A long condemnation of the religious leaders of the time
Matthew 23:34 Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city:
Matthew 23:34 Therefore I am sending you prophets and sages and teachers. Some of them you will kill and crucify; others you will flog in your synagogues and pursue from town to town.
By this, watch! I myself send prophets to you and wise and writers. From among them, you will destroy and will stake. And from among them, you will whip in your meetings and hound out of a city into a city.
Those undeserving of power have always worked to cancel those who disagree with them.
The humor in this verse comes from all the repetitions of "and" in it, so that each idea becomes an exaggeration. These conjunctions make good pausing points so that important or humorous words can follow. The words in the beginning are often used by Jesus in derision ("wise men," "academics") but introduced by the positive word "prophets."
The word translated as "crucify" means "stake." See this article for more.
The punchline here is the last line where the word translated as "persecute" or "pursue" has the specific sense of "hound," that is chasing someone, but the last two phrases mean "out of a city" and "into a city" giving the sense of going around in circles, a dog chasing its tail.
- MW -- Missing Word -- The pronoun repeats the information in the verb so it should be repeated in English like "I myself."
- CW - Confusing Word -- The "men" is not the common word usually translated as "men."
- IW - Inserted Word -- The word "some" doesn't exist in the source.
- CW - Confusing Word -- The "of" is not the common word usually translated as "of."
- WW - Wrong Word -- The word translated as "crucify" should be something more like "stake."
- IW - Inserted Word -- The word "some" doesn't exist in the source.
- CW - Confusing Word -- The "of" is not the common word usually translated as "of."
- MW - Missing Word -- The word "the" before "synagogues" is not shown in the English translation.
- UW - Untranslated Word -- The word "synagogues" means "meeting." It is the untranslated Greek word adopted into English.
- CW - Confusing Word -- The "therefore" is not the common word usually translated as "therefore."
- MW -- Missing Word -- A Greek word meaning "look" appears in the text.
- MW -- Missing Word -- The pronoun repeats the information in the verb so it should be repeated in English like "I myself."
- CW - Confusing Word -- The "teachers" is not the common word usually translated as "teachers."
- MW -- Missing Word -- A Greek word meaning "and" appears in the text.
- IW - Inserted Word -- The word "some" doesn't exist in the source.
- CW - Confusing Word -- The "of" is not the common word usually translated as "of."
- WW - Wrong Word -- The word translated as "crucify" should be something more like "stake."
- IW - Inserted Word -- The word "others" doesn't exist in the source.
- MW -- Missing Word -- A Greek word meaning "them" appears in the text.
- CW - Confusing Word -- The "of" is not the common word usually translated as "of."
- MW - Missing Word -- The word "the" before "synagogues" is not shown in the English translation.
- UW - Untranslated Word -- The word "synagogues" means "meeting." It is the untranslated Greek word adopted into English.
Wherefore, - "Wherefore" is from two Greek words, meaning "through this" or "by this."
behold, - "Behold" is from an adverb meaning "Lo! Behold!" and "See there!" In a humorous vein, this about how Christ uses this like we use the phrase "ta-da" in a magic show,
I - The pronoun "I" is used here. Since, as the subject of the sentence, it is part of the verb, its explicit use accentuates who is speaking "I." Saying "I myself" captures this feeling in English.
missing "myself" -- (MW) The subjective pronoun repeats the information in the verb so it should be repeated in English like "I myself."
send - The "send" here is a word that means "to send off" and "dispatch." It is the source of our word "apostle."
unto -- This word "unto" 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.
you -- The "you" here is the second-person, plural pronoun in the form of an object.
prophets, - The Greek word translated as "prophets" means "one who speaks for God," "interpreter" and was the highest level of priesthood in Egypt. Jesus uses it to refer not only to divine spokespeople but their books in the OT. It is from the verb that means "to shine before."
and - The Greek word translated as "and" is used as the conjunction "and," but it also is used to add emphasis ("also") and, In a series, it can be translated as "not only...but also."
wise - The phrase "wise " comes from the adjective that means "skilled in practical matters," "clever," and "wise." In his only other use of this word (Matthew 11:25 and parallel verse in Luke), Jesus does not use it as a complement, more like "wise guy."
men, -- (CW) This is not from the Greek word but the masculine form of the previous adjective.
and - The Greek word translated as "and" is used as the conjunction "and," but it also is used to add emphasis ("also") and, In a series, it is can be translated as "not only...but also." When used in writing, it creates complex sentences, but when spoken, it makes a good pausing point so that an important or humorous word can follow.
