Greek Text · Translation · Interlinear · Discourse Structure

The Gospel according to Matthew, Chapter 15ΚΑΤΑ ΜΑΘΘΑΙΟΝ ΙΕ′

Each verse opens with the running Greek, an English translation, and a discourse note (its connective, relation, and role in the argument). Below follows the word-by-word breakdown in six tiers: gloss, case (color), parsing, syntax, semantic force, and a lexical note.

Case Nominative Genitive Dative Accusative Vocative Verb (no case) Indeclinable

Discourse notes head each verse: relation · connective · clause-flow. Indentation marks prominence — flush-left = main line of argument; indented = supporting / subordinate material.

1

Τότε προσέρχονται τῷ Ἰησοῦ ἀπὸ Ἱεροσολύμων Φαρισαῖοι καὶ γραμματεῖς λέγοντες·

Then there come to Jesus from Jerusalem Pharisees and scribes, saying,

Scene opening / controversyΤότεA new controversy opens: a delegation of Pharisees and scribes arrives from Jerusalem to challenge Jesus.
Τότεthentemporal adverb (narrative transition)τότε: 'then'; Matthew's favorite narrative connective, marking a new scene.
προσέρχονταιcome toPres Mid/Pass Indic 3 Pl · προσέρχομαιmain verb→ historical present (vivid)προσέρχομαι: 'come/approach'; a Matthean keyword for coming to Jesus.
τῷtheDativearticle
ἸησοῦJesusDativedat. complement of προσέρχονται
ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (source/origin)
ἹεροσολύμωνJerusalemGenitiveobject of ἀπό (place of origin)Ἱεροσόλυμα: Jerusalem; the delegation comes from the religious center — an official inquiry.
ΦαρισαῖοιPhariseesNominativesubject (compound)Φαρισαῖος: 'separated one'; the lay piety-movement zealous for the oral tradition.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
γραμματεῖςscribesNominativesubject (compound)γραμματεύς: 'scribe,' expert in the Law and its tradition.
λέγοντεςsayingPres Act Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · λέγωattendant-circumstance participle→ present (concurrent)λέγω: 'say'; introduces the challenge.
2

Διὰ τί οἱ μαθηταί σου παραβαίνουσιν τὴν παράδοσιν τῶν πρεσβυτέρων; οὐ γὰρ νίπτονται τὰς χεῖρας αὐτῶν ὅταν ἄρτον ἐσθίωσιν.

Why do your disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat bread.

The charge: transgressing traditionasyndetonThe accusation centers on ritual hand-washing — a matter of the elders' tradition, not the written Law.
Διὰbecause of / whypreposition + accusative (interrogative, 'why')
τίwhatAccusativeinterrogative pronoun (with διά = 'why')
οἱtheNominativearticle
μαθηταίdisciplesNominativesubjectμαθητής: 'disciple, learner'; Jesus' followers.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of relationship
παραβαίνουσινtransgressPres Act Indic 3 Pl · παραβαίνωmain verb→ customary presentπαραβαίνω: 'step beyond, transgress'; to violate a norm.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
παράδοσινtraditionAccusativedirect objectπαράδοσις: 'that handed down,' tradition; here the oral 'tradition of the elders.'
τῶνtheGenitivearticle
πρεσβυτέρωνof the eldersGenitivegenitive of sourceπρεσβύτερος: 'elder'; the revered authorities behind the oral law.
οὐnotnegative particle
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction
νίπτονταιthey washPres Mid Indic 3 Pl · νίπτωmain verb→ customary presentνίπτω: 'wash' (esp. hands/feet); middle = wash oneself.
τὰςtheAccusativearticle
χεῖραςhandsAccusativedirect objectχείρ: 'hand.'
αὐτῶνtheirGenitivegenitive of possession
ὅτανwhenevertemporal conjunction (+ subjunctive)
ἄρτονbreadAccusativedirect object of ἐσθίωσινἄρτος: 'bread, food'; ἄρτον ἐσθίειν = to take a meal.
ἐσθίωσινthey eatPres Act Subj 3 Pl · ἐσθίωverb of ὅταν clause→ present subjunctive (general)ἐσθίω: 'eat.'
3

Ὁ δὲ ἀποκριθεὶς εἶπεν αὐτοῖς· Διὰ τί καὶ ὑμεῖς παραβαίνετε τὴν ἐντολὴν τοῦ θεοῦ διὰ τὴν παράδοσιν ὑμῶν;

But he answered and said to them, 'Why do you also transgress the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition?'

Counter-questionδὲJesus turns the charge back: their tradition itself sets aside God's actual commandment.
heNominativearticle
δὲbutadversative conjunction
ἀποκριθεὶςansweringAor Pass Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · ἀποκρίνομαιattendant-circumstance participle→ constative aoristἀποκρίνομαι: 'answer'; Semitic 'answered and said' idiom.
εἶπενhe saidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγω/εἶπονmain verb→ constative aorist
αὐτοῖςto themDativeindirect object
Διὰbecause of / whypreposition + accusative ('why')
τίwhatAccusativeinterrogative pronoun (with διά = 'why')
καὶalsoadverbial/ascensive conjunction
ὑμεῖςyouNominativesubject (emphatic pronoun)
παραβαίνετεtransgressPres Act Indic 2 Pl · παραβαίνωmain verb→ customary presentπαραβαίνω: the same verb thrown back at them — they too 'transgress.'
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
ἐντολὴνcommandmentAccusativedirect objectἐντολή: 'commandment'; God's own command, set over against human παράδοσις.
τοῦtheGenitivearticle
θεοῦof GodGenitivegenitive of source/author
διὰfor the sake ofpreposition + accusative (cause/reason)
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
παράδοσινtraditionAccusativeobject of διά (cause)παράδοσις: now 'your tradition' — the possessive exposes its merely human origin.
ὑμῶνyourGenitivegenitive of possession
4

ὁ γὰρ θεὸς εἶπεν· Τίμα τὸν πατέρα καὶ τὴν μητέρα, καί· Ὁ κακολογῶν πατέρα ἢ μητέρα θανάτῳ τελευτάτω·

For God said, 'Honor your father and mother,' and, 'The one who speaks evil of father or mother must surely die.'

Scriptural proof (1): the commandγὰρThe first leg of the proof — the fifth commandment and its sanction (Exod 20:12; 21:17) state God's will.
theNominativearticle
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction
θεὸςGodNominativesubject
εἶπενsaidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγω/εἶπονmain verb→ constative aorist
ΤίμαhonorPres Act Impv 2 Sg · τιμάωimperative (citation, Exod 20:12)→ present imperative (habitual)τιμάω: 'honor, value highly'; the fifth commandment.
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
πατέραfatherAccusativedirect objectπατήρ: 'father.'
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
μητέραmotherAccusativedirect objectμήτηρ: 'mother.'
καίandcoordinating conjunction
the oneNominativearticle
κακολογῶνwho speaks evil ofPres Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · κακολογέωsubstantival participle (subject)→ present (general)κακολογέω: 'speak evil of, revile' (κακός + λέγω); LXX of Exod 21:17.
πατέραfatherAccusativedirect object of participle
ordisjunctive conjunction
μητέραmotherAccusativedirect object of participle
θανάτῳwith deathDativedat. of manner (cognate, Hebraic intensive)θάνατος: 'death'; θανάτῳ τελευτάτω renders the Hebrew infinitive-absolute 'shall surely die.'
τελευτάτωlet him die / must diePres Act Impv 3 Sg · τελευτάω3rd-person imperative→ imperatival (legal sanction)τελευτάω: 'come to an end, die.'
5

