human organization. This meaning does not necessarily make the traditional interpretation invalid.
 |
|
Paraphrase: Whoever breaks the least of the rules established by the bird for the birdhouse, and teaches others in that birdhouse to do so, will be called least in that birdhouse. But whoever does and teaches those rules shall be called great in the birdhouse.
|
To "
preach" or "
teach" in the
birdhouse, one must espouse the views or "
righteousness",
not of God or Jesus, but of the lead
bird. Saying:
You'll be birdseed.
[good and bad salt, good and bad light, good and bad houses]
13. Matthew 25:40,45 Sheep and (kid) goats
Matthew 25:40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. [kjv]
και αποκριθεις ο βασιλευς ερει αυτοις αμην λεγω υμιν εφ οσον εποιησατε ενι τουτων των αδελφων μου των ελαχιστων εμοι εποιησατε [gnt]
25:45 Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. [kjv]
τοτε αποκριθησεται αυτοις λεγων αμην λεγω υμιν εφ οσον ουκ εποιησατε ενι τουτων των ελαχιστων ουδε εμοι εποιησατε [gnt]
In both verses, the ancient Greek word
"ἐλαχύς" ≈ "small, short, little", as in
"least", is used. There is one significant difference in the two verses.
To the sheep the "my brethren" is added.
To the (kid) goats, the "my brethren" is not present.
Since both groups are surprised, one might assume that both groups think that they have done these things - albeit in a literal sense. Perhaps the meaning goes beyond literal into a figurative sense.
The use of "
young" "
goats" and, elsewhere in Matthew, "
young" "
pigs", including play on words of "
swine", appears to relate the "
goats" and "
pigs" as land animals that have similar characteristics in the animal model.
14. Usage - smallest
*G1646 *13 ἐλάχιστος (el-akh'-is-tos) : superlative of elachus (short); used as equivalent to G3398; least (in size, amount, dignity, etc.):--least, very little (small), smallest.
*G3398 *30 μικρός (mik-ros') : mikroteros mik-rot'-er-os apparently a primary word; small (in size, quantity, number or (figuratively) dignity):--least, less, little, small.
 |
Words: μικρα=2 μικραν μικροι μικροις μικρον=6 μικρος μικροτερον=2 μικροτερος=3 μικρου=3 μικρους=2 μικρω μικρων=7
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The exact word used by Jesus for
"smallest" in Matthew 11:11 is used in two other verses in the
GNT.
Strongs combines the use of
"small" or "
little one" with that of the generic
"least" which is another Greek word.
15. Compare Matthew and Luke
Matthew 11:11 Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. [kjv]
αμην λεγω υμιν ουκ εγηγερται εν γεννητοις γυναικων μειζων ιωαννου του βαπτιστου ο δε μικροτερος εν τη βασιλεια των ουρανων μειζων αυτου εστιν [gnt]
Luke 7:28 For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he. [kjv]
λεγω υμιν μειζων εν γεννητοις γυναικων ιωαννου ουδεις εστιν ο δε μικροτερος εν τη βασιλεια του θεου μειζων αυτου εστιν [gnt]
As usual, what people remembered and told Luke some 20 years later is not the same as recorded by Matthew at the time the words were spoken by Jesus.
Matthew records what Jesus says and is the only writer to distinguish between the
"kingdom" of
"heaven/air" and the
"kingdom" of "
God".
16. Context
Luke 7:26 But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet. [kjv]
αλλα τι εξηλθατε ιδειν προφητην ναι λεγω υμιν και περισσοτερον προφητου [gnt]
7:27 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 αποστελλω τον αγγελον μου προ προσωπου σου ος κατασκευασει την οδον σου εμπροσθεν σου [gnt]
7:28 For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he. [kjv]
λεγω υμιν μειζων εν γεννητοις γυναικων ιωαννου ουδεις εστιν ο δε μικροτερος εν τη βασιλεια του θεου μειζων αυτου εστιν [gnt]
17. Luke 7:26
KJV: But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet.
Greek: αλλα τι εξεληλυθατε εξηλθατε ιδειν προφητην ναι λεγω υμιν και περισσοτερον προφητου
18. Luke 7:27
KJV: This is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.
