Jesus begins teaching in the plain of Judea, attracting people from all over wanting to be healed.
Luke 6:23 Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.
Luke 6:23 Rejoice in that day and leap for joy! For indeed your reward is great in heaven, For in like manner their fathers did to the prophets.
Rejoice there during that day and prance! For look! That compensation of yours is great in the sky. Because those fathers of theirs put down those prophets in the same ways
We must learn to enjoy the rejection of others.
χάρητε ἐν ἐκείνῃ τῇ ἡμέρᾳ καὶ σκιρτήσατε, ἰδοὺ γὰρ ὁ μισθὸς ὑμῶν πολὺς ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ:
Rejoice on there that day and prance! Look! For That compensation of yours great in the sky.
κατὰ τὰ αὐτὰ γὰρ ἐποίουν τοῖ προφήταις οἱ πατέρες αὐτῶν.
down in the same ways, Because put to the prophets those fathers of theirs
This verse humorously exaggerates the positive to counter the negative exaggeration of the previous verse. The funniest word is translated as "leap for joy". It means to "prance." It is followed by another fun word that means "look" in the sense of the French "voila!." There are no words meaning "for joy" here. It is clearly a funny word. This is the only time Jesus uses this word. it creates a light-tone, following the exaggerations of the previous verse.
"Behold" is an adverb meaning "Lo! Behold!" and "See there!" In a humorous vein, this about how Jesus uses this like we use the phrase "tah-dah" in a magic show, or "voila" in French. "Look!" or "See!" comes closest in English.
The Greek word translated as "reward" really means "compensation," what you receive for doing work. In Christ's teaching, there is spiritual compensation and worldly compensation.
Rejoice in that(CW) (MWthe) day and leap [for joy(IP)]! For indeed your (MWthe) reward is great in (MWthe) heaven(CW,WN)), For in(CW) like manner their (MWthe) fathers did to the prophets(UW).
- CW --Confusing Word -- The "that" is not the common word usually translated as "here" or "there."
- MW - Missing Word -- The word "the/this" before "day" is not shown in the English translation.
- IP - Inserted Phrase-- The phrase "for joy" doesn't exist in the source.
- MW - Missing Word -- The word "the/this" before "reward" is not shown in the English translation.
- MW - Missing Word -- The word "the/this" before "heaven" is not shown in the English translation.
- CW --Confusing Word --The word, "heaven," is a religious concept, but this word just means "sky."
- WN --Wrong Number- The word "heaven" is translated as singular but the Greek word is plural..
- CW --Confusing Word -- This is not the common word usually translated as "in."
- MW - Missing Word -- The word "the/this" before "fathers" is not shown in the English translation
- UW --Untranslated Word -- The word "prophets" means "luminaries." It is an untranslated Greek word adopted into English.
Rejoice ye in that(CW) (MWthe) day, and leap [for joy(IP)]: for, behold, your ) (MWthe) heaven(CW,WN)), is great in ) (MWthe) heaven(CW,WN): for in(CW) the like manner did their (MWthe) fathers unto the prophets(UW).
- CW --Confusing Word -- The "that" is not the common word usually translated as "here" or "there."
- MW - Missing Word -- The word "the/this" before "day" is not shown in the English translation.
- IP - Inserted Phrase-- The phrase "for joy" doesn't exist in the source.
- MW - Missing Word -- The word "the/this" before "reward" is not shown in the English translation.
- MW - Missing Word -- The word "the/this" before "heaven" is not shown in the English translation.
- WN --Wrong Number- The word "heaven" is translated as singular but the Greek word is plural.
- CW --Confusing Word --The word, "heaven," is a religious concept, but this word just means "sky."
- CW --Confusing Word -- This is not the common word usually translated as "in."
- MW - Missing Word -- The word "the/this" before "fathers" is not shown in the English translation.
- UW --Untranslated Word -- The word "prophets" means "luminaries." It is an untranslated Greek word adopted into English.