ὑμεῖς δὲ λέγετε· Ὃς ἂν εἴπῃ τῷ πατρὶ ἢ τῇ μητρί· Δῶρον ὃ ἐὰν ἐξ ἐμοῦ ὠφεληθῇς,

But you say, 'Whoever says to his father or mother, “Whatever help you might have had from me is a gift to God” —

The tradition's counter-ruling (korban)δὲOver against God's word, 'you say': a vow-formula (korban) by which support owed to parents is declared a temple-gift.
ὑμεῖςyouNominativesubject (emphatic, contrast)
δὲbutadversative conjunction
λέγετεsayPres Act Indic 2 Pl · λέγωmain verb→ customary presentλέγω: their ruling set against God's 'said' (v.4).
ὋςwhoeverNominativeindefinite relative pronoun (subject)
ἂνevermodal particle (with subjunctive)
εἴπῃsaysAor Act Subj 3 Sg · λέγω/εἶπονverb of indefinite relative clause→ aorist subjunctive (general)
τῷtheDativearticle
πατρὶto fatherDativeindirect object
ordisjunctive conjunction
τῇtheDativearticle
μητρίto motherDativeindirect object
Δῶρονa gift (to God)Nominativepredicate nominative (the vow-formula)δῶρον: 'gift, offering' (cf. Mark's transliteration κορβᾶν); whatever is so declared is dedicated to the temple and withheld from ordinary use.
whateverNominativerelative pronoun (subject of ὠφεληθῇς clause)
ἐὰνif everconditional particle (with subjunctive)
ἐξfrompreposition + genitive (source)
ἐμοῦmeGenitiveobject of ἐξ (source)
ὠφεληθῇςyou might be benefitedAor Pass Subj 2 Sg · ὠφελέωverb of relative clause→ aorist subjunctive (potential)ὠφελέω: 'benefit, help'; the support a child owes a parent.
6

οὐ μὴ τιμήσει τὸν πατέρα αὐτοῦ· καὶ ἠκυρώσατε τὸν λόγον τοῦ θεοῦ διὰ τὴν παράδοσιν ὑμῶν.

he need not honor his father.' And so you have nullified the word of God for the sake of your tradition.

The result: God's word annulledasyndetonThe apodosis: such a one is released from honoring his parents — and thereby they void God's word by their tradition.
οὐnotemphatic negation (οὐ μή + future)
μὴnotemphatic negation (οὐ μή)
τιμήσειhe will honorFut Act Indic 3 Sg · τιμάωapodosis (with οὐ μή = 'is by no means bound to honor')→ future (gnomic)τιμάω: the very honor commanded in v.4 is here annulled — including the material support 'honor' entails.
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
πατέραfatherAccusativedirect object
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of relationship
καὶand soconsecutive/inferential conjunction
ἠκυρώσατεyou nullifiedAor Act Indic 2 Pl · ἀκυρόωmain verb→ constative aorist (effective)ἀκυρόω: 'render void, annul' (ἀ- + κῦρος, 'authority'); to strip God's word of its binding force.
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
λόγονwordAccusativedirect objectλόγος: 'word'; here God's commanding word (some witnesses read νόμον/ἐντολήν).
τοῦtheGenitivearticle
θεοῦof GodGenitivegenitive of source/author
διὰfor the sake ofpreposition + accusative (cause)
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
παράδοσινtraditionAccusativeobject of διά (cause)παράδοσις: 'your tradition' — the refrain (vv.3,6) framing the indictment.
ὑμῶνyourGenitivegenitive of possession
7

ὑποκριταί, καλῶς ἐπροφήτευσεν περὶ ὑμῶν Ἠσαΐας λέγων·

Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying:

Indictment from Isaiah (introduction)asyndetonJesus brands them hypocrites and presses the charge home with Isaiah 29:13.
ὑποκριταίhypocritesVocativevocative of direct addressὑποκριτής: 'play-actor, hypocrite'; one whose outward role masks the heart.
καλῶςwelladverb of manner (ironic)καλῶς: 'well, aptly'; bitingly apt — the prophecy fits them exactly.
ἐπροφήτευσενprophesiedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · προφητεύωmain verb→ constative aoristπροφητεύω: 'prophesy, speak forth for God.'
περὶaboutpreposition + genitive (reference)
ὑμῶνyouGenitiveobject of περί
ἨσαΐαςIsaiahNominativesubject (proper name)Ἠσαΐας: the prophet Isaiah (citation from Isa 29:13 LXX).
λέγωνsayingPres Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · λέγωattendant-circumstance participle (introduces citation)→ present (concurrent)
8

Ὁ λαὸς οὗτος τοῖς χείλεσίν με τιμᾷ, ἡ δὲ καρδία αὐτῶν πόρρω ἀπέχει ἀπ' ἐμοῦ·

'This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me;

Isaiah cited (1): lips vs. heartasyndetonThe citation's first couplet: an outward, verbal honoring belied by a heart estranged from God.
theNominativearticle
λαὸςpeopleNominativesubjectλαός: 'people' (esp. the covenant people).
οὗτοςthisNominativedemonstrative (attributive)
τοῖςtheDativearticle
χείλεσίνwith the lipsDativedat. of means/instrumentχεῖλος: 'lip'; mere lip-service.
μεmeAccusativedirect object
τιμᾷhonorsPres Act Indic 3 Sg · τιμάωmain verb→ customary presentτιμάω: the same 'honor' word — but emptied to lip-motion.
theNominativearticle
δὲbutadversative conjunction
καρδίαheartNominativesubjectκαρδία: 'heart'; the inner center of will and devotion — the theme of the whole pericope.
αὐτῶνtheirGenitivegenitive of possession
πόρρωfaradverb of place/degreeπόρρω: 'far off.'
ἀπέχειis distantPres Act Indic 3 Sg · ἀπέχωmain verb→ stative presentἀπέχω: 'be away, hold off, be distant.'
ἀπ'frompreposition + genitive (separation)
ἐμοῦmeGenitiveobject of ἀπό
9

μάτην δὲ σέβονταί με διδάσκοντες διδασκαλίας ἐντάλματα ἀνθρώπων.

and in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.'

Isaiah cited (2): vain worshipδὲThe citation's second couplet — futile worship grounded in human precepts taught as divine doctrine; the bridge to the lesson on defilement.
μάτηνin vainadverb of mannerμάτην: 'in vain, to no purpose'; their worship achieves nothing.
δὲandcontinuative conjunction
σέβονταίthey worshipPres Mid/Pass Indic 3 Pl · σέβομαιmain verb→ customary presentσέβομαι: 'worship, revere, show reverence.'
μεmeAccusativedirect object
διδάσκοντεςteachingPres Act Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · διδάσκωadverbial ptc. (manner/cause)→ present (concurrent)διδάσκω: 'teach.'
διδασκαλίαςas doctrinesAccusativeobject complement / predicate acc.διδασκαλία: 'teaching, doctrine'; what they propagate as authoritative teaching.
ἐντάλματαcommandmentsAccusativedirect object (in apposition)ἔνταλμα: 'injunction, precept'; merely human rules.
ἀνθρώπωνof menGenitivegenitive of source (human origin)ἄνθρωπος: 'man, human'; the precepts are of human, not divine, origin — the heart of the critique.
10

