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Matthew 11:12-14 Exploring the Kingdom of Heaven
1. Matthew 11:12-14 Exploring the Kingdom of Heaven
2. Matthew 11
3. Matthew 11:12 Verses
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]
4. Matthew 11:12-14 Exploring the Kingdom of Heaven
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]
It is not clear if what Daniel describes as the
"kingdom" of
"heaven" is related to what Jesus says.
5. Kingdoms
The "
kingdom" of "
heaven" or "
air" could refer to many things. Jesus gives some hints in Matthew 11. It could be some or all or none of the following.
☐ 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)
6. 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" or "
air" 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.
7. Kingdoms
 |
There are many viewpoints on the "kingdom" of "God" and the "kingdom" of "heaven/air".
| Gospel |
Kingdom
of heaven |
Kingdom
of God |
| Matthew |
32 |
5 |
| Mark |
0 |
16 |
| Luke |
0 |
32 |
| John |
0 |
2 |
Sometimes Jesus just says "kingdom". The TR (Textus Receptus) adds "of God" in one of these verses.
It appears that Jesus uses the noun phrase "kingdom" of "heaven/air" as a code word. Matthew just wrote down what was said. The others merged these together in their minds before writing what they remembered.
|
8. Matthew 6:33-34 Review
Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. [kjv]
ζητειτε δε πρωτον την βασιλειαν και την δικαιοσυνην αυτου και ταυτα παντα προστεθησεται υμιν [gnt]
6:34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. [kjv]
μη ουν μεριμνησητε εις την αυριον η γαρ αυριον μεριμνησει αυτης αρκετον τη ημερα η κακια αυτης [gnt]
The world seeks clothes, food, drink. The word translated as "
evil" is that of "
being oppressed" as in the "
harmed".
Followers of Jesus should seek God to have those things added to them.
Ask: Put on the clothes of (and imitate) Jesus.
Seek: Eat his body as bread representing rules broken for us.
Knock: Drink his blood as living water remembered as the wine.
Discuss: What should you do? What should you
not do? Express this in terms of "
bind" and/or "
glue" or in terms of "
loose" and/or "
separate".
The
TR adds "
of God". There are
five other verses in Matthew where Jesus uses "
kingdom" of "
God".
9. Matthew 12:26-28 Division
Matthew 12:26 And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand? [kjv]
και ει ο σατανας τον σαταναν εκβαλλει εφ εαυτον εμερισθη πως ουν σταθησεται η βασιλεια αυτου [gnt]
12:27 And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your children cast them out? therefore they shall be your judges. [kjv]
και ει εγω εν βεεζεβουλ εκβαλλω τα δαιμονια οι υιοι υμων εν τινι εκβαλλουσιν δια τουτο αυτοι κριται εσονται υμων [gnt]
12:28 But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you. [kjv]
ει δε εν πνευματι θεου εγω εκβαλλω τα δαιμονια αρα εφθασεν εφ υμας η βασιλεια του θεου [gnt]
Matthew uses
"kingdom" of
"God" rather than
"kingdom" of
"heaven/air". Is there a difference? If so, is it important?
The context of the verses talking about the "
strong man" are Jesus talking to the religious leaders after being accused of casting out demons (Satan) by the power of Satan. This accusation by the religious elite is followed in the next chapter with the Kingdom Parables.
10. Camels and needles
Luke 18:25 For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. [kjv]
ευκοπωτερον γαρ εστιν καμηλον δια τρηματος βελονης εισελθειν η πλουσιον εις την βασιλειαν του θεου εισελθειν [gnt]
Matthew 19:24 And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. [kjv]
παλιν δε λεγω υμιν ευκοπωτερον εστιν καμηλον δια τρηματος ραφιδος η πλουσιον εις την βασιλειαν του θεου [gnt]
The Latin changes the Greek question "
which is a better toil" to a
statement! Matthew uses
"kingdom" of
"God" rather than
"kingdom" of
"heaven/air". Is there a difference? If so, is it important?
Paraphrase:
Which is a better toil or work, to get a camel through the eye of a needle or a rich man into the kingdom of God?
Discuss: Compare and contrast the
KJV (King James Version) statements about a rich man in Luke 18:25 with Jesus and Zacchaeus, a rich man, in Luke 19 (start of the next chapter). Does Zacchaeus keep all or some or none of his wealth?
11. Logical analysis: Build
Matthew 21:31 Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you. [kjv]
τις εκ των δυο εποιησεν το θελημα του πατρος λεγουσιν ο υστερος λεγει αυτοις ο ιησους αμην λεγω υμιν οτι οι τελωναι και αι πορναι προαγουσιν υμας εις την βασιλειαν του θεου [gnt]
Matthew uses
"kingdom" of
"God" rather than
"kingdom" of
"heaven/air". Is there a difference? If so, is it important?
Many attribute this saying to
hyperbole or, essentially, an
opinion. A
logical analysis of this verse is that, with probability approaching certainty,
no religious elite who mislead the faithful for their own greatness will enter the
"kingdom" of
"God".