Rejoice -- The Greek verb translated as "rejoice" means "rejoice," "take pleasure in," and "welcome." The thing "taken pleasure in" is an indirect object.
ye -- This is from the second-person, singular form of the verb.
in -- The word translated as "in" means "in," "within," "with" (an instrument), "by" (near), "by" (means of), "during" (time), or "among" with a dative object as the one here. With the accusative, it means "into," "on," and "for." When referring to time, it means "during." It can mean "on," "at," or "by" in the sense of "near."
that (CW) The word translated as "that" is an adjective that highlights its noun as being in a specific place or time from a word that means "there." So it means "there," "here," or "then." Used a pronoun, the sense is "that one there" or "this one here."
missing "the/this" -- (MW) The untranslated word is the Greek definite article," the," which usually precedes a noun and, without a noun, takes the meaning of "the one." The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," and "those"). See this article for more.
day, -- The Greek word translated as "day" also means "time," in general, and refers specifically to the "daytime."
and -- The Greek word translated as "and" is used as the conjunction "and," but it also is used to add emphasis, "even," "also," and "just."In a series, it can be translated as "not only...but also." After words implying sameness "as."
leap - The word for "leap for joy" means to "leap" and is applied to capering horses. In Matthew, the word translated as "be exceedingly glad, also means "much leaping" but this is hidden in translation. It is a metaphor for "to be skittish," and "unruly." "Caper" might work here.
for joy: -- (IP) There is nothing that can be translated as "for joy" in the Greek source.
for, --The word translated as "for" introduces a reason or explanation so "because" and, in questions, "why." However, since this word always appears in the second position, it is more like an aside remark like, "consequently" or "as a cause."
behold, -- "Behold" is a verbal command meaning "See!" and "Look!" It is from the most common word meaning "to see" in Greek. In a humorous vein, it is also an adverbial exclamation like we use the phrase "ta-da" in a magic show, or "voila" in French which means "see there". "Look here!" or "See there!" comes closest in English. Jesus uses it both ways.
your -- The word translated as "your" is a plural, second-person pronoun in the genitive case. This pronoun follows the noun so the possessive "of yours."
missing "the/this" -- (MW) The untranslated word is the Greek definite article," the," which usually precedes a noun and, without a noun, takes the meaning of "the one." The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," and "those"). See this article for more.
reward -- The Greek word translated as "reward" really means "hire," "compensation," "pay," and "recompense," what you receive for doing work. In Jesus's era, compensation was not just money but it took many forms: food, housing, salt, and so on. Jesus saw that there is both spiritual compensation and worldly compensation. It is a reward that is earned. It is not a gift. The verb form of the same root means "hired."
is -- There is no verb "is" here in the Greek source but it is implied by the noun in the form of a subject having no verb associated with it.
great -- The word translated as "many" means many in number, great in power or worth, and large in size.
in -- The word translated as "in" means "in," "within," "with" (an instrument), "by" (near), "by" (means of), "during" (time), or "among" with a dative object as the one here. With the accusative, it means "into," "on," and "for." When referring to time, it means "during." It can mean "on," "at," or "by" in the sense of "near."
missing "the/this" -- (MW) The untranslated word is the Greek definite article," the," which usually precedes a noun and, without a noun, takes the meaning of "the one." The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," and "those"). See this article for more.
heaven: -- (CW,) The word translated as "heaven" means simply the "sky," but it can also mean the "climate," or the "universe." It also meant the home of the gods in a physical sense: the sun, moon, and planets were named for the gods. More about the word in this article.
for -- --The word translated as "for" introduces a reason or explanation so "because" and, in questions, "why." However, since this word always appears in the second position, it is more like an aside remark like, "consequently" or "as a cause."
in - (CW) The word translated as "in" means, with the this form of object, "down (to)," "according to," "about," " during," of motion, "on," "over," "throughout a space," "opposite," "separately," "individually," "at a time," "towards," "in accordance with," "concerning," "corresponding with," "during the course of a period," and "severally."
the -- The word translated as "the" is the Greek definite article, "the," which usually precedes a noun. Without a noun, it has the sense of "the one." The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those") than the English "the." See this article for more.