Καὶ προσκαλεσάμενος τὸν ὄχλον εἶπεν αὐτοῖς· Ἀκούετε καὶ συνίετε·

And he called the crowd to himself and said to them, 'Hear and understand:

Turn to the crowd: the riddle introducedΚαὶLeaving the controversy, Jesus summons the crowd to grasp a saying about true defilement.
Καὶandcoordinating conjunction (narrative)
προσκαλεσάμενοςhaving summonedAor Mid Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · προσκαλέομαιtemporal/attendant participle→ antecedent aoristπροσκαλέομαι: 'call to oneself, summon.'
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
ὄχλονcrowdAccusativedirect object of participleὄχλος: 'crowd, multitude.'
εἶπενsaidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγω/εἶπονmain verb→ constative aorist
αὐτοῖςto themDativeindirect object
ἈκούετεhearPres Act Impv 2 Pl · ἀκούωimperative→ present imperative (general)ἀκούω: 'hear, listen.'
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
συνίετεunderstandPres Act Impv 2 Pl · συνίημιimperative→ present imperative (general)συνίημι: 'put together, comprehend, understand'; a summons to insight (cf. v.16).
11

οὐ τὸ εἰσερχόμενον εἰς τὸ στόμα κοινοῖ τὸν ἄνθρωπον, ἀλλὰ τὸ ἐκπορευόμενον ἐκ τοῦ στόματος τοῦτο κοινοῖ τὸν ἄνθρωπον.

It is not what enters the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth — this defiles a person.'

The principle: defilement is from withinasyndetonThe pivotal maxim: not intake but output — what proceeds from a person — is what truly defiles.
οὐnotnegative particle
τὸthe thingNominativearticle
εἰσερχόμενονenteringPres Mid/Pass Ptc · Nom Sg Neut · εἰσέρχομαιsubstantival participle (subject)→ present (general)εἰσέρχομαι: 'go/come into'; food taken in.
εἰςintopreposition + accusative (direction)
τὸtheAccusativearticle
στόμαmouthAccusativeobject of εἰςστόμα: 'mouth.'
κοινοῖdefilesPres Act Indic 3 Sg · κοινόωmain verb→ gnomic presentκοινόω: 'make common/unclean, defile'; from κοινός ('common'), the cultic opposite of 'holy.'
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
ἄνθρωπονman / personAccusativedirect objectἄνθρωπος: 'human being, person.'
ἀλλὰbutstrong adversative conjunction
τὸthe thingNominativearticle
ἐκπορευόμενονcoming outPres Mid/Pass Ptc · Nom Sg Neut · ἐκπορεύομαιsubstantival participle (subject)→ present (general)ἐκπορεύομαι: 'go/come out'; what issues from a person — words, and ultimately the heart (vv.18-19).
ἐκout ofpreposition + genitive (source)
τοῦtheGenitivearticle
στόματοςmouthGenitiveobject of ἐκ
τοῦτοthisNominativeresumptive demonstrative (subject, emphatic)
κοινοῖdefilesPres Act Indic 3 Sg · κοινόωmain verb→ gnomic present
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
ἄνθρωπονman / personAccusativedirect object
12

Τότε προσελθόντες οἱ μαθηταὶ λέγουσιν αὐτῷ· Οἶδας ὅτι οἱ Φαρισαῖοι ἀκούσαντες τὸν λόγον ἐσκανδαλίσθησαν;

Then the disciples came and said to him, 'Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this saying?'

Disciples report the Pharisees' offenseΤότεPrivately the disciples note that the saying scandalized the Pharisees.
Τότεthentemporal adverb (transition)
προσελθόντεςhaving comeAor Act Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · προσέρχομαιtemporal/attendant participle→ antecedent aoristπροσέρχομαι: 'approach' (the keyword of v.1, now of the disciples).
οἱtheNominativearticle
μαθηταὶdisciplesNominativesubject
λέγουσινsayPres Act Indic 3 Pl · λέγωmain verb→ historical present
αὐτῷto himDativeindirect object
Οἶδαςdo you knowPerf Act Indic 2 Sg · οἶδαmain verb (interrogative)→ perfect-with-present-sense (stative)οἶδα: 'know'; perfect in form, present in meaning.
ὅτιthatconjunction (introduces content clause)
οἱtheNominativearticle
ΦαρισαῖοιPhariseesNominativesubject
ἀκούσαντεςhaving heardAor Act Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · ἀκούωtemporal participle→ antecedent aorist
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
λόγονsaying / wordAccusativedirect object of participleλόγος: here 'saying, statement' (the maxim of v.11).
ἐσκανδαλίσθησανwere offendedAor Pass Indic 3 Pl · σκανδαλίζωmain verb→ constative/ingressive aoristσκανδαλίζω: 'cause to stumble, offend'; from σκάνδαλον, a trap-stick — they took offense.
13

Ὁ δὲ ἀποκριθεὶς εἶπεν· Πᾶσα φυτεία ἣν οὐκ ἐφύτευσεν ὁ πατήρ μου ὁ οὐράνιος ἐκριζωθήσεται.

But he answered, 'Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be rooted up.

Reply (1): uprooted plantsδὲJesus is unconcerned: what God did not plant will be uprooted — the Pharisees' teaching is doomed.
heNominativearticle
δὲbutadversative conjunction
ἀποκριθεὶςansweringAor Pass Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · ἀποκρίνομαιattendant-circumstance participle→ constative aorist
εἶπενsaidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγω/εἶπονmain verb→ constative aorist
ΠᾶσαeveryNominativeattributive adjective
φυτείαplantNominativesubjectφυτεία: 'plant, planting'; a metaphor for teachings/people not of God's planting (cf. Isa 60:21).
ἣνwhichAccusativerelative pronoun (object of ἐφύτευσεν)
οὐκnotnegative particle
ἐφύτευσενplantedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · φυτεύωverb of relative clause→ constative aoristφυτεύω: 'plant.'
theNominativearticle
πατήρFatherNominativesubject of relative clauseπατήρ: God as 'my Father' — Jesus' distinctive sonship language.
μουmyGenitivegenitive of relationship
theNominativearticle
οὐράνιοςheavenlyNominativeattributive adjectiveοὐράνιος: 'heavenly'; a Matthean epithet for the Father.
ἐκριζωθήσεταιwill be rooted upFut Pass Indic 3 Sg · ἐκριζόωmain verb→ predictive future (divine passive)ἐκριζόω: 'uproot, root out' (ἐκ + ῥίζα); eschatological removal.
14

ἄφετε αὐτούς· τυφλοί εἰσιν ὁδηγοὶ τυφλῶν· τυφλὸς δὲ τυφλὸν ἐὰν ὁδηγῇ, ἀμφότεροι εἰς βόθυνον πεσοῦνται.

Leave them alone; they are blind guides of the blind. And if a blind man guides a blind man, both will fall into a pit.'

