- *G3076 *26 λυπέω (loo-peh'-o) : from G3077; to distress; reflexively or passively, to be sad:--cause grief, grieve, be in heaviness, (be) sorrow(-ful), be (make) sorry.
λυπουμενος *3
Matthew 19:22 ... heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.
Mark 10:22 ... at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had ...
2 Corinthians 2:2 For if I make you sorry, who is ...
ελυπηθητε *3
2 Corinthians 7:9 ... not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: ...
ελυπηθησαν *2
Matthew 17:23 ... he shall be raised again. And they were exceeding sorry.
Matthew 18:31 ... saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came ...
λυπουμενοι *2
Matthew 26:22 And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one ...
2 Corinthians 6:10 As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as ...
λυπεισθαι *2
Matthew 26:37 ... sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy.
Mark 14:19 And they began to be sorrowful, and to say unto him ...
λελυπηκεν *2
2 Corinthians 2:5 But if any have caused grief, he hath not grieved ...
λυπηθεις
Matthew 14:9 And the king was sorry: nevertheless for the oath's sake, ...
λυπηθησεσθε
John 16:20 ... shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow ...
ελυπηθη
λυπειται
Romans 14:15 But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now ...
λυπω
2 Corinthians 2:2 For if I make you sorry, who is ...
λυπηθητε
2 Corinthians 2:4 ... tears; not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know ...
ελυπησα
2 Corinthians 7:8 For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent: for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry, ...
ελυπησεν
2 Corinthians 7:8 For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent: for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry, ...
λυπηθηναι
2 Corinthians 7:11 ... this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, ...
λυπειτε
Ephesians 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, ...
λυπησθε
1 Thessalonians 4:13 ... concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as ...
λυπηθεντες
1 Peter 1:6 ... if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:
10. Matthew 19:22 Annoying distress
Matthew 19:22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions. [kjv]
ακουσας δε ο νεανισκος τον λογον τουτον απηλθεν λυπουμενος ην γαρ εχων κτηματα πολλα [gnt]
… autem adulescens verbum … tristis … multas possessiones [v]
The
ancient Greek word
"λύπη" ≈ "annoyance, distress, anguish, pain". The
CGL does not list
"sorrow" or
"sadness" as part of the definition.
The Latin word
"tristis" ≈ "sad, unhappy".
The
modern Greek word
"λύπη" (LEE-pee) ≈ "sorrow, sadness, suffering". It appears that the
modern meaning comes from the meaning assumed in the
GNT from Latin.
11. Matthew 19:22 Many
Matthew 19:22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions. [kjv]
ακουσας δε ο νεανισκος τον λογον τουτον απηλθεν λυπουμενος ην γαρ εχων κτηματα πολλα [gnt]
… autem adulescens verbum … tristis … multas possessiones [v]
The
ancient Greek word
"πολύς" ≈ "many, much" and is the suffix of English words starting with
"poly" as in "
polynomial".
The
Latin word
"multis" ≈ "many" and is the source of the English prefix
"multi".
The
ancient Greek word
"πολύς" ≈ "many, much" is related to the Latin word
"plus" ≈ "more" and the Old English word
"feolo" ≈ "many" and the German word
"viel" ≈ "many, much".
12. Matthew 19:22 Possessions
Matthew 19:22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions. [kjv]
ακουσας δε ο νεανισκος τον λογον τουτον απηλθεν λυπουμενος ην γαρ εχων κτηματα πολλα [gnt]
… autem adulescens verbum … tristis … multas possessiones [v]
The ancient Greek word
"κτῆμα" ≈ "piece of property, possession" and comes from
"κτάομαι" ≈ "get, obtain, acquire".
The Latin word
"possessiones" ≈ "possessions".
Can one have "many" "acquisitions" without being "rich"?
Can one have "many" "possessions" without being "rich"?