scribes: - "Scribes" is translated from a Greek word describing anyone who used written records in their job, "secretary," "registrar,' and "scholar." However, Christ used it to name those scholars who specifically studied the Bible and wrote about its meaning. A modern equivalent would be "academics."
and - The Greek word translated as "and" is used as the conjunction "and," but it also is used to add emphasis ("also") and, In a series, it is can be translated as "not only...but also." When used in writing, it creates complex sentences, but when spoken, it makes a good pausing point so that an important or humorous word can follow.
some -- (IW) There is nothing in the Greek that can be translated as "some" in the Greek source.
of - (CW) The Greek preposition translated as "of" means "out of" or "from." So the phrase means "out of them."
them -- The word translated as "them" is the Greek word commonly translated as third-person pronouns in English.
ye -- This is from the second-person, plural form of the verb.
shall -- This helping verb "shall" indicates that the verb is the future tense. Helping or auxiliary verbs are needed to translate the Greek verb forms into English.
kill --"Kill" is translated from a Greek word that means "destroy" more than just "kill" because the base word means "slay." The Greek source has the sense of "kill off," that is, destroy in a more thorough way. When we talk about "destroying" someone, we use it to mean destroying their reputation, the strength of their spirit and ideas as well as physically killing them. This is more the sense here.
and - The Greek word translated as "and" is used as the conjunction "and," but it also is used to add emphasis ("also") and, In a series, it is can be translated as "not only...but also." When used in writing, it creates complex sentences, but when spoken, it makes a good pausing point so that an important or humorous word can follow.
crucify - (WW) "Crucify" mean literally "to stake," that is, to drive a stake into the ground. It is from the Greek word for "stake," though it is often translated as "cross" in the Gospels. The Greek verb refers to driving a stake in the ground and was commonly used to describe building a fence.
and - The Greek word translated as "and" is used as the conjunction "and," but it also is used to add emphasis ("also") and, In a series, it is can be translated as "not only...but also." When used in writing, it creates complex sentences, but when spoken, it makes a good pausing point so that an important or humorous word can follow.
some -- (IW) There is nothing in the Greek that can be translated as "some" in the Greek source.
of - (CW) The Greek preposition translated as "of" means "out of" or "from." So the phrase means "out of them."
them -- The word translated as "them" is the Greek word commonly translated as third-person pronouns in English.
shall -- This helping verb "shall" indicates that the verb is the future tense. Helping or auxiliary verbs are needed to translate the Greek verb forms into English.
ye -- This is from the second-person, plural form of the verb.
scourge - "Scourge" is translated from a Greek word that means "to whip" and "to flog."
in -- The word translated as "in" means "in," "within," "with," "during" (time), or "among" with a dative object as the one here.
your -- The word translated as "your" is a plural, second-person pronoun in the genitive case. This pronoun follows the noun so "of yours."
missing "the" -- (MW) The untranslated word is the Greek definite article, 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," "those"). See this article for more.
synagogues, - (UW) The Greek word translated as "synagogues" is the source of our English word. It simply means an assembly or place of assembly. It comes from a Greek verb Christ uses commonly that means to "gather" or "bring together."
and - The Greek word translated as "and" is used as the conjunction "and," but it also is used to add emphasis ("also") and, In a series, it is can be translated as "not only...but also." When used in writing, it creates complex sentences, but when spoken, it makes a good pausing point so that an important or humorous word can follow.
persecute - The word translated as "persecute" means both "chase away" and "seek after." The English idea "hound" comes close.
them -- This English objective pronoun is added and not in the Greek source. In Greek, pronoun objects are not repeated after each verb because they are implied by their first occurrence.
from -- The word translated as "from" means "from" in both locations and when referring to a source or a cause. It also means the instrument "by" which a thing is done and "away from."
city - The Greek word for "city" meant not only a city but a nation, culture, or a society. It worked something like the word "community" today.
to -- The word translated as "to" means "into" a place, "towards" as a direction, "in regards to" a subject, and "up to" limits in time and measure.
city: - The Greek word for "city" meant not only a city but a nation, culture, or a society. It worked something like the word "community" today.