Greek: ουτος εστιν περι ου γεγραπται ιδου εγω αποστελλω τον αγγελον μου προ προσωπου σου ος κατασκευασει την οδον σου εμπροσθεν σου
19. Luke 7:28
KJV: For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.
Greek: λεγω γαρ υμιν μειζων εν γεννητοις γυναικων προφητης ιωαννου του βαπτιστου ουδεις εστιν ο δε μικροτερος εν τη βασιλεια του θεου μειζων αυτου εστιν
20. Mark 4:31-32 Mustard seed parable
Mark 4:31 It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth: [kjv]
ως κοκκω σιναπεως ος οταν σπαρη επι της γης μικροτερον ον παντων των σπερματων των επι της γης [gnt]
4:32 But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it. [kjv]
και οταν σπαρη αναβαινει και γινεται μειζον παντων των λαχανων και ποιει κλαδους μεγαλους ωστε δυνασθαι υπο την σκιαν αυτου τα πετεινα του ουρανου κατασκηνοιν [gnt]
The book of Mark is Peters account as written down by Mark. Peter is using his memory to relate, through Mark, his account. Much of Mark is shorter and more abbreviated than Matthew. Some fine details could have been missed through time and transfer of memory.
The
KJV appears to mis-translate
"smallest" as
"less than" which creates logical issues when analyzing the verse.
21. Mark 4:31
KJV: It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth:
Greek: ως κοκκω σιναπεως ος οταν σπαρη επι της γης μικροτερος μικροτερον ον παντων των σπερματων εστιν των επι της γης
22. Nothing has been found more effective than this
Which sounds better: (they say the same thing)
All the toothpastes were found to have the same effectiveness.
No toothpaste has been found more effective than "Crust".
Consider the following values:
5 5 5 5 5. We can say the following.
All numbers are equal to 5. All x are equal to y.
No number is greater than 5. No x is greater than y.
No number is less than 5. No x is less than y.
All numbers are less than or equal to 5. All y are less than or equal to x.
All numbers are greater or equal to 5. All x are greater than or equal to y.
A common self-deception is to
not realize that all the values are at the same level.
23. Relational operators
The correspondence between relational operators can be confusing to some.
Pacman has a big mouth.
Pacman is hungry
Pacman eats the larger number
Does that help?
24. Relational operators
The correspondence between relational operators can be confusing to some.
The purpose of
algebra is to work through problems
without having to think about what it means. It is just
symbol manipulation. Much of computer programming is
algebra and
symbol manipulation and
not thinking like a computer.
25. Greatest and least build
1 Compare 1
2 Compare 2
3 Compare 3
4 Compare 4
The phrase "not" "greater" is logically the same as "less than or equal to".
The phrase "not" "less than" is logically the same as "greater than or equal to".
26. Matthew 18:4 Humbled at the same level
Matthew 18:4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. [kjv]
οστις ουν ταπεινωσει εαυτον ως το παιδιον τουτο ουτος εστιν ο μειζων εν τη βασιλεια των ουρανων [gnt]
Who is "greatest"?
Who is "least"?
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With Jesus as the "head" , every "hair" or "believer" is both "greatest" and "least".
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Jesus has a flat organizational chart. This is similar to the semantic domain of integers in programming language theory. Top was not needed for the theory to work.
[No child left behind. No child gets ahead.]
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27. Matthew 11:11 Least and greater
Matthew 11:11 Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. [kjv]
αμην λεγω υμιν ουκ εγηγερται εν γεννητοις γυναικων μειζων ιωαννου του βαπτιστου ο δε μικροτερος εν τη βασιλεια των ουρανων μειζων αυτου εστιν [gnt]
If all elements are at the same level, there is no "
least" element and there is no "
greatest" element. All are "
equal" at the same level.
All those in the "
kingdom of heaven" are at the same level. No one is
"lesser" or
"greater" in some respect.
There
appears to be a logical contradiction with the last part of the verse. Jesus adds some interesting remarks at the beginning of the verse that help
decode a meaning.
28. Matthew 11:11 Greater and greatest
Matthew 11:11 Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. [kjv]
αμην λεγω υμιν ουκ εγηγερται εν γεννητοις γυναικων μειζων ιωαννου του βαπτιστου ο δε μικροτερος εν τη βασιλεια των ουρανων μειζων αυτου εστιν [gnt]
All those that are born of women include all mankind throughout history, except Adam and Eve (the base case).
