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Matthew 11:15-19 A pipe dream in the market place
1. Matthew 11:15-19 A pipe dream in the market place
2. Matthew 11
3. Verses
Matthew 11:15 He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. [kjv]
ο εχων ωτα ακουετω [gnt]
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]
4. Pipes
Matthew 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]
5. Pipe jokes
What advice did one smoking pipe say to the other smoking pipe who asked for directions?
You soot not go ashtray! He was just blowing smoke.
What did the boss say when he was asked if he would ever hire felons to run pipe?
He said he would not let a conduit. They run at the mouth too much, if you get the flow of the joke.
What did the smart-phone say to the pipe?
iPhone, YouTube, WeChat.
6. Pipe dream
The English phrase
"pipe dream" means something that is not actually possible. The word comes from the 1800's from people who hallucinated dreams while smoking opium pipes.
7. Pan pipes
Daniel 3:5 That at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king hath set up: [kjv]
η αν ωρα ακουσητε της φωνης της σαλπιγγος συριγγος τε και κιθαρας σαμβυκης και ψαλτηριου και συμφωνιας και παντος γενους μουσικων πιπτοντες προσκυνειτε τη εικονι τη χρυση η εστησεν ναβουχοδονοσορ ο βασιλευς [lxx]
… audieritis … tubae et fistulae et citharae sambucae et psalterii et symphoniae … musicorum … [v]
The Latin word
"fistula" ≈ "pipe, tube" as in the "
pipes of Pan".
The ancient Greek word
"σῦριγξ" ≈ "pan pipes".
8. Romans 6:14 Paul and double meaning
The following appear to differ only in the space in the text - there are none in the original Greek. Both are objects in accusative case ending. Accents were added later.
The ancient Greek word "υπό νόμον" ≈ "under (the) law".
The ancient Greek word "ὑπόνομον" ≈ "underground passage, mine, water-pipe, conduit, sewer, vein of minerals".
Romans 6:14 … ye are not under the law, but under grace. [kjv]
αμαρτια γαρ υμων ου κυριευσει ου γαρ εστε υπο νομον αλλα υπο χαριν [gnt]
Paul can be saying (at least) two things (and all can be true).
☐ (on earth)
... you are not under law but under grace. (from above)
☐ (on earth)
... you are not sewer pipes but under purpose. (from above)
This appears to be the main emphasis of Romans. The word for "
grace" is that of "
favor" and can be translated as "
purpose".
9. He that hath ears
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".
Following this verse, Jesus makes some interesting statements about children in the market place. To fully understand, one needs to "
hear" with the "
ear".
10. Song: Open my eyes that I may see
Psalms 119:18 Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law. [kjv]
… עיני … [he]
αποκαλυψον τους οφθαλμους μου και κατανοησω τα θαυμασια σου εκ του νομου σου [lxx]
The hymn "
Open my eyes that I may see" was based on Psalms 119:18. Additional verses cover the
"ears", "
mouth" and "
mind".
It was written in 1895 by
Clara Scott (American composer) . Growing up on a farm in the mid-west, the family moved to Chicago. She was the first woman to publish a volume of anthems. In 1897, returning from a funeral with some friends, she was thrown from her carriage and died instantly from the accident at age 55.
[hymn 486]
11. Verse 2
Open my ears that I may hear
voices of truth thou sendest clear,
and while the wave notes fall on my ear,
ev’rything false will disappear.
Silently now I wait for thee,
ready, my God, thy will to see.
Open my ears, illumine me,
Spirit divine!
12. Matthew 11:15
Matthew 11:15 He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. [kjv]
ο εχων ωτα ακουετω [gnt]
One little boy exclaimed, "
I hear it in my ear!". His grandmother then asked him "
Where else would you hear it, in your nose". The little boy giggled and thought that was really funny.
Let us look at the verse after this verse and try to listen to it "
with our ear" and not "
turn up our nose" to what we hear. By using our "
ears", we may get meaning that is "
more than meets the eye".
13. Approach
Approach: The traditional literal meaning possible figurative meaning will be covered first using the words in English. Then a comparison is made with Luke. Then a third meaning of Matthew is presented based on "hearing" with our "ears" using the words in Greek. Luke changes some words such that the secondary and additional meanings are lost.
14. Matthew 11:15
KJV: He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
Greek: ο εχων ωτα ακουειν ακουετω
15. Matthew 11:15-19 A pipe dream in the market place
16. Context of Matthew 11
1-6: John via his disciples asking Jesus if he is the Christ.
7-14: Jesus talking about John and Elijah and the "Kingdom of Heaven".
15: He that has ears, hear. (this content)
16-19: Comments about this generation and children (this content).
20-24: Comments about cities (rejecting Him).
25-27: Comments about believers (babes).
28-30: Comments about "easy" yokes and rest.
17. 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.
18. 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.
19. Song: Jesus loves the little children
The song "
Jesus loves the little children" is by Clare Woolton (1856-1927), a Baptist minister who lived in New Jersey and Philadelphia. The tune is by George Frederick Root (1820-1895) that was used for the American Civil War song "
Tramp, Tramp, Tramp" or "
Prisoner's hope". His pseudo-name was "
Wurzel", German for "
root" (his last name).
20. Traditional verse
Jesus loves the little children,
All the children of the world;
Red and
yellow,
black and
white,
They are precious in his sight,
Jesus loves the little children of the world.
21. Matthew 11:16 Children
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]
These children appear to represent the religious establishment, who do no real work and feed off of others, like a bird, such that the others cannot do the things they are supposed to do as required by God (and not the religious establishment). These children are "
sitting". The others who are "
different" have actual day-to-day work to do.