Reply (2): blind guidesasyndetonThe proverb of the blind leading the blind: the teachers and their followers share one ruin.
ἄφετεleave / let goAor Act Impv 2 Pl · ἀφίημιimperative→ constative aorist (command)ἀφίημι: 'let go, leave alone, dismiss.'
αὐτούςthemAccusativedirect object
τυφλοίblindNominativepredicate nominativeτυφλός: 'blind'; spiritual blindness — the great irony for self-appointed 'guides.'
εἰσινthey arePres Act Indic 3 Pl · εἰμίcopula→ stative present
ὁδηγοὶguidesNominativepredicate nominativeὁδηγός: 'guide, leader of the way' (ὁδός + ἡγέομαι).
τυφλῶνof the blindGenitiveobjective genitive
τυφλὸςa blind manNominativesubject (of ὁδηγῇ)
δὲand / butcontinuative conjunction
τυφλὸνa blind manAccusativedirect object of ὁδηγῇ
ἐὰνifconditional particle (3rd-class)
ὁδηγῇguidesPres Act Subj 3 Sg · ὁδηγέωverb of protasis→ present subjunctive (general condition)ὁδηγέω: 'lead/guide along the way.'
ἀμφότεροιbothNominativesubjectἀμφότεροι: 'both (of two)' — guide and guided alike.
εἰςintopreposition + accusative (direction)
βόθυνονpitAccusativeobject of εἰςβόθυνος: 'pit, ditch.'
πεσοῦνταιwill fallFut Mid Indic 3 Pl · πίπτωapodosis→ predictive futureπίπτω: 'fall.'
15

Ἀποκριθεὶς δὲ ὁ Πέτρος εἶπεν αὐτῷ· Φράσον ἡμῖν τὴν παραβολήν ταύτην.

Then Peter said to him, 'Explain this parable to us.'

Peter asks for explanationδὲPeter requests an interpretation of the 'parable' — the maxim of v.11.
ἈποκριθεὶςansweringAor Pass Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · ἀποκρίνομαιattendant-circumstance participle→ constative aorist
δὲthen / butcontinuative conjunction
theNominativearticle
ΠέτροςPeterNominativesubject (proper name)Πέτρος: Peter, spokesman of the Twelve.
εἶπενsaidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγω/εἶπονmain verb→ constative aorist
αὐτῷto himDativeindirect object
ΦράσονexplainAor Act Impv 2 Sg · φράζωimperative (request)→ constative aorist (request)φράζω: 'make plain, explain, declare.'
ἡμῖνto usDativeindirect object
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
παραβολήνparableAccusativedirect objectπαραβολή: 'parable, comparison, riddle'; here the cryptic maxim of v.11.
ταύτηνthisAccusativedemonstrative (attributive)
16

ὁ δὲ εἶπεν· Ἀκμὴν καὶ ὑμεῖς ἀσύνετοί ἐστε;

And he said, 'Are you also still without understanding?

Rebuke: still without understandingδὲJesus' mild rebuke: even the disciples have not yet grasped it.
heNominativearticle
δὲandcontinuative conjunction
εἶπενsaidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγω/εἶπονmain verb→ constative aorist
Ἀκμὴνstill / yetadverbial accusative ('even yet')ἀκμήν: lit. 'at the point/edge,' used adverbially = 'still, even now.'
καὶalsoadverbial/ascensive conjunction
ὑμεῖςyouNominativesubject (emphatic)
ἀσύνετοίwithout understandingNominativepredicate adjectiveἀσύνετος: 'unintelligent, dull' (α- + συνίημι); failing the συνίετε of v.10.
ἐστεarePres Act Indic 2 Pl · εἰμίcopula→ stative present
17

οὐ νοεῖτε ὅτι πᾶν τὸ εἰσπορευόμενον εἰς τὸ στόμα εἰς τὴν κοιλίαν χωρεῖ καὶ εἰς ἀφεδρῶνα ἐκβάλλεται;

Do you not perceive that whatever enters the mouth passes into the stomach and is expelled into the latrine?

Explanation (1): food passes throughasyndetonFood is merely physical: it enters, passes through the body, and is discharged — it cannot touch the heart.
οὐnotnegative particle (interrogative)
νοεῖτεdo you perceivePres Act Indic 2 Pl · νοέωmain verb (interrogative)→ present (general)νοέω: 'perceive, understand with the mind' (νοῦς).
ὅτιthatconjunction (content clause)
πᾶνeverythingNominativeattributive adjective
τὸthat whichNominativearticle
εἰσπορευόμενονenteringPres Mid/Pass Ptc · Nom Sg Neut · εἰσπορεύομαιsubstantival participle (subject)→ present (general)εἰσπορεύομαι: 'go into, enter.'
εἰςintopreposition + accusative (direction)
τὸtheAccusativearticle
στόμαmouthAccusativeobject of εἰς
εἰςintopreposition + accusative (direction)
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
κοιλίανstomach / bellyAccusativeobject of εἰςκοιλία: 'belly, stomach, digestive cavity.'
χωρεῖpasses / goesPres Act Indic 3 Sg · χωρέωmain verb→ gnomic presentχωρέω: 'make room, go forward, pass.'
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
εἰςintopreposition + accusative (direction)
ἀφεδρῶναthe latrineAccusativeobject of εἰςἀφεδρών: 'privy, latrine'; the bluntly physical fate of food.
ἐκβάλλεταιis cast outPres Pass Indic 3 Sg · ἐκβάλλωmain verb→ gnomic presentἐκβάλλω: 'throw out, expel.'
18

τὰ δὲ ἐκπορευόμενα ἐκ τοῦ στόματος ἐκ τῆς καρδίας ἐξέρχεται, κἀκεῖνα κοινοῖ τὸν ἄνθρωπον.

But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and these things defile a person.

Explanation (2): from the heartδὲThe contrast: speech issues from the heart — and that is the true source of defilement.
τὰthe thingsNominativearticle
δὲbutadversative conjunction
ἐκπορευόμεναcoming outPres Mid/Pass Ptc · Nom Pl Neut · ἐκπορεύομαιsubstantival participle (subject)→ present (general)ἐκπορεύομαι: 'come out' (cf. v.11).
ἐκout ofpreposition + genitive (source)
τοῦtheGenitivearticle
στόματοςmouthGenitiveobject of ἐκ
ἐκout ofpreposition + genitive (source)
τῆςtheGenitivearticle
καρδίαςheartGenitiveobject of ἐκ (true source)καρδία: 'heart'; the inner spring of word and deed — the diagnosis of vv.8,18-19.
ἐξέρχεταιcomes outPres Mid/Pass Indic 3 Sg · ἐξέρχομαιmain verb→ gnomic presentἐξέρχομαι: 'go/come out.'
κἀκεῖναand those thingsNominativedemonstrative (subject; crasis καί + ἐκεῖνα)
κοινοῖdefilesPres Act Indic 3 Sg · κοινόωmain verb (neut. pl. subject)→ gnomic presentκοινόω: 'defile, render unclean.'
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
ἄνθρωπονman / personAccusativedirect object
19

ἐκ γὰρ τῆς καρδίας ἐξέρχονται διαλογισμοὶ πονηροί, φόνοι, μοιχεῖαι, πορνεῖαι, κλοπαί, ψευδομαρτυρίαι, βλασφημίαι.

For out of the heart come evil thoughts — murders, adulteries, sexual immoralities, thefts, false witnessings, slanders.

