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Matthew 4:16

Matthew 4:16 in Multiple Translations

the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned.”

The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.

The people that sat in darkness Saw a great light, And to them that sat in the region and shadow of death, To them did light spring up.

The people who were in the dark saw a great light, and to those in the land of the shade of death did the dawn come up.

The people living in darkness saw a great light; the light of dawn has shined on those living in the land of the shadow of death.”

The people which sate in darkenes, sawe great light: and to them which sate in the region, and shadowe of death, light is risen vp.

the people that is sitting in darkness saw a great light, and to those sitting in a region and shadow of death — light arose to them.'

the people who sat in darkness saw a great light; to those who sat in the region and shadow of death, to them light has dawned.”

The people who sat in darkness, saw great light; and to them who sat in the region and shades of death, light hath arisen.

The people that sat in darkness, hath seen great light: and to them that sat in the region of the shadow of death, light is sprung up.

Although the people there will be like people who sit in a dark place [MET], they will suddenly perceive clearly a new teaching, as people who have seen a big light shining on them [MET] perceive everything clearly. The people who are located in a dangerous [MET] region will suddenly perceive clearly what God teaches, as people on whom a light shines perceive things clearly [MET, DOU].

The people there don’t know much about God. It is like they are in the dark, but they will see a big bright light. They thought they were going to die, but a light will start to shine for them.”

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Berean Amplified Bible — Matthew 4:16

BAB
Word Study

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Matthew 4:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
GRK ο λαος ο καθημενος εν σκοτει ειδεν φως μεγα και τοις καθημενοις εν χωρα και σκια θανατου φως ανετειλεν αυτοις
ο ho G3588 the/this/who Art-NSM
λαος laos G2992 a people Noun-NSM
ο ho G3588 the/this/who Art-NSM
καθημενος kathēmai G2521 to sit Verb-PNP-NSM
εν en G1722 in/on/among Prep
σκοτει skotos G4655 darkness Noun-DSN
ειδεν horaō G3708 to see: see Verb-2AAI-3S
φως phōs G5457 light Noun-ASN
μεγα megas G3173 great Adj-ASN
και kai G2532 and Conj
τοις ho G3588 the/this/who Art-DPM
καθημενοις kathēmai G2521 to sit Verb-PNP-DPM
εν en G1722 in/on/among Prep
χωρα chōra G5561 country Noun-DSF
και kai G2532 and Conj
σκια skia G4639 shadow Noun-DSF
θανατου thanatos G2288 death Noun-GSM
φως phōs G5457 light Noun-NSN
ανετειλεν anatellō G393 to rise Verb-AAI-3S
αυτοις autos G846 it/s/he Pron-DPM
Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — Matthew 4:16

