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Matthew 11: Exploring the Kingdom of Heaven
1. Matthew 11: Exploring the Kingdom of Heaven
Jesus speaks of
John the Baptist who appears to represent
Elijah.
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]
11:12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. [kjv]
απο δε των ημερων ιωαννου του βαπτιστου εως αρτι η βασιλεια των ουρανων βιαζεται και βιασται αρπαζουσιν αυτην [gnt]
The word for
"prepare", not the same as in Malachi, has in it the Greek word used for "
goods" or "
vessels" or "
people" to be "
raptured" in the parable of the strong man. The word for "
take" is the Greek word for "
plunder" or "
snatch" or "
extort" or "
rapture" while the word for "
force" is that of "
compulsion". In context, these verses provide a possible meaning of
"kingdom of heaven".
2. Review of misinterpretations
The context is after Jesus says that happy is the one who does not misinterpret His words.
Matthew 11:5 The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. [kjv]
11:6 And blessed is he, who soever shall not be offended in me. [kjv]
… blessid… sclaundrid … [wy]
… happy … offended … [ty]
| blind |
look up |
| lame |
walk |
| lepers |
cleansed |
| deaf |
hear |
| dead |
woken up |
| poor |
gospel preached |
|
Having discovered a deeper meaning to Matthew 11:5, how might someone "misinterpret" what Jesus has said?
What should the church be doing?
What should believers be doing?
|
Discuss: Do churches or believers ever get "
ensnared" or "
misinterpret" in helping the poor, the blind, those without clothes, in prison, etc., and lose sight of the real purpose of Jesus? Many of those words used by Jesus have double meanings.
How many are like those picked by Gideon?
3. Kingdoms
The "
kingdom of heaven" could refer to many things. Jesus gives some hints in Matthew 11. It could be some or all or none of these.
☐ Kingdom of the air on earth
☐ Kingdom of God
☐ Age of the (human) church (hierarchy)
☐ People (believers, followers, etc.) on earth
The trouble with kingdoms of heaven on earth is that they're liable to come to pass, and then their fraudulence is apparent for all to see. We need a kingdom of heaven in Heaven, if only because it can't be realized. Malcolm Muggeridge (British broadcaster)
4. Kingdoms
A "
kingdom" is a "
realm". Many associate the
Cinderella Castle with the
Magic Kingdom and Micky Mouse. The castle is built with changing heights to provide an optical illusion in that at appears taller than it is.
What is the "
kingdom" in "
kingdom of heaven"?
☐ abstract idea
☐ area of land
☐ collection of people
☐ way of doing or accomplishing something
Is the "
Kingdom of heaven" the same as the "
Kingdom of God"? That depends on how one defines "
Kingdom of heaven" and "
Kingdom of God". Let us do some logical investigation.
5. Kingdoms
There are many viewpoints on the "
Kingdom of God" and the "
Kingdom of heaven" or "
Kingdom of the air".
| Gospel |
Kingdom
of heaven |
Kingdom
of God |
| Matthew |
32 |
5 |
| Mark |
0 |
16 |
| Luke |
0 |
32 |
| John |
0 |
2 |
It appears that Jesus uses the noun phrase "
kingdom of heaven" as a
code word. Matthew just wrote down what was said. The others merged these together in their minds before writing what they remembered.
6. Gospels and Kingdoms
Obviously Matthew writes both of them. Did Matthew not know what Jesus said? If this were just a Jewish cultural wording, Matthew would have used it throughout.
The other Gospels do not use "
Kingdom of heaven". Did Mark (Peter's viewpoint) and Luke and John get it wrong? Should one translate the Greek of Matthew by changing it?
7. Matthew and Luke
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.
8. Differences
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.
9. Subset
Perhaps the "
Kingdom of God" is a subset of the "
Kingdom of heaven". This seems unlikely.
10. Subset
Perhaps the "
Kingdom of heaven" is a subset of the "
Kingdom of God".
If someone is from Texas, is it true that they are from the United States? Yes. It is less precise but is still correct.
If someone is from the United States, is it true that they are from Texas? No. One should not make that assumption.
In this case, changing "
Kingdom of heaven" to "
Kingdom of God" is less precise but still true.
11. Translations and meaning
Question: If a Bible translator changes "
Kingdom of heaven" to "
Kingdom of God" have they made the Bible, as written, less precise? Have they made it not true?
It is hard to find Bible translations that make this change.
However, many theologians, commentators, pastors, etc., appear to have little trouble making them equal.
12. Overlap
Perhaps there is some overlap between them. This appears more likely as, in most every comparison, there are some similarities and some differences.
13. Different
Perhaps they are completely different with no similarities. At first impression, this seems unlikely. However, there is an interesting aspect of this model.
14. Model of the kingdoms and births
John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he can not see the kingdom of God. [kjv]
απεκριθη ιησους και ειπεν αυτω αμην αμην λεγω σοι εαν μη τις γεννηθη ανωθεν ου δυναται ιδειν την βασιλειαν του θεου [gnt]
1 Kingdoms 1
2 Kingdoms 2
3 Kingdoms 3
4 Kingdoms 4
5 Kingdoms 5
Four parts: "
earth", "
air", "
fire", "
water".
The "
ask", "
seek", "
knock" sequence is part of the "
flame" and "
sword" progression.
15. Details
Put the Kingdom of God outside of space and time and (since the fall) includes the "tree of life". The creation is inside space and time.
The "flaming sword" both protects and keeps the way open.
The "Kingdom of Earth" is for those "of the world".
The "Kingdom of Heaven" is for those "in the world".
The "flaming sword" is provided by Jesus who "throws" the "sword". The Holy Spirit provides the "flame".
Birth#3 is the regeneration or in-processing into the Kingdom of God.
16. Four Greek fundamental elements
Interestingly, the four parts, "
fire", "
water", "
air" and "
earth" are the four fundamental elements from Greek philosophy. Perhaps there was a reason why those four elements were chosen.