Catalogue of heart-evilsγὰρA vice-list grounding the diagnosis: the heart is the source of evil thoughts and the sins that flow from them.
ἐκout ofpreposition + genitive (source)
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction
τῆςtheGenitivearticle
καρδίαςheartGenitiveobject of ἐκ (source)καρδία: 'heart'; named again as the wellspring.
ἐξέρχονταιcome outPres Mid/Pass Indic 3 Pl · ἐξέρχομαιmain verb→ gnomic present
διαλογισμοὶthoughts / reasoningsNominativesubjectδιαλογισμός: 'reasoning, deliberation, thought'; the root from which the deeds spring.
πονηροίevilNominativeattributive adjectiveπονηρός: 'evil, wicked.'
φόνοιmurdersNominativesubject (in apposition / list)φόνος: 'murder, slaughter.'
μοιχεῖαιadulteriesNominativelist itemμοιχεία: 'adultery.'
πορνεῖαιsexual immoralitiesNominativelist itemπορνεία: 'fornication, sexual immorality.'
κλοπαίtheftsNominativelist itemκλοπή: 'theft.'
ψευδομαρτυρίαιfalse testimoniesNominativelist itemψευδομαρτυρία: 'false witness' (ψευδής + μαρτυρία).
βλασφημίαιslanders / blasphemiesNominativelist itemβλασφημία: 'slander, blasphemy'; reviling speech against God or neighbor.
20

ταῦτά ἐστιν τὰ κοινοῦντα τὸν ἄνθρωπον· τὸ δὲ ἀνίπτοις χερσὶν φαγεῖν οὐ κοινοῖ τὸν ἄνθρωπον.

These are the things that defile a person; but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile a person.'

Conclusion: unwashed hands do not defileasyndetonThe verdict that closes the controversy: heart-sins defile; eating with unwashed hands does not.
ταῦτάtheseNominativedemonstrative (subject)
ἐστινarePres Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίcopula (neut. pl. subject)→ stative present
τὰthe thingsNominativearticle
κοινοῦνταdefilingPres Act Ptc · Nom Pl Neut · κοινόωsubstantival participle (predicate)→ present (general)κοινόω: 'defile'; the participle sums up the list.
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
ἄνθρωπονman / personAccusativedirect object of participle
τὸthe (act of)Nominativearticle
δὲbutadversative conjunction
ἀνίπτοιςunwashedDativeattributive adjectiveἄνιπτος: 'unwashed' (α- + νίπτω); the precise point of the original charge (v.2).
χερσὶνwith handsDativedat. of means/instrument
φαγεῖνto eatAor Act Inf · ἐσθίω/φάγωarticular infinitive (subject of κοινοῖ)→ constative aoristἐσθίω (aor. ἔφαγον): 'eat.'
οὐnotnegative particle
κοινοῖdefilesPres Act Indic 3 Sg · κοινόωmain verb→ gnomic present
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
ἄνθρωπονman / personAccusativedirect object
21

Καὶ ἐξελθὼν ἐκεῖθεν ὁ Ἰησοῦς ἀνεχώρησεν εἰς τὰ μέρη Τύρου καὶ Σιδῶνος.

And going out from there, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon.

Withdrawal to Tyre and SidonΚαὶA geographic shift: Jesus withdraws to Gentile territory, setting the stage for the Canaanite woman.
Καὶandcoordinating conjunction (narrative)
ἐξελθὼνgoing outAor Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · ἐξέρχομαιtemporal/attendant participle→ antecedent aorist
ἐκεῖθενfrom thereadverb of place
theNominativearticle
ἸησοῦςJesusNominativesubject
ἀνεχώρησενwithdrewAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἀναχωρέωmain verb→ constative aoristἀναχωρέω: 'withdraw, depart'; a Matthean motif of strategic retreat.
εἰςinto / topreposition + accusative (direction)
τὰtheAccusativearticle
μέρηparts / regionAccusativeobject of εἰςμέρος: 'part, district, region.'
Τύρουof TyreGenitivegenitive (place)Τύρος: Tyre, the Phoenician (Gentile) coastal city.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
Σιδῶνοςof SidonGenitivegenitive (place)Σιδών: Sidon, the other great Phoenician city.
22

καὶ ἰδοὺ γυνὴ Χαναναία ἀπὸ τῶν ὁρίων ἐκείνων ἐξελθοῦσα ἔκραζεν λέγουσα· Ἐλέησόν με, κύριε, υἱὸς Δαυίδ· ἡ θυγάτηρ μου κακῶς δαιμονίζεται.

And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and cried, saying, 'Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David! My daughter is severely demon-possessed.'

The Canaanite woman's pleaκαὶA Gentile woman appeals with a messianic title for mercy on her demon-tormented daughter.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἰδοὺbeholdpresentative particle (attention-marker)ἰδού: 'look! behold!'; introduces a striking new figure.
γυνὴwomanNominativesubjectγυνή: 'woman.'
ΧαναναίαCanaaniteNominativeattributive adjective (proper/ethnic)Χαναναῖος: 'Canaanite'; the archaic term marks her as outside the covenant — a pagan of the old enemy stock.
ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (origin)
τῶνtheGenitivearticle
ὁρίωνborders / regionGenitiveobject of ἀπόὅριον: 'boundary, territory.'
ἐκείνωνthoseGenitivedemonstrative (attributive)
ἐξελθοῦσαhaving come outAor Act Ptc · Nom Sg Fem · ἐξέρχομαιtemporal/attendant participle→ antecedent aorist
ἔκραζενwas crying outImpf Act Indic 3 Sg · κράζωmain verb→ iterative/inceptive imperfectκράζω: 'cry out, shout'; the imperfect depicts persistent crying.
λέγουσαsayingPres Act Ptc · Nom Sg Fem · λέγωattendant-circumstance participle→ present (concurrent)
Ἐλέησόνhave mercy onAor Act Impv 2 Sg · ἐλεέωimperative (entreaty)→ constative aorist (urgent appeal)ἐλεέω: 'have mercy, show pity.'
μεmeAccusativedirect object
κύριεLordVocativevocative of addressκύριος: 'Lord, sir'; here a title of respectful petition, deepened by 'Son of David.'
υἱὸςSonNominativevocative-for-nominative (title of address)υἱός: 'son'; 'Son of David' = a messianic confession on Gentile lips.
Δαυίδof DavidGenitivegenitive of relationshipΔαυίδ: David (indeclinable); the royal-messianic ancestry.
theNominativearticle
θυγάτηρdaughterNominativesubjectθυγάτηρ: 'daughter.'
μουmyGenitivegenitive of relationship
κακῶςbadly / severelyadverb of mannerκακῶς: 'badly'; κακῶς ἔχειν/δαιμονίζεσθαι = to be in a grievous state.
δαιμονίζεταιis demon-possessedPres Mid/Pass Indic 3 Sg · δαιμονίζομαιmain verb→ present (ongoing state)δαιμονίζομαι: 'be possessed/tormented by a demon.'
23

ὁ δὲ οὐκ ἀπεκρίθη αὐτῇ λόγον. καὶ προσελθόντες οἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ ἠρώτουν αὐτὸν λέγοντες· Ἀπόλυσον αὐτήν, ὅτι κράζει ὄπισθεν ἡμῶν.

But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and asked him, saying, 'Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.'

