Matthew 1:18-24; The Birth of Jesus Christ (Word Study)
When Mary became pregnant with Jesus, she was “betrothed” to Joseph. Betrothal (in Hebrew, kiddushin) at that time was somewhat similar to our modern-day “engagement,” with a few significant...
View ArticleMatthew 2:19-23; The Return to Nazareth (Word Study)
The Greek word for “Nazarene” is Nazōraios. Some theologians believe that word has its root in the Hebrew term, Nezer, which is used in the Messianic prophecy of Isaiah 11:1 and is typically translated...
View ArticleMatthew 4:12-17; Jesus Begins to Preach (Word Study)
“People living in darkness have seen a great light…” This prophecy from Isaiah 9:2, which Matthew quotes, is rife with meaning—probably more than we can actually comprehend. In the context of Matthew...
View ArticleMatthew 5:1-12; The Beatitudes (Word Study)
The longest recorded sermon of Jesus begins with a repetitive theme word: “Blessed.” “Blessed are the poor in spirit…Blessed are they that mourn…Blessed are the meek…” Historically, that word was...
View ArticleMatthew 5:13-16; Salt and Light (Word Study)
It seems significant that, in Matthew 5:16, Jesus commanded his followers to “let your light shine before men.” Notice that Christ didn't command people to “make your light shine before men,” or even...
View ArticleMatthew 5:27-30; Adultery (Word Study)
“Anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery,” Christ said in his Sermon on the Mount. Some have interpreted this statement to mean that, outside of marriage, any...
View ArticleMatthew 5:43-48; Love for Enemies (Word Study)
“Be perfect,” Jesus said, “as your heavenly Father is perfect.” So what does that mean? In our 21st Century experience, we tend to define “perfect” as meaning “flawless,” or without any kind of...
View ArticleMatthew 6:5-15; Prayer (Word Study)
Forgiveness is a crucial element of The Lord’s Prayer, and it always carries both vertical and horizontal applications. “Forgive us our debts” Jesus said in Matthew 6:12—a vertical, us-to-God appeal....
View ArticleMatthew 6:19-24; Treasures in Heaven (Word Study)
“Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). This proverb from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount is nice poetry and is often quoted as though everyone instantly understands it. But...
View ArticleMatthew 6:25-34; Do Not Worry (Word Study)
“Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness…” Jesus told his hearers on the mountainside (Matthew 6:33). This command was both a promise of freedom (from worry) and a promise of daily provision. So...
View ArticleMatthew 7:1-6; Judging Others (Word Study)
“Do not judge…” These words of Jesus that open Matthew 7 have been a source of confusion—and antagonism—for centuries. The problem seems to be that many of us misunderstand the distinctions between...
View ArticleMatthew 7:13-14; The Narrow and Wide Gates (Word Study)
Here’s a quick overview of a few keywords from Matthew 7:-13-14, along with their brief meanings in the original Greek text: • Enter (eisérchomai): To go or come into. Also, to go about one’s daily...
View ArticleMatthew 8:23-27; Jesus Calms the Storm (Word Study)
It’s easy to read about a “furious storm” in Matthew 8:23 and cluck at the disciples’ lack of faith over a little rain. That’s because we often overlook the true danger depicted in those two words,...
View ArticleMatthew 9:1-8; Jesus Heals a Paralytic (Word Study)
Jesus’ healing of the paralytic is a dazzling physical miracle, but even more a stunning revelation and commentary on the spiritual realm. “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven,” Christ said as his...
View ArticleMatthew 9:27-34; Jesus Heals the Blind and Mute (Word Studies)
“Do you believe that I am able to do this?” Jesus is recorded asking two blind men in Matthew 9:27-30. When they responded, “Yes Lord,” he said, “According to your faith will it be done for you.” And...
View ArticleMatthew 9:35-38; The Workers Are Few (Word Study)
Matthew 9:36 reports this of Jesus, “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them…” (italics mine). That two-word phrase the NIV translates as “had compassion” is actually just one word in the...
View Article