like manner -- (WN) The word translated as "like manner" is the Greek word commonly translated as third-person pronouns in English in the form of a plural object of a verb or preposition for a neuter noun. When used as a noun, it is preceded by a definite article, and it means "the same." As the object of a preposition, an accusative object indicates movement towards something or a position reached as a result of that movement. -- (WN) This word is not singular but plural.
did -- The Greek word translated as "did" has the primary meaning of "making" or producing" something or "causing" or "performing" as service. When it means It describes a productive action. In English, "do" is also frequently a helper verb. This Greek word is not used as broadly.
their -- The word translated as "their" is the Greek adjective that acts like our third-person pronoun. The form is the third person, plural in the genitive form. It is used as a possessive or the object of a verb or preposition. As a preposition's object means a movement away from something or a position away from something else. This pronoun follows the noun so "of theirs."
missing "the/this" -- (MW) The untranslated word is the Greek definite article," the," which usually precedes a noun and, without a noun, takes the meaning of "the one." The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," and "those"). See this article for more.
fathers - "Father" is the Greek noun that means "father" or any male ancestor so "forefathers." It is the word that Christ uses to address his own Father.
unto -- This word "to" comes from the dative case of the following word that requires the addition of a preposition in English. The most common is a "to" for the English indirect object
the -- The word translated as "the" is the Greek definite article, "the," which usually precedes a noun. Without a noun, it has the sense of "the one." The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those") than the English "the." See this article for more.
prophets.-- (UW) The Greek word translated as "prophets" means "one who speaks for God," "interpreter" and was the highest level of priesthood in Egypt, but its root words mean "shine light before" and so "luminaties," "shining lights" or "enlightened" seems to capture the idea better. Jesus uses it to refer not only to divine spokespeople but their books in the OT. It is an untranslated Greek word adopted into English. Read this article for more information.
Rejoice -- The Greek verb translated as "rejoice" means "rejoice," "take pleasure in," and "welcome." The thing "taken pleasure in" is an indirect object.
in -- The word translated as "in" means "in," "within," "with" (an instrument), "by" (near), "by" (means of), "during" (time), or "among" with a dative object as the one here. With the accusative, it means "into," "on," and "for." When referring to time, it means "during." It can mean "on," "at," or "by" in the sense of "near."
that (CW) The word translated as "that" is an adjective that highlights its noun as being in a specific place or time from a word that means "there." So it means "there," "here," or "then." Used a pronoun, the sense is "that one there" or "this one here." Used in the form of an adverb, it means "in that case," "in that way," "at that place," and "in that manner."
missing "the/this" -- (MW) The untranslated word is the Greek definite article," the," which usually precedes a noun and, without a noun, takes the meaning of "the one." The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," and "those"). See this article for more.
day, -- The Greek word translated as "day" also means "time," in general, and refers specifically to the "daytime."
and -- The Greek word translated as "and" is used as the conjunction "and," but it also is used to add emphasis, "even," "also," and "just."In a series, it can be translated as "not only...but also." After words implying sameness "as."
leap - The word for "leap for joy" means to "leap" and is applied to capering horses. In Matthew, the word translated as "be exceedingly glad, also means "much leaping" but this is hidden in translation. It is a metaphor for "to be skittish," and "unruly." "Caper" might work here.
for joy: -- (IP) There is nothing that can be translated as "for joy" in the Greek source.
for, --The word translated as "for" introduces a reason or explanation so "because" and, in questions, "why." However, since this word always appears in the second position, it is more like an aside remark like, "consequently" or "as a cause."
indeed, -- (CW) "Indeed" is a verbal command meaning "See!" and "Look!" It is from the most common word meaning "to see" in Greek. In a humorous vein, it is also an adverbial exclamation like we use the phrase "ta-da" in a magic show, or "voila" in French which means "see there". "Look here!" or "See there!" comes closest in English. Jesus uses it both ways.
your -- The word translated as "your" is a plural, second-person pronoun in the genitive case. This pronoun follows the noun so the possessive "of yours."