English: ... for Empedicles says that fire, water, air and earth are four elements and are simple ... Loeb #400, p. 165.
Greek: ... περὶ Ἐμπεδοκλέα ὁ μὲν γάρ φησι πῦρ καὶ ὕδωρ καὶ ἀέρα καὶ γῆν στοιχεῖα τέσσαρα καὶ ἁπλᾶ εἶναι ... Aristotle, Coming to be, 314a.
The Greek word Aristotle uses for "
coming to be" is the same word used for "
birth" as a secondary meaning. John uses this when Jesus says that one must be "
come into being from above" often translated as "
born again".
John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he can not see the kingdom of God. [kjv]
απεκριθη ιησους και ειπεν αυτω αμην αμην λεγω σοι εαν μη τις γεννηθη ανωθεν ου δυναται ιδειν την βασιλειαν του θεου [gnt]
17. Kingdom build
1 Kingdoms 1
2 Kingdoms 2
3 Kingdoms 3
4 Kingdoms 4
5 Kingdoms 5
Here is a build of five ways in which to look at the kingdom of God as compared to the Kingdom of heaven.
18. Matthew 11:7-9 Context
Matthew 11:7 And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind? [kjv]
τουτων δε πορευομενων ηρξατο ο ιησους λεγειν τοις οχλοις περι ιωαννου τι εξηλθατε εις την ερημον θεασασθαι καλαμον υπο ανεμου σαλευομενον [gnt]
11:8 But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses. [kjv]
αλλα τι εξηλθατε ιδειν ανθρωπον εν μαλακοις ημφιεσμενον ιδου οι τα μαλακα φορουντες εν τοις οικοις των βασιλεων [gnt]
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]
19. Matthew 11:7 Shaken reeds
Matthew 11:7 And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind? [kjv]
τουτων δε πορευομενων ηρξατο ο ιησους λεγειν τοις οχλοις περι ιωαννου τι εξηλθατε εις την ερημον θεασασθαι καλαμον υπο ανεμου σαλευομενον [gnt]
The ancient Greek word
"καλάμη" ≈ "reed, staff, rod" and is related to "
canons" and "
cannons" and "
canyons". A similar Greek word refereed to a stylus on pen used for writing.
The ancient Greek word
"σαλεύω" ≈ "shake up, agitate" as in "
ocean waves". John was doing his share of "
agitation" but was otherwise "
unshaken" by what was happening in the culture.
20. Strongs - reed
- *G2562 *1 καλάμη (kal-am'-ay) : feminine of G2563 κάλαμος; a stalk of grain, i.e. (collectively) stubble:--stubble.
- καλαμην
- 1 Corinthians 3:12 ... stones, wood, hay, stubble;
- *G2563 *12 κάλαμος (kal'-am-os) : or uncertain affinity; a reed (the plant or its stem, or that of a similar plant); by implication, a pen:--pen, reed.
- καλαμον *6
- Matthew 11:7 ... into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind?
- Matthew 12:20 A bruised reed shall he not break, and ...
- Matthew 27:29 ... his head, and a reed in his right hand: ...
- Matthew 27:30 ... upon him, and took the reed, and smote him ...
- Luke 7:24 ... into the wilderness for to see? A reed shaken with the wind?
- Revelation 21:15 ... me had a golden reed to measure the city, ...
- καλαμω *4
- Matthew 27:48 ... it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink.
- Mark 15:19 And they smote him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon him, ...
- Mark 15:36 ... of vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink, ...
- Revelation 21:16 ... and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. ...
- καλαμου
- 3 John 1:13 ... with ink and pen write unto thee:
- καλαμος
- Revelation 11:1 And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, ...
21. Usage - reed
*G2562 *1 καλάμη (kal-am'-ay) : feminine of G2563 κάλαμος; a stalk of grain, i.e. (collectively) stubble:--stubble.
*G2563 *12 κάλαμος (kal'-am-os) : or uncertain affinity; a reed (the plant or its stem, or that of a similar plant); by implication, a pen:--pen, reed.
 |
Words: καλαμην καλαμον=6 καλαμος καλαμου καλαμω=4
|
22. Strongs - shaken
- *G4531 *15 σαλεύω (sal-yoo'-o) : from G4535; to waver, i.e. agitate, rock, topple or (by implication) destroy; figuratively, to disturb, incite:--move, shake (together), which can(-not) be shaken, stir up.
- σαλευθησονται *3
- Matthew 24:29 ... and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:
- Mark 13:25 ... that are in heaven shall be shaken.
- Luke 21:26 ... for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.
- σαλευομενον *2
- Matthew 11:7 ... the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind?
- Luke 7:24 ... the wilderness for to see? A reed shaken with the wind?
- σαλευθηναι *2
- Acts 16:26 ... so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all ...
- 2 Thessalonians 2:2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, ...
- σεσαλευμενον
- Luke 6:38 ... measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give ...
- σαλευσαι
- Luke 6:48 ... and could not shake it: for it was founded ...
- σαλευθω
- Acts 2:25 ... right hand, that I should not be moved:
- εσαλευθη
- Acts 4:31 ... they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; ...
- σαλευοντες
- Acts 17:13 ... they came thither also, and stirred up the people.
- εσαλευσεν
- Hebrews 12:26 Whose voice then shook the earth: but now ...
- σαλευομενων
- Hebrews 12:27 ... signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.
- σαλευομενα
- Hebrews 12:27 ... signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.
23. Usage - shaken
*G4531 *15 σαλεύω (sal-yoo'-o) : from G4535; to waver, i.e. agitate, rock, topple or (by implication) destroy; figuratively, to disturb, incite:--move, shake (together), which can(-not) be shaken, stir up.
 |
Words: εσαλευθη εσαλευσεν σαλευθηναι=2 σαλευθησονται=3 σαλευθω σαλευομενα σαλευομενον=2 σαλευομενων σαλευοντες σαλευσαι σεσαλευμενον
|
24. Matthew 11:7
KJV: And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind?