22. Matthew 11:16 Others
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]
Lost in translation is that the Greek word for "
fellows" indicates that the "
fellows" as "
others" are "
different" and
not "
similar".
The English word
"other" can mean something that is
similar or is
different.
| English |
Greek |
Greek |
| other |
other (similar) |
άλλος |
| other |
other (different) |
έτερος |
|
Greek has two words for "other". One means "other (similar)" and one means "other (different)".
|
That same distinction is made at Pentecost but, again, the English loses that distinction.
23. Matthew: Sitting in the markets
Matthew 23:2 Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat: [kjv]
λεγων επι της μωυσεως καθεδρας εκαθισαν οι γραμματεις και οι φαρισαιοι [gnt]
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]
The "
markets", in a literal sense, is the "
market". Part of the temple was the "
courtyard" where the "
buying" of required sacrifices was done by "
selling". Jesus had overturned the "
tables" or "
benches" of these "
sellers" who had desecrated the temple.
In times since then, the Pope of the Catholic Church, as part of "
Papal infallibility", can issue or speak "
ex cathedra" which is, in Latin, "
out of the seat".
The Greek for "
liken" is a play on words on "
the Moses".
24. Matthew 21:12
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]
The moneychangers sat on seats as they bought and sold. The children sit and call to others in the market place where buying and selling happen.
In the buying and selling, deals were made. It takes two to make a deal as in "
selling" and "
buying", whether it be merchandise or oneself (to the system, etc.).
25. Temple
Since the time of Elijah, the Temple had become more and more of a money-making enterprise for the government and for the religious establishment.
In particular, the religious establishment had worked with the Latin-speaking Roman government to be well off at the expense of the common person.
26. 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".
27. Plastic words and merchandise
2 Peter 2:3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not. [kjv]
και εν πλεονεξια πλαστοις λογοις υμας εμπορευσονται οις το κριμα εκπαλαι ουκ αργει και η απωλεια αυτων ου νυσταζει [gnt]
Peter says that these "
false teachers" will use
"plastic" words to make
"merchandise" of their followers as in selling at an
"emporium".
"πλάσσω" ≈ "form, mold, shape" as is the source of the English word "plastic".
"ἔμπορος" ≈ "traveler, merchant" as in one who makes a journey and is the source of the English word "emporium".
In Romans 16, Paul make a play on words between "
useful words", "
subtle sermons" in Latin, and "
Christ words".
28. Matthew 10:29,31 All the sparrows
Matthew 10:29 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. [kjv]
ουχι δυο στρουθια ασσαριου πωλειται και εν εξ αυτων ου πεσειται επι την γην ανευ του πατρος υμων [gnt]
10:31 Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. [kjv]
μη ουν φοβεισθε πολλων στρουθιων διαφερετε υμεις [gnt]
Paraphrase:
All the sparrows (of the evil one) who sell themselves (or others) out for earthly gain will fall on that earthly ground because they are without God the Father ... Fear not. You are different than sparrows.
It takes "
two" to work a "
deal" - for or against God.
Which birds stick together the best?
Velcrows
29. 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
30. Matthew 21:13 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 "
house" should be built on the "
rock".
The "
house" should not be built on the human infrastructure of "
sand" that involves many other things (buying, selling, etc.).
Business principle: All management (in the sand house) is, at best, non-value adding work (not fruit). The only value-adding work (fruit) happens at the lowest (rock) level.
31. Matthew 7 Houses built on sand and on rock
32. Rock and sand
Build your house on the granite
rock of Jesus and not on the human sand (or stones) of man, Matthew 7:24-27. Sand is a chip off the old block of granite and made in the image of granite.
Church of believers built on the rock of Christ .
Church of believers built on the sand of man .
The higher one goes up the human
sand hierarchy or
sand tree, the more the temptation to ignore the foundation of the
rock and to start to "
influence" or "
manipulate" others as "
leaders" for one's own purposes.
To the extent that the Church of believers built on the sand of man helps one do what Jesus wants them to do, it is good. To the extent it does not, it is not good.
Some
birds will make "
stones" (sand on which to build their birdhouse) appear as "
bread". That is, give "
bad" "
gifts" or "
houses" to their "
children".
33. 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
34. Matthew 11:16 Sitting
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]
These "
children" are "
sitting". The religious establishment was "
sitting" in the "
seat" of Moses and taking advantage of that "
perch" like a "
bird" would do waiting to swoop down on their prey.
In times since then, the Pope of the Catholic Church, as part of "
Papal infallibility", can issue or speak "
ex cathedra" which is, in Latin, "
out of the seat".
35. Barnabas: Behavior of birds
English: Neither shall you eat the eagle or the hawk or the kite or the crow. You must not, he means, associate or even resemble such people, who do not know how to provide food for themselves by labor and sweat but lawlessly plunder other people's property; indeed, though they walk about with the appearance of innocence, they are carefully watching and looking around for someone to rob in their greed, just as these birds alone do not provide food for themselves but sit idle and look for ways to eat the flesh of others - they are nothing more than pests in their wickedness. (10.4, Holmes, p. 411)
Barnabas makes the case that the Jews changed the "
moral" laws given by God to
Moses into "
dietary" laws to circumvent what God wanted. The word "
associate" is the Greek word for "
glued to" or "
joined together", the same word Jesus uses for husband and wife becoming "
one flesh".