ο ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-NSM
The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.
Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.
λαος laos G2992 "a people" Noun-NSM
A people refers to a group of individuals, like in Matthew 27:25 and Luke 1:21. It can also mean a specific nation or race, as in Acts 4:27. This word is used to describe a large group of people.
Definition: λαός, -οῦ, ὁ, [in LXX very frequently for עַם, Gen.14:16, al.; occasionally for לְאֹם ( Gen.25:23, al.), etc. ;] a word rarely found in Att. prose; __1. the people at large (Hom., al.), esp. of people assembled: Mat.27:25, Luk.1:21 3:15 al.; pl. (Hom., al., π.; see MM, xvi), Act.4:27. __2. a people, those of the same race and language (Pind., Æsch., al.: in LXX, Gen.26:11, Exo.9:16, al.): joined with γλῶσσα, φυλή, ἔθνος, Rev.5:9 7:9 11:9, al.; pl., Luk.2:31, Rom.15:11; esp. as almost always in LXX, of Israel, Mat.4:23, Mrk.7:6, Luk.2:10, Jhn.11:50, Heb.2:17, al.; opposite to τ. ἔθνη, Act.26:17, 23 Rom.15:10; πρεσβύτεροι (πρῶτοι, etc.) τοῦ λ., Mat.21:23, Luk.19:17, Act.4:8, al.; ὁ λ. μου (αὐτοῦ, τ. θεοῦ), Mat.2:6, Luk.1:68, Heb.11:25, al.; of the people disting. from the rulers and priests ( I Est.1:10, Jdth.8:9, al.), Mat.26:5, Luk.20:19, Heb.5:3, al.; of Christians, as the people of God, Act.15:14, Rom.9:25, 26 Heb.4:9; περιούσιος, Tit.2:14; εἰς περιποίησιν, 1Pe.2:9 (LXX). SYN.: see: δῆμος. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 138 NT verses. KJV: people See also: 1 Corinthians 10:7; Luke 1:17; 1 Peter 2:9.
ο ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-NSM
The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.
Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.
καθημενος kathēmai G2521 "to sit" Verb-PNP-NSM
The Greek word for to sit, used in Matthew 11:16 and many other places to describe people sitting or being seated. It can also mean to remain or reside in a place, and is often used to describe people gathering or meeting together. This word is commonly used in the New Testament to describe various scenes and settings.
Definition: κάθ-ημαι [in LXX chiefly for יָשַׁב ;] in cl. present and imperfect only (prop. pf. and plpf. of καθέζομαι; cf. Bl., § 24), in LXX and NT fut. also, to sit, be seated: Mat.11:16 22:44" (LXX), Mrk.2:6, Jhn.6:3, Act.2:2, Jas.2:3 (on the vulgar imper. κάθου, see Kennedy, Sources, 162), Rev.4:3, al.; before prep. with accusative, ἐπί, Mat.9:9, Mrk.2:14, Jhn.12:16; παρά, Mat.13:1, Mrk.10:46; περί, Mrk.3:32, 34; πρός, Luk.22:56; ὑπό, Jas.2:3; εἰς, Mrk.13:3; μετά, with genitive of person(s), Mat.26:58; ἐκ δεξιῶν, Mat.22:44; ἐπάνω, with genitive, Mat.28:2; ἀπέναντι, with genitive, Mat.27:61; ἐπί, with dative, Act.3:10; id. with genitive, Act.8:28; ἐκεῖ, Mat.15:29; pleonastic (M, Pr., 230, 241; Dalman, Words, 22), Mat.13:2, Act.23:3, Rev.18:7; metaphorically, Mat.4:16, Luk.1:79" (LXX) ; of one's domicile (Neh.11:6, Sir.50:26; Hdt., v, 63), Luk.21:31, Act.2:2, Rev.14:6 (cf. συν-κάθημαι) (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 87 NT verses. KJV: dwell, sit (by, down) See also: 1 Corinthians 14:30; Matthew 15:29; Hebrews 1:13.
εν en G1722 "in/on/among" Prep
This word is a preposition that means in, on, or among something. It's used in many places, like Matthew 7:3 and Luke 7:37, to describe a location or relationship. It can also mean by, with, or during.
Definition: ἐν, prep, (the most frequently of all in NT), with dative (= Heb. בְּ, Lat. in, with abl.). __I. Of place, with dative of thing(s), of person(s), in, within, on, at, by, among: ἐν τ. πόλει, Luk.7:37; τ. οφθαλμῷ, Mat.7:3; τ. κοιλίᾳ, Mat.12:40; τ. ὄρει, 2Pe.1:18; τ. θρόνῳ, Rev.3:21; τ. δεξιᾷ τ. θεοῦ, Rom.8:34; ἐν ἡμῖν Abbott-Smith has ὑμῖν., Luk.1:1; of books, ἐν τ. βιβλίῳ, Gal.3:10; τ. νόμῳ, Mat.12:5, al.; ἐν τοῖς τ. Πατρός, in my Father's house (RV; cf. M, Pr., 103), Luk.2:49; trop., of the region of thought or feeling, ἐν τ. καρδίᾳ (-αις), Mat.5:28, 2Co.4:6, al.; τ. συνειδήσεσιν, 2Co.5:11; after verbs of motion, instead of εἰς (constructio praegnans, a usage extended in late Gk. beyond the limits observed in cl.; cf. Bl., §41, 1; M, Th., 12), ἀποστέλλω . . . ἐν, Mat.10:16. δέδωκεν ἐν τ. χειρί (cf. τιθέναι ἐν χερσί, Hom., Il., i, 441, al.), Jhn.3:35; id. after verbs of coming and going (not in cl.), εἰσῆλθε, Luk.9:46; ἐξῆλθεν, Luk.7:17. __II. Of state, condition, form, occupation, etc.: ἐν ζωῇ, Rom.5:10; ἐν τ. θανάτῳ, 1Jn.3:14; ἐν πειρασμοῖς, 1Pe.1:6; ἐν εἰρήνῃ, Mrk.5:25; ἐν δόξῃ, Php.4:19; ἐν πραΰτητι, Jas.3:13; ἐν μυστηρίῳ, 1Co.2:7; ἐν τ. διδαχῇ, Mrk.4:2; of a part as contained in a whole, ἐν τ. ἀμπέλῳ, Jhn.15:4; ἐν ἑνὶ σώματι, Rom.12:4; of accompanying objects or persons (simple dative in cl.), with, ἐν αἵματι, Heb.9:25; ἐν δέκα χιλιάσιν, Luk.14:31 (cf. Ju 14, Act.7:14); similarly (cl.), of clothing, armour, arms, ἐν στολαῖς, Mrk.12:38; ἐν ἐσθῆτι λαμπρᾷ, Jas.2:2; ἐν μαξαίρῃ, Luk.22:49; ἐν ῥάβδῳ, 1Co.4:21 (cf. ἐν τόξοις, Xen., Mem., 3, 9, 2); of manner (cl.), ἐν τάχει (= ταχέως), Luk.18:8 (cf. Bl., §41, 1); of spiritual influence, ἐν πνεύματι, Rom.8:9; ἐν π. ἀκαθάρτῳ, Mrk.1:23; of the mystical relation of the Christian life and the believer himself, to God and Christ (cf. ICC, Ro., 160f.; Mayor on Ju 1; M, Pr., 103): ἐν Χριστῷ, Rom.3:24, 6:11, 1Co.3:1, 4:10, 2Co.12:2, Gal.2:17, Eph.6:21, Col.4:7, 1Th.4:16, al. __III. Of the agent, instrument or means (an extension of cl. ἐν of instr.—see LS, see word Ill—corresponding to similar use of Heb. בְּ), by, with: ἐν ὑμῖν κρίνεται ὁ κόσμος (= cl. παρά, C. dative), 1Co.6:2; ἐν τ. ἄρχοντι τ. δαιμονίων, Mat.9:34; ἐν αἵματι, Heb.9:22; ἐν ὕδατι, Mat.3:11, al.; ἐν μαχαίρᾳ ἀποκτενεῖ (cf. the absol. ἐν μ., ἐν ῥάβδῳ, supr., II, which some would classify here), Rev.13:10 (cf. 6:8). Allied to this usage and distinctly Semitic are the following: ἠγόρασας . . . ἐν τ. αἵματι σου (cf. BDB, see word בְּ, III, 3), Rev.5:9; ὁμολογεῖν ἐν (= Aram. אודי בּ; cf. McNeile on Mt, I.with; M, Pr., 104), Mat.10:32, Luk.12:8; ὀμνύναι ἐν (= cl. accusative, so Jas.5:12), Mat.5:34, al.; also at the rate of, amounting to, Mrk.4:8 (WH; vv. ll., εἰς, ἒν), Act.7:14 (LXX). __IV. Of time, __(a) in or during a period: ἐν τ. ἡμέρᾳ (νυκτί), Jhn.11:9, al.; ἐν σαββάτῳ, Mat.12:2, al.; ἐν τῷ μεταξύ, meanwhile, Jhn.4:31; __(b) at the time of an event: ἐν τ. παρουσίᾳ, 1Co.15:23; ἐν τ. ἀναστάσει, Mat.22:28; __(with) with art. inf., __(α) present (so sometimes in cl., but not as in NT = ἕως; V. M, Pr., 215), while: Mat.13:4, Mrk.6:48, Gal.4:18, al.; __(β) aor., when, after: Luk.9:36, al.; __(d) within (cl.): Mat.27:40, __V. In composition: (1) meaning: (a) with adjectives, it signifies usually the possession of a quality, as ἐνάλιος, ἐν́δοξος; (b) with verbs, continuance in (before ἐν) or motion into (before εἰς), as ἐμμένω, ἐμβαίνω. (ii) Assimilation: ἐν becomes ἐμ- before β, μ, π, φ, ψ; ἐγ- before γ, κ, ξ, χ; ἐλ- before λ. But in the older MSS of NT, followed by modern editions, assimilation is sometimes neglected, as in ἐνγράφω, ἐγκαινίζω, etc. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 2120 NT verses. KJV: about, after, against, + almost, X altogether, among, X as, at, before, between, (here-)by (+ all means), for (… sake of), + give self wholly to, (here-)in(-to, -wardly), X mightily, (because) of, (up-)on, (open-)ly, X outwardly, one, X quickly, X shortly, (speedi-)ly, X that, X there(-in, -on), through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), under, when, where(-with), while, with(-in) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 15:17; 1 Peter 1:2.
