Matthew 3:2
Matthew 3:2 | |
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← 3:1 3:3 → | |
Book | Gospel of Matthew |
Christian Bible part | New Testament |
Matthew 3:2 is the second verse of the third chapter of the Gospel of Matthew in the New Testament. John the Baptist has been introduced in the first verse and this verse describes the message that he is preaching. Through John's message, Matthew introduces the "Kingdom of Heaven".
Content
The text in critical Greek versions reads:
- καὶ λέγων · Μετανοεῖτε, ἤγγικεν γὰρ ἡ βασιλεία τῶν οὐρανῶν.[1]
The opening word καὶ (kai, "and") is omitted in Westcott and Hort's text.[2]
In the King James Version of the Bible, the text reads: "And saying, Repent ye, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."
The New International Version translates the passage as: and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near."[a]
Analysis
Classical scholar
When the
According to France, the word translated as
Jesus also, in Matthew 4:17, preached "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand".[6]
Commentary from the Church Fathers
Hilary of Poitiers: He therefore preaches repentance when the Kingdom of Heaven approaches; by which we return from error, we escape from sin, and after shame for our faults, we make profession of forsaking them.[7]
Pseudo-Chrysostom: In the very commencement he shows himself the messenger of a merciful Prince; he comes not with threats to the offender, but with offers of mercy. It is a custom with kings to proclaim a general pardon on the birth of a son, but first they send throughout their kingdom officers to exact severe fines. But God willing at the birth of His Son to give pardon of sins, first sends His officer proclaiming, Repent ye. O exaction which leaves none poor, but makes many rich! For even when we pay our just debt of righteousness we do God no service, but only gain our own salvation. Repentance cleanses the heart, enlightens the sense, and prepares the human soul for the reception of Christ, as he immediately adds, For the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.[7]
Jerome: John Baptist is the first to preach the Kingdom of Heaven, that the forerunner of the Lord may have this honourable privilege.[7]
Saint Remigius: The Kingdom of Heaven has a fourfold meaning. It is said, of Christ, as The Kingdom of God is within you. (Luke 17:21.) Of Holy Scripture, as, The Kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and shall be given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof. (Mat. 21:43.) Of the Holy Church, as, The Kingdom of Heaven is like unto ten virgins. Of the abode above, as, Many shall come from the East and the West, and shall sit down in the Kingdom of Heaven. (Mat. 8:11.) And all these significations may be here understood.[7]
Glossa Ordinaria: The Kingdom of Heaven shall come nigh you; for if it approached not, none would be able to gain it; for weak and blind they had not the way, which was Christ.[7]
Notes
- ^ For a collection of other versions see BibleHub: Matthew 3:2.
References
- ^ Matthew 3:2: SBL Greek New Testament
- ^ Footnote a at Matthew 3:2 in the SBL Greek New Testament
- ^ Clarke, Howard W. The Gospel of Matthew and its Readers: A Historical Introduction to the First Gospel. Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 2003.
- ^ The Anchor Bible Series. New York: Doubleday & Company, 1971.
- ^ a b France, R.T. The Gospel According to Matthew: an Introduction and Commentary. Leicester: Inter-Varsity, 1985.
- ^ Allison, D., 56. Matthew, in Barton, J. and Muddiman, J. (2001), The Oxford Bible Commentary Archived 2017-11-22 at the Wayback Machine, p. 850
- ^ a b c d e f g "Catena Aurea: commentary on the four Gospels; collected out of the works of the Fathers. Oxford: Parker, 1874. Thomas Aquinas". Oxford, Parker. 1874. This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
Preceded by Matthew 3:1 |
Gospel of Matthew Chapter 3 |
Succeeded by Matthew 3:3 |