Greek: [10.4] Οὐδὲ φάγῃ τὸν ἀετὸν οὐδὲ τὸν ὀξύπτερον οὐδὲ τὸν ἰκτῖνα οὐδὲ τὸν κόρακα οὐ μή, φησίν, κολληθήσῃ οὐδὲ ὁμοιωθήσῃ ἀνθρώποις τοιούτοις, οἵτινες οὐκ οἴδασιν διὰ κόπου καὶ ἰδρῶτος προίζειν ἑαυτοῖς τὴν τροφήν, ἀλλὰ ἁρπάζουσιν ὡς καὶ τὰ ἀλλότρια ἐν ἀνομίᾳ αὐτῶν καὶ ἐπιτηροῦσιν ὡς ἐν ἀκεραιοσύνῃ περιπατοῦντες καὶ περιβλέπονται, τίνα ἐκδύσωσιν διὰ τὴν πλεονεξίαν, ὡς καὶ τὰ ὄρνεα ταῦτα μόνα ἑαυτοῖς οὐ προίζει τὴν τροφήν, ἀλλὰ ἀργὰ καθήμενα ἐκζητεῖ, πῶς ἀλλοτρίας σάρκας καταφάγῃ, ὄντα λοιμὰ τῇ πονηρίᾳ αὐτῶν.
The ancient Greek word
"κόλλα" ≈ "glue, flower paste".
The translation is that one should not
"associate" with such people. The Greek is that of
"glue yourself" to such people.
36. Structure comparison
37. Matthew 23:2-4 Seat of Moses
Matthew 23:2 Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat: [kjv]
λεγων επι της μωυσεως καθεδρας εκαθισαν οι γραμματεις και οι φαρισαιοι [gnt]
23:3 All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not. [kjv]
παντα ουν οσα εαν ειπωσιν υμιν ποιησατε και τηρειτε κατα δε τα εργα αυτων μη ποιειτε λεγουσιν γαρ και ου ποιουσιν [gnt]
23:4 For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. [kjv]
Jesus points out the deficiency of their "
works". This will be stated in Matthew 11:19 as "
But wisdom is justified of her children/works." where the Greek in Matthew uses the word "
works" but Luke uses "
children".
Jesus points out the "
hypocrisy" of the religious establishment but does not use the word "
hypocrite". That Greek word meant "
acting" or "
pretending".
38. Matthew 23:2
KJV: Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat:
Greek: λεγων επι της μωσεως μωυσεως καθεδρας εκαθισαν οι γραμματεις και οι φαρισαιοι
39. Matthew 23:3
KJV: All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.
Greek: παντα ουν οσα αν εαν ειπωσιν υμιν τηρειν τηρειτε ποιησατε και ποιειτε τηρειτε κατα δε τα εργα αυτων μη ποιειτε λεγουσιν γαρ και ου ποιουσιν
40. Matthew 23:4
KJV: For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.
Greek: δεσμευουσιν γαρ δε φορτια βαρεα και δυσβαστακτα και επιτιθεασιν επι τους ωμους των ανθρωπων τω αυτοι δε τω δακτυλω αυτων ου θελουσιν κινησαι αυτα
41. Matthew 11:16 Calling
42. Strongs - calling
- *G4377 *7 προσφωνέω (pros-fo-neh'-o) : from G4314 and G5455; to sound towards, i.e. address, exclaim, summon:--call unto, speak (un-)to.
- προσεφωνησεν *4
- Luke 6:13 And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and ...
- Luke 13:12 And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, ...
- Luke 23:20 ... willing to release Jesus, spake again to them.
- Acts 21:40 ... when there was made a great silence, he spake unto them in the Hebrew tongue, saying,
- προσφωνουντα
- Matthew 11:16 ... in the markets, and calling unto their fellows,
- προσφωνουσιν
- Luke 7:32 ... the marketplace, and calling one to another, and ...
- προσεφωνει
- Acts 22:2 (And when they heard that he spake in the Hebrew tongue to them, ...
43. Usage - calling
*G4377 *7 προσφωνέω (pros-fo-neh'-o) : from G4314 and G5455; to sound towards, i.e. address, exclaim, summon:--call unto, speak (un-)to.
 |
Words: προσεφωνει προσεφωνησεν=4 προσφωνουντα προσφωνουσιν
|
44. Matthew 11:17
The "
sitting children" (as birds) in the "
market" are speaking to others who are "
different". Jesus: "
You are different than the birds".
Matthew 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]
There are four words of interest in this verse.
"piped"
"danced"
"mourned"
"lamented" which Luke changes to "wept" or "cried"
These words will be covered when the Greek words are covered so that "
ears" can be used.
45. Matthew 13:4,19 Birds and the evil one
At the request of the disciples, Jesus provides the code-word meaning of the "
birds" or "
fowls" as those of the "
wicked one". This happens when one does "
not understand" as in "
deception" (including self-deception).
Matthew 13:4 And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up: [kjv]
13:19 When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side. [kjv]
The "
catcheth away" is related to the word for "
rapture". The
KJV (King James Version) translates as "
evil" or "
wicked" the Greek word that means "
oppression" or "
oppressor".
46. Verse with Greek
Matthew 13:4 And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up: [kjv]
και εν τω σπειρειν αυτον α μεν επεσεν παρα την οδον και ελθοντα τα πετεινα κατεφαγεν αυτα [gnt]
13:19 When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side. [kjv]
παντος ακουοντος τον λογον της βασιλειας και μη συνιεντος ερχεται ο πονηρος και αρπαζει το εσπαρμενον εν τη καρδια αυτου ουτος εστιν ο παρα την οδον σπαρεις [gnt]
The Greek for "
snatch away" is the word used for "
rapture" and the source of the English word
"harpoon". It is also used as "
ravenous" in terms of "
wolves".