13. Matthew 10:8-9 Pursuing discussion
Matthew 10:8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. [kjv]
ασθενουντας θεραπευετε νεκρους εγειρετε λεπρους καθαριζετε δαιμονια εκβαλλετε δωρεαν ελαβετε δωρεαν δοτε [gnt]
10:9 Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, [kjv]
μη κτησησθε χρυσον μηδε αργυρον μηδε χαλκον εις τας ζωνας υμων [gnt]
The ancient Greek word
"κτῆσις" ≈ "act of acquiring, ownership, taking" which, once obtained, becomes "
property". The Greek
"into" was translated as
"in".
Paraphrase: Do not acquire gold, ... (for what you do during your journey) into your purses (belts).
Don’t acquire any money in your money belts—no gold, silver, or even copper coins. NLT (New Living Translation)
Discuss: Why might the church not want you to have money to take along to spread the "
Good News"? Provide any known historical examples of either case.
14. Matthew 10:5-10 Possessing acquired purchases
Matthew 10:9 Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, [kjv]
μη κτησησθε χρυσον μηδε αργυρον μηδε χαλκον εις τας ζωνας υμων [gnt]
The ancient Greek word
"κτῆσις" ≈ "act of acquiring, ownership, taking" which, once obtained, becomes "
property". The word is from the ancient Greek word
"κτάομαι" ≈ "get, obtain, acquire". Once acquired, it is
"possessed". The idea of
"possess" comes from the Latin word
"possidere" ≈ "possess".
This word is used in
seven verses in the
GNT. The meaning of the verse can change depending on whether the verse refers to already possessing something or whether that something is to be acquired and then possessed. The idea of
"possess" comes from the Latin word
"possidere" ≈ "possess".
The Greek for
"purses" is that of
"belt" and is the source of the English word
"zone". The Greek has
"into" (going into) rather than
"in" (already in).
"Gold": play on words with Christ by removing the cross.
"Silver": play on words with "lazy way around" as "ἄργυρος" ≈ "silver" and "ἀργός" ≈ "not working, idle, lazy" and "γυρός" ≈ "round".
"Copper": metal of a cheap "idol".
This content is concerned with "
acquire" and not the precious metals of "
gold", "
silver" and
"brass" nor the way for the "
lost sheep" to get out of the pit and become
not lost.
15. Matthew 10:9 Play on words
Matthew 10:9 Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, [kjv]
μη κτησησθε χρυσον μηδε αργυρον μηδε χαλκον εις τας ζωνας υμων [gnt]
nolite possidere aurum neque argentum neque pecuniam in zonis vestris [v]
"ζώνας" ≈ "belt, sash" (accusative feminine plural).
"ὑμῶν" ≈ "your" (genitive plural).
"νῶτᾰ" ≈ "back sides, rear parts" (accusative plural).
"Σίμων" ≈ "Simon".
Jesus associates Simon Peter with the church. Jesus says:
... do not acquire ... into (the) belt (of) yours. Did the church historically say to not take "
money" with you in order to
"acquire" or
"possess" "
money" into their
"backside" (Spoonerism of
"belt")?
The Greek "
Z" sound is, in English, more of a "
TZ" sound.
"ζωνη" ≈ "belt, sash" which is the source of the English word "zone".
16. Matthew 19:22
Matthew 19:22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions. [kjv]
ακουσας δε ο νεανισκος τον λογον τουτον απηλθεν λυπουμενος ην γαρ εχων κτηματα πολλα [gnt]
This is connecting commentary by Matthew.
Greek:
But when the young man heard (with understanding) the reasoning he went away annoyed/distressed because (Matthew reasons) he had many acquisitions.
Might those
"acquisitions" be good or not good?
17. Matthew 19:22
KJV: But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.