In particular, if there is even one tax collector or harlot that does not get into the kingdom of God, then neither do any of the religious elite to which Jesus refers.
12. Kingdom of heaven build
1 Groups
2 Line up
3 Enter
4 Stop
Are any of man's "
righteous" (without God) going in?
Sinners who have changed.
Sinners who have not changed.
Birds (religious elite) who have oppressed others. These are the "first" that will be "last".
Sinners who entered the Kingdom of God. These are the "last" that will be "first".
How many "
sparrows" will fall "
without God"?
13. Matthew 21:43 Kingdom taken
Matthew 21:43 Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof. [kjv]
δια τουτο λεγω υμιν οτι αρθησεται αφ υμων η βασιλεια του θεου και δοθησεται εθνει ποιουντι τους καρπους αυτης [gnt]
Matthew uses
"kingdom" of
"God" rather than
"kingdom" of
"heaven/air". Is there a difference? If so, is it important?
This verse refers to the kingdom being taken and given to another. This verse is not a direct part of the current discussion. The word for "
nation" here means a "
people". Who is "
you"? Discuss:
Can one destroy the "tenants" but not the "vineyard"?
Would any new "tenants" do better than the old "tenants"?
Does this verse apply just to the religious infrastructure or to both the religious infrastructure and the people for which they are responsible?
Is the "kingdom" of "God" taken from them or is the position as gatekeepers to the "kingdom" of "God" taken from them, or something else?
 |
Details are left as a future topic.
|
14. 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?
15. 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.
16. 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.
17. Subset
Perhaps the "
Kingdom of God" is a subset of the "
Kingdom of heaven". This seems unlikely.
18. 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.
19. 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 changes "
kingdom" of "
heaven" to "
kingdom" of "
God".
However, many theologians, commentators, pastors, etc., appear to have little trouble making them equal.
Do they realize that, in doing so, they have made themselves (in their eyes, equal to) God?
20. Overlap
Perhaps there is some overlap between them. This appears more likely as, in most every comparison, there are some similarities and some differences.
21. Different
Perhaps they are completely different with no similarities. At first impression, this seems unlikely. However, there is an interesting aspect of this model.
22. 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.
23. 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.
24. 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]
25. 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.
26. 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.
27. Matthew 11:
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".
28. 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.
29. 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 ...
30. Usage - take
 |
Words: αρπαγεντα αρπαγησομεθα αρπαζει=2 αρπαζειν=2 αρπαζοντες αρπαζουσιν αρπασαι=2 αρπασει ηρπαγη ηρπασεν ηρπασθη
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*G726 *14 ἁρπάζω (har-pad'-zo) : from a derivative of G138; to seize (in various applications):--catch (away, up), pluck, pull, take (by force).
31. 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 ...
32. 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.
33. Verse connection
Let us connect verses 10 and 12. In verse 10, the "
prepare" is a different word in the Greek from the
LXX (Septuagint). 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.
34. 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".
35. 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.
36. 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.
 |
Words: βιαζεται=2 βιαιας βιασται
|
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.
The modern Greek word
"βιάζεται" (vee-A-zeh-teh) ≈ "be in a hurry".
37. 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.
38. 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
39. 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.
40. 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
41. 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.
42. Matthew 11:12,14 Elijah
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]
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". By making the figurative assumption of meaning, one can attempt to determine the meaning of "
kingdom of heaven".
43. 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".
44. 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).
45. 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
46. 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]
47. 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
48. 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
49. 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.
Have they taken the "
twig" out of the "
eye" of those wanting to do the right thing so they cannot bear "
fruit". The Greek word "
twig" is a play on words with the Greek word for "
fruit".
50. 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
51. Matthew 23:23
52. 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
53. 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.
54. 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.
55. 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.
56. 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]
57. 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.
58. 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).
59. 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".
60. 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.
61. 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.
62. 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"?
63. 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
64. 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
65. 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
66. 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
67. 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
68. 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
69. 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 (Greek New Testament). The name "
Elijah" is transliterated from the Hebrew of the
OT.
70. 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.
71. 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
72. 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
73. 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
74. 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
75. 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".
76. Matthew 11:15
KJV: He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
Greek: ο εχων ωτα ακουειν ακουετω
77. Matthew 11:15-19 A pipe dream in the market place
78. 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".
79. 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".
80. Modern Greek
81. 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?
82. 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.
83. 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)?
84. 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".
85. 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.
86. End of page
Matthew 23:23 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. [kjv]
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 το ελεος και την πιστιν ταυτα δε δε εδει ποιησαι κακεινα μη αφειναι [gnt]
Matthew 11:16 But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows, [kjv]
τινι δε ομοιωσω την γενεαν ταυτην ομοια εστιν παιδιοις καθημενοις εν ταις αγοραιςα προσφωνουντα τοις ετεροις [gnt]
11:17 And saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned unto you, and ye have not lamented. [kjv]
λεγουσιν ηυλησαμεν υμιν και ουκ ωρχησασθε εθρηνησαμεν και ουκ εκοψασθε [gnt]