None of these is greater than John the Baptist.
From other statements made by Jesus, all are at the same level. All are both least and greatest.
There
appears to be a logical contradiction with the last part of the verse.
The "smallest" or "least" in the "kingdom" of "heaven/air" is "greater" than everyone "born" of "women".
Assume for now that the "kingdom" of "heaven/air" is the reality of human life on earth - with a true reality and a false reality.
Who is then the "smallest"?
29. Matthew 11:11 Greater and greatest
Matthew 11:11 Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. [kjv]
αμην λεγω υμιν ουκ εγηγερται εν γεννητοις γυναικων μειζων ιωαννου του βαπτιστου ο δε μικροτερος εν τη βασιλεια των ουρανων μειζων αυτου εστιν [gnt]
From what Jesus says at the beginning of the verse, it appears that the
"smallest" cannot be anyone
"born" of
"women". Who is it that is
not "born" of
"women" that is also in the
"kingdom" of
"heaven/air"?
Here are some logical choices.
☐ Those who are made by the Creator but that are
not "born" of
"women". The Nephilim of Genesis 6 (before the flood)
were born of women.
☐ Those who are
not yet "born" of
"women" but in the process of being
"born" of
"women".
30. Matthew 11:11 Greater and greatest
Matthew 11:11 Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. [kjv]
αμην λεγω υμιν ουκ εγηγερται εν γεννητοις γυναικων μειζων ιωαννου του βαπτιστου ο δε μικροτερος εν τη βασιλεια των ουρανων μειζων αυτου εστιν [gnt]
Before conception: sperm and egg, not considered an entity in the "kingdom" of "heaven/air".
From conception until birth: embryo, fetus, unborn person, etc., considered the "smallest" in the "kingdom" of "heaven/air". The moment of conception appears to be the "smallest" one can get.
After conception: person in the "kingdom" of "heaven/air", all at the same level, each both "greatest" and "least".
Could Jesus be saying, in constraint logic terms, that a fetus as an unborn person who is the "
smallest" form of life, and not yet "
born" of "
women", is considered "
greater", in some sense, than a person who has already been "
born" of "
women"?
31. Unborn baby and born baby
Luke 1:41 And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost: [kjv]
και εγενετο ως ηκουσεν τον ασπασμον της μαριας η ελισαβετ εσκιρτησεν το βρεφος εν τη κοιλια αυτης και επλησθη πνευματος αγιου η ελισαβετ [gnt]
2:16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. [kjv]
και ηλθαν σπευσαντες και ανευραν την τε μαριαμ και τον ιωσηφ και το βρεφος κειμενον εν τη φατνη [gnt]
The ancient Greek word
"βρέφος" ≈ "unborn baby, baby, infant". Notice that the Greek word does
not distinguish between a fetus in the womb and a baby that has been born.
The modern Greek word
"βρέφος" (VREH-fos) ≈ "baby, infant" has the same meaning today as in Bible times.
32. Matthew 26:24-25
33. Matthew 26:24
KJV: The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed ! it had been good for that man if he had not been born.
Greek: ο μεν υιος του ανθρωπου υπαγει καθως γεγραπται περι αυτου ουαι δε τω ανθρωπω εκεινω δι ου ο υιος του ανθρωπου παραδιδοται καλον ην αυτω ει ουκ εγεννηθη ο ανθρωπος εκεινος
34. Matthew 26:25
KJV: Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said.
Greek: αποκριθεις δε ιουδας ο παραδιδους αυτον ειπεν μητι εγω ειμι ραββι λεγει αυτω συ ειπας
35. Mark 14:21
Mark 14:21 The Son of man indeed goeth, as it is written of him: but woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed ! good were it for that man if he had never been born. [kjv]
οτι ο μεν υιος του ανθρωπου υπαγει καθως γεγραπται περι αυτου ουαι δε τω ανθρωπω εκεινω δι ου ο υιος του ανθρωπου παραδιδοται καλον αυτω ει ουκ εγεννηθη ο ανθρωπος εκεινος [gnt]
36. Mark 14:21
KJV: The Son of man indeed goeth, as it is written of him: but woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed ! good were it for that man if he had never been born.