Greek: ακουσας δε ο νεανισκος τον λογον τουτον απηλθεν λυπουμενος ην γαρ εχων κτηματα πολλα
Latin: cum audisset autem adulescens verbum abiit tristis erat enim habens multas possessiones
18. Riches and the kingdom
Matthew 19:23 … That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. [kjv]
… δυσκολως … [gnt]
Mark 10:23 … How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God ! [kjv]
… δυσκολως … [gnt]
10:24 … how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God ! [kjv]
… δυσκολον … [gnt]
Luke 18:24 … How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God ! [kjv]
… δυσκολως … [gnt]
Jesus is speaking in all the verses.
19. Discussion
The word translated as
"hardly" in the
KJV (King James Version) and
"difficult" in many other translations is the ancient Greek word
"δύσκολος" ≈ "annoyed, grumpy, bad-tempered" which means, literally,
"bad colon" as in
"bad intestine".
Consider the above verses and discuss the following.
How hard is it for the "rich" to enter the kingdom?
How hard is it for the "poor" to enter the kingdom?
How hard is it for those who are neither "rich" nor "poor" to enter the kingdom?
What is the difference between the following?
Something that is easy or hard (difficult).
Something that is possible or impossible.
Is there a middle ground for each?
Why might the "
young man" be
"annoyed",
"grumpy" or
"bad-tempered" at hearing the remarks of Jesus? Why might the disciples be upset at what Jesus said.
20. Matthew 19:23 Paraphrase
Matthew 19:23 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. [kjv]
ο δε ιησους ειπεν τοις μαθηταις αυτου αμην λεγω υμιν οτι πλουσιος δυσκολως εισελευσεται εις την βασιλειαν των ουρανων [gnt]
Paraphrase: (if otherwise qualified)
A man with many possessions enters the kingdom of heaven in a bad-tempered or grumpy manner (since all those possessions are left behind and now worthless). Whether one gets into the kingdom of heaven is dependent on other factors (e.g., how the possessions were obtained, how they were used, etc.).
21. Matthew 19:23 Rich
22. Matthew 19:23 Kingdom of heaven
Matthew 19:23 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. [kjv]
ο δε ιησους ειπεν τοις μαθηταις αυτου αμην λεγω υμιν οτι πλουσιος δυσκολως εισελευσεται εις την βασιλειαν των ουρανων [gnt]
What exactly is the
"kingdom" of
"heaven"?
The ancient Greek word "βασίλεια" ≈ "kingdom" as in "realm" and is the source of the English word "basilica" which is a hall of the king of the "kingdom".
The ancient Greek word "οὐρανός" ≈ "sky, heaven" as in the "atmosphere".
23. Comparisons
☐ 1. If one "
gives" to the
destitute "
poor", might one get "
treasure" in "
air" as in the "
world" as run by the "
birds"?
☐ 2. If one "
gives" to the "
poor" in
spirit, might one get "
treasure" in "
heaven" as in leading to the
"kingdom" of "
God"?
Which "
treasure" can be "
tunneled" into to
deceive one into accumulating this "
treasure"?
If one is
self-centered would either alternative 1 or 2 (or both) tend to make one "
annoyed"?
24. Matthew 19:23
KJV: Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Greek: ο δε ιησους ειπεν τοις μαθηταις αυτου αμην λεγω υμιν οτι δυσκολως πλουσιος δυσκολως εισελευσεται εις την βασιλειαν των ουρανων
25. Kingdoms
 |
| Gospel |
Kingdom
of heaven |
Kingdom
of God |
| Matthew |
32 |
5* |
| Mark |
0 |
16 |
| Luke |
0 |
32 |
| John |
0 |
2 |
There are many viewpoints on the "kingdom" of "God" and the "kingdom" of "heaven/air". The "birds" of the "air" are the "birds" of "heaven". Which "heaven"?
Sometimes Jesus just says "kingdom". The TR (Textus Receptus) adds "of God" in one of these verses.
It appears that Jesus uses the noun phrase "kingdom" of "heaven/air" as a code word. Matthew just wrote down what was said. The others merged these together in their minds before writing what they remembered. Compare kingdom, vineyard, garden.