missing "the/this" -- (MW) The untranslated word is the Greek definite article," the," which usually precedes a noun and, without a noun, takes the meaning of "the one." The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," and "those"). See this article for more.
reward -- The Greek word translated as "reward" really means "hire," "compensation," "pay," and "recompense," what you receive for doing work. In Jesus's era, compensation was not just money but it took many forms: food, housing, salt, and so on. Jesus saw that there is both spiritual compensation and worldly compensation. It is a reward that is earned. It is not a gift. The verb form of the same root means "hired."
is -- There is no verb "is" here in the Greek source but it is implied by the noun in the form of a subject having no verb associated with it.
great -- The word translated as "many" means many in number, great in power or worth, and large in size.
in -- The word translated as "in" means "in," "within," "with" (an instrument), "by" (near), "by" (means of), "during" (time), or "among" with a dative object as the one here. With the accusative, it means "into," "on," and "for." When referring to time, it means "during." It can mean "on," "at," or "by" in the sense of "near."
missing "the/this" -- (MW) The untranslated word is the Greek definite article," the," which usually precedes a noun and, without a noun, takes the meaning of "the one." The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," and "those"). See this article for more.
heaven: -- (CW,) The word translated as "heaven" means simply the "sky," but it can also mean the "climate," or the "universe." It also meant the home of the gods in a physical sense: the sun, moon, and planets were named for the gods. More about the word in this article.
For -- --The word translated as "for" introduces a reason or explanation so "because" and, in questions, "why." However, since this word always appears in the second position, it is more like an aside remark like, "consequently" or "as a cause."
in - (CW) The word translated as "in" means, with the this form of object, "down (to)," "according to," "about," " during," of motion, "on," "over," "throughout a space," "opposite," "separately," "individually," "at a time," "towards," "in accordance with," "concerning," "corresponding with," "during the course of a period," and "severally."
the -- The word translated as "the" is the Greek definite article, "the," which usually precedes a noun. Without a noun, it has the sense of "the one." The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those") than the English "the." See this article for more.
like manner -- (WN) The word translated as "like manner" is the Greek word commonly translated as third-person pronouns in English in the form of a plural object of a verb or preposition for a neuter noun. When used as a noun, it is preceded by a definite article, and it means "the same." As the object of a preposition, an accusative object indicates movement towards something or a position reached as a result of that movement. -- (WN) This word is not singular but plural.
their -- The word translated as "their" is the Greek adjective that acts like our third-person pronoun. The form is the third person, plural in the genitive form. It is used as a possessive or the object of a verb or preposition. As a preposition's object means a movement away from something or a position away from something else. This pronoun follows the noun so "of theirs."
missing "the/this" -- (MW) The untranslated word is the Greek definite article," the," which usually precedes a noun and, without a noun, takes the meaning of "the one." The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," and "those"). See this article for more.
fathers - "Father" is the Greek noun that means "father" or any male ancestor so "forefathers." It is the word that Christ uses to address his own Father.
did -- The Greek word translated as "did" has the primary meaning of "making" or producing" something or "causing" or "performing" as service. When it means It describes a productive action. In English, "do" is also frequently a helper verb. This Greek word is not used as broadly.
to -- This word "to" comes from the dative case of the following word that requires the addition of a preposition in English. The most common is a "to" for the English indirect object
the -- The word translated as "the" is the Greek definite article, "the," which usually precedes a noun. Without a noun, it has the sense of "the one." The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those") than the English "the." See this article for more.
prophets.-- (UW) The Greek word translated as "prophets" means "one who speaks for God," "interpreter" and was the highest level of priesthood in Egypt, but its root words mean "shine light before" and so "luminaties," "shining lights" or "enlightened" seems to capture the idea better. Jesus uses it to refer not only to divine spokespeople but their books in the OT. It is an untranslated Greek word adopted into English. Read this article for more information.
χάρητε [14 verses](2nd pl pres imperat act) "Rejoice" is chairo which means "rejoice," "take pleasure in," and "welcome."