σκοτει skotos G4655 "darkness" Noun-DSN
Darkness refers to the absence of light, either physical or spiritual, as described in Hebrews 12:18.
Definition: σκότος, -ου, ὁ the more usual cl. form (cf.σ., τό), darkness: Heb.12:18, Rec.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 31 NT verses. KJV: darkness See also: 1 Corinthians 4:5; Hebrews 12:18; 1 Peter 2:9.
ειδεν horaō G3708 "to see: see" Verb-2AAI-3S
This word means 'to see' or 'to perceive', and can also mean 'to attend to' or 'to experience', like in Mark 6:38 and John 1:46. It's a key word for understanding and perceiving things.
Definition: ὁράω, -ῶ, [in LXX chiefly for ראה, also for חזה, etc. ;] in "durative" sense (hence aor. act., εἶδον, pass., ὤφθην, fut., ὄψομαι, from different roots; see M, Pr., 110f.), to see (in colloq. even the present is rare, its place being generally taken by θεωρέω, see BL, §24). __1. Of bodily vision, to see, perceive, behold: absol., Mrk.6:38, al.; ἔρχου καὶ ἴδε, Jhn.1:46, al.; before ὅτι, Mrk.2:16, al.; with accusative, Mat.2:2, Mrk.1:10 16:7, Gal.1:19, al.; θεόν, Jhn.1:18, 1Jn.4:20, al. __2. to see with the mind, perceive, discern: absol, Rom.15:21; with accusative of thing(s), Mat.9:2 27:54, Act.8:23, Col.2:18, al. __3. to see, take heed, beware: ὅρα μή, with aor. subjc., Mat.8:4 18:10, Mrk.1:44, 1Th.5:15; id., sc. μὴ ποήσῃς, Rev.19:10 22:9 (Bl., §81, 1); before imperat. Mat.9:30 16:6, Mrk.8:15 __4. to experience: τ. θάνατον, Luk.2:26, Heb.11:5; ζωήν, Jhn.3:36; τ. διαφθοράν, Act.2:27. __5. to visit: with accusative of person(s), Luk.8:20, Jhn.12:21, Rom.1:11, al.; with accusative loc, Act.19:21. __6. to see to, care for: Mat.27:4, Act.18:15 (cf. ἀφ-, καθ-, προ-, συν-οράω). SYN.: see: βλέπω. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 605 NT verses. KJV: behold, perceive, see, take heed See also: 1 Corinthians 2:9; Acts 16:40; 1 Peter 1:8.
φως phōs G5457 "light" Noun-ASN
Light refers to any kind of luminousness, natural or artificial, and is used in the Bible to describe the light of the sun or a lamp. In Matthew 17:2 and John 11:9-10, it describes Jesus shining like the sun.
Definition: φῶς (Att.. contr. from φάος; φάω), genitive, φωτός, τό, [in LXX chiefly for אוֹר ;] light (opposite to τὸ σκότος, ἡ σκοτία): Mat.17:2, 5, Jhn.11:9-10, 2Co.4:6; ἡλίου, Rev.22:5; of a lamp, Luk.8:16 11:33, Jhn.5:35, Rev.18:23; of a supernatural heavenly light, Act.9:3 12:7 22:6, 9 22:11 26:13; hence, ἄγγελος φωτός, 2Co.11:14; ὁ κλήρος τ. ἁγίων ἐν τ. φ., Col.1:12; of the divine glory, Rev.21:24; by meton., of that which gives light: of fire, Mrk.14:54, Luk.22:56 (cl.; 1Ma.12:29; cf. DCG, i, 595; pl., of a lamp or torch, Act.16:29; of heavenly bodies, Jas.1:17. Metaphorical, __(a) of God: 1Jn.1:5 Jn 1:7; φῶς οἰκῶν ἀπρόσιτον, 1Ti.6:16; __(b) of spiritual truth and its effects on the lives of men: Mat.4:16 5:16, Jhn.1:4-5 3:19-21, Act.26:18, 23, 2Co.6:14, Eph.5:13, 1Pe.2:9, 1Jn.2:8; τ. φ. τ. ζωῆς, Jhn.8:12; τ. ὅπλα τοῦ φ., Rom.13:12; καρπὸς τοῦ φ., Eph.5:9; έν τ. φ. περιπατεῖν (εἶναι, μένειν), 1Jn.1:7 Jn 2:9-10; υἱοὶ (τέκνα) τοῦ φ., Luk.16:8, Jhn.12:36, Eph.5:8, 1Th.5:5; by meton., of one from whom truth shines forth: Act.13:47 (LXX), Rom.2:19; esp. of Christ, Luk.2:32, Jhn.1:7-8 12:35-36, 46; τ. φ. τ. κόσμου, Jhn.8:12 9:5;τ. φ. τ. ἀληθινόν, Jhn.1:9; of Christians, Mat.5:14, Eph.5:8; __(with) of the spiritual under­standing: τ. φ. τὸ ἐν σοί, Mat.6:23, Luk.11:35; __(d) adverbially, of that which is open to view (opposite to ἐν τ. σκοτίᾳ): ἐν τ. φ., Mat.10:27, Luk.12:3.† SYN.: see: φέγγος (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 59 NT verses. KJV: fire, light See also: 1 John 1:5; John 1:9; 1 Peter 2:9.
μεγα megas G3173 "great" Adj-ASN
The Greek word for great, describing something big or intense, like a large stone in Matthew 2:60 or a strong wind in John 6:18. It's used to show importance or magnitude. In the Bible, it's often used to describe God's power and love.
Definition: μέγας, μεγάλη, μέγα, [in LXX chiefly for גָּדוֹל, also for מַרְבֶּה ,רַב (incl. μείζων), רֹב (μέγιστος) ;] great; __1. of external form, bodily size, measure, extent: λίθος, Mat.2:60; δράκων, Rev.12:3; ἰχθῦς, Jhn.21:11; πόλις, Rev.11:8; μάχαιρα, Rev.6:4, al. __2. Of intensity and degree: δύναμις, Act.4:33; φόβος, Mrk.4:41; ἀγάπη, Jhn.15:13; ἄνεμος, 'ib. 6:18; κραυγή, Act.23:9; φῶς, Mat.4:16; πυρετός, Luk.4:38; θλίψις, Mat.24:21. __3. Of rank; __(a) of persons: θεός (MM, xvi), Tit.2:13; Ἄρτεμις, Act.19:27; compar. (see infr.), Mat.18:1 (cf. Dalman, Words, 113f.); neut. for masc. (Bl., §32, 1), Mat.12:6; __(b) of things: ἁμαρτία, Jhn.19:11; μυστήριον, Eph.5:32; = μεγίστη (see infr., and cf. Field, Notes, 16f.), Mat.22:36; compar. for superl. (M, Pr., 78), 1Co.13:13. __4. __(a) Compar., μείζων: Mat.11:11 23:17, al.; neut. pl., μείζονα, contr. μείζω, Jhn.1:51; double compar., μειζότερος (M, Pr., 236; Bl., §11, 4), III Jo 4; __(b) superl, μέγιστος (Deiss., BS, 365), 2Pe.1:4. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 227 NT verses. KJV: (+ fear) exceedingly, great(-est), high, large, loud, mighty, + (be) sore (afraid), strong, X to years See also: 1 Corinthians 9:11; Luke 22:27; Hebrews 4:14.
και kai G2532 "and" Conj
And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.