Greek: τουτων δε πορευομενων ηρξατο ο ιησους λεγειν τοις οχλοις περι ιωαννου τι εξηλθετε εξηλθατε εις την ερημον θεασασθαι καλαμον υπο ανεμου σαλευομενον
25. Matthew
Matthew 11:8 But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses. [kjv]
αλλα τι εξηλθατε ιδειν ανθρωπον εν μαλακοις ημφιεσμενον ιδου οι τα μαλακα φορουντες εν τοις οικοις των βασιλεων [gnt]
From the Cambridge Greek Lexicon (volume 2), the ancient Greek word
"μαλακία" ≈ "softness, effeminacy, unmanliness, feebleness, faint-hardheartedness". Only in the
GNT (Greek New Testament) is the meaning
"infirmity" or
"sickness".
The ancient Greek word
"μαλακός" ≈ "soft, tender, gentle, mild". Of persons, in a bad sense, it means
"faint-hearted",
"effeminate",
"cowardly",
"incapable of bearing pain". It can mean
"effeminate" and, for sexual partners, the "
passive" or "
receptive" side of such a relationship.
26. Matthew and Malachi
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]
Malachi 3:1 Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts. [kjv]
ιδου εγω εξαποστελλω τον αγγελον μου και επιβλεψεται οδον προ προσωπου μου και εξαιφνης ηξει εις τον ναον εαυτου κυριος ον υμεις ζητειτε και ο αγγελος της διαθηκης ον υμεις θελετε ιδου ερχεται λεγει κυριος παντοκρατωρ [lxx]
Matthew quotes Jesus from the
LXX (Septuagint) but does not use the same word for "
prepare" as in Malachi 3:1. This is a hint that that word may have special significance.
27. 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
28. Malachi 3:1
KJV: Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.
Hebrew: הנני שלח מלאכי ופנה דרך לפני ופתאם יבוא אל היכלו האדון אשר אתם מבקשים ומלאך הברית אשר אתם חפצים הנה בא אמר יהוה צבאות׃
Greek: ιδου εγω εξαποστελλω τον αγγελον μου και επιβλεψεται οδον προ προσωπου μου και εξαιφνης ηξει εις τον ναον εαυτου κυριος ον υμεις ζητειτε και ο αγγελος της διαθηκης ον υμεις θελετε ιδου ερχεται λεγει κυριος παντοκρατωρ
29. Prepare
Matthew 3:3 For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. [kjv]
ουτος γαρ εστιν ο ρηθεις δια ησαιου του προφητου λεγοντος φωνη βοωντος εν τη ερημω ετοιμασατε την οδον κυριου ευθειας ποιειτε τας τριβους αυτου [gnt]
Luke 3:4 As it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. [kjv]
ως γεγραπται εν βιβλω λογων ησαιου του προφητου φωνη βοωντος εν τη ερημω ετοιμασατε την οδον κυριου ευθειας ποιειτε τας τριβους αυτου [gnt]
John 1:23 He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias. [kjv]
εφη εγω φωνη βοωντος εν τη ερημω ευθυνατε την οδον κυριου καθως ειπεν ησαιας ο προφητης [gnt]
30. Matthew 3:3
KJV: For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
Greek: ουτος γαρ εστιν ο ρηθεις υπο δια ησαιου του προφητου λεγοντος φωνη βοωντος εν τη ερημω ετοιμασατε την οδον κυριου ευθειας ποιειτε τας τριβους αυτου
31. Luke 3:4
KJV: As it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
Greek: ως γεγραπται εν βιβλω λογων ησαιου του προφητου λεγοντος φωνη βοωντος εν τη ερημω ετοιμασατε την οδον κυριου ευθειας ποιειτε τας τριβους αυτου
32. John 1:23
KJV: He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias.
Greek: εφη εγω φωνη βοωντος εν τη ερημω ευθυνατε την οδον κυριου καθως ειπεν ησαιας ο προφητης
33. John 1:6,8,7,14
34. John 1:6
KJV: There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
Greek: εγενετο ανθρωπος απεσταλμενος παρα θεου ονομα αυτω ιωαννης
35. John 1:7
KJV: The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.
Greek: ουτος ηλθεν εις μαρτυριαν ινα μαρτυρηση περι του φωτος ινα παντες πιστευσωσιν δι αυτου
36. John 1:14
KJV: And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
Greek: και ο λογος σαρξ εγενετο και εσκηνωσεν εν ημιν και εθεασαμεθα την δοξαν αυτου δοξαν ως μονογενους παρα πατρος πληρης χαριτος και αληθειας
37. John 1:8
KJV: He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
Greek: ουκ ην εκεινος το φως αλλ ινα μαρτυρηση περι του φωτος
38. Matthew 11:11
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 than", etc., tend to confuse people, both now and then. Let us analyze this statement.
1 Compare 1
2 Compare 2
3 Compare 3
4 Compare 4
39. Matthew 11:11
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.
40. 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]
The
KJV (King James Version) translates as "
greater" a Greek word that is often "
greatest". English grammar and syntax does not sound right with this verse as "
greatest". Logically, the word "
greatest" fits without contraction.
To avoid a logical contradiction with "
greater" one could define "
least" such that there is
no "
least" element. Then the "
greater" phrase is empty and vacuously true.
41. 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
42. Matthew 11:12
Matthew 11:12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. [kjv]
απο δε των ημερων ιωαννου του βαπτιστου εως αρτι η βασιλεια των ουρανων βιαζεται και βιασται αρπαζουσιν αυτην [gnt]
There are (at least) two ways to interpret this verse. Let us leave the "
kingdom of heaven" as a placeholder without knowing exactly what it is.