The "
seed" that was "
snatched away" in parable 1 appears to have been deposited (by the
"birds") in parable 2 as "
weeds" and then grows into a "
tree" in parable 3 so that those "
birds" have a place to make their "
nests".
47. Matthew 11:17
KJV: And saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned unto you, and ye have not lamented.
Greek: και λεγουσιν ηυλησαμεν υμιν και ουκ ωρχησασθε εθρηνησαμεν υμιν και ουκ εκοψασθε
48. Matthew 11:18-19
Matthew 11:18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil. [kjv]
ηλθεν γαρ ιωαννης μητε εσθιων μητε πινων και λεγουσιν δαιμονιον εχει [gnt]
11:19 The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children. [kjv]
ηλθεν ο υιος του ανθρωπου εσθιων και πινων και λεγουσιν ιδου ανθρωπος φαγος και οινοποτης τελωνων φιλος και αμαρτωλων και εδικαιωθη η σοφια απο των εργων αυτης [gnt]
The literal meaning is that no matter what they are presented with, the religious establishment finds some
excuse. Jesus is pointing out this
contradiction. One might call this behavior of the religious establishment
hypocritical. Jesus does
not do that because that is not what the word "
hypocrite" meant at that time.
49. Matthew 11:18
KJV: For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil.
Greek: ηλθεν γαρ ιωαννης μητε εσθιων μητε πινων και λεγουσιν δαιμονιον εχει
50. Matthew 11:19
Matthew 11:19 The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children. [kjv]
ηλθεν ο υιος του ανθρωπου εσθιων και πινων και λεγουσιν ιδου ανθρωπος φαγος και οινοποτης τελωνων φιλος και αμαρτωλων και εδικαιωθη η σοφια απο των εργων αυτης [gnt]
That is, "
wisdom" is "
justified" of "
all" her "
works". Some translations change "
works" to "
children" based on the verse in Luke (below).
That change from "
works" to "
children" uses a different Greek word for "
children" than in verse 17.
51. Matthew 11:19
KJV: The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.
Greek: ηλθεν ο υιος του ανθρωπου εσθιων και πινων και λεγουσιν ιδου ανθρωπος φαγος και οινοποτης τελωνων φιλος και αμαρτωλων και εδικαιωθη η σοφια απο των τεκνων εργων αυτης
52. Luke 7
Luke repeats the story from Matthew but changes the words. Let us look at the corresponding verses in Luke.
As he often does, Luke fits these verses into the context of Luke 7.
The context is that of Jesus talking to a mixed group of common people and the religious establishment. When Jesus talks to the common people and the religious establishment is present, he often uses play-on-words (apparently in Greek) so that the people understand things that are missed by the religious establishment.
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Details are left as a future topic.
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53. 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.
54. 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.
55. Luke 7:30-31 Converse fallacy
Luke 7:30 But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him. [kjv]
οι δε φαρισαιοι και οι νομικοι την βουλην του θεου ηθετησαν εις εαυτους μη βαπτισθεντες υπ αυτου [gnt]
7:31 And the Lord said, Whereunto then shall I liken the men of this generation? and to what are they like? [kjv]
τινι ουν ομοιωσω τους ανθρωπους της γενεας ταυτης και τινι εισιν ομοιοι [gnt]
It is unlikely that they "
rejected the counsel of God" because they were not "
baptized".
It is more likely that the were not "
baptized" because they "
rejected the counsel of God".
Getting this backwards is called the "
converse fallacy".
56. Luke 7:30
KJV: But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him.
Greek: οι δε φαρισαιοι και οι νομικοι την βουλην του θεου ηθετησαν εις εαυτους μη βαπτισθεντες υπ αυτου
57. Luke 7:31
KJV: And the Lord said, Whereunto then shall I liken the men of this generation? and to what are they like?
Greek: ειπεν δε ο κυριος τινι τινι ουν ομοιωσω τους ανθρωπους της γενεας ταυτης και τινι εισιν ομοιοι
58. Luke 7:32
Luke 7:32 They are like unto children sitting in the marketplace, and calling one to another, and saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned to you, and ye have not wept. [kjv]
ομοιοι εισιν παιδιοις τοις εν αγορα καθημενοις και προσφωνουσιν αλληλοις α λεγει ηυλησαμεν υμιν και ουκ ωρχησασθε εθρηνησαμεν και ουκ εκλαυσατε [gnt]
Luke changes the "
fellows" as "
different" to "
another" as "
similar".
Luke changes the word to "
wept". Matthew uses the word "
lamented".
As often happens, the word in Matthew has a double meaning while the word in Luke, based on people's memories, retains only one meaning - the literal one.
59. Luke 7:32
KJV: They are like unto children sitting in the marketplace, and calling one to another, and saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned to you, and ye have not wept.
Greek: ομοιοι εισιν παιδιοις τοις εν αγορα καθημενοις και προσφωνουσιν αλληλοις και λεγουσιν α λεγει ηυλησαμεν υμιν και ουκ ωρχησασθε εθρηνησαμεν υμιν και ουκ εκλαυσατε
60. Luke 7:33-35
Luke 7:33 For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine; and ye say, He hath a devil. [kjv]
7:34 The Son of man is come eating and drinking; and ye say, Behold a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners ! [kjv]
7:35 But wisdom is justified of all her children. [kjv]
και εδικαιωθη η σοφια απο παντων των τεκνων αυτης [gnt]
Luke uses the word "
children" which fits into the context of Luke 7. Matthew uses the word "
work". Some Greek manuscripts change "
work" to "
children" in Matthew to fit Luke, as do some English translations.