Definition: καί, conj., and __I. Copulative. __1. Connecting single words; __(a) in general: Mat.2:18, 16:1, Mrk.2:15, Luk.8:15, Heb.1:1, al. mult.; repeated before each of the terms in a series, Mat.23:23, Luk.14:21, Rom.7:12, 9:4, al. __(b) connecting numerals (WM, §37, 4): Jhn.2:20, Act.13:20; __(with) joining terms which are not mutually exclusive, as the part with the whole: Mat.8:33, 26:59, Mrk.16:17, Act.5:29, al. __2. Connecting clauses and sentences: Mat.3:12, Act.5:21, al. mult.; esp. __(a) where, after the simplicity of the popular language, sentences are paratactically joined (WM, §60, 3; M, Pr., 12; Deiss., LAE, 128ff.): Mat.1:21, 7:25, Mrk.9:5, Jhn.10:3, al.; __(b) joining affirmative to negative sentences: Luk.3:14, Jhn.4:11, IIIJhn.10; __(with) consecutive, and so: Mat.5:1, 23:32, Heb.3:19, al.; after imperatives, Mat.4:19, Luk.7:7, al.; __(d) = καίτοι, and yet: Mat.3:14, 6:26, Mrk.12:12, Luk.18:7 (Field, Notes, 72), 1Co.5:2, al.; __(e) beginning an apodosis (= Heb. וְ; so sometimes δέ in cl.), then: Luk.2:21, 7:12, Act.1:10; beginning a question (WM, §53, 3a): Mrk.10:26, Luk.10:29, Jhn.9:36. __3. Epexegetic, and, and indeed, namely (WM, §53, 3c): Luk.3:18, Jhn.1:16, Act.23:6, Rom.1:5, 1Co.3:5, al. __4. In transition: Mat.4:23, Mrk.5:1, 21, Jhn.1:19, al.; so, Hebraistically, καὶ ἐγένετο (וַי:הִי; also ἐγένετο δέ), Mrk.1:9 (cf. Luk.5:1; V. Burton, §§357-60; M, Pr., 14, 16). __5. καὶ . . . καί, both . . . and (for τε . . . καί, see: τε); __(a) connecting single words: Mat.10:28, Mrk.4:41, Rom.11:33, al.; __(b) clauses and sentences: Mrk.9:13, Jhn.7:28, 1Co.1:22, al. __II. Adjunctive, also, even, still: Mat.5:39, 40; Mrk.2:28, al. mult.; esp. with pron., adv., etc., Mat.20:4, Jhn.7:47, al; ὡς κ., Act.11:17; καθὼς κ., Rom.15:7; οὑτω κ., Rom.6:11; διὸ κ., Luk.1:35; ὁ κ. (Deiss., BS, 313ff.), Act.13:9; pleonastically, μετὰ κ.. (Bl., §77, 7; Deiss., BS, 265f,), Php.4:3; τί κ., 1 Co 15:29; ἀλλὰ κ., Luk.14:22, Jhn.5:18, al.; καίγε (M, Pr., 230; Burton, §437), Act.17:27; καίπερ, Heb.5:8; κ. ἐάν, see: ἐάν. ἐάν, contr. fr. εἰ ἄν, conditional particle, representing something as "under certain circumstances actual or liable to happen," but not so definitely expected as in the case of εἰ with ind. (Bl., §65, 4; cf. Jhn.13:17, 1Co.7:36), if haply, if; __1. with subjc. (cl.); __(a) pres.: Mat.6:22, Luk.10:6, Jhn.7:17, Rom.2:25, 26 al.; { __(b) aor. (= Lat. fut. pf.): Mat.4:9 16:26 (cf. ptcp. in Luk.9:25; M, Pr., 230), Mrk.3:24, Luk.14:34, Jhn.5:43, Rom.7:2, al.; = cl. εἰ, with opt., Jhn.9:22 11:57, Act.9:2; as Heb. אִם = ὅταν, Jhn.12:32 14:3, I Jhn.2:28 3:2, Heb.3:7" (LXX) . __2. C. indic, (as in late writers, fr. Arist. on; see WH, App., 171; VD, MGr. 2, App., §77; Deiss., BS, 201f., LAE, 155, 254; M, Pr., 168, 187; Bl., §65, 4); __(a) fut.: Mat.18:19 T, Luk.19:40, Act.7:7; __(b) pres.: 1Th.3:8 (see Milligan, in l.). __3. With other particles: ἐ. καί (Bl., §65, 6), Gal.6:1; ἐ. μή (M, Pr., 185, 187; Bl., l.with), with subjc. pres., Mat.10:13, 1Co.8:8, Jas.2:17, 1Jn.3:21; aor., Mat.6:15, Mrk.3:27, Jhn.3:3, Rom.10:15, Gal.1:8 2:16 (see Lft., Ellic., in ll.); ἐ. τε . . . ἐ. τε, [in LXX for אִם . . . אִם, Est.19:13, al.,] Rom.14:8. __4. = cl. ἄν (which see) after relat. pronouns and adverbs (Tdf., Pr., 96; WH, App., 173; M, Pr., 42f.; Bl., §26, 4; Mayser, 152f.; Deiss., BS, 202ff.): ὃς ἐ., Mat.5:19, Mrk.6:22, 23 Luk.17:32, 1Co.6:18, al.; ὅπου ἐ., Mat.8:19; ὁσάκις ἐ., Rev.11:6; οὗ ἐ., 1Co.16:6; καθὸ ἐ., 2Co.8:12; ὅστις ἐ., Gal.5:10. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.
τοις ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-DPM
The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.
Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.
καθημενοις kathēmai G2521 "to sit" Verb-PNP-DPM
The Greek word for to sit, used in Matthew 11:16 and many other places to describe people sitting or being seated. It can also mean to remain or reside in a place, and is often used to describe people gathering or meeting together. This word is commonly used in the New Testament to describe various scenes and settings.
Definition: κάθ-ημαι [in LXX chiefly for יָשַׁב ;] in cl. present and imperfect only (prop. pf. and plpf. of καθέζομαι; cf. Bl., § 24), in LXX and NT fut. also, to sit, be seated: Mat.11:16 22:44" (LXX), Mrk.2:6, Jhn.6:3, Act.2:2, Jas.2:3 (on the vulgar imper. κάθου, see Kennedy, Sources, 162), Rev.4:3, al.; before prep. with accusative, ἐπί, Mat.9:9, Mrk.2:14, Jhn.12:16; παρά, Mat.13:1, Mrk.10:46; περί, Mrk.3:32, 34; πρός, Luk.22:56; ὑπό, Jas.2:3; εἰς, Mrk.13:3; μετά, with genitive of person(s), Mat.26:58; ἐκ δεξιῶν, Mat.22:44; ἐπάνω, with genitive, Mat.28:2; ἀπέναντι, with genitive, Mat.27:61; ἐπί, with dative, Act.3:10; id. with genitive, Act.8:28; ἐκεῖ, Mat.15:29; pleonastic (M, Pr., 230, 241; Dalman, Words, 22), Mat.13:2, Act.23:3, Rev.18:7; metaphorically, Mat.4:16, Luk.1:79" (LXX) ; of one's domicile (Neh.11:6, Sir.50:26; Hdt., v, 63), Luk.21:31, Act.2:2, Rev.14:6 (cf. συν-κάθημαι) (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 87 NT verses. KJV: dwell, sit (by, down) See also: 1 Corinthians 14:30; Matthew 15:29; Hebrews 1:13.
εν en G1722 "in/on/among" Prep
This word is a preposition that means in, on, or among something. It's used in many places, like Matthew 7:3 and Luke 7:37, to describe a location or relationship. It can also mean by, with, or during.
Definition: ἐν, prep, (the most frequently of all in NT), with dative (= Heb. בְּ, Lat. in, with abl.). __I. Of place, with dative of thing(s), of person(s), in, within, on, at, by, among: ἐν τ. πόλει, Luk.7:37; τ. οφθαλμῷ, Mat.7:3; τ. κοιλίᾳ, Mat.12:40; τ. ὄρει, 2Pe.1:18; τ. θρόνῳ, Rev.3:21; τ. δεξιᾷ τ. θεοῦ, Rom.8:34; ἐν ἡμῖν Abbott-Smith has ὑμῖν., Luk.1:1; of books, ἐν τ. βιβλίῳ, Gal.3:10; τ. νόμῳ, Mat.12:5, al.; ἐν τοῖς τ. Πατρός, in my Father's house (RV; cf. M, Pr., 103), Luk.2:49; trop., of the region of thought or feeling, ἐν τ. καρδίᾳ (-αις), Mat.5:28, 2Co.4:6, al.; τ. συνειδήσεσιν, 2Co.5:11; after verbs of motion, instead of εἰς (constructio praegnans, a usage extended in late Gk. beyond the limits observed in cl.; cf. Bl., §41, 1; M, Th., 12), ἀποστέλλω . . . ἐν, Mat.10:16. δέδωκεν ἐν τ. χειρί (cf. τιθέναι ἐν χερσί, Hom., Il., i, 441, al.), Jhn.3:35; id. after verbs of coming and going (not in cl.), εἰσῆλθε, Luk.9:46; ἐξῆλθεν, Luk.7:17. __II. Of state, condition, form, occupation, etc.: ἐν ζωῇ, Rom.5:10; ἐν τ. θανάτῳ, 1Jn.3:14; ἐν πειρασμοῖς, 1Pe.1:6; ἐν εἰρήνῃ, Mrk.5:25; ἐν δόξῃ, Php.4:19; ἐν πραΰτητι, Jas.3:13; ἐν μυστηρίῳ, 1Co.2:7; ἐν τ. διδαχῇ, Mrk.4:2; of a part as contained in a whole, ἐν τ. ἀμπέλῳ, Jhn.15:4; ἐν ἑνὶ σώματι, Rom.12:4; of accompanying objects or persons (simple dative in cl.), with, ἐν αἵματι, Heb.9:25; ἐν δέκα χιλιάσιν, Luk.14:31 (cf. Ju 14, Act.7:14); similarly (cl.), of clothing, armour, arms, ἐν στολαῖς, Mrk.12:38; ἐν ἐσθῆτι λαμπρᾷ, Jas.2:2; ἐν μαξαίρῃ, Luk.22:49; ἐν ῥάβδῳ, 1Co.4:21 (cf. ἐν τόξοις, Xen., Mem., 3, 9, 2); of manner (cl.), ἐν τάχει (= ταχέως), Luk.18:8 (cf. Bl., §41, 1); of spiritual influence, ἐν πνεύματι, Rom.8:9; ἐν π. ἀκαθάρτῳ, Mrk.1:23; of the mystical relation of the Christian life and the believer himself, to God and Christ (cf. ICC, Ro., 160f.; Mayor on Ju 1; M, Pr., 103): ἐν Χριστῷ, Rom.3:24, 6:11, 1Co.3:1, 4:10, 2Co.12:2, Gal.2:17, Eph.6:21, Col.4:7, 1Th.4:16, al. __III. Of the agent, instrument or means (an extension of cl. ἐν of instr.