Therefore , - (CW) "Therefore " is from two Greek words, meaning "through this" or "by this."
missing "look" -- (MW) The untranslated word "look" is from an adverb meaning "Lo! Behold!" and "See there!" In a humorous vein, this about how Christ uses this like we use the phrase "ta-da" in a magic show,
I - The pronoun "I" is used here. Since, as the subject of the sentence, it is part of the verb, its explicit use accentuates who is speaking "I." Saying "I myself" captures this feeling in English.
missing "myself" -- (MW) The subjective pronoun repeats the information in the verb so it should be repeated in English like "I myself."
am -- This helping verb indicates the present tense of the verb.
sending - The "sending " here is a word that means "to send off" and "dispatch." It is the source of our word "apostle."
you -- The "you" here is the second-person, plural pronoun in the form of an object.
prophets, - The Greek word translated as "prophets" means "one who speaks for God," "interpreter" and was the highest level of priesthood in Egypt. Jesus uses it to refer not only to divine spokespeople but their books in the OT. It is from the verb that means "to shine before."
and - The Greek word translated as "and" is used as the conjunction "and," but it also is used to add emphasis ("also") and, In a series, it can be translated as "not only...but also."
sages - The phrase "sages " comes from the adjective that means "skilled in practical matters," "clever," and "wise." In his only other use of this word (Matthew 11:25 and parallel verse in Luke), Jesus does not use it as a compliment, more like "wise guy."
and - The Greek word translated as "and" is used as the conjunction "and," but it also is used to add emphasis ("also") and, In a series, it is can be translated as "not only...but also." When used in writing, it creates complex sentences, but when spoken, it makes a good pausing point so that an important or humorous word can follow.
teachers: - (CW) "Teachers" is translated from a Greek word describing anyone who used written records in their job, "secretary," "registrar,' and "scholar." However, Christ used it to name those scholars who specifically studied the Bible and wrote about its meaning. A modern equivalent would be "academics."
missing "and" -- (MW) The Greek word translated as "and" is used as the conjunction "and," but it also is used to add emphasis ("also") and, In a series, it is can be translated as "not only...but also." When used in writing, it creates complex sentences, but when spoken, it makes a good pausing point so that an important or humorous word can follow.
Some -- (IW) There is nothing in the Greek that can be translated as "some" in the Greek source.
of - (CW) The Greek preposition translated as "of" means "out of" or "from." So the phrase means "out of them."
them -- The word translated as "them" is the Greek word commonly translated as third-person pronouns in English.
you -- This is from the second-person, plural form of the verb.
will -- This helping verb "will " indicates that the verb is the future tense. Helping or auxiliary verbs are needed to translate the Greek verb forms into English.
kill --"Kill" is translated from a Greek word that means "destroy" more than just "kill" because the base word means "slay." The Greek source has the sense of "kill off," that is, destroy in a more thorough way. When we talk about "destroying" someone, we use it to mean destroying their reputation, the strength of their spirit and ideas as well as physically killing them. This is more the sense here.
and - The Greek word translated as "and" is used as the conjunction "and," but it also is used to add emphasis ("also") and, In a series, it is can be translated as "not only...but also." When used in writing, it creates complex sentences, but when spoken, it makes a good pausing point so that an important or humorous word can follow.
crucify - (WW) "Crucify" mean literally "to stake," that is, to drive a stake into the ground. It is from the Greek word for "stake," though it is often translated as "cross" in the Gospels. The Greek verb refers to driving a stake in the ground and was commonly used to describe building a fence.
missing "and" -- (MW) The Greek word translated as "and" is used as the conjunction "and," but it also is used to add emphasis ("also") and, In a series, it is can be translated as "not only...but also." When used in writing, it creates complex sentences, but when spoken, it makes a good pausing point so that an important or humorous word can follow.
others -- (IW) There is nothing in the Greek that can be translated as "others" in the Greek source.
missing "them" -- (MW) -- The word translated as "them" is the Greek word commonly translated as third-person pronouns in English.
you -- This is from the second-person, plural form of the verb.
will -- This helping verb "will" indicates that the verb is the future tense. Helping or auxiliary verbs are needed to translate the Greek verb forms into English.
flog - "Flog " is translated from a Greek word that means "to whip" and "to flog."
in -- The word translated as "in" means "in," "within," "with," "during" (time), or "among" with a dative object as the one here.
your -- The word translated as "your" is a plural, second-person pronoun in the genitive case. This pronoun follows the noun so "of yours."
missing "the" -- (MW) The untranslated word is the Greek definite article, 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," "those"). See this article for more.
synagogues, - (UW) The Greek word translated as "synagogues" is the source of our English word. It simply means an assembly or place of assembly. It comes from a Greek verb Christ uses commonly that means to "gather" or "bring together."