A
literal way and most common is that in the short time from when John the Baptist arrived on the scene, perhaps months, the religious establishment has been trying to disrupt both John and Jesus (and has succeeded).
It is not clear that, at the time this was spoken, the "
violent" had actually "
taken" the "
kingdom of heaven" by "
force". John had been put in prison but had not yet been executed. Perhaps there is another meaning.
43. Matthew 11:12
Matthew 11:12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. [kjv]
απο δε των ημερων ιωαννου του βαπτιστου εως αρτι η βασιλεια των ουρανων βιαζεται και βιασται αρπαζουσιν αυτην [gnt]
The word for "
take" is the same Greek word used for "
plunder" or "
snatch" or "
extort" or "
rapture".
44. Rapture and toilet paper
One idea many people have about the rapture, much of it from the Left Behind series of books, is that all believers will disappear.
This is similar to the shelves of toilet paper disappearing as a result of panic buying. This leads to the phrase, "
When the roll is called up yonder" from the hymn of the same name.
45. Strongs - take
- *G726 *14 ἁρπάζω (har-pad'-zo) : from a derivative of G138; to seize (in various applications):--catch (away, up), pluck, pull, take (by force).
- αρπασαι *2
- Matthew 12:29 Or else how can one enter into ...
- Acts 23:10 ... the soldiers to go down, and to take him by force from among ...
- αρπαζει *2
- Matthew 13:19 ... then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his ...
- John 10:12 ... fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.
- αρπαζειν *2
- John 6:15 ... come and take him by force, to make ...
- John 10:29 ... and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.
- αρπαζουσιν
- Matthew 11:12 ... and the violent take it by force.
- αρπασει
- John 10:28 ... perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of ...
- ηρπασεν
- Acts 8:39 ... the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch ...
- αρπαγεντα
- 2 Corinthians 12:2 ... God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven.
- ηρπαγη
- 2 Corinthians 12:4 How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard ...
- αρπαγησομεθα
- 1 Thessalonians 4:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them ...
- αρπαζοντες
- Jude 1:23 ... save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating ...
- ηρπασθη
- Revelation 12:5 ... and her child was caught up unto God, and ...
46. Usage - take
 |
Words: αρπαγεντα αρπαγησομεθα αρπαζει=2 αρπαζειν=2 αρπαζοντες αρπαζουσιν αρπασαι=2 αρπασει ηρπαγη ηρπασεν ηρπασθη
|
*G726 *14 ἁρπάζω (har-pad'-zo) : from a derivative of G138; to seize (in various applications):--catch (away, up), pluck, pull, take (by force).
47. Strongs - prepare
- *G2680 *11 κατασκευάζω (kat-ask-yoo-ad'-zo) : from G2596 and a derivative of G4632; to prepare thoroughly (properly, by external equipment; whereas G2090 refers rather to internal fitness); by implication, to construct, create:--build, make, ordain, prepare.
- κατασκευασει *3
- Matthew 11:10 ... thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.
- Mark 1:2 ... thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.
- Luke 7:27 ... thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.
- κατασκευασας *2
- Hebrews 3:3 ... Moses, in asmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more ...
- Hebrews 3:4 For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God.
- κατεσκευασμενον
- Luke 1:17 ... of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.
- κατασκευαζεται
- Hebrews 3:4 For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God.
- κατεσκευασθη
- Hebrews 9:2 For there was a tabernacle made; the first, where ...
- κατεσκευασμενων
- Hebrews 9:6 Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went ...
- κατεσκευασεν
- Hebrews 11:7 ... seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving ...
- κατασκευαζομενης
- 1 Peter 3:20 ... the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that ...
48. Usage - prepare
 |
Words: κατασκευαζεται κατασκευαζομενης κατασκευασας=2 κατασκευασει=3 κατεσκευασεν κατεσκευασθη κατεσκευασμενον κατεσκευασμενων
|
*G2680 *11 κατασκευάζω (kat-ask-yoo-ad'-zo) : from G2596 and a derivative of G4632; to prepare thoroughly (properly, by external equipment; whereas G2090 refers rather to internal fitness); by implication, to construct, create:--build, make, ordain, prepare.
49. Vessels in the way
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]
50. Acts 24:14 The way
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]
51. 2 Corinthians 4:7
KJV: But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
Greek: εχομεν δε τον θησαυρον τουτον εν οστρακινοις σκευεσιν ινα η υπερβολη της δυναμεως η του θεου και μη εξ ημων
52. Acts 24:14
KJV: 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:
Greek: 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
53. Verse connection
Let us connect verses 10 and 12. In verse 10, the "
prepare" is a different word in the Greek from the
LXX. The Greek word contains the word for "
vessel" which can be a person as in Paul, women, etc.
*G2680 *11 κατασκευάζω (kat-ask-yoo-ad'-zo) : from G2596 and a derivative of G4632; to prepare thoroughly (properly, by external equipment; whereas G2090 refers rather to internal fitness); by implication, to construct, create:--build, make, ordain, prepare.
In verse 12, the "
take" is that of "
snatch away" and is the word Paul uses for "
rapture" in Thessalonians.
*G726 *14 ἁρπάζω (har-pad'-zo) : from a derivative of G138; to seize (in various applications):--catch (away, up), pluck, pull, take (by force).
Both words are used by Jesus in the saying of the "
taking" or "
snatching" the "
goods" or "
vessels" or "
people" from the "
strong man" of this world.
54. Taking
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]
11:12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. [kjv]
απο δε των ημερων ιωαννου του βαπτιστου εως αρτι η βασιλεια των ουρανων βιαζεται και βιασται αρπαζουσιν αυτην [gnt]
The idea of "
taking" or "
claiming" appears at the Last Supper in relation to "
all those that take the sword will perish by the sword".