[verily verily vs. verily]
|
26. Kingdom of heaven
The "
kingdom" of "
heaven" appears to be a perception of the mind and not a literal physical reality. There are two perceptions.
Good kingdom of heaven/air which is the kingdom of God.
Not good kingdom of heaven/air which is ruled by the birds of heaven/air.
Jesus uses one word for the
not good "
heaven" that is a play on words with "
tail" of the "
mind". Your "
mind" is supposed to be in your "
head" (Christ) and
not your "
tail".
27. Matthew 19:24 Kingdom of God
Matthew 19:24 And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. [kjv]
παλιν δε λεγω υμιν ευκοπωτερον εστιν καμηλον δια τρηματος ραφιδος η πλουσιον εις την βασιλειαν του θεου [gnt]
Paraphrase:
... Which is a better toil or work, to get a camel through the eye of a needle or a rich man into the kingdom of God?
What happens in Luke after Jesus utters this saying?
28. Camels and needles
Luke 18:25 For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. [kjv]
ευκοπωτερον γαρ εστιν καμηλον δια τρηματος βελονης εισελθειν η πλουσιον εις την βασιλειαν του θεου εισελθειν [gnt]
Matthew 19:24 And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. [kjv]
παλιν δε λεγω υμιν ευκοπωτερον εστιν καμηλον δια τρηματος ραφιδος η πλουσιον εις την βασιλειαν του θεου [gnt]
The Latin changes the Greek question "
which is a better toil" to a
statement! Matthew uses
"kingdom" of
"God" rather than
"kingdom" of
"heaven/air". Is there a difference? If so, is it important?
Paraphrase:
Which is a better toil or work, to get a camel through the eye of a needle or a rich man into the kingdom of God?
Discuss: Compare and contrast the
KJV statements about a rich man in Luke 18:25 with Jesus and Zacchaeus, a rich man, in Luke 19 (start of the next chapter). Does Zacchaeus keep all or some or none of his wealth?
29. Matthew and Luke Eye of the needle
Matthew 19:24 And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. [kjv]
παλιν δε λεγω υμιν ευκοπωτερον εστιν καμηλον δια τρηματος ραφιδος η πλουσιον εις την βασιλειαν του θεου [gnt]
Luke 18:25 For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. [kjv]
ευκοπωτερον γαρ εστιν καμηλον δια τρηματος βελονης εισελθειν η πλουσιον εις την βασιλειαν του θεου εισελθειν [gnt]
Another Greek word for "
eye of the needle" is in Matthew and Luke.
The ancient Greek word
"βελόνη" ≈ "needle".
This word appears once in the
GNT where it means the "
eye of the needle".
30. Luke 18:25
KJV: For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
Greek: ευκοπωτερον γαρ εστιν καμηλον δια τρυμαλιας ραφιδος τρηματος βελονης εισελθειν η πλουσιον εις την βασιλειαν του θεου εισελθειν
Wessex: eðelicor maeg se olfend gan þurh anre nedle eage. þanne se welige on godes riche.
Wycliffe: for it is liyter a camel to passe thorou a nedlis iye, than a riche man to entre in to the kyngdom of God.
Tyndale: it is easyer for a camell to goo thorow a nedles eye then for a ryche man to enter into the kyngdome of God.
Luther: Es ist leichter, daß ein Kamel gehe durch ein Nadelöhr, denn daß ein Reicher in das Reich Gottes komme.
31. Matthew 19:24
KJV: And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
Greek: παλιν δε λεγω υμιν ευκοπωτερον εστιν καμηλον δια τρυπηματος τρηματος ραφιδος διελθειν εισελθειν η πλουσιον εις την βασιλειαν του θεου εισελθειν
Latin: et iterum dico vobis facilius est camelum per foramen acus transire quam divitem intrare in regnum caelorum
Wessex: & aeft ich eow segge þaet aeþelicor beoð þam olfende to ganne þurh naedle eage. þanne se welega on heofene riche gä.