ἐν [413 verses](prep) "In" is en, which means, with its usual indirect (dative) object, "in," "on," "at," "by," "among," "within," "surrounded by," "in one's hands," "in one's power," "during," and "with." With a direct (accusative) object, it means "into," "on," and "for." Referring to time, it means. "in the course of" or "during."
ἐκείνῃ [107 verses](adj sg fem dat) "That" is ekeinos, which means "the person there," "that person," "that thing," and, in the form of an adverb, "in that case," "in that way," "at that place," and "in that manner." With certain preposition, it has a specific meaning:ἐξ ἐκείνου from that time, κατ᾽ ἐκεῖνα in that place, there, μετ᾽ ἐκεῖνα afterwards. "
τῇ [821 verses](article sg fem dat) Untranslated is the Greek definite article, hos, ("the"). When not preceding a noun, takes the meaning of "the one" or, in the plural, "the ones." Proper nouns do normally not take articles but they are needed when the noun ending cannot be changed to show the noun's role in the sentence as an object, indirect object, or genitive (possessive) form. However, the Greek article is very close to "this" so the purpose of an article like this can also be demonstrative. See this article. -
ἡμέρᾳ [96 verses](noun sg fem dat) "Day" is hemera, which, as a noun, means "day" "a state or time of life," "a time (poetic)," "day break" and "day time." It is also and also has a second meaning, of "quiet," "tame (animals)," "cultivated (crops)," and "civilized (people)."
καὶ [1089 verses](conj/adv) "And" is kai, which is the conjunction joining phrases and clauses, "and," or "also." After words implying sameness, "as" (the same opinion as you). Used in series, joins positive with negative "Not only...but also." Also used to give emphasis, "even," "also," and "just."
σκιρτήσατε, [1 verse](verb 2nd pl aor imperat act) "Leap for joy" is from skirtao, which means to "spring", "leap", and "bound". Applied especially to young horses, so it is a metaphor "to be skittish", "unruly."
ἰδοὺ [52 verses](adv, verb 2nd sg aor imperat mid) "Behold" is idou, which means "to behold," "to see," and "to perceive." It acts as an adverbial phrase in this form meaning "Lo! Behold!" and "See there!' It is a form of the verb eido, which means "to see." This Greek word was translated into the Latin ecce, "behold."
γὰρ [205 verses](partic) "For" comes from gar which is the introduction of a clause explaining a reason or explanation: "for," "since," and "as." In an abrupt question, it means "why" and "what."
ὁ [821 verses](article sg masc nom) Untranslated is the Greek definite article, hos, ("the"). When not preceding a noun, takes the meaning of "the one" or, in the plural, "the ones." Proper nouns do normally not take articles but they are needed when the noun ending cannot be changed to show the noun's role in the sentence as an object, indirect object, or genitive (possessive) form. However, the Greek article is very close to "this" so the purpose of an article like this can also be demonstrative. See this article. -
μισθὸς [14 times](noun sg masc nom) "Reward" is misthos, which means "hire," "hired service," "for hire," and "wages" in the sense of compensation for work done, therefore "pay," "fee," "recompense," and "reward."
ὑμῶν [168 verses](pron 2nd pl gen) "Your/you" is humon, the plural possessive form of su the pronoun of the second person, "you." It is either a possessive pronoun or the object of a preposition.
πολὺς [61 verses](adj sg masc nom) "Great" is polys, which means "many (in number)," "great (in size or power or worth)," and "large (of space)." As an adverb, it means "far," "very much," "a great way," and "long."
ἐν [413 verses](prep) "In" is en, which means, with its usual indirect (dative) object, "in," "on," "at," "by," "among," "within," "surrounded by," "in one's hands," "in one's power," "during," and "with." With a direct (accusative) object, it means "into," "on," and "for." Referring to time, it means. "in the course of" or "during."