55. Strongs - violence
- *G971 *2 βιάζω (bee-ad'-zo) : from G979; to force, i.e. (reflexively) to crowd oneself (into), or (passively) to be seized:--press, suffer violence.
- βιαζεται *2
- Matthew 11:12 ... now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take ...
- Luke 16:16 ... is preached, and every man presseth into it.
- *G972 *1 βίαιος (bee'-ah-yos) : from G970; violent:--mighty.
- βιαιας
- Acts 2:2 ... heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled ...
- *G973 *1 βιαστής (bee-as-tace') : from G971 βιάζω; a forcer, i.e. (figuratively) energetic:--violent.
- βιασται
- Matthew 11:12 ... of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.
56. Usage - violence
*G971 *2 βιάζω (bee-ad'-zo) : from G979; to force, i.e. (reflexively) to crowd oneself (into), or (passively) to be seized:--press, suffer violence.
*G972 *1 βίαιος (bee'-ah-yos) : from G970; violent:--mighty.
*G973 *1 βιαστής (bee-as-tace') : from G971 βιάζω; a forcer, i.e. (figuratively) energetic:--violent.
The ancient Greek word
"βιάζομαι" ≈ "use force, inflict on, constrain". The idea of "
force" is that of "
compulsion" as in "
forcing" someone to do something which may or may not be violent in action. The threat of physical violence would be present.
 |
Words: βιαζεται=2 βιαιας βιασται
|
57. Peace
A precise definition of
peace is important.
The aggressor is always peace-loving (as Bonaparte always claimed to be); he would prefer to take over our country unopposed. Carl von Clausewitz (Prussian military theorist)
Force or compulsion or violence is only needed if you do not do what the oppressor demands.
58. Matthew 11:12
KJV: And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.
Greek: απο δε των ημερων ιωαννου του βαπτιστου εως αρτι η βασιλεια των ουρανων βιαζεται και βιασται αρπαζουσιν αυτην
59. Matthew 11:13
Matthew 11:13 For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. [kjv]
παντες γαρ οι προφηται και ο νομος εως ιωαννου επροφητευσαν [gnt]
Jesus is saying that the
OT (Old Testament) does not have "
missing years" but overlaps the
NT (New Testament).
Jesus is talking about the "
prophets" and "
law" before. This does not mean that there will not be future prophets since it says nothing about that aspect of prophecy.
60. Matthew 11:13
KJV: For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.
Greek: παντες γαρ οι προφηται και ο νομος εως ιωαννου προεφητευσαν επροφητευσαν
61. Matthew 11:14
Matthew 11:14 And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come. [kjv]
και ει θελετε δεξασθαι αυτος εστιν ηλιας ο μελλων ερχεσθαι [gnt]
The ancient Greek word
"δέχομαι" ≈ "accept, receive".
Jesus now associates John the Baptist with Elijah which was to come and with the Elijah that was.
This can be a
physical association. This leads to arguments about reincarnation, etc. (omitted)
This can be a
figurative association. A figurative association can still result in a physical association with the years from Elijah, about 900 BC, to when Jesus made these statements.
62. Matthew 11:14,12 Elijah
Matthew 11:14 And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come. [kjv]
και ει θελετε δεξασθαι αυτος εστιν ηλιας ο μελλων ερχεσθαι [gnt]
A
figurative way is to associate John with Elijah, as Jesus does, so that from that time until now, about 900 years, the religious establishment has been trying to disrupt the "
kingdom of heaven".
11:12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. [kjv]
απο δε των ημερων ιωαννου του βαπτιστου εως αρτι η βασιλεια των ουρανων βιαζεται και βιασται αρπαζουσιν αυτην [gnt]
By making the figurative assumption of meaning, one can attempt to determine the meaning of "
kingdom of heaven".
63. Timeline: Elijah and John the Baptist (rough dates)
The time of Elijah has several notable events.
Ahab and Jezebel as representing evil oppressors of the world.
Naboth's vineyard in a form of "inquisition" later used by the Catholic Church (and others).
Elijah's time may have a connection with the "taking by force" of the "kingdom of heaven".
Elijah taken up via flaming chariot and horses. This may have a connection with the "flaming sword".
64. Temple connection
One connection with the second temple is the establishment and refinement of many compulsory religious rules and regulations that eventually turned into a money-making machine for both the religious establishment and the ruling government - notably Herod and then the Romans.
Matthew 21:12 And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves, [kjv]
και εισηλθεν ιησους εις το ιερον και εξεβαλεν παντας τους πωλουντας και αγοραζοντας εν τω ιερω και τας τραπεζας των κολλυβιστων κατεστρεψεν και τας καθεδρας των πωλουντων τας περιστερας [gnt]
Part of the money making involved selling birds but the money changers, as birds (doves), had sold themselves (sparrows) and their people out for Latin coins (play on words with a bird sound).
65. Matthew 21:12
KJV: And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves,
Greek: και εισηλθεν ο ιησους εις το ιερον του θεου και εξεβαλεν παντας τους πωλουντας και αγοραζοντας εν τω ιερω και τας τραπεζας των κολλυβιστων κατεστρεψεν και τας καθεδρας των πωλουντων τας περιστερας
66. Den of thieves
Matthew 21:13 And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves. [kjv]
και λεγει αυτοις γεγραπται ο οικος μου οικος προσευχης κληθησεται υμεις δε αυτον ποιειτε σπηλαιον ληστων [gnt]
The Greek for "
den" is that of a "
cave". The Greek for "
thief" is the word used for the "
thieves" on the cross at the crucifixion.