Wycliffe: And eftsoone Y seie to you, it is liyter a camel to passe thorou a needlis iye, thanne a riche man to entre in to the kyngdom of heuens.
Tyndale: And moreover I saye vnto you: it is easier for a camell to go through the eye of a nedle then for a ryche man to enter into the kyngdome of God.
Luther: Und weiter sage ich euch: Es ist leichter, daß ein Kamel durch ein Nadelöhr gehe, denn daß ein Reicher ins Reich Gottes komme.
32. Matthew 19:22 Disciples make an inference
Matthew 19:22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions. [kjv]
ακουσας δε ο νεανισκος τον λογον τουτον απηλθεν λυπουμενος ην γαρ εχων κτηματα πολλα [gnt]
Matthew
attributes, or
rationalizes, the response of the "
young man" to the fact that he has "
many" "
possessions".
Nowhere is this stated in the conversation between Jesus and the "
young man".
The disciples do not have a good track record of making good inferences. It is human nature to attribute what happens to what they know, hear or see.
33. Verily I say unto you: connect the dots
Some (theologians, commentators, pastors, etc.) say that the phrase is used to introduce an important concept. Is what Jesus says ever
unimportant?
Instead, the phrase appears to be used to connect the previous thought (excluding scripture quotation) with the next thought as similar in some way.
In some cases, the two thoughts are stated in a
top-down backward-chaining manner so that it helps to consider the second thought before the first thought.
34. Matthew 19:21,23-24 Kingdoms and heaven and God
In
three verses, the ideas of
"kingdom" and
"heaven" or
"sky" and
"God" are used. How are these connected?
Matthew 19:21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. [kjv]
19:23 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. [kjv]
19:24 And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. [kjv]
Jesus uses the words "
Verily/amen I say unto you" as a hint to connect what he said previously with what he is going to say next. Here it is done "
again". So there are
three ideas to be connected. They must all fit together.
35. Latin
36. John 7:17 Whether
In the following verse, the
KJV adds the word "
whether" twice while the Greek and Latin have it only once.
John 7:17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. [kjv]
εαν τις θελη το θελημα αυτου ποιειν γνωσεται περι της διδαχης ποτερον εκ του θεου εστιν η εγω απ εμαυτου λαλω [gnt]
… utrum … an … [v]
A useful separator word for alternatives is the English word
"or".
The ancient Greek word
"ή" ≈ "or" which is different than
"η" ≈ "the" as the (feminine) definite article. For Greek text without accents, one must use context to determine the meaning.
37. Greek for which of the two
There is another Greek word used in the
GNT that appears to be related to the ancient Greek word
"πότερος" ≈ "which of the two". The word is
"εὐκοπώτερος" ≈ "which is good toil" (of two choices) and usually appears as a question.
"ευ" ≈ "good" and is the prefix. as in "eulogy" being a "good word".
"κόπος" ≈ "toil, work".
"πότερος" ≈ "which of the two" and is the suffix.
The word, from the constituent parts, appears to be used in the sense of asking "
Which of the two is a good toil?". Since one is usually a better toil, one can often read it as "
Which of the two is the better toil?".
All such uses of the word are by Jesus (and only Jesus) and may have a double-meaning.
38. Matthew 9:5 Sins and healing
Matthew 9:5 For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk? [kjv]
τι γαρ εστιν ευκοπωτερον ειπειν αφιενται σου αι αμαρτιαι η ειπειν εγειρε και περιπατει [gnt]
Paraphrase:
Which is the better toil, to say your sins are forgiven or to say arise and walk?
Only one way has a
decision procedure to confirm that it has been done. How should "
better" be defined? Which of the following do most churches do?
What do most churches do?
☐ Get up, wave their hands, say your sins are forgiven, and sit down.
☐ Help people get up and help them in to walk in righteousness.