and - The Greek word translated as "and" is used as the conjunction "and," but it also is used to add emphasis ("also") and, In a series, it is can be translated as "not only...but also." When used in writing, it creates complex sentences, but when spoken, it makes a good pausing point so that an important or humorous word can follow.
pursue - The word translated as "persecute" means both "chase away" and "seek after." The English idea "hound" comes close.
them -- This English objective pronoun is added and not in the Greek source. In Greek, pronoun objects are not repeated after each verb because they are implied by their first occurrence.
from -- The word translated as "from" means "from" in both locations and when referring to a source or a cause. It also means the instrument "by" which a thing is done and "away from."
town - The Greek word for "city" meant not only a city but a nation, culture, or society. It worked something like the word "community" today.
to -- The word translated as "to" means "into" a place, "towards" as a direction, "in regards to" a subject, and "up to" limits in time and measure.
town - The Greek word for "city" meant not only a city but a nation, culture, or society. It worked something like the word "community" today.
διὰ [88 verses](prep) "Wherefore" is from dia (with touto below) hich means "through," "in the midst of," "in a line (movement)," "throughout (time)," "by (causal)," "among," and "between." --
τοῦτο [93 verses] (adj sg neut acc) "Wherefore" is from touto, (with dia above) which means "from here," "from there," "this [thing]," or "that [thing]."
ἰδοὺ [52 verses](adv or verb 2nd sg aor imperat) "Behold is from idou, which means "to behold," "to see," and "to perceive." It is in the form of a command, but 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."
ἐγὼ [162 verses] (pron 1st sg masc nom) "I" is from ego, which is the first person singular pronoun meaning "I." It also means "I at least," "for my part," "indeed," and for myself.
ἀποστέλλω [60 verses](verb 1st sg pres ind act) "Send" is from apostello, which means "to send off," "to send away," or "to dispatch."
πρὸς [92 verses](prep) "Unto" is from pros, which means "on the side of," "in the direction of," "from (place)," "towards" "before," "in the presence of," "in the eyes of," "in the name of," "by reason of," "before (supplication)," "proceeding from (for effects)," "dependent on," "derivable from," "agreeable,""becoming," "like," "at the point of," "in addition to," "against," and "before." -
ὑμᾶς [210 verses](pron 2nd pl acc) "You" is from humas which is the plural form of su the pronoun of the second person, "you." -- The "you" here is plural, indicating many of Christ's listeners.
προφήτας [37 verses](noun pl masc acc or noun sg masc nom verb 2nd sg fut ind act) "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." It is a verb that means "to shine forth" It is a form of the verb, prophao. which means "to shine forth," or "to shine before." -
καὶ [1089 verses] (conj/adv) "And" is from 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."
σοφοὺς [3 verses](adj pl masc acc) "Wise men" is sophos, which means "skilled at practical matters," "clever," and "wise. The idea is those with experience and common sense. It is a form of the verb sophizo, which means "make wise," "instruct," "become skilled," and "teach oneself."
καὶ [1089 verses] (conj/adv) "And" is from 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."
γραμματεῖς: [17 verses](noun pl masc acc) "Scribes" is grammateus, which is generally a "secretary," "registrar," "recorder," and "scholar," but specifically means someone who uses gramma which is Greek for "drawings," "a letter," (as in an alphabet)"diagrams," and "letters" (as in correspondence).
ἐξ [121 verses] (prep) "Some of" is from ek, which means 1) [of motion] "out of," "from," "by," "away from;" 2) [of place] "beyond," "outside of," "beyond;" 3) [of succession] "after," "from;" 4) [of rest] "on," "in," 5) [of time] "since," "from," "at," "in;" 5) [of materials] "out of," "made from." --
αὐτῶν [720 verses](adj pl masc gen ) "Them" is autos, which means "the same," and the reflexive pronouns, "myself," "yourself," "himself," "herself," "itself," or the oblique case of the pronouns, "him," "her," and "it." It also means "one's true self," that is, "the soul" as opposed to the body and "of one's own accord."
ἀποκτενεῖτε [31 verses](verb 2nd pl fut ind act) "Ye shall kill" is apokteino, which means "to kill," and "to slay." It combines the word for "to slay" (kteino) with the proposition, apo, indicating separation, meaning "from" or "away from."but it is a stronger form than the normal verb kteino. It is more like our "destroy." It is in the form of a present participle, "destroying" acting as a noun ("those destroying").
καὶ [1089 verses] (conj/adv) "And" is from 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."