Revelation 6:15 And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; [kjv]
και οι βασιλεις της γης και οι μεγιστανες και οι χιλιαρχοι και οι πλουσιοι και οι ισχυροι και πας δουλος και ελευθερος εκρυψαν εαυτους εις τα σπηλαια και εις τας πετρας των ορεων [gnt]
67. Revelation 6:15
KJV: And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains;
Greek: και οι βασιλεις της γης και οι μεγιστανες και οι πλουσιοι χιλιαρχοι και οι χιλιαρχοι πλουσιοι και οι δυνατοι ισχυροι και πας δουλος και πας ελευθερος εκρυψαν εαυτους εις τα σπηλαια και εις τας πετρας των ορεων
68. Matthew 21:13
KJV: And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.
Greek: και λεγει αυτοις γεγραπται ο οικος μου οικος προσευχης κληθησεται υμεις δε αυτον εποιησατε ποιειτε σπηλαιον ληστων
69. Matthew 23:13 Shut and closed
Matthew 23:13 But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites ! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in. [kjv]
ουαι δε υμιν γραμματεις και φαρισαιοι υποκριται οτι κλειετε την βασιλειαν των ουρανων εμπροσθεν των ανθρωπων υμεις γαρ ουκ εισερχεσθε ουδε τους εισερχομενους αφιετε εισελθειν [gnt]
Jesus now starts a sequence of verses that start with the words
"woe" (as in a bird of prey's cry),
"scribes",
"Pharisees" and "
hypocrites". The Greek for "
hypocrite" meant "
acting" or "
pretending".
The "
kingdom of heaven" is something that can be "
closed" to people. That could be "
deception". It could be "
compulsion" with rules and threat of force.
The Greek for "
suffer" is that of "
allow" and the same word often translated as "
forgive". The Greek for "
shut" has the same root as the Greek word for "
key" that is used to "
shut" something.
70. Matthew 23:13
KJV: But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites ! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.
Greek: ουαι δε υμιν γραμματεις και φαρισαιοι υποκριται οτι κλειετε την βασιλειαν των ουρανων εμπροσθεν των ανθρωπων υμεις γαρ ουκ εισερχεσθε ουδε τους εισερχομενους αφιετε εισελθειν
71. Matthew 23:23
72. Matthew 23:23
KJV: Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites ! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
Greek: ουαι υμιν γραμματεις και φαρισαιοι υποκριται οτι αποδεκατουτε το ηδυοσμον και το ανηθον και το κυμινον και αφηκατε τα βαρυτερα του νομου την κρισιν και τον ελεον το ελεος και την πιστιν ταυτα δε δε εδει ποιησαι κακεινα μη αφιεναι αφειναι
73. Take by compulsion
Matthew 11:12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. [kjv]
απο δε των ημερων ιωαννου του βαπτιστου εως αρτι η βασιλεια των ουρανων βιαζεται και βιασται αρπαζουσιν αυτην [gnt]
Jesus appears to talk about the "
yoke of compulsion" put on the people by the religious establishment.
Both Isaiah and others, including the writer of the
Epistle of Barnabas point this out.
74. Isaiah 1:11-14 Problem
Isaiah 1:11 To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the LORD: I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats. [kjv]
1:12 When ye come to appear before me, who hath required this at your hand, to tread my courts? [kjv]
1:13 Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting. [kjv]
1:14 Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hateth: they are a trouble unto me; I am weary to bear them. [kjv]
Isaiah, at the start of his writings, identifies the problem. It appears to involve compulsion by the religious establishment in required ceremonies, sacrifices, meetings, etc.
75. Isaiah 1:16-18 Solution
Isaiah 1:16 Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; [kjv]
1:17 Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow. [kjv]
1:18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. [kjv]
After presenting the problem, Isaiah, at the start of his writings, presents the solution. The religious establishment, however, has been using the problem (required rules, etc.) for their own personal advantage.
76. Song: What can wash away my sin
Born in Philadelphia, Robert Lowry (1826-1899) wrote the words and music to "
What can wash away my sin", "
Shall we gather at the river", and others.
Many modern churches services remove Jesus and the blood.
Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. [kjv]
5:9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. [kjv]
77. Verse 1
What can wash away my sin?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
What can make me whole again?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Oh! precious is the flow
That makes me white as snow;
No other fount I know,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
78. Barnabas 2.6 Yoke of compulsion
In the
Epistle of Barnabas, the writer explains at length, quoting verses such as found in Isaiah (and elsewhere), to point out that Jesus removes the "
yoke of compulsion".
English: Therefore he has abolished these things, in order that the new law of our Lord Jesus Christ which is free from the yoke of compulsion, might have its offering, one not made by humans. (Holmes, 2007, p. 383)
Greek: ταυτα ουν κατηργησεν, ινα ο καινος νομος του κυριου ὑμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, ἄνευ ζυγοῦ ἀνάγκης, ὤν, μὴ ἀνθρωποποίητον ἔχῃ τὴν προσφοράν. Epistle of Barnabas [2.6]
Any religious establishment that profits from that "
yoke of compulsion" would not want the
Epistle of Barnabas included in the canon. Another disputed book, Hebrews, was included. Interesting, Hebrews includes many verses that appear to support a "
yoke of compulsion" while some verses in the
Epistle of Barnabas appear to be mistranslated (to provide continued support for not including it in the canon).
79. Yoke of compulsion
The lack of need for a religious hierarchy or
"yoke" of
"compulsion" as Barnabas explains, from the teachings of Jesus about the "
kingdom of heaven", would not have appealed to a human sand hierarchy interested in secular power.
Matthew 11:30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. [kjv]
ο γαρ ζυγος μου χρηστος και το φορτιον μου ελαφρον εστιν [gnt]
The Greek for
"easy" is that of being
"useful" and is a play on words with the Greek word for
"Christ". The word
"yoke" means, literally,
"two going together".
The ancient Greek word "χρηστός" ≈ "useful, good".
The ancient Greek word "χριστός" ≈ "anointed one, Christ".
Without the play on words: My yoke is useful.
With the play on words: My yoke is Christ.