61. Luke 7:33
KJV: For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine; and ye say, He hath a devil.
Greek: εληλυθεν γαρ ιωαννης ο βαπτιστης μητε μη εσθων αρτον εσθιων μητε οινον πινων οινον και λεγετε δαιμονιον εχει
62. Luke 7:34
KJV: The Son of man is come eating and drinking; and ye say, Behold a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners !
Greek: εληλυθεν ο υιος του ανθρωπου εσθιων εσθων και πινων και λεγετε ιδου ανθρωπος φαγος και οινοποτης τελωνων φιλος τελωνων και αμαρτωλων
63. Luke 7:35
KJV: But wisdom is justified of all her children.
Greek: και εδικαιωθη η σοφια απο παντων των τεκνων αυτης παντων
64. Matthew 11:17 Ears
Matthew 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]
Let us now use our ears in terms of the four Greek words used here.
"piped"
"danced"
"mourned"
"lamented"
65. The languages spoken by Jesus
There are various schools of though on whether Jesus spoke Aramaic or Greek. Most educated people in the Roman Empire studied and spoke Latin, Greek and a native language in their area of birth or location, such as Aramaic in Judea.
Many in Judea grew up speaking both from birth. It is likely that Jesus and the disciples knew and spoke both Aramaic and Greek and, perhaps, some Latin. Few could read Hebrew and it was no longer spoken.
Aramaic used the same Hebrew alphabet, without vowels, and with multiple letters having the same or similar sounds. Greek had vowels and pretty much one letter for one sound. Thus, learning to read or write Greek was much easier than reading or writing Aramaic. The inflections in Greek, like any language, are immediately learned by children without any study other than hearing.
66. Strongs - piped
- *G832 *3 αὐλέω (ow-leh'-o) : from G836; to play the flute:--pipe.
- ηυλησαμεν *2
- Matthew 11:17 And saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have ...
- Luke 7:32 ... one to another, and saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have ...
- αυλουμενον
- 1 Corinthians 14:7 ... how shall it be known what is piped or harped?
67. Usage - piped
*G832 *3 αὐλέω (ow-leh'-o) : from G836; to play the flute:--pipe.
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Words: αυλουμενον ηυλησαμεν=2
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The ancient Greek word
"αὐλέω" ≈ "play the pipe, flute" and comes from the ancient Greek word
"αὐλός" ≈ "pipe, flute".
A similar sounding word is the ancient Greek word
"αὐλή" ≈ "courtyard" as in the courtyard of the temple or the courtyard where Peter denied Christ.
*G833 *12 αὐλή (ow-lay') : from the same as G109; a yard (as open to the wind); by implication, a mansion:--court, (sheep-)fold, hall, palace.
68. Flutes and pipes
69. Strongs - courtyard
- *G833 *12 αὐλή (ow-lay') : from the same as G109; a yard (as open to the wind); by implication, a mansion:--court, (sheep-)fold, hall, palace.
- αυλην *6
- Matthew 26:3 ... the elders of the people, unto the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas,
- Mark 14:54 ... afar off, even into the palace of the high priest: and he sat ...
- Luke 11:21 ... armed keepeth his palace, his goods are ...
- John 10:1 ... by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, ...
- John 18:15 ... went in with Jesus into the palace of the high priest.
- Revelation 11:2 But the court which is without the temple leave out, ...
- αυλης *4
- Matthew 26:58 ... off unto the high priest's palace, and went in, ...
- Mark 15:16 ... him away into the hall, called Prætorium; and ...
- Luke 22:55 ... a fire in the midst of the hall, and were set down together, Peter ...
- John 10:16 ... not of this fold: them also I must ...
- αυλη *2
- Matthew 26:69 Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel ...
- Mark 14:66 ... was beneath in the palace, there cometh one of the maids of the high priest:
70. Usage - courtyard
*G833 *12 αὐλή (ow-lay') : from the same as G109; a yard (as open to the wind); by implication, a mansion:--court, (sheep-)fold, hall, palace.
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Words: αυλη=2 αυλην=6 αυλης=4
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71. Strongs - dance
- *G3738 *4 ὠρχέομαι (or-kheh'-om-ahee) : middle voice from orchos (a row or ring); to dance (from the ranklike or regular motion):--dance.
- ωρχησασθε *2
- Matthew 11:17 ... unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned unto you, ...
- Luke 7:32 ... unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned to you, ...
- ωρχησατο
- Matthew 14:6 ... was kept, the daughter of Herodias danced before them, and ...
- ορχησαμενης
- Mark 6:22 ... Herodias came in, and danced, and pleased Herod ...
72. Usage - dance
*G3738 *4 ὠρχέομαι (or-kheh'-om-ahee) : middle voice from orchos (a row or ring); to dance (from the ranklike or regular motion):--dance.
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Words: ορχησαμενης ωρχησασθε=2 ωρχησατο
|
The English word
"orchestra" is, from Latin, from the ancient Greek word
"ὀρχήστρα" ≈ "dance floor" which is from the ancient Greek word
"ὀρχέομαι" ≈ "dance".
A similar sounding word is the ancient Greek word
"ὅρκος" ≈ "oath" as in the "
object by which one swears" and is related to
"ἕρκος" ≈ "fence". Peter says an oath in the courtyard when denying Jesus and Jesus uses this word many times in the Sermon on the Mount.