Which is
easier? Which is the
better toil? Which is more often than not actually done?
39. Which of the two is better
Matthew 9:5 For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk? [kjv]
τι γαρ εστιν ευκοπωτερον ειπειν αφιενται σου αι αμαρτιαι η ειπειν εγειρε και περιπατει [gnt]
Mark 2:9 Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk? [kjv]
τι εστιν ευκοπωτερον ειπειν τω παραλυτικω αφιενται σου αι αμαρτιαι η ειπειν εγειρου και αρον τον σου και περιπατει [gnt]
Luke 5:23 Whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Rise up and walk? [kjv]
τι εστιν ευκοπωτερον ειπειν αφεωνται σοι αι αμαρτιαι σου η ειπειν εγειρε και περιπατει [gnt]
40. Camels and needles
The following are statements (Latin), not questions (Greek), and assume one of the two options provided, using "
than" instead of
"or". The Greek has the
"or".
Matthew 19:24 And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. [kjv]
παλιν δε λεγω υμιν ευκοπωτερον εστιν καμηλον δια τρηματος ραφιδος η πλουσιον εις την βασιλειαν του θεου [gnt]
Mark 10:25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. [kjv]
ευκοπωτερον εστιν καμηλον δια τρυμαλιας ραφιδος διελθειν η πλουσιον εις την βασιλειαν του θεου εισελθειν [gnt]
Luke 18:25 For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. [kjv]
ευκοπωτερον γαρ εστιν καμηλον δια τρηματος βελονης εισελθειν η πλουσιον εις την βασιλειαν του θεου εισελθειν [gnt]
41. Luke 16:17 Tittles
Luke 16:17 And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail. [kjv]
ευκοπωτερον δε εστιν τον ουρανον και την γην παρελθειν η του νομου μιαν κεραιαν πεσειν [gnt]
Possible paraphrase:
Which is a better toil, to get heaven and earth to pass away or to get one tittle of the law removed?
For humans, good luck getting heaven and earth to pass away.
A "
tittle" in Greek is a "
horn" or "
antenna" (e.g., of an insect). The "
horns" are often taken to be parts of letters of the law. Man-made horns can be added to the law of God. How hard can it be to get those man-made horns removed? Might that be a better use of one's time and toil?
42. Matthew 9:5 Sins and healing
Matthew 9:5 For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk? [kjv]
τι γαρ εστιν ευκοπωτερον ειπειν αφιενται σου αι αμαρτιαι η ειπειν εγειρε και περιπατει [gnt]
Paraphrase:
Which is the better toil, to say your sins are forgiven or to say arise and walk?
Only one way has a
decision procedure to confirm that it has been done. How should "
better" be defined? Which of the following do most churches do?
What do most churches do?
☐ Get up, wave their hands, say your sins are forgiven, and sit down.
☐ Help people get up and help them in to walk in righteousness.
Which is
easier? Which is the
better toil? Which is more often than not actually done?
43. Which of the two is better
Matthew 9:5 For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk? [kjv]
τι γαρ εστιν ευκοπωτερον ειπειν αφιενται σου αι αμαρτιαι η ειπειν εγειρε και περιπατει [gnt]
Mark 2:9 Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk? [kjv]
τι εστιν ευκοπωτερον ειπειν τω παραλυτικω αφιενται σου αι αμαρτιαι η ειπειν εγειρου και αρον τον σου και περιπατει [gnt]
Luke 5:23 Whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Rise up and walk? [kjv]
τι εστιν ευκοπωτερον ειπειν αφεωνται σοι αι αμαρτιαι σου η ειπειν εγειρε και περιπατει [gnt]
44. Matthew 19:24 Camels
Matthew 19:24 And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. [kjv]
παλιν δε λεγω υμιν ευκοπωτερον εστιν καμηλον δια τρηματος ραφιδος η πλουσιον εις την βασιλειαν του θεου [gnt]
The
ancient Greek word
"πότερος" ≈ "which of the two" and is related to the English word
"whether".