—see LS, see word Ill—corresponding to similar use of Heb. בְּ), by, with: ἐν ὑμῖν κρίνεται ὁ κόσμος (= cl. παρά, C. dative), 1Co.6:2; ἐν τ. ἄρχοντι τ. δαιμονίων, Mat.9:34; ἐν αἵματι, Heb.9:22; ἐν ὕδατι, Mat.3:11, al.; ἐν μαχαίρᾳ ἀποκτενεῖ (cf. the absol. ἐν μ., ἐν ῥάβδῳ, supr., II, which some would classify here), Rev.13:10 (cf. 6:8). Allied to this usage and distinctly Semitic are the following: ἠγόρασας . . . ἐν τ. αἵματι σου (cf. BDB, see word בְּ, III, 3), Rev.5:9; ὁμολογεῖν ἐν (= Aram. אודי בּ; cf. McNeile on Mt, I.with; M, Pr., 104), Mat.10:32, Luk.12:8; ὀμνύναι ἐν (= cl. accusative, so Jas.5:12), Mat.5:34, al.; also at the rate of, amounting to, Mrk.4:8 (WH; vv. ll., εἰς, ἒν), Act.7:14 (LXX). __IV. Of time, __(a) in or during a period: ἐν τ. ἡμέρᾳ (νυκτί), Jhn.11:9, al.; ἐν σαββάτῳ, Mat.12:2, al.; ἐν τῷ μεταξύ, meanwhile, Jhn.4:31; __(b) at the time of an event: ἐν τ. παρουσίᾳ, 1Co.15:23; ἐν τ. ἀναστάσει, Mat.22:28; __(with) with art. inf., __(α) present (so sometimes in cl., but not as in NT = ἕως; V. M, Pr., 215), while: Mat.13:4, Mrk.6:48, Gal.4:18, al.; __(β) aor., when, after: Luk.9:36, al.; __(d) within (cl.): Mat.27:40, __V. In composition: (1) meaning: (a) with adjectives, it signifies usually the possession of a quality, as ἐνάλιος, ἐν́δοξος; (b) with verbs, continuance in (before ἐν) or motion into (before εἰς), as ἐμμένω, ἐμβαίνω. (ii) Assimilation: ἐν becomes ἐμ- before β, μ, π, φ, ψ; ἐγ- before γ, κ, ξ, χ; ἐλ- before λ. But in the older MSS of NT, followed by modern editions, assimilation is sometimes neglected, as in ἐνγράφω, ἐγκαινίζω, etc. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 2120 NT verses. KJV: about, after, against, + almost, X altogether, among, X as, at, before, between, (here-)by (+ all means), for (… sake of), + give self wholly to, (here-)in(-to, -wardly), X mightily, (because) of, (up-)on, (open-)ly, X outwardly, one, X quickly, X shortly, (speedi-)ly, X that, X there(-in, -on), through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), under, when, where(-with), while, with(-in) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 15:17; 1 Peter 1:2.
χωρα chōra G5561 "country" Noun-DSF
The Greek word for a region or country, used in Matthew 12:2 to describe a place where Jesus and his disciples were walking.
Definition: χώρα, -ας, ἡ [in LXX for אֶרֶץ, מְדִינָה, etc. ;] __1. most frequently in cl., a space, place. __2. land, i.e. __(a) a land, country, region: Mat.12:2, Mrk.5:10 6:55, Luk.2:8 15:13-15 19:12, Jhn.11:54, Act.13:49 27:27; χ. Γαλατική, Act.16:6 18:23; Τραχωνίτιδος, Luk.3:1; τ. Ἰουδαίας, Act.26:20; τ. Ἰουδαίων, Act.10:39; pl., τῆς Ἰουδαίας κ. Σαμαρείας, Act.8:1; Γεργεσηνῶν (Γερασηνῶν, Γαδαρηνῶν) Mat.8:28, Mrk.5:1, Luk.8:26; ἐν χ. καὶ σκιᾷ θανάτου, Mat.4:16; __(b) land, property: Luk.12:16; __(with) the country, opposite to the town; so in pl., Luk.21:21, Jhn.4:35, Jas.5:4.† SYN.: ἄγρος, τόπος (cf. DCG, i, 591a; LS, see word χώρα, ad init.). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 27 NT verses. KJV: coast, county, fields, ground, land, region See also: Acts 8:1; Luke 3:1; James 5:4.
και kai G2532 "and" Conj
And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.
Definition: καί, conj., and __I. Copulative. __1. Connecting single words; __(a) in general: Mat.2:18, 16:1, Mrk.2:15, Luk.8:15, Heb.1:1, al. mult.; repeated before each of the terms in a series, Mat.23:23, Luk.14:21, Rom.7:12, 9:4, al. __(b) connecting numerals (WM, §37, 4): Jhn.2:20, Act.13:20; __(with) joining terms which are not mutually exclusive, as the part with the whole: Mat.8:33, 26:59, Mrk.16:17, Act.5:29, al. __2. Connecting clauses and sentences: Mat.3:12, Act.5:21, al. mult.; esp. __(a) where, after the simplicity of the popular language, sentences are paratactically joined (WM, §60, 3; M, Pr., 12; Deiss., LAE, 128ff.): Mat.1:21, 7:25, Mrk.9:5, Jhn.10:3, al.; __(b) joining affirmative to negative sentences: Luk.3:14, Jhn.4:11, IIIJhn.10; __(with) consecutive, and so: Mat.5:1, 23:32, Heb.3:19, al.; after imperatives, Mat.4:19, Luk.7:7, al.; __(d) = καίτοι, and yet: Mat.3:14, 6:26, Mrk.12:12, Luk.18:7 (Field, Notes, 72), 1Co.5:2, al.; __(e) beginning an apodosis (= Heb. וְ; so sometimes δέ in cl.), then: Luk.2:21, 7:12, Act.1:10; beginning a question (WM, §53, 3a): Mrk.10:26, Luk.10:29, Jhn.9:36. __3. Epexegetic, and, and indeed, namely (WM, §53, 3c): Luk.3:18, Jhn.1:16, Act.23:6, Rom.1:5, 1Co.3:5, al. __4. In transition: Mat.4:23, Mrk.5:1, 21, Jhn.1:19, al.; so, Hebraistically, καὶ ἐγένετο (וַי:הִי; also ἐγένετο δέ), Mrk.1:9 (cf. Luk.5:1; V. Burton, §§357-60; M, Pr., 14, 16). __5. καὶ . . . καί, both . . . and (for τε . . . καί, see: τε); __(a) connecting single words: Mat.10:28, Mrk.4:41, Rom.11:33, al.; __(b) clauses and sentences: Mrk.9:13, Jhn.7:28, 1Co.1:22, al. __II. Adjunctive, also, even, still: Mat.5:39, 40; Mrk.2:28, al. mult.; esp. with pron., adv., etc., Mat.20:4, Jhn.7:47, al; ὡς κ., Act.11:17; καθὼς κ., Rom.15:7; οὑτω κ., Rom.6:11; διὸ κ., Luk.1:35; ὁ κ. (Deiss., BS, 313ff.), Act.13:9; pleonastically, μετὰ κ.. (Bl., §77, 7; Deiss., BS, 265f,), Php.4:3; τί κ., 1 Co 15:29; ἀλλὰ κ., Luk.14:22, Jhn.5:18, al.; καίγε (M, Pr., 230; Burton, §437), Act.17:27; καίπερ, Heb.5:8; κ. ἐάν, see: ἐάν. ἐάν, contr. fr. εἰ ἄν, conditional particle, representing something as "under certain circumstances actual or liable to happen," but not so definitely expected as in the case of εἰ with ind. (Bl., §65, 4; cf. Jhn.13:17, 1Co.7:36), if haply, if; __1. with subjc. (cl.); __(a) pres.: Mat.6:22, Luk.10:6, Jhn.7:17, Rom.2:25, 26 al.; { __(b) aor. (= Lat. fut. pf.): Mat.4:9 16:26 (cf. ptcp. in Luk.9:25; M, Pr., 230), Mrk.3:24, Luk.14:34, Jhn.5:43, Rom.7:2, al.; = cl. εἰ, with opt., Jhn.9:22 11:57, Act.9:2; as Heb. אִם = ὅταν, Jhn.12:32 14:3, I Jhn.2:28 3:2, Heb.3:7" (LXX) . __2. C. indic, (as in late writers, fr. Arist. on; see WH, App., 171; VD, MGr. 2, App., §77; Deiss., BS, 201f., LAE, 155, 254; M, Pr., 168, 187; Bl., §65, 4); __(a) fut.: Mat.18:19 T, Luk.19:40, Act.7:7; __(b) pres.: 1Th.3:8 (see Milligan, in l.). __3. With other particles: ἐ. καί (Bl., §65, 6), Gal.6:1; ἐ. μή (M, Pr., 185, 187; Bl., l.with), with subjc. pres., Mat.10:13, 1Co.8:8, Jas.2:17, 1Jn.3:21; aor., Mat.6:15, Mrk.3:27, Jhn.3:3, Rom.10:15, Gal.1:8 2:16 (see Lft., Ellic., in ll.); ἐ. τε . . . ἐ. τε, [in LXX for אִם . . . אִם, Est.19:13, al.,] Rom.14:8. __4. = cl. ἄν (which see) after relat. pronouns and adverbs (Tdf., Pr., 96; WH, App., 173; M, Pr., 42f.; Bl., §26, 4; Mayser, 152f.; Deiss., BS, 202ff.): ὃς ἐ., Mat.5:19, Mrk.6:22, 23 Luk.17:32, 1Co.6:18, al.; ὅπου ἐ., Mat.8:19; ὁσάκις ἐ., Rev.11:6; οὗ ἐ., 1Co.16:6; καθὸ ἐ., 2Co.8:12; ὅστις ἐ., Gal.5:10. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.
σκια skia G4639 "shadow" Noun-DSF