73. Matthew 23:16
Matthew 23:16 Woe unto you, ye blind guides, which say, Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, he is a debtor ! [kjv]
ουαι υμιν οδηγοι τυφλοι οι λεγοντες ος αν ομοση εν τω ναω ουδεν εστιν ος δ αν ομοση εν τω χρυσω του ναου οφειλει [gnt]
In ancient times, one might take an "
oath" or "
vow". The ancient Greek word
"ὅρκος" ≈ "oath" as in the "
object by which one swears" and is related to
"ἕρκος" ≈ "fence". This "
swear" (verb) is not the same Greek word as "
oath" (noun) but is a semantic match in that they have the same meaning.
This Greek word is related to the shoulder as in "
swear" (verb) as «
ωμοσεαν» whereas the word «
ορκον» (noun) is used for the "
oath".
74. Matthew 23:16
KJV: Woe unto you, ye blind guides, which say, Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, he is a debtor !
Greek: ουαι υμιν οδηγοι τυφλοι οι λεγοντες ος αν ομοση εν τω ναω ουδεν εστιν ος δ αν ομοση εν τω χρυσω του ναου οφειλει
75. Matthew 26:69-72 Oath in the courtyard
Both the Greek word for
"courtyard", translated as
"palace",
and the Greek word for
"oath" appear in Matthew when Peter "
denies" Christ (three times).
Matthew 26:69 Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee. [kjv]
ο δε πετρος εκαθητο εξω εν τη αυλη και προσηλθεν αυτω μια παιδισκη λεγουσα και συ ησθα μετα ιησου του γαλιλαιου [gnt]
26:70 But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest. [kjv]
ο δε ηρνησατο εμπροσθεν παντων λεγων ουκ οιδα τι λεγεις [gnt]
26:71 And when he was gone out into the porch, another maid saw him, and said unto them that were there, This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth. [kjv]
εξελθοντα δε εις τον πυλωνα ειδεν αυτον αλλη και λεγει τοις εκει ουτος ην μετα ιησου του ναζωραιου [gnt]
26:72 And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man. [kjv]
και παλιν ηρνησατο μετα ορκου οτι ουκ οιδα τον ανθρωπον [gnt]
This
"oath" is a "
testimony" about something that did or did not happen in the past.
76. Luke 22:31-32 Sift as wheat
Luke 22:31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: [kjv]
σιμων σιμων ιδου ο σατανας εξητησατο υμας του σινιασαι ως τον σιτον [gnt]
22:32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. [kjv]
εγω δε εδεηθην περι σου ινα μη εκλιπη η πιστις σου και συ ποτε επιστρεψας στηρισον τους αδελφους σου [gnt]
The ancient Greek word
"ἐξηγέομαι" ≈ "lead the way, dictate, prescribe".
The ancient Greek word
"ἐκλείπω" ≈ "leave out, pass over, forsake" and means, literally, "
out" of "
leaving" as in "
leaving out".
77. Matthew 26:69
KJV: Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee.
Greek: ο δε πετρος εξω εκαθητο εξω εν τη αυλη και προσηλθεν αυτω μια παιδισκη λεγουσα και συ ησθα μετα ιησου του γαλιλαιου
78. Matthew 26:70
KJV: But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest.
Greek: ο δε ηρνησατο εμπροσθεν παντων λεγων ουκ οιδα τι λεγεις
79. Matthew 26:71
KJV: And when he was gone out into the porch, another maid saw him, and said unto them that were there, This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth.
Greek: εξελθοντα δε αυτον εις τον πυλωνα ειδεν αυτον αλλη και λεγει τοις εκει και ουτος ην μετα ιησου του ναζωραιου
80. Matthew 26:72
KJV: And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man.
Greek: και παλιν ηρνησατο μεθ μετα ορκου οτι ουκ οιδα τον ανθρωπον
81. Luke 22:31
KJV: And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:
Greek: ειπεν δε ο κυριος σιμων σιμων σιμων ιδου ο σατανας εξητησατο υμας του σινιασαι ως τον σιτον
82. Luke 22:32
KJV: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
Greek: εγω δε εδεηθην περι σου ινα μη εκλειπη εκλιπη η πιστις σου και συ ποτε επιστρεψας στηριξον στηρισον τους αδελφους σου
83. Strongs - wailing
- *G2354 *0 θρηνέω (thray-neh'-o) : from G2355; to bewail:--lament, mourn.
- εθρηνησαμεν *2
- Matthew 11:17 ... ye have not danced; we have mourned unto you, and ye have ...
- Luke 7:32 ... ye have not danced; we have mourned to you, and ye have ...
- εθρηνουν
- Luke 23:27 ... also bewailed and lamented him.
- θρηνησετε
- John 16:20 ... ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: ...
84. Usage - wailing
85. Matthew 5:33-35
Matthew 5:33 Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths: [kjv]
παλιν ηκουσατε οτι ερρεθη τοις αρχαιοις ουκ επιορκησεις αποδωσεις δε τω κυριω τους ορκους σου [gnt]
5:34 But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne: [kjv]
εγω δε λεγω υμιν μη ομοσαι ολως μητε εν τω ουρανω οτι θρονος εστιν του θεου [gnt]
5:35 Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. [kjv]
μητε εν τη γη οτι υποποδιον εστιν των ποδων αυτου μητε εις ιεροσολυμα οτι πολις εστιν του μεγαλου βασιλεως [gnt]
In Matthew 5, the Greek words for "
throne" and "
footstool" are used near each other. The Greek words for "
swear" and "
oath" are used.
86. Matthew 5:33
KJV: Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths:
Greek: παλιν ηκουσατε οτι ερρεθη τοις αρχαιοις ουκ επιορκησεις αποδωσεις δε τω κυριω τους ορκους σου
87. Matthew 5:34
KJV: But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne:
Greek: εγω δε λεγω υμιν μη ομοσαι ολως μητε εν τω ουρανω οτι θρονος εστιν του θεου
88. Matthew 5:35
KJV: Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.