Greek: οτι ο μεν υιος του ανθρωπου υπαγει καθως γεγραπται περι αυτου ουαι δε τω ανθρωπω εκεινω δι ου ο υιος του ανθρωπου παραδιδοται καλον ην αυτω ει ουκ εγεννηθη ο ανθρωπος εκεινος
37. Names mean things
In communication using language, words mean things. If the thing the word describes gets a not-so-good connotation, one can change to a new word that does not have that connotation or does not sound as negative.
We see this today in English.
Is it "abortion rights" or "pro-choice"?
Is it "anti-abortion" or "pro-life"?
The underlying meaning or reality has not changed, just the perceptions from the "
names".
Discussion question: What other meanings today have had word changes in your lifetime?
38. Verily I say to you: connect the dots
Jesus uses the phrase "
verily , I say to you" (plural)
25 times and (singular)
2 times in Matthew. Since Matthew is writing down what Jesus says, the exact placement if this phrase appears to be important.
The "amen" in the Greek was changed, when spoken by Jesus at the beginning of a phrase, sometime in the Middle Ages, to "verily". The Latin Vulgate uses the "amen" instead of the Latin "verily".
The phrase itself is a symmetrical play on words with the "amen" similar to the "to you".
Some (theologians, commentators, pastors, etc.) say that the phrase is used to introduce an important concept.
Instead, the phrase appears to be used to connect the previous thought (excluding scripture quotation) with the next thought as similar in some way.
In many cases, the two thoughts are stated in a top-down backward-chaining manner so that it helps to consider the second thought before the first thought.
39. Verily I say to you
Matthew 11:11 Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. [kjv]
αμην λεγω υμιν ουκ εγηγερται εν γεννητοις γυναικων μειζων ιωαννου του βαπτιστου ο δε μικροτερος εν τη βασιλεια των ουρανων μειζων αυτου εστιν [gnt]
The Greek word translated, starting in the Middle Ages, as "
verily" is that of "
amen".
Jesus appears to use the phrase "
verily I say unto you" to connect the thoughts on both sides of the phrase, ignoring any verbatim scripture references.
Let us look at the previous two verses.
40. Matthew 11:9-10
41. Matthew 11:9
KJV: But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet.
Greek: αλλα τι εξηλθετε ιδειν εξηλθατε προφητην ιδειν ναι λεγω υμιν και περισσοτερον προφητου
42. Matthew 11:10
KJV: For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.
Greek: ουτος γαρ εστιν περι ου γεγραπται ιδου εγω αποστελλω τον αγγελον μου προ προσωπου σου ος κατασκευασει την οδον σου εμπροσθεν σου
43. Matthew 11:9 Words
Matthew 11:9 But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet. [kjv]
αλλα τι εξηλθατε προφητην ιδειν ναι λεγω υμιν και περισσοτερον προφητου [gnt]
The Greek translated as "
went out" is symmetrical and can mean "
came in". Context determines which is more correct.
"περισσός" ≈ "beyond in number or size, surpassing" and, in mathematics (of a number), "uneven" or "odd". An "odd" number has one more than the even number one less than the "odd" number.
"περισσεύω" ≈ "be left over, outnumber, surplus".
"περίσσευμα" ≈ "remainder". In terms of "odd" numbers, the "remainder" is the additional unit.
At the end of Matthew 10, Jesus tell the disciples, when sending them out, to not exceed their mandate and, in one case, to not "
take" a "
prophets"
"reward".
44. Strongs - more
- *G4053 *13 περισσός (per-is-sos') : from G4012 (in the sense of beyond); superabundant (in quantity) or superior (in quality); by implication, excessive; adverbially (with G1537) violently; neuter (as noun) preeminence:--exceeding abundantly above, more abundantly, advantage, exceedingly, very highly, beyond measure, more, superfluous, vehement(-ly).
- περισσον *5
- Matthew 5:37 ... Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.
- Matthew 5:47 ... only, what do ye more than others? do not even ...
- John 10:10 ... that they might have it more abundantly.
- Romans 3:1 What advantage then hath the Jew? or what ...
- 2 Corinthians 9:1 ... to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you:
- περισσοτεραν *3
- 1 Corinthians 12:23 ... upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.
- 1 Corinthians 12:24 ... the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked:
- υπερεκπερισσου *3
- Ephesians 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly ...