45. Kingdoms and heaven and God
Paraphrases of
three verses to connect via "
verily I say unto you"
Matthew 19:21
... go and sell out your essential attributes, give to the fallen/beggars (who need the Good news) and you will have treasure in the kingdom of the heaven (of God) and come and follow me.
Matthew 19:21
... go and sell out your essential attributes, give to the destitute poor and you will have treasure in the kingdom of the air (world) and come and follow me.
Matthew 19:23
Someone tied/glued to many (worldly) things will be annoyed/grumpy to enter the kingdom of heaven/air (either one).
Matthew 19:24
Which is a better toil or work, to get a camel through the eye of a needle or a rich man into the kingdom of God?
The idea of tied or "
glued" was an important idea at the beginning of this chapter and in the previous chapter.
Different words are used but they have the
same semantic idea. [bind/loose on/in earth/heaven, man and wife leave and are joined]
46. Rich and happy
I never met a rich man who was happy, but I have only very occasionally met a poor man who did not want to become a rich man. Malcolm Muggeridge (British broadcaster)
47. Riches
Reply to people with who have ideas on how he can make a lot of money with his farm.
I can't afford to be that rich. Sam Snyder
48. Kingdoms and heaven and God
Here is one model of the "
kingdoms". A
"kingdom" can be considered a "
rule", a "
realm", an "
opinion", a "
glory". Who is in charge of each
"kingdom"?
Which might be called the third "
heaven"?
There are
two "
kingdoms" of "
heaven/air". Both are
perceptions. As perceptions, they can both, at various level, be "
within"
you at the same time.
☐ 1.
"kingdom" of the "
air" of the "
world"
☐ 2.
"kingdom" of the "
heaven" of "
God"
3. Only
one of these two
"kingdom" perceptions lead to the
reality of the
"kingdom" of "
God".
How easy is it to confuse or merge the
perception of the
"kingdom" of "
heaven" of "
God" with the
reality of the
"kingdom" of "
God"? That appears to be what Mark (through Peter) and Luke (through people's memories) did.
49. Paths
Node 1: Poor in spirit, begging for the Good News. Which path do you covet?
Node 2: False witness node, weeds wanting to be great (at the expense of others).
Node 5: Living bread, treasure in heaven.
Narrow path to destruction, leads away from into the life.
Wide area of life, leads away from into the destruction.
50. Matthew 19:25-27
Matthew 19:25 When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved? [kjv]
19:26 But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. [kjv]
19:27 Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore? [kjv]
Why would Peter ask this question if the rich young man was to give away all possessions?
51. Matthew 19:25-30 Division of thrones
The answer provided by Jesus is somewhat enigmatic.
Matthew 19:28 And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. [kjv]
19:29 And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life. [kjv]
Who are the
"many"? Who, then, are the "
few"?
19:30 But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first. [kjv]
Hint: This verse appears to go with the next chapter as a continuation of this chapter.
52. Matthew 19:30 First and last
53. Matthew 19:30 Stacks and queues
Matthew 19:30 But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first. [kjv]
πολλοι δε εσονται πρωτοι εσχατοι και εσχατοι πρωτοι [gnt]
What is the criteria to which
first and
last refer?
In computer science, a "
stack" is a
LIFO (Last In First Out) data structure that works as a "
stack" of cafeteria trays. In the extreme (all
pushes then all
pops), this creates a
reverse order.
Stack paraphrase:
But many that are first in shall be the last out and the last in shall be the first out.
By contrast, a "
queue" is a
FIFI (First In First Out) data structure. Using the "
new" as living and the "
old" as dead, does a stack-based or first-in last-out structure have any meaning?
That is, from a time sequence perspective, the last in shall be first out and the first in shall be last out. This is the definition of a
stack structure.
Who are the
"many"
54. End of page