Greek: μητε εν τη γη οτι υποποδιον εστιν των ποδων αυτου μητε εις ιεροσολυμα οτι πολις εστιν του μεγαλου βασιλεως
89. Strongs - wail
- *G2875 *8 κόπτω (kop'-to) : a primary verb; to "chop"; specially, to beat the breast in grief:--cut down, lament, mourn, (be-)wail. Compare the base of G5114.
- κοψονται *3
- Matthew 24:30 ... and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see ...
- Revelation 1:7 ... all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.
- Revelation 18:9 ... shall bewail her, and lament for her, when ...
- εκοπτοντο *2
- Luke 8:52 And all wept, and bewailed her: but he said, ...
- Luke 23:27 ... of women, which also bewailed and lamented him.
- εκοψασθε
- Matthew 11:17 ... unto you, and ye have not lamented.
- εκοπτον
- Matthew 21:8 ... in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, ...
- κοψαντες
- Mark 11:8 ... the way: and others cut down branches off the trees, ...
90. Usage - wail
*G2875 *8 κόπτω (kop'-to) : a primary verb; to "chop"; specially, to beat the breast in grief:--cut down, lament, mourn, (be-)wail. Compare the base of G5114.
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Words: εκοπτον εκοπτοντο=2 εκοψασθε κοψαντες κοψονται=3
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The ancient Greek word
"κόπτω" ≈ "stroke, cut, shake". One narrowed use of this word, as used here, appears to be
"ἐκόψασθε" ≈ "wail".
91. Blackbird
An interesting word with similar sound is the ancient Greek word
"κόσσυφος" ≈ "blackbird" or
"κόψιχος" ≈ "blackbird". References to birds by Jesus in the
GNT are not in a good sense. Note: The dove or pigeon descending on Jesus is an analogy, not an actual bird. Chickens (hens or roosters) do not have that same negative connotation.
92. Matthew 11:17 Ears
Matthew 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]
Let us now use our ears in terms of the four Greek words used here and Greek words that have similar sounds but different meanings.
"piped" as "courtyard" (of the Temple where buying and selling were done)
"danced" as "oath" (as in taking oaths in the Temple as pointed out by Jesus)
"mourned" as "seat" (as in those in the Temple who sit in the seat of Moses)
"lamented" as "cut off" (as that religious establishment will be cut off)
Is there a deeper meaning here? You can decide. Use your "
ears" and not your "
eyes".
93. Matthew 11:15,17 Paraphrase
94. Matthew 11:16-17 Paraphrase
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]
One possible meaning using play on words. The "
market place" is the "
courtyard".
With the "no" or "not": In the Temple courtyard/palace, no oaths or deals or else that seat/throne will be cutoff/burned.
Without the "no" or "not": If there are oaths or deals in the Temple courtyard/palace, that seat/throne will be cutoff/burned.
95. Seat of Moses
As was covered, the religious establishment sits in the seat of Moses.
Matthew 23:2 Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat: [kjv]
λεγων επι της μωυσεως καθεδρας εκαθισαν οι γραμματεις και οι φαρισαιοι [gnt]
By the end of Matthew 23, Jesus is saying it directly and mentioning the fire of hell.
23:33 Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell? [kjv]
οφεις γεννηματα εχιδνων πως φυγητε απο της κρισεως της γεεννης [gnt]
Back in Exodus, at the burning bush, God had to call Moses twice by name (and light a fire) to get his attention.
96. Exodus 3:4 Moses
Exodus 3:4 And when the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I. [kjv]
ως δε ειδεν κυριος οτι προσαγει ιδειν εκαλεσεν αυτον κυριος εκ του βατου λεγων μωυση μωυση ο δε ειπεν τι εστιν [lxx]
וירא יהוה כי סר לראות ויקרא אליו אלהים מתוך הסנה ויאמר משה משה ויאמר הנני׃ [he]
The ancient Greek word
"Μωϋσῆς" ≈ "Moses". Another form is
"Μωϋσῆ" ≈ "Moses". Both are a transliteration of the Hebrew.
Like Samuel, God has to call Moses by name
twice. Wives should remember that God sometimes has problems getting man's attention too.
97. Matthew 23:33
KJV: Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?
Greek: οφεις γεννηματα εχιδνων πως φυγητε απο της κρισεως της γεεννης
98. Same as in like or similar
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]
When the word "
same" or "
like" or "
similar" is used, it indicates that an analogy is being made and one must not always take what is said literally. One must find a correspondence in the analogy. The Greek word for "
same" is related to the English word for "
same".
The ancient Greek word
"ὅμοιος" ≈ "similar, like, resembling" and comes from the ancient Greek word
"ὁμός" ≈ "same, common".
The translations of "
liken" in this verse, in the uncommon Greek inflection used, appears to a play-on-words used by Jesus.
99. Matthew 11:15-16 Ears
Have we been using our ears as Jesus commanded?
Matthew 11:15 He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. [kjv]
ο εχων ωτα ακουετω [gnt]
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]
The ancient Greek word
"ὁμοιόσω" ≈ "make similar, assimilate, compare" where the "
liken" is used in the
GNT. What is Jesus trying to "
make similar" in his follow-on statement? The translations of "
liken" in this verse, in the uncommon Greek inflection used here, appears to a play-on-words used by Jesus.