The word for
"burden" was also a word for
"tax". What is the
"tax" of the "
yoke" of "
compulsion"? Think "
altars" and "
sacrifices" and "
money tables".
"φόρτος" ≈ "load, cargo" and "φορτίον" ≈ "load, cargo" (diminutive)
"φόρος" ≈ "tribute, tax".
80. New Testament
Matthew 26:28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. [kjv]
τουτο γαρ εστιν το αιμα μου της διαθηκης το περι πολλων εκχυννομενον εις αφεσιν αμαρτιων [gnt]
Mark 14:24 And he said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many. [kjv]
και ειπεν αυτοις τουτο εστιν το αιμα μου της διαθηκης το εκχυννομενον υπερ πολλων [gnt]
Luke 22:20 Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you. [kjv]
και το ποτηριον ωσαυτως μετα το δειπνησαι λεγων τουτο το ποτηριον η καινη διαθηκη εν τω αιματι μου το υπερ υμων εκχυννομενον [gnt]
Might the "
new" "
law" of Jesus described by Barnabas be the same as the "
new" "
testament" phrase used by Jesus at the Last Supper in Luke? The word "
new" is not in some Greek manuscripts in Matthew and Mark.
Some pastors overemphasize the "
new" and then claim that "
Jesus changed everything" with the idea that we can ignore God's laws which have been replaced by this "
new" law or testament.
81. Love one another
John 13:34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another. as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. [kjv]
εντολην καινην διδωμι υμιν ινα αγαπατε αλληλους καθως ηγαπησα υμας ινα και υμεις αγαπατε αλληλους [gnt]
13:35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. [kjv]
εν τουτω γνωσονται παντες οτι εμοι μαθηται εστε εαν αγαπην εχητε εν αλληλοις [gnt]
Jesus is talking to believers. Some pastors will extend this to everyone in the world such that even if the culture goes against God, one should accept that behavior. The Greek has two words for "
other": "
similar other" and "
different other". The word here is the "
similar other".
All the Gospels and Paul say "
love neighbor as yourself". Many pastors leave out the "
as yourself" which is a negative feedback loop so that one does not go against God's laws in loving one's neighbor.
82. Love one another
In the "
new" "
testament" or "
commandment" or "
law" of Jesus, did Jesus intend to rid the "
harmed" or "
oppressed" of the "
yoke of compulsion"?
Matthew and Mark: "testament" without "new".
Luke and Paul: "new" "testament".
John: "new" "commandment".
Barnabas: "new" "law".
Had this "
yoke of compulsion" done "
harm" to those in the "
kingdom of heaven"?
83. Matthew 11:30
KJV: For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Greek: ο γαρ ζυγος μου χρηστος και το φορτιον μου ελαφρον εστιν
84. Matthew 26:28
KJV: For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
Greek: τουτο γαρ εστιν το αιμα μου το της καινης διαθηκης το περι πολλων εκχυνομενον εκχυννομενον εις αφεσιν αμαρτιων
85. Mark 14:24
KJV: And he said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many.
Greek: και ειπεν αυτοις τουτο εστιν το αιμα μου το της καινης διαθηκης το περι εκχυννομενον υπερ πολλων εκχυνομενον
86. Luke 22:20
KJV: Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.
Greek: ωσαυτως και το ποτηριον ωσαυτως μετα το δειπνησαι λεγων τουτο το ποτηριον η καινη διαθηκη εν τω αιματι μου το υπερ υμων εκχυνομενον εκχυννομενον
87. John 13:34
KJV: A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another. as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
Greek: εντολην καινην διδωμι υμιν ινα αγαπατε αλληλους καθως ηγαπησα υμας ινα και υμεις αγαπατε αλληλους
88. John 13:35
KJV: By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
Greek: εν τουτω γνωσονται παντες οτι εμοι μαθηται εστε εαν αγαπην εχητε εν αλληλοις
89. Matthew 17:10-12 Elias
Matthew 17:10 And his disciples asked him, saying, Why then say the scribes that Elias must first come? [kjv]
17:11 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things. [kjv]
17:12 But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them. [kjv]
Since Jesus connects John the Baptist and Elijah the prophet, let us explore that Elijah connection.
The name "
Elias" is transliterated from the Greek as appears in the
LXX and
GNT. The name "
Elijah" is transliterated from the Hebrew of the
OT.
90. Mount Nebo
The following questions and possible answers are presented and discussed here.
What is Mount Nebo and why is it important?
What are the events of the transfiguration?
Who are the two witnesses in Revelation?
How do these places and events appear to be related?
Besides Jesus, the two people most associated with these events are Moses and Elijah.
The two witnesses in Revelation perform the same miracles as done by Moses and Elijah.
91. Matthew 17:10
KJV: And his disciples asked him, saying, Why then say the scribes that Elias must first come?
Greek: και επηρωτησαν αυτον οι μαθηται αυτου λεγοντες τι ουν οι γραμματεις λεγουσιν οτι ηλιαν δει ελθειν πρωτον
92. Matthew 17:11
KJV: And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things.
Greek: ο δε ιησους αποκριθεις ειπεν αυτοις ηλιας μεν ερχεται πρωτον και αποκαταστησει παντα
93. Matthew 17:12
KJV: But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them.
Greek: λεγω δε υμιν οτι ηλιας ηδη ηλθεν και ουκ επεγνωσαν αυτον αλλ αλλα εποιησαν εν αυτω οσα ηθελησαν ουτως και ο υιος του ανθρωπου μελλει πασχειν υπ αυτων
94. Matthew 11:14
KJV: And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come.
Greek: και ει θελετε δεξασθαι αυτος εστιν ηλιας ο μελλων ερχεσθαι
95. He that hath ears
Jesus says this at the end of the verses being analyzed.