Silence and the disciples' requestδὲJesus' silence; the disciples, wearied by her shouting, urge him to dismiss her.
heNominativearticle
δὲbutadversative conjunction
οὐκnotnegative particle
ἀπεκρίθηansweredAor Pass Indic 3 Sg · ἀποκρίνομαιmain verb→ constative aoristἀποκρίνομαι: 'answer.'
αὐτῇherDativeindirect object
λόγονa wordAccusativeaccusative of respect/content ('a word')
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
προσελθόντεςhaving comeAor Act Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · προσέρχομαιtemporal/attendant participle→ antecedent aorist
οἱtheNominativearticle
μαθηταὶdisciplesNominativesubject
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of relationship
ἠρώτουνwere askingImpf Act Indic 3 Pl · ἐρωτάωmain verb→ iterative imperfectἐρωτάω: 'ask, request.'
αὐτὸνhimAccusativedirect object
λέγοντεςsayingPres Act Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · λέγωattendant-circumstance participle→ present (concurrent)
Ἀπόλυσονsend away / dismissAor Act Impv 2 Sg · ἀπολύωimperative (request)→ constative aorist (request)ἀπολύω: 'release, send away, dismiss'; perhaps 'grant her request and be rid of her.'
αὐτήνherAccusativedirect object
ὅτιbecausecausal conjunction
κράζειshe cries outPres Act Indic 3 Sg · κράζωverb of causal clause→ present (ongoing)
ὄπισθενbehind / afterimproper preposition + genitive
ἡμῶνusGenitiveobject of ὄπισθεν
24

ὁ δὲ ἀποκριθεὶς εἶπεν· Οὐκ ἀπεστάλην εἰ μὴ εἰς τὰ πρόβατα τὰ ἀπολωλότα οἴκου Ἰσραήλ.

But he answered, 'I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.'

The mission's scope: IsraelδὲJesus states the salvation-historical priority: his earthly mission is to Israel's lost sheep.
heNominativearticle
δὲbutadversative conjunction
ἀποκριθεὶςansweringAor Pass Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · ἀποκρίνομαιattendant-circumstance participle→ constative aorist
εἶπενsaidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγω/εἶπονmain verb→ constative aorist
Οὐκnotnegative particle
ἀπεστάληνI was sentAor Pass Indic 1 Sg · ἀποστέλλωmain verb→ constative aorist (divine passive)ἀποστέλλω: 'send with commission'; the passive points to the Father's sending.
εἰifconjunction (with μή = 'except')
μὴnotnegative (εἰ μή = 'except, only')
εἰςtopreposition + accusative (goal)
τὰtheAccusativearticle
πρόβαταsheepAccusativeobject of εἰςπρόβατον: 'sheep'; Israel as God's flock (cf. Jer 50:6; Ezek 34).
τὰtheAccusativearticle
ἀπολωλόταlostPerf Act Ptc · Acc Pl Neut · ἀπόλλυμιattributive participle→ intensive perfect (state of lostness)ἀπόλλυμι: 'destroy, lose'; perfect = 'the (now) lost ones.'
οἴκουof the houseGenitivepartitive/possessive genitiveοἶκος: 'house, household'; 'house of Israel' = the covenant nation.
Ἰσραήλof IsraelGenitivegenitive of apposition/relationship (proper name)Ἰσραήλ: Israel (indeclinable); the covenant people.
25

ἡ δὲ ἐλθοῦσα προσεκύνει αὐτῷ λέγουσα· Κύριε, βοήθει μοι.

But she came and knelt before him, saying, 'Lord, help me!'

The woman's worship and pleaδὲUndeterred, she comes, prostrates herself, and renews her cry for help.
sheNominativearticle
δὲbutadversative conjunction
ἐλθοῦσαhaving comeAor Act Ptc · Nom Sg Fem · ἔρχομαιtemporal/attendant participle→ antecedent aorist
προσεκύνειwas kneeling / worshipingImpf Act Indic 3 Sg · προσκυνέωmain verb→ inceptive/iterative imperfectπροσκυνέω: 'bow down, do obeisance, worship'; prostration of homage and supplication.
αὐτῷto himDativedat. complement of προσκυνέω
λέγουσαsayingPres Act Ptc · Nom Sg Fem · λέγωattendant-circumstance participle→ present (concurrent)
ΚύριεLordVocativevocative of addressκύριος: 'Lord.'
βοήθειhelpPres Act Impv 2 Sg · βοηθέωimperative (urgent plea)→ present imperative (urgency)βοηθέω: 'come to the aid of, help' (lit. 'run at a cry').
μοιmeDativedat. complement (recipient of help)
26

ὁ δὲ ἀποκριθεὶς εἶπεν· Οὐκ ἔστιν καλὸν λαβεῖν τὸν ἄρτον τῶν τέκνων καὶ βαλεῖν τοῖς κυναρίοις.

But he answered, 'It is not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs.'

The test: children's bread and the dogsδὲJesus tests her with a proverb: the children's bread should not be thrown to the household dogs.
heNominativearticle
δὲbutadversative conjunction
ἀποκριθεὶςansweringAor Pass Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · ἀποκρίνομαιattendant-circumstance participle→ constative aorist
εἶπενsaidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγω/εἶπονmain verb→ constative aorist
Οὐκnotnegative particle
ἔστινit isPres Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίcopula (impersonal)→ stative present
καλὸνright / fittingNominativepredicate adjectiveκαλός: 'good, fitting, proper.'
λαβεῖνto takeAor Act Inf · λαμβάνωepexegetical infinitive (subject of ἔστιν)→ constative aorist
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
ἄρτονbreadAccusativedirect object of λαβεῖνἄρτος: 'bread'; the children's portion = the blessings of the covenant given first to Israel.
τῶνtheGenitivearticle
τέκνωνof the childrenGenitivepossessive genitiveτέκνον: 'child'; the children = Israel, the household of God.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
βαλεῖνto throwAor Act Inf · βάλλωepexegetical infinitive→ constative aoristβάλλω: 'throw, cast.'
τοῖςtheDativearticle
κυναρίοιςto the (little) dogsDativedat. complement (recipient)κυνάριον: diminutive of κύων — 'little dog, house-pet'; the softened diminutive (not the contemptuous κύων) hints the door is not wholly shut.
27

ἡ δὲ εἶπεν· Ναί, κύριε, καὶ γὰρ τὰ κυνάρια ἐσθίει ἀπὸ τῶν ψιχίων τῶν πιπτόντων ἀπὸ τῆς τραπέζης τῶν κυρίων αὐτῶν.

But she said, 'Yes, Lord; yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table.'

Her faith-filled replyδὲShe accepts the image and turns it: even the dogs eat the crumbs — mercy for Gentiles need not displace Israel.
sheNominativearticle
δὲbutadversative conjunction
εἶπενsaidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγω/εἶπονmain verb→ constative aorist
Ναίyesaffirmative particleναί: 'yes, indeed'; she grants the premise.
κύριεLordVocativevocative of address
καὶevenascensive conjunction (καὶ γάρ = 'for even')
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction
τὰtheNominativearticle
κυνάριαthe (little) dogsNominativesubjectκυνάριον: 'house-dog'; she stays within Jesus' own image.
ἐσθίειeatPres Act Indic 3 Sg · ἐσθίωmain verb (neut. pl. subject)→ gnomic presentἐσθίω: 'eat.'
ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (source)
τῶνtheGenitivearticle
ψιχίωνcrumbsGenitiveobject of ἀπό (partitive)ψιχίον: diminutive 'little crumb'; the small mercy she dares to claim.
τῶνtheGenitivearticle
πιπτόντωνfallingPres Act Ptc · Gen Pl Neut · πίπτωattributive participle→ present (ongoing)πίπτω: 'fall.'
ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (source)
τῆςtheGenitivearticle
τραπέζηςtableGenitiveobject of ἀπότράπεζα: 'table.'
τῶνtheGenitivearticle
κυρίωνmastersGenitivepossessive genitiveκύριος: here 'master' of the household — picking up her own address 'Lord.'
αὐτῶνtheirGenitivegenitive of possession
28

τότε ἀποκριθεὶς ὁ Ἰησοῦς εἶπεν αὐτῇ· Ὦ γύναι, μεγάλη σου ἡ πίστις· γενηθήτω σοι ὡς θέλεις. καὶ ἰάθη ἡ θυγάτηρ αὐτῆς ἀπὸ τῆς ὥρας ἐκείνης.