100. Matthew 11:15-16 Ears
Matthew 11:15 He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. [kjv]
ο εχων ωτα ακουετω [gnt]
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]
The ancient Greek words
"ὁ" ≈ "the" and
"Μωϋσῆ" ≈ "Moses".
Jesus said: "ὁμοιόσω" ≈ "I make similar, compare".
Switch the somewhat similar sounding vowels: last omega "ω" with the second omicron-iota "οι" and make it an eta "η".
Play on words: "ὁ Μωϋσῆ" ≈ "the Moses".
In (approximate) modern Greek sounds: "
o-mee-O-so" to "
o Mo-e-SEE". Remember that the previous verses appear to associate taking (by those in charge) by compulsion of the "
kingdom of heaven".
Just like the Greek word for "
liken", Jesus appears to use the Greek word for "
swear" as a play on words with "
Moses".
101. Matthew 11:16
KJV: But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows,
Greek: τινι δε ομοιωσω την γενεαν ταυτην ομοια εστιν παιδαριοις παιδιοις καθημενοις εν ταις αγοραιςκαθημενοις και προσφωνουσιν α προσφωνουντα τοις εταιροις αυτων ετεροις
102. Strongs - liken
- *G3666 *15 ὁμοιόω (hom-oy-o'-o) : from G3664; to assimilate, i.e. compare; passively, to become similar:--be (make) like, (in the) liken(-ess), resemble.
- ομοιωσω *4
- Matthew 11:16 But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is ...
- Luke 7:31 ... said, Whereunto then shall I liken the men of this generation? ...
- Luke 13:18 ... like? and whereunto shall I resemble it?
- Luke 13:20 And again he said, Whereunto shall I liken the kingdom of God?
- ομοιωθησεται *3
- Matthew 7:24 ... and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise ...
- Matthew 7:26 ... doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, ...
- Matthew 25:1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, ...
- ωμοιωθη *3
- Matthew 13:24 ... saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good ...
- Matthew 18:23 Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, ...
- Matthew 22:2 The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which ...
- ομοιωθητε
- Matthew 6:8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your ...
- ομοιωσωμεν
- Mark 4:30 And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or ...
- ομοιωθεντες
- Acts 14:11 ... are come down to us in the likeness of men.
- ωμοιωθημεν
- Romans 9:29 ... as Sodoma, and been made like unto Gomorrha.
- ομοιωθηναι
- Hebrews 2:17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that ...
103. Usage - liken
*G3666 *15 ὁμοιόω (hom-oy-o'-o) : from G3664; to assimilate, i.e. compare; passively, to become similar:--be (make) like, (in the) liken(-ess), resemble.
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Words: ομοιωθεντες ομοιωθηναι ομοιωθησεται=3 ομοιωθητε ομοιωσω=4 ομοιωσωμεν ωμοιωθη=3 ωμοιωθημεν
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104. Matthew and Luke
This exact word (inflection) for "
I liken" is used only here and in Luke. Luke adds that word in the house built on the rock. Some Greek manuscripts change the Matthew word in the house built on the rock to use the Luke word.
It appears that people may have remembered the play on words in the children in the market place and used that word in telling Luke what was said. The longer word loses some of the play on word meaning (as heard by the ear).
105. Play on words
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]
1:16 And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ. [kjv]
ιακωβ δε εγεννησεν τον ιωσηφ τον ανδρα μαριας εξ ης εγεννηθη ιησους ο λεγομενος χριστος [gnt]
Jesus is not done with the play on words that are Greek words. Consider the last verse in Matthew 11, verse 30.
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.
Paul uses the same play on words in Romans 16 where
false teachers will use "
useful words" rather than "
Christ words"
There are interesting words in the intervening verses 18 to 29.
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Details are left as a future topic.
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106. 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
107. Matthew 1:16
KJV: And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.
Greek: ιακωβ δε εγεννησεν τον ιωσηφ τον ανδρα μαριας εξ ης εγεννηθη ιησους ο λεγομενος χριστος
108. Strongs - useful
- *G5543 *7 χρηστός (khrase-tos') : from G5530; employed, i.e. (by implication) useful (in manner or morals):--better, easy, good(-ness), gracious, kind.
- χρηστος *4
- Matthew 11:30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden ...
- Luke 5:39 ... he saith, The old is better.
- Luke 6:35 ... for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.
- 1 Peter 2:3 If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.
- χρηστον
- Romans 2:4 ... longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee ...
- χρηστα
- 1 Corinthians 15:33 ... evil communications corrupt good manners.
- χρηστοι
- Ephesians 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, ...
109. Usage - useful
*G5543 *7 χρηστός (khrase-tos') : from G5530; employed, i.e. (by implication) useful (in manner or morals):--better, easy, good(-ness), gracious, kind.
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Words: χρηστα χρηστοι χρηστον χρηστος=4
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The ancient Greek word
"χρηστός" ≈ "useful, good".
Note how Strong provides the primary definition of the word and then proceeds to justify the definition decided by the theologians for this word in certain verses.
110. Jesus uses language to speak
Which of the following appear to be true? Check all that apply.
☐ Jesus spoke Aramaic
☐ Jesus spoke a Galilean dialect of Aramaic
☐ Jesus spoke Greek
☐ Jesus spoke Latin (language of the Romans)
Jesus appears to say a lot of things that have a play-on-word meaning in the Greek. If Jesus did not speak these in Greek, how did they get there? Did Matthew add them? Was it directed by the Holy Spirit. Discuss.
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Details are left as a future topic.
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111. End of page
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]
Here are some links to a series of pages on the houses built on sand and on rock.
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]
Matthew 11:15 He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. [kjv]
ο εχων ωτα ακουετω [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]