- 1 Thessalonians 3:10 Night and day praying exceedingly that ...
- 1 Thessalonians 5:13 And to esteem them very highly in ...
- περισσου
- Mark 6:51 ... in themselves beyond measure, and wondered.
- περισσοτερα
- 2 Corinthians 2:7 ... him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow.
45. Usage - more
*G4053 *13 περισσός (per-is-sos') : from G4012 (in the sense of beyond); superabundant (in quantity) or superior (in quality); by implication, excessive; adverbially (with G1537) violently; neuter (as noun) preeminence:--exceeding abundantly above, more abundantly, advantage, exceedingly, very highly, beyond measure, more, superfluous, vehement(-ly).
 |
Words: περισσον=5 περισσοτερα περισσοτεραν=3 περισσου υπερεκπερισσου=3
|
46. Matthew 11:9,11 Comparison
Matthew 11:9 But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet. [kjv]
αλλα τι εξηλθατε προφητην ιδειν ναι λεγω υμιν και περισσοτερον προφητου [gnt]
11:11 Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. [kjv]
αμην λεγω υμιν ουκ εγηγερται εν γεννητοις γυναικων μειζων ιωαννου του βαπτιστου ο δε μικροτερος εν τη βασιλεια των ουρανων μειζων αυτου εστιν [gnt]
The following words can be related where the ambiguous pronoun
"he" (grammatically masculine) can refer to "
John the Baptist" or to
"prophet", one aspect of "
John the Baptist".
Matthew 11:9: "more" in number or size.
Matthew 11:11: "not" "greater" which is "less than or equal to", then "smallest", then "greater"
47. Matthew 11:9,11 Smallest and largest
Matthew 11:9 But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet. [kjv]
11:11 Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. [kjv]
Matthew 11:9: John the Baptist is "more" than a "prophet".
Matthew 11:11: The "smallest" is "greater" than a "prophet".
The
"smallest" is the
"largest" and are all "
equal" as in the same
size.
The
pronoun translated as
"he" can refer to either John the Baptist or to the grammatically masculine word for
"prophet". A
pronoun need not always refer to the nearest (matching) noun.
48. Problem at the hospital
Some movies use this ambiguity as humor. Some people like this humor. Some do not. Here is an example from one of the
Airplane movies.
Be
hospitable and not
hostile!
Person A: There's a problem at the hospital.
Person B: What is it?
Person A: It's a big building with patients, but that's not important now.
The pronoun "
it" is somewhat ambiguous. Pronouns usually refers to the
nearest noun, but not always. This is an example of one problem that makes
NLP (Natural Language Processing) by computers difficult.
49. Matthew 11:9-11 Review
Matthew 11:9 But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet. [kjv]
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]
11:11 Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. [kjv]
There are several ways to use a consistent (code-word) model to resolve the logical issues in Matthew 11:9 and 11:11.
Taken by itself, Matthew 11:11 appears to refer to the not yet born from conception to birth.
The phrase "verily I say unto you" is used by Jesus to tell you to connect the before and after thoughts.
Relating Matthew11:9 and 11:11 appears to say that both the "smallest" and John the Baptist are at the same level and that both are "greater" than just a prophet (in line with the end of Matthew 10).
Be aware that many theologians, commentators, pastors, etc., reject a logical analysis of what Jesus says. Instead, they prefer to use personal opinion, conjecture cherry-picked verses (and ignoring other verses), to construct their own theology of what Jesus means.
In general, the method used is to decide a theology from other parts of the Bible and then force fit that theology into what Jesus says in verses for which they otherwise have no good explanation. In some cases, this requires changing the meaning of the Greek words to fit their ideas.
50. End of page
Matthew 26:24 The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed ! it had been good for that man if he had not been born. [kjv]
ο μεν υιος του ανθρωπου υπαγει καθως γεγραπται περι αυτου ουαι δε τω ανθρωπω εκεινω δι ου ο υιος του ανθρωπου παραδιδοται καλον ην αυτω ει ουκ εγεννηθη ο ανθρωπος εκεινος [gnt]
26:25 Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said. [kjv]
Matthew 11:9 But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet. [kjv]
αλλα τι εξηλθατε προφητην ιδειν ναι λεγω υμιν και περισσοτερον προφητου [gnt]
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]