Then Jesus answered her, 'O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.' And her daughter was healed from that hour.

Faith commended; the daughter healedτότεJesus praises her great faith and grants her request; the daughter is healed at that very hour.
τότεthentemporal adverb (transition)
ἀποκριθεὶςansweringAor Pass Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · ἀποκρίνομαιattendant-circumstance participle→ constative aorist
theNominativearticle
ἸησοῦςJesusNominativesubject
εἶπενsaidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγω/εἶπονmain verb→ constative aorist
αὐτῇto herDativeindirect object
Ointerjection (emotive address)ὦ: vocative interjection, here of admiration.
γύναιwomanVocativevocative of addressγυνή: 'woman'; respectful, not dismissive.
μεγάληgreatNominativepredicate adjective (emphatic, fronted)μέγας: 'great'; contrast the 'little faith' rebukes elsewhere in Matthew.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession
theNominativearticle
πίστιςfaithNominativesubjectπίστις: 'faith, trust'; persevering, humble confidence in Jesus' power and goodness.
γενηθήτωlet it be doneAor Pass Impv 3 Sg · γίνομαι3rd-person imperative (grant)→ constative aorist (performative)γίνομαι: 'become, happen'; Jesus' word effects the cure.
σοιfor youDativedat. of advantage
ὡςascomparative conjunction
θέλειςyou wishPres Act Indic 2 Sg · θέλωverb of comparative clause→ present (volitional)θέλω: 'wish, will.'
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἰάθηwas healedAor Pass Indic 3 Sg · ἰάομαιmain verb→ constative aorist (divine passive)ἰάομαι: 'heal, cure.'
theNominativearticle
θυγάτηρdaughterNominativesubject
αὐτῆςherGenitivegenitive of relationship
ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (time)
τῆςtheGenitivearticle
ὥραςhourGenitivegenitive of time (object of ἀπό)ὥρα: 'hour, moment'; ἀπὸ τῆς ὥρας ἐκείνης = a Matthean healing-formula.
ἐκείνηςthatGenitivedemonstrative (attributive)
29

Καὶ μεταβὰς ἐκεῖθεν ὁ Ἰησοῦς ἦλθεν παρὰ τὴν θάλασσαν τῆς Γαλιλαίας, καὶ ἀναβὰς εἰς τὸ ὄρος ἐκάθητο ἐκεῖ.

And going on from there, Jesus came alongside the Sea of Galilee, and he went up on the mountain and sat down there.

Return to Galilee; the mountainΚαὶJesus returns to the Sea of Galilee and ascends a mountain — the setting for the healings and feeding.
Καὶandcoordinating conjunction (narrative)
μεταβὰςhaving moved onAor Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · μεταβαίνωtemporal/attendant participle→ antecedent aoristμεταβαίνω: 'pass over, move from one place to another.'
ἐκεῖθενfrom thereadverb of place
theNominativearticle
ἸησοῦςJesusNominativesubject
ἦλθενcameAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἔρχομαιmain verb→ constative aorist
παρὰbeside / alongsidepreposition + accusative (place, alongside)
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
θάλασσανseaAccusativeobject of παράθάλασσα: 'sea'; the Sea of Galilee.
τῆςtheGenitivearticle
Γαλιλαίαςof GalileeGenitivegenitive (place)Γαλιλαία: Galilee.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἀναβὰςhaving gone upAor Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · ἀναβαίνωtemporal/attendant participle→ antecedent aoristἀναβαίνω: 'go up, ascend.'
εἰςontopreposition + accusative (direction)
τὸtheAccusativearticle
ὄροςmountainAccusativeobject of εἰςὄρος: 'mountain, hill'; a place of revelation in Matthew.
ἐκάθητοwas sittingImpf Mid/Pass Indic 3 Sg · κάθημαιmain verb→ ingressive/durative imperfectκάθημαι: 'sit'; the posture of a teacher.
ἐκεῖthereadverb of place
30

καὶ προσῆλθον αὐτῷ ὄχλοι πολλοὶ ἔχοντες μεθ' ἑαυτῶν χωλούς, τυφλούς, κυλλούς, κωφούς, καὶ ἑτέρους πολλούς, καὶ ἔρριψαν αὐτοὺς παρὰ τοὺς πόδας αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἐθεράπευσεν αὐτούς·

And great crowds came to him, bringing with them the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute, and many others, and they laid them at his feet, and he healed them,

Mass healings on the mountainκαὶCrowds bring their afflicted; Jesus heals them all — a sign of messianic restoration.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
προσῆλθονcame toAor Act Indic 3 Pl · προσέρχομαιmain verb→ constative aoristπροσέρχομαι: 'come to, approach.'
αὐτῷto himDativedat. complement
ὄχλοιcrowdsNominativesubjectὄχλος: 'crowd.'
πολλοὶmany / greatNominativeattributive adjective
ἔχοντεςhaving / bringingPres Act Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · ἔχωattendant-circumstance participle→ present (concurrent)ἔχω: 'have'; here 'having with them' = bringing.
μεθ'withpreposition + genitive (accompaniment)
ἑαυτῶνthemselvesGenitivereflexive pronoun (object of μετά)
χωλούςlameAccusativedirect object (list)χωλός: 'lame, crippled in the foot.'
τυφλούςblindAccusativedirect object (list)τυφλός: 'blind.'
κυλλούςcrippled / maimedAccusativedirect object (list)κυλλός: 'crippled, deformed' (esp. in a limb).
κωφούςmute / deafAccusativedirect object (list)κωφός: 'mute' and/or 'deaf.'
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἑτέρουςothersAccusativedirect object (list)
πολλούςmanyAccusativeattributive adjective
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἔρριψανthey laid / cast downAor Act Indic 3 Pl · ῥίπτωmain verb→ constative aoristῥίπτω: 'throw, set down hastily'; here lay them at his feet in haste/trust.
αὐτοὺςthemAccusativedirect object
παρὰat / besidepreposition + accusative (place)
τοὺςtheAccusativearticle
πόδαςfeetAccusativeobject of παράπούς: 'foot.'
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἐθεράπευσενhe healedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · θεραπεύωmain verb→ constative aoristθεραπεύω: 'heal, cure, treat.'
αὐτούςthemAccusativedirect object
31

ὥστε τὸν ὄχλον θαυμάσαι βλέποντας κωφοὺς λαλοῦντας, κυλλοὺς ὑγιεῖς, καὶ χωλοὺς περιπατοῦντας καὶ τυφλοὺς βλέποντας· καὶ ἐδόξασαν τὸν θεὸν Ἰσραήλ.

so that the crowd marveled when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled made whole, the lame walking, and the blind seeing; and they glorified the God of Israel.