Before the "
children playing music in the marketplace":
Matthew 11:15 He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. [kjv]
ο εχων ωτα ακουετω [gnt]
In the middle of the "
kingdom parables":
13:9 Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. [kjv]
ο εχων ωτα ακουετω [gnt]
Jesus sometimes uses a phrase such as "
he that hath an ear ... hear" . That "
hear" in Greek assumes with "
understanding". Otherwise, some clarification is needed. Jesus appears to use a phrase such as this when there is some deeper meaning that needs to be uncovered - often a play-on-word meaning in Greek. Jesus wants us to "
hear" with our "
ears". The ancient Greek word
"φωνή" ≈ "voice", as in "
phonograph", and comes from
"φως" ≈ "light" and
"νους" ≈ "mind". That is, the "
sound" of a "
voice" is "
light" into the "
mind".
96. Matthew 11:15
KJV: He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
Greek: ο εχων ωτα ακουειν ακουετω
97. Matthew 11:15-19 A pipe dream in the market place
98. Kingdom of heaven
Some additional verses of Matthew that use the "
kingdom of heaven" are now presented. How well does the idea of the "
kingdom of heaven" representing those believers and followers of God fit for each verse?
To be a follower, one should abide by both laws.
Love God (and God's rules).
Love neighbor as yourself (not violating God's rules).
Jesus reaffirms these two laws and then adds emphasis (and a somewhat new twist) that one needs to proclaim the Good News, love others as oneself, and be passive in not taking other actions. That is the Greek meaning that is translated as "
suffer".
99. Kingdom of heaven
Matthew 13:52 Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old. [kjv]
ο δε ειπεν αυτοις δια τουτο πας γραμματευς μαθητευθεις τη βασιλεια των ουρανων ομοιος εστιν ανθρωπω οικοδεσποτη οστις εκβαλλει εκ του θησαυρου αυτου καινα και παλαια [gnt]
What exactly is the "
kingdom of heaven"?
The ancient Greek word "βασίλεια" ≈ "kingdom" as in "realm". A basilica is a hall of the king of the kingdom.
The ancient Greek word "οὐρανός" ≈ "sky, heaven" as in the "atmosphere".
100. Modern Greek
101. Matthew 8:20 Birds of the air
Matthew 8:20 And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. [kjv]
και λεγει αυτω ο ιησους αι αλωπεκες φωλεους εχουσιν και τα πετεινα του ουρανου κατασκηνωσεις ο δε υιος του ανθρωπου ουκ εχει που την κεφαλην κλινη [gnt]
… Foxis … briddis of heuene … [wy]
Is the
"kingdom of heaven" actually "
heaven" as in the
"kingdom of God"?
"βασίλεια των ουρανών" ≈ "kingdom of heaven" or "kingdom of the air".
"πετεινα του ουρανου" ≈ "birds of the air" or "birds of heaven".
Wycliffe uses the phrase "briddis of heuene" or "birds of heaven".
Some will attempt to "
fix" a perceived "
error" in the Bible text by asserting their opinion (or glory) that
"kingdom of God" and
"kingdom of heaven" are the same thing.
If birds represent "
evil" or "
oppression" (parable 1), are there any birds in heaven?
102. Matthew 8:20
KJV: And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.
Greek: και λεγει αυτω ο ιησους αι αλωπεκες φωλεους εχουσιν και τα πετεινα του ουρανου κατασκηνωσεις ο δε υιος του ανθρωπου ουκ εχει που την κεφαλην κλινη
Wessex: Ða cweð se haelend to hym. Foxas haebbeð holo. & heofene fugeles nyst. soðlice mannes sune naefð hwaer he hys heafod änhelde.
Wycliffe: And Jhesus seide to hym, Foxis han dennes, and briddis of heuene han nestis, but mannus sone hath not where`he schal reste his heed.
Tyndale: And Iesus sayd vnto him: the foxes have holes and the bryddes of the ayer have nestes but ye sonne of the man hath not whero to rest his heede.
Luther: Jesus sagte zu ihm: Die Füchse haben Gruben, und die Vögel unter dem Himmel haben Nester; aber des Menschen Sohn hat nicht, da er sein Haupt hinlege.
103. Suffer the children
Matthew 19:14 But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven. [kjv]
ο δε ιησους ειπεν αφετε τα παιδια και μη κωλυετε αυτα ελθειν προς με των γαρ τοιουτων εστιν η βασιλεια των ουρανων [gnt]
The ancient Greek word
"ἀφίημι" ≈ "send forth, send away" and is the word often used by the
KJV for "
suffer". The word is often used for "
forgive" as in "
release from" and comes from two Greek words.
"απο" ≈ "from" as in a separating distance.
"ἵημι" ≈ "release, let go".
Is the "
kingdom of heaven" used here best described as the "
realm" of an "
idea", a "
way", an "
area" or "
people" (or something else)?
104. Kingdom of heaven
Matthew 19:14 But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven. [kjv]
ο δε ιησους ειπεν αφετε τα παιδια και μη κωλυετε αυτα ελθειν προς με των γαρ τοιουτων εστιν η βασιλεια των ουρανων [gnt]
Mark 10:14 … Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. [kjv]
ιδων δε ο ιησους ηγανακτησεν και ειπεν αυτοις αφετε τα παιδια ερχεσθαι προς με μη κωλυετε αυτα των γαρ τοιουτων εστιν η βασιλεια του θεου [gnt]
Luke 18:16 … Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. [kjv]
ο δε ιησους προσεκαλεσατο αυτα αφετε τα παιδια ερχεσθαι προς με και μη κωλυετε αυτα των γαρ τοιουτων εστιν η βασιλεια του θεου [gnt]
The "
such" indicates that this is an abstract pattern that has to do with the "
kingdom of heaven" which may not be the same as the "
kingdom of God".
105. Links
Here are some links to more content on the "
Kingdom of Heaven".
This content will eventually be linked into the content on these pages.
106. End of page