The Greek word for shadow is used to describe both literal shade and figurative darkness, such as the shadow of death or error, as seen in Matthew 4:16 and Mark 4:32.
Definition: σκιά, -ᾶς, ἡ [in LXX chiefly for צֵל, 4Ki.20:9 ff., Psa.57:1, al.; but σ. and σ. θανάτου are also used for צַלְמָוֶת, Job.3:5, Psa.3:4, Isa.9:2 (1) (see ICC, in l), al. ;] __1. shadow, shade, caused by interception of light: Mrk.4:32, Act.5:15; metaphorically, σ. θανάτου, of ignorance and error, Mat.4:16, Luk.1:79" (LXX) . __2. a shadow, the image or outline cast by an object: figuratively, ὑπόδειγμα καὶ σ., Heb.8:5; opposite to σῶμα, Col.2:17; opposite to εἰκών, Heb.10:1.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 7 NT verses. KJV: shadow See also: Acts 5:15; Hebrews 10:1; Hebrews 8:5.
θανατου thanatos G2288 "death" Noun-GSM
This word means death, whether it's physical or spiritual. It's used in many places, like John 11:13 and Romans 8:38, to describe the end of life or separation from God. It's the opposite of life.
Definition: θάνατος, -ου, ὁ (θνήσκω), [in LXX chiefly for מָוֶת ,מוּת, sometimes דֶּבֶר ;] death; __1. of the death of the body, whether natural or violent: Jhn.11:13, Php.2:27, Heb.7:23, al; opposite to ζωή, Rom.8:38, Php.1:20; of the death of Christ, Rom.5:10, Php.3:10, Heb.2:9; ῥυέσθαι (σώζειν) ἐκ θ., 2Co.1:10, Heb.5:7; περίλυπος ἕως θανάτου, Mat.26:38, Mrk.14:34; μέχρι (ἄχρι), Php.2:8, Rev.2:10; πληγὴ θανάτου, a deadly wound. Rev.13:3; ἰδεῖν θάνατον, Luk.2:26, Heb.11:5; γεύεσθαι θανάτου, Mrk.9:1; ἔνοχος θανάτου, Mrk.14:64; θανάτῳ τελευτᾶν ( Exo.21:17, מוּת יוּמָת), Mrk.7:10; death personified, Rom.6:9, 1Co.15:26, Rev.21:4; pl., of deadly perils, 2Co.11:23. __2. Of spiritual death: Jhn.5:24 8:51, Rom.7:10, Jas.1:15, 5:20, 1Jn.3:14 5:16, al.; of eternal death, Rom.1:32 7:5, al.; ὁ θ. ὁ δεύτερος, Rev.2:11 21:8 (cf. Cremer, 283ff.; DB, iii, 114ff.; DCG, i, 791f.). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 106 NT verses. KJV: X deadly, (be…) death See also: 1 Corinthians 3:22; Mark 7:10; Hebrews 2:9.
φως phōs G5457 "light" Noun-NSN
Light refers to any kind of luminousness, natural or artificial, and is used in the Bible to describe the light of the sun or a lamp. In Matthew 17:2 and John 11:9-10, it describes Jesus shining like the sun.
Definition: φῶς (Att.. contr. from φάος; φάω), genitive, φωτός, τό, [in LXX chiefly for אוֹר ;] light (opposite to τὸ σκότος, ἡ σκοτία): Mat.17:2, 5, Jhn.11:9-10, 2Co.4:6; ἡλίου, Rev.22:5; of a lamp, Luk.8:16 11:33, Jhn.5:35, Rev.18:23; of a supernatural heavenly light, Act.9:3 12:7 22:6, 9 22:11 26:13; hence, ἄγγελος φωτός, 2Co.11:14; ὁ κλήρος τ. ἁγίων ἐν τ. φ., Col.1:12; of the divine glory, Rev.21:24; by meton., of that which gives light: of fire, Mrk.14:54, Luk.22:56 (cl.; 1Ma.12:29; cf. DCG, i, 595; pl., of a lamp or torch, Act.16:29; of heavenly bodies, Jas.1:17. Metaphorical, __(a) of God: 1Jn.1:5 Jn 1:7; φῶς οἰκῶν ἀπρόσιτον, 1Ti.6:16; __(b) of spiritual truth and its effects on the lives of men: Mat.4:16 5:16, Jhn.1:4-5 3:19-21, Act.26:18, 23, 2Co.6:14, Eph.5:13, 1Pe.2:9, 1Jn.2:8; τ. φ. τ. ζωῆς, Jhn.8:12; τ. ὅπλα τοῦ φ., Rom.13:12; καρπὸς τοῦ φ., Eph.5:9; έν τ. φ. περιπατεῖν (εἶναι, μένειν), 1Jn.1:7 Jn 2:9-10; υἱοὶ (τέκνα) τοῦ φ., Luk.16:8, Jhn.12:36, Eph.5:8, 1Th.5:5; by meton., of one from whom truth shines forth: Act.13:47 (LXX), Rom.2:19; esp. of Christ, Luk.2:32, Jhn.1:7-8 12:35-36, 46; τ. φ. τ. κόσμου, Jhn.8:12 9:5;τ. φ. τ. ἀληθινόν, Jhn.1:9; of Christians, Mat.5:14, Eph.5:8; __(with) of the spiritual under­standing: τ. φ. τὸ ἐν σοί, Mat.6:23, Luk.11:35; __(d) adverbially, of that which is open to view (opposite to ἐν τ. σκοτίᾳ): ἐν τ. φ., Mat.10:27, Luk.12:3.† SYN.: see: φέγγος (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 59 NT verses. KJV: fire, light See also: 1 John 1:5; John 1:9; 1 Peter 2:9.
ανετειλεν anatellō G393 "to rise" Verb-AAI-3S
To rise means to get up or cause something to come up, like the sun in Matthew 4:16 or a cloud in Luke 12:54. It can also mean to spring up or be up. In the Bible, it is used to describe natural events and spiritual growth.
Definition: ἀνα-τέλλω [in LXX for צָמַח, פָּרַח, זָרַח, etc. ;] __1. trans., to cause to rise: Mat.5:45. __2. Intrans., to rise: φῶς, Mat.4:16 (= Isa.9:1); ὁ ἥλιος, Mat.13:6, Mrk.4:6 16:2, Jas.1:11; νεφέλη, Luk.12:54; φωσφόρος, 2Pe.1:19; ὁ Κύριος, prob. with ref. to metaphorically of sun or star, Heb.7:14 (cf. ἐξ-ανατέλλω).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 9 NT verses. KJV: (a-, make to) rise, at the rising of, spring (up), be up See also: 2 Peter 1:19; Mark 4:6; Hebrews 7:14.
αυτοις autos G846 "it/s/he" Pron-DPM
This pronoun refers to a person or thing, like 'he', 'she', or 'it'. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a person or thing, like in John 2:25 where it says 'he himself knew'.
Definition: αὐτός, -ή, -ό, determinative pron., in late Gk. much more frequently than in cl. (WM, 178f.; Jannaris, HGG, §1399). __1. Emphatic (so always in nom. exc. when preceded by the art., see infr., iii); __(1) self (ipse), expressing opposition, distinction, exclusion, etc., αὐ. ἐκχυθήσεται, Luk.5:37; αὐ. ἐγινώσκεν, Jhn.2:25; αὐ.ὑμεῖς, Jhn.3:28; καὶ αὐ. ἐγώ, Rom.15:14; αὐ. Ἰησοῦς, Jhn.2:24; αὐ. καὶ οἱ μετ᾽ αὐτοῦ, Mrk.2:25; ὑμεῖς αὐ., Mrk.6:31; esp. (as freq in cl.) αὐ. ὁ, Mat.3:4, Mrk.6:17, Jhn.16:27, 1Th.3:11, al.; in late Gk., sometimes weakened, ἐν αὐτῇ τ. ὥρᾳ, in that hour, Luk.10:21 (M, Pr., 91; MM, see word); __(2) emphatic, he, she, it (M, Pr., 86; Bl., §48, 1, 2, 7), Mat.1:21, 12:50, Luk.6:35, al.; pointing to some one as master (cl.), Mat.8:24, Mrk.4:38, al.; αὐ., καὶ αὐ. = οὗτος, ὁ δε (BL, §48, 1), Mat.14:2, Mrk.14:15, 44, Luk.1:22, 2:28, al. __2. In oblique cases (cl.), for the simple pron. of 3rd of person(s), he, she, it, Mat.7:9, 10:12, 26:44, al.; with ptcp. in genitive absol., Mat.9:18, Mrk.13:1, al. (for irreg. constructions, V. Bl., §74, 5); pleonastically after the relative (cf. Heb. אֲשֶׁר לוֹ; WM, 184ff.; Bl., §50, 4; MM, see word), Mrk.7:25, Rev.3:8, 7:2, al.; in constr. ad sensum, without proper subject expressly indicated, Mat.4:23, Act.8:5, 2Co.2:13, al.; genitive αὐτοῦ = ἐκείνου, Rom.11:11, 1Th.2:19, Tit.3:5, Heb.2:4. __3. ὁ, ἡ, τὸ αὐ., the same: Heb.1:12, 13:8; τὸ αὐ., ποιεῖν, Mat.5:46, 47, al.; φρονεῖν, Rom.12:16, 15:5, Php.2:2, al.; τὰ αὐ., Act.15:27, Rom.2:1, al.; κατὰ τὸ (τὰ) αὐ. (MM, see word), Act.14:1, Luk.6:23, al.; ἐπὶ τὸ αὐ., together (MM, see word), Mat.22:34, Act.1:15, al.; ἓν κ. τὸ αὐ., 1Co.11:5, 12:11; with dative (cl.), 1Co.11:5; with a noun, λόγος, Mrk.14:39; μέτρος, Php.1:30; πνεῦμα, 1Co.12:4. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 3773 NT verses. KJV: her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, - by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 John 3:10; 1 Peter 1:3.