σταυρώσετε, [3 verses](verb 2nd pl fut ind act) "Crucify" is stauroo, which means "to stake," "to crucify," "to be fenced with poles" or "piles driven into a foundation." From the root,staros, which means "an upright pole or stake." This term was used for a stake (or "pale") used for impaling and with the Christian era, the cross.
καὶ [1089 verses] (conj/adv) "And" is from 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."
ἐξ [121 verses] (prep) "Some of" is from ek, which means 1) [of motion] "out of," "from," "by," "away from;" 2) [of place] "beyond," "outside of," "beyond;" 3) [of succession] "after," "from;" 4) [of rest] "on," "in," 5) [of time] "since," "from," "at," "in;" 5) [of materials] "out of," "made from." -- The Greek preposition translated as "of" means "out of" of "from." In Greek, they use the genitive case instead of a preposition for the types of phrases with usually use with "of."
αὐτῶν [720 verses](adj pl masc gen ) "Them" is from autos, which means "the same," and the reflexive pronouns, "myself," "yourself," "himself," "herself," "itself," or the oblique case of the pronouns, "him," "her," and "it." It also means "one's true self," that is, "the soul" as opposed to the body and "of one's own accord." -- The word translated as "him" is the Greek word commonly translated as pronouns in English, but it has a few shades of meaning our pronouns do not have. The word technically means "the same," and when used as a pronoun can mean "the true self" as opposed to appearances.
μαστιγώσετε[5 verses] (verb 2nd pl fut ind act) "Shall ye scourge" is mastigoo, which means "to whip," "to flog," and, in the passive, "to be whipped."
ἐν [413 verses](prep) "In" is from en, which means "in," "on," "at," "by," "among," "within," "surrounded by," "in one's hands," "in one's power," and "with."
ταῖς [821 verses](article pl fem dat)) Untranslated is the Greek definite article, hos, ("the").
συναγωγαῖς [14 verses] (noun pl fem dat) "Synagogue" is from synagoge, which means a "bringing together," "assembly," "place of assembly," "contracting," "collection," "combination," "conclusion," and "demonstration." It comes from a Greek word Christ uses commonly, synago, to mean "gather" or "bring together."
ὑμῶν [168 verses] (pron 2nd pl gen) "Your" is from humon, the plural possessive form of su the pronoun of the second person, "you." -- The word translated as "your" is plural addressing a group of Jesus's listeners.
καὶ [1089 verses] (conj/adv) "And" is from 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."
διώξετε [12 verses](verb 2nd pl fut ind act) "Persecuted" is dioko, which means "to cause to run," "to set into motion," "to pursue," "to chase [away]," to follow," "to seek after," "to be hurried (passive)," "to urge on," "to prosecute [legally]," " or "to drive."
ἀπὸ [190 verses](prep) "From" is from apo, a preposition of separation which means "from" or "away from" from when referring to place or motion, "from" or "after" when referring to time, "from" as an origin or cause.
πόλεως [26 verses](noun sg fem gen) "City" is from polis, which means "city," "citadel," "one's city," "one's country," "community," "state," "state affairs," and "civic duties."
εἰς [325 verses](prep) "To" is from eis, which means "into (of place)," "up to (of time)," "until (of time)," "as much as (of measure or limit)," "as far as (of measure or limit)," "towards (to express relation)," "in regard to (to express relation)," "of an end or limit," and "for (of purpose or object)."
πόλιν: 26 verses](noun sg fem acc) "City" is from polis, which means "city," "citadel," "one's city," "one's country," "community," "state," "state affairs," and "civic duties."
Jesus describes prophets as "wise" and "writers," terms he has used commonly in derision.
The exaggerated words of being destroyed and crucified are followed by less serious tortures, being whipped and hounded.
"By this," he continued, referring to their murderous habits.
"ta-da!" he announced, using his hand to indicate his followers and the crowd as if revealing a vision.
"I dispatch prophets against you!" he said.
The crowd laughed.
"Not only wise," he said, indicating to most hard-headed of his followers, but then indicating the one that was always taking notes," But academics!"
The crowd laughed again because this was the term he used to criticize his accusers.
"From among them," he continued, indicating his followers and the crowd again. "You are going to destroy and stake!"
He spread his arms as one hung upon a Roman stake and hung his head as if dying, sticking out his tongue.
The crowd laughed again, but more nervously now, sensing a change in mood.
"And," he said, more seriously and again point to the crowd. "From among them."
The crowd grew silent in the pause.
You are going to whip in your meeting places," he said seriously. "And hound from city to city."
The crowd felt the threat settle on them.