τῷ [821 verses](article sg masc dat) Untranslated is the Greek definite article, hos, ("the"). When not preceding a noun, takes the meaning of "the one" or, in the plural, "the ones." Proper nouns do normally not take articles but they are needed when the noun ending cannot be changed to show the noun's role in the sentence as an object, indirect object, or genitive (possessive) form. However, the Greek article is very close to "this" so the purpose of an article like this can also be demonstrative. See this article. -
οὐρανῷ: [111 verses](noun sg masc dat) "Heaven" is the Greek ouranos, which means "heaven as in the vault of the sky," "heaven as the seat of the gods," "the sky," "the universe," and "the climate."
κατὰ [60 verses](prep/adv) "For" is kata can be a preposition or an adverb. As a preposition with the genitive, it means, means "downwards," "down from," "down into," "against," "down toward," "down (from)," and, of time, "for." With the accusative, it means "down (to)," "according to," "about," " during," of motion, "on," "over," "throughout a space," "opposite," "separately," "individually," "at a time," "towards," "in accordance with," "concerning," "corresponding with," "during the course of a period," and "severally." As an adverb, it means "according as," "just as," "in so far as," "wherefore," "like as if" and "exactly as." As an adverb is means "downward" or "down."
τὰ [821 verses](article pl neut acc) "The" is the Greek definite article, hos, ("the"). When not preceding a noun, takes the meaning of "the one" or, in the plural, "the ones." Proper nouns do normally not take articles but they are needed when the noun ending cannot be changed to show the noun's role in the sentence as an object, indirect object, or genitive (possessive) form. However, the Greek article is very close to "this" so the purpose of an article like this can also be demonstrative. See this article.
αὐτὰ [27 verses](adj pl neut acc) "Like manner" is auta, in the form of the plural, neuter pronoun "them" in the form of a direct object.
γὰρ [205 verses](partic) "For" comes from gar which is the introduction of a clause explaining a reason or explanation: "for," "since," and "as." In an abrupt question, it means "why" and "what."
ἐποίουν [168 verses](verb 3rd pl imperf ind act) "Did" is poieo, which means "to make," "to produce," "to create," "to bring into existence," "to bring about," "to cause," "to perform," "to render," "to consider," "to prepare," "to make ready," and "to do." The accusative object is what is made. Double accusative is to do something to someone. When it has a genitive object, it means "made from." When it doesn't have an object, the verb is translated as "perform" or simply "do." When used with an accusative infinitive, it means to "cause" or "bring about." A dative object means "made with." With the preposition "into" (eis) it means "made into."
τοῖς [821 verses](article pl masc da) "The" is the Greek definite article, hos, ("the"). When not preceding a noun, takes the meaning of "the one" or, in the plural, "the ones." Proper nouns do normally not take articles but they are needed when the noun ending cannot be changed to show the noun's role in the sentence as an object, indirect object, or genitive (possessive) form. However, the Greek article is very close to "this" so the purpose of an article like this can also be demonstrative. See this article. -
προφήταις (noun pl masc dat) "The prophets" is from prophetes, which means "one who speaks for a god and interprets his will", "interpreter", "keepers of the oracle", "the highest level of priesthood in Egypt", "interpreter," and "herald."
οἱ [821 verses](article pl masc nom) Untranslated is the Greek definite article, hos, ("the"). When not preceding a noun, takes the meaning of "the one" or, in the plural, "the ones." Proper nouns do normally not take articles but they are needed when the noun ending cannot be changed to show the noun's role in the sentence as an object, indirect object, or genitive (possessive) form. However, the Greek article is very close to "this" so the purpose of an article like this can also be demonstrative. See this article.
πατέρες [191 verses](noun pl masc nom) "Fathers" is pater, which means "father," "grandfather," "author," "parent," and "forefathers." -
αὐτῶν [86 verses](pron/adj pl masc/fem/neut gen) "Their" is auton, is the genitive case of the third-person, plural adjective that is used as a pronoun. The word also means "the same," "one's true self," and "the soul" as opposed to the body. It also means "of one's own accord."
This verse uses a different vocabulary than its parallel in Matthew (Matthew 5:1), but one aspect of the verse are closer than it appears in the KJV translation. It also uses some uncommon vocabulary, which is one indication that it was meant somewhat humorously (see this article on Christ's humor).