Study Notes — Matthew 4:16

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Isaiah 9:2 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned.
2 Isaiah 42:6–7 “I, the LORD, have called you for a righteous purpose, and I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and appoint you to be a covenant for the people and a light to the nations, to open the eyes of the blind, to bring prisoners out of the dungeon and those sitting in darkness out from the prison house.
3 Isaiah 60:1–3 Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. For behold, darkness covers the earth, and thick darkness is over the peoples; but the LORD will rise upon you, and His glory will appear over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.
4 Luke 1:78–79 because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the Dawn will visit us from on high, to shine on those who live in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.”
5 Micah 7:8 Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will arise; though I sit in darkness, the LORD will be my light.
6 Luke 2:32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to Your people Israel.”
7 Psalms 107:10–14 Some sat in darkness and in the shadow of death, prisoners in affliction and chains, because they rebelled against the words of God and despised the counsel of the Most High. He humbled their hearts with hard labor; they stumbled, and there was no one to help. Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and He saved them from their distress. He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death and broke away their chains.
8 Amos 5:8 He who made the Pleiades and Orion, who turns darkness into dawn and darkens day into night, who summons the waters of the sea and pours them over the face of the earth— the LORD is His name—
9 Job 34:22 There is no darkness or deep shadow where the workers of iniquity can hide.
10 Job 10:22 to a land of utter darkness, of deep shadow and disorder, where even the light is like darkness.”

Matthew 4:16 Summary

[Matthew 4:16 tells us that people who were living in darkness, or without God, have seen a great light, which is Jesus Christ. This light brings hope and salvation to those who were living in spiritual darkness, as seen in John 1:4-5. The verse is saying that Jesus is the answer to the darkness and separation from God that people experience. By turning to Jesus, we can leave the darkness behind and walk in the light of His love and forgiveness, just like it says in 1 John 1:7.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to live in darkness according to Matthew 4:16?

Living in darkness refers to being without spiritual light or guidance, as seen in Ephesians 5:8, where believers are called out of darkness into the light of Christ.

What is the land of the shadow of death mentioned in Matthew 4:16?

The land of the shadow of death is a place of spiritual darkness and separation from God, similar to what is described in Psalms 107:10-14, where people are trapped in darkness and shadow of death until they cry out to God for help.

How does the light mentioned in Matthew 4:16 relate to Jesus Christ?

The light in Matthew 4:16 is a reference to Jesus Christ, who is the light of the world, as stated in John 8:12, and brings spiritual illumination and salvation to those who were living in darkness.

What is the significance of the light dawning on those living in the land of the shadow of death?

The dawning of light on those living in the land of the shadow of death signifies the hope of salvation and redemption through Jesus Christ, as seen in Isaiah 9:2, which prophesies the coming of a great light to a people living in darkness.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in my life where I may be living in darkness, and how can I allow the light of Christ to shine in those areas?
  2. How can I be a reflection of the light of Christ to those around me who may be living in spiritual darkness?
  3. What does it mean for the light of Christ to dawn on me, and how can I experience this in my daily life?
  4. In what ways can I share the message of hope and salvation with those who are living in the land of the shadow of death?

Gill's Exposition on Matthew 4:16

The people which sat in darkness,.... The inhabitants of Galilee, who sat or "walked", as in Isaiah; that is, continued in spiritual darkness, in ignorance, blindness, error, and infidelity, "saw

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Matthew 4:16

The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Matthew 4:16

Ver. 14-16. The text in ,2, where the words are, Nevertheless the dimness shall not be such as was in her vexation, when at the first he lightly afflicted the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, and afterward did more grievously afflict her by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, in Galilee of the nations. The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined. The Jews make a great many objections against the application of this text unto Christ, as indeed they do against the application of all texts cited out of the Old Testament by the evangelists. Christians, believing that the evangelists being holy men, who wrote not from a private spirit private interpretations, have not any reason to regard what their interest leadeth them to object: but even Christian interpreters are divided in their sentiments whether these words are said to be fulfilled, in this motion of Christ unto Galilee, in a literal, or typical, or a more improper and analogical sense; nor is it any great matter with which of them we agree. For my own part, I see no reason why should not be literally understood of and applied unto Christ. There is nothing more ordinary in the prophets, than, after a threatening of judgment and captivity unto the people, to comfort such as feared God amongst them with promises of the Messiah, and the spiritual salvation which was to be brought in. The land of Zebulun and Naphtali suffered much by Benhadad, , and more by Tiglath-pileser, , before the general captivity of the ten tribes, . The Lord by the prophet, , had been threatening this general captivity; possibly the prophet might say the affliction of those parts should not be so great as the second mentioned, ; because by the story it seems they were generally carried into captivity before the more general destruction of the other tribes there. Saith he, This darkness shall be abundantly hereafter compensated, by the coming of the Messiah, and preaching amongst this people; who living at a great distance from Jerusalem, never had such a light as some other parts of Judea, and first drank of the cup of God’ s wrath in their captivity. It was called Galilee of the Gentiles, because it was near to the men of Tyre, who were Gentiles, and had doubtless in it a greater mixture of Gentiles than any other part of Canaan, ever since Solomon gave Hiram twenty cities in this Galilee, .

Trapp's Commentary on Matthew 4:16

16 The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up. Ver. 16. The people which sat in darkness saw a great light] For the day-spring from on high visited them, the bright Sun of righteousness (which had all Palestine for his zodiac, the twelve tribes for his signs) stayed longest in Zabulon and Nephthalim, Luke 1:2; Malachi 4:2; and (St Jerome observeth) as these two tribes were first carried into captivity, and seemed farthest from heaven, as bordering on the Gentiles, and in many things symbolizing with them, having learned their manners; so redemption was first preached in these countries. Physicians are of most use where diseases abound. The prophets in Elisha’ s days planted at Bethel. There was at once the golden calf of Jeroboam and the school of God. Sat in darkness, and in the region and shadow of death] Note here that a state of darkness is a state of death. This is condemnation, this is hell above ground and beforehand, that "light is come into the world, and men love darkness better than light," John 3:36. Ut liberius peccent libenter ignorant. (Bernard.) Now surely they shall one day have enough of their so much desired darkness, Proverbs 14:14. They know not the light, saith Job. They hate it, saith our Saviour, John 3:20. They spurn and scorn at it, saith Solomon, Proverbs 1:22; therefore shall they be filled in their own ways, while they are cast into utter darkness, a darkness beyond a darkness (σκοτοςεξωτερον), as it were a dungeon beyond a prison, where they shall never see light again, till they be enlightened with that universal fire of the last day to their everlasting amazement, 2 Thessalonians 1:8. Light is sprung up] He brought them "out of darkness into his marvellous light." So he did the Samaritans by Philip’ s preaching and miracles, whereupon there was great joy in that city, 1 Peter 2:9; Acts 8:8. So by the ministry of Farel, Viret, Calvin, and others, he drew the Genevans out of the dark midnight of damned Popery; in a thankful remembrance whereof they coined new money, with this inscription on the one side, Post tenebras lux, After darkness light. (Their posy then had been, Post tenebras spero lucem, taken out of Job.) And on the other side, Deus noster pugnat pro nobis, Our God fighteth for us. (Scultet. Annal.)

Ellicott's Commentary on Matthew 4:16

(15-16) The citation is remarkable as the only reference in the New Testament to what seems to us the most wonderful and majestic of all Messianic prophecies; and still more remarkable as dwelling, not on the words so familiar to us, “Unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given . . . ,” but on the merely local imagery which is a prelude to that great utterance, and on that, in a version which is neither a true rendering of the Hebrew, nor a correct citation from the received Greek version. We have to recognise the fact that the Evangelist did not study prophecy as we study it. Books were scarce, and the publican of Capernaum, though his occupation implied some clerkly knowledge, probably had few, and heard rather than read the Scriptures which he quotes. What strikes a man who learns in this way is the coincidence of single words and phrases with familiar facts. He speaks not of what has been written, but of what has been spoken. He is not careful about the context. When St. Matthew looked back on the change that had come over Capernaum in the arrival of the prophet of Nazareth—a change extending to his own life—these words seemed the only adequate description of it. Here was the very scene of which Isaiah had spoken, the old border country of Zebulon and of Naphthali. To him and to others who had been in the darkness of spiritual ignorance, neglected and uncared for, as sheep gone astray in the dark valley of death, there had sprung up a marvellous Light. Unconsciously he adds his testimony to that of St. John, that the presence of Jesus was felt to be that of the “true Light” that “lighteth every man” (John 1:9).

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Matthew 4:16

Verse 16. The people which sat in darkness] This is quoted from Isaiah 9:2, where, instead of sitting, the prophet used the word walked. The evangelist might on purpose change the term, to point out the increased misery of the state of these persons. Sitting in darkness expresses a greater degree of intellectual blindness, than walking in darkness does. In the time of Christ's appearing, the people were in a much worse state than in the time of the prophet, which was nearly 700 years before; as, during all this period, they were growing more ignorant and sinful. The region and shadow of death] These words are amazingly descriptive. A region of death - DEATH'S country, where, in a peculiar manner, Death lived, reigned, and triumphed, subjecting all the people to his sway. Shadow of death] σκιαθανατου, used only here and in Lu 1:79, but often in the Old Covenant, where the Hebrew is צל מות tsal maveth, It is not easy to enter fully into the ideal meaning of this term. As in the former clause, death is personified, so here. A shadow is that darkness cast upon a place by a body raised between it and the light or sun. Death is here represented as standing between the land above mentioned, and the light of life, or Sun of righteousness; in consequence of which, all the inhabitants were, involved in a continual cloud of intellectual darkness, misery, and sin. The heavenly sun was continually eclipsed to them, till this glorious time, when Jesus Christ, the true light, shone forth in the beauty of holiness and truth. Christ began his ministry in Galilee, and frequented this uncultivated place more than he did Jerusalem and other parts of Judea: here his preaching was peculiarly needful; and by this was the prophecy fulfilled.

Cambridge Bible on Matthew 4:16

16. the people which sat in darkness] The invasion of Tiglathpileser, whom Ahaz called in to assist him against Rezin and Pekah, fell with great severity on the Northern tribes (2 Kings 15:29). Yet even they are promised a great deliverance [“there shall not hereafter be darkness in the land that was distressed,” Isaiah 9:1], in the first instance, by the destruction of Sennacherib, from temporal distress (cp. Is. chs. 10 and 11 with ch. Matthew 9:1-6); secondly, by the advent of the Messiah, from spiritual darkness.

Whedon's Commentary on Matthew 4:16

16. The people — That is, the people of the land of Zebulun and Naphthali.Sat in darkness — The prophet says, “Walked in darkness.” Sat in darkness embraces the same idea, but an intenser meaning.

Sermons on Matthew 4:16

SermonDescription
David Wilkerson Whatever Happened to Repentance Preaching by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the speaker addresses the topic of repentance preaching. He emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and repenting of one's sins. The speaker refers to the story
Erlo Stegen Mind the Light by Erlo Stegen In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of examining one's own life and the impact they have on others. He urges listeners to consider whether they are living accord
David Wilkerson A Glorious Christmas Reminder! by David Wilkerson David Wilkerson emphasizes that the birth of Jesus in the manger is intrinsically linked to His resurrection, highlighting that He was fully human yet a manifestation of the eterna
John Bunyan Light by John Bunyan John Bunyan emphasizes the significance of light in God's creation, illustrating how it parallels the spiritual illumination necessary for salvation. He explains that just as God c
G. Campbell Morgan The Darkness of Golgotha by G. Campbell Morgan G. Campbell Morgan explores the profound significance of the three hours of darkness at Golgotha, emphasizing that this period was not merely incidental but central to the crucifix
Raymond Golsworthy Treasures of Darkness by Raymond Golsworthy Raymond Golsworthy preaches about finding treasures in darkness, emphasizing that dark times of trial and testing are opportunities to encounter God's treasures, such as new songs
C.H. Spurgeon Thy Love to Me Was Wonderful by C.H. Spurgeon In this sermon on blindness, the preacher delves into the concept of 'tuphlos' which can refer to both literal and spiritual blindness. It is used to describe one's mind as ignoran

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