The crowd's wonder and praiseὥστεThe result: the crowd marvels at the reversals and glorifies the God of Israel.
ὥστεso thatconjunction (result)
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
ὄχλονcrowdAccusativeaccusative subject of infinitiveὄχλος: 'crowd.'
θαυμάσαιto marvelAor Act Inf · θαυμάζωinfinitive of result→ constative aoristθαυμάζω: 'wonder, be amazed.'
βλέπονταςseeingPres Act Ptc · Acc Pl Masc · βλέπωtemporal/causal participle (agreeing w/ ὄχλον sense-plural)→ present (concurrent)βλέπω: 'see, look.'
κωφοὺςmuteAccusativedirect object of βλέπονταςκωφός: 'mute/deaf.'
λαλοῦνταςspeakingPres Act Ptc · Acc Pl Masc · λαλέωobject-complement participle→ present (ongoing)λαλέω: 'speak, talk.'
κυλλοὺςcrippledAccusativedirect objectκυλλός: 'crippled.'
ὑγιεῖςwhole / soundAccusativepredicate adjective (complement)ὑγιής: 'healthy, whole, sound.'
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
χωλοὺςlameAccusativedirect objectχωλός: 'lame.'
περιπατοῦνταςwalkingPres Act Ptc · Acc Pl Masc · περιπατέωobject-complement participle→ present (ongoing)περιπατέω: 'walk about.'
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
τυφλοὺςblindAccusativedirect objectτυφλός: 'blind.'
βλέπονταςseeingPres Act Ptc · Acc Pl Masc · βλέπωobject-complement participle→ present (ongoing)βλέπω: the catalogue of Isaianic restoration signs (Isa 35:5-6).
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἐδόξασανthey glorifiedAor Act Indic 3 Pl · δοξάζωmain verb→ constative aoristδοξάζω: 'glorify, give glory to.'
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
θεὸνGodAccusativedirect object
Ἰσραήλof IsraelGenitivegenitive of relationship (proper name)Ἰσραήλ: Israel (indeclinable); 'the God of Israel' — covenant language, perhaps marking a partly Gentile crowd.
32

Ὁ δὲ Ἰησοῦς προσκαλεσάμενος τοὺς μαθητὰς αὐτοῦ εἶπεν· Σπλαγχνίζομαι ἐπὶ τὸν ὄχλον, ὅτι ἤδη ἡμέραι τρεῖς προσμένουσίν μοι καὶ οὐκ ἔχουσιν τί φάγωσιν· καὶ ἀπολῦσαι αὐτοὺς νήστεις οὐ θέλω, μήποτε ἐκλυθῶσιν ἐν τῇ ὁδῷ.

Then Jesus called his disciples to him and said, 'I have compassion on the crowd, because they have already remained with me three days and have nothing to eat; and I am unwilling to send them away hungry, lest they faint on the way.'

Jesus' compassion statedδὲMoved with compassion for the hungry crowd of three days, Jesus will not send them off fasting.
theNominativearticle
δὲthen / butcontinuative conjunction
ἸησοῦςJesusNominativesubject
προσκαλεσάμενοςhaving summonedAor Mid Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · προσκαλέομαιtemporal/attendant participle→ antecedent aorist
τοὺςtheAccusativearticle
μαθητὰςdisciplesAccusativedirect object of participle
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of relationship
εἶπενsaidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγω/εἶπονmain verb→ constative aorist
ΣπλαγχνίζομαιI have compassionPres Mid/Pass Indic 1 Sg · σπλαγχνίζομαιmain verb→ present (state of feeling)σπλαγχνίζομαι: 'be moved with compassion' (from σπλάγχνα, the inward parts) — a verb used only of Jesus/God-figures in the Gospels.
ἐπὶon / overpreposition + accusative (object of emotion)
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
ὄχλονcrowdAccusativeobject of ἐπί
ὅτιbecausecausal conjunction
ἤδηalreadyadverb of time
ἡμέραιdaysNominativesubject (of προσμένουσιν) / acc. of extent senseἡμέρα: 'day.'
τρεῖςthreeNominativeattributive numeral
προσμένουσίνthey remain withPres Act Indic 3 Pl · προσμένωmain verb of causal clause→ present (durative)προσμένω: 'remain with, stay on, continue.'
μοιwith meDativedat. complement (association)
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
οὐκnotnegative particle
ἔχουσινthey havePres Act Indic 3 Pl · ἔχωmain verb→ present (state)
τίwhatAccusativeinterrogative pronoun (object of φάγωσιν)
φάγωσινthey might eatAor Act Subj 3 Pl · ἐσθίω/φάγωdeliberative subjunctive (indir.)→ aorist subjunctiveἐσθίω: 'eat.'
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἀπολῦσαιto send awayAor Act Inf · ἀπολύωcomplementary infinitive (of θέλω)→ constative aoristἀπολύω: 'release, send away.'
αὐτοὺςthemAccusativeaccusative object of infinitive
νήστειςhungry / fastingAccusativepredicate adjective (complement)νῆστις: 'fasting, without food.'
οὐnotnegative particle
θέλωI am willingPres Act Indic 1 Sg · θέλωmain verb→ present (volitional)θέλω: 'will, wish.'
μήποτεlestconjunction (negative purpose/apprehension)
ἐκλυθῶσινthey faintAor Pass Subj 3 Pl · ἐκλύωverb of fear/purpose clause→ aorist subjunctiveἐκλύω: 'loose, weaken'; passive 'grow faint, give out.'
ἐνonpreposition + dative (place)
τῇtheDativearticle
ὁδῷway / roadDativedat. of placeὁδός: 'way, road, journey.'
33

καὶ λέγουσιν αὐτῷ οἱ μαθηταί· Πόθεν ἡμῖν ἐν ἐρημίᾳ ἄρτοι τοσοῦτοι ὥστε χορτάσαι ὄχλον τοσοῦτον;

And the disciples said to him, 'Where would we get enough bread in a desolate place to feed so great a crowd?'

The disciples' perplexityκαὶThe disciples, as at the first feeding, see no resource in the wilderness for so vast a crowd.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
λέγουσινsayPres Act Indic 3 Pl · λέγωmain verb→ historical present
αὐτῷto himDativeindirect object
οἱtheNominativearticle
μαθηταίdisciplesNominativesubject
Πόθενwhence / where frominterrogative adverbπόθεν: 'from where?'
ἡμῖνfor usDativedat. of possession/advantage
ἐνinpreposition + dative (place)
ἐρημίᾳa desolate placeDativedat. of placeἐρημία: 'wilderness, uninhabited region.'
ἄρτοιloavesNominativesubject (predicate of implied ἐστιν)ἄρτος: 'loaf, bread.'
τοσοῦτοιso manyNominativeattributive (quantity)
ὥστεso as toconjunction (result)
χορτάσαιto feed / satisfyAor Act Inf · χορτάζωinfinitive of result→ constative aoristχορτάζω: 'feed to the full, satisfy' (orig. of fodder).
ὄχλονcrowdAccusativedirect object of χορτάσαι
τοσοῦτονso greatAccusativeattributive (quantity)
34

καὶ λέγει αὐτοῖς ὁ Ἰησοῦς· Πόσους ἄρτους ἔχετε; οἱ δὲ εἶπαν· Ἑπτά, καὶ ὀλίγα ἰχθύδια.

And Jesus said to them, 'How many loaves do you have?' They said, 'Seven, and a few small fish.'

Inventory: seven loaves and a few fishκαὶJesus elicits the meager supply: seven loaves and a few small fish.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
λέγειsaysPres Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb→ historical present
αὐτοῖςto themDativeindirect object
theNominativearticle
ἸησοῦςJesusNominativesubject
Πόσουςhow manyAccusativeinterrogative adjective
ἄρτουςloavesAccusativedirect objectἄρτος: 'loaf.'
ἔχετεdo you havePres Act Indic 2 Pl · ἔχωmain verb→ present (state)
οἱtheyNominativearticle
δὲandcontinuative conjunction
εἶπανsaidAor Act Indic 3 Pl · λέγω/εἶπονmain verb→ constative aorist
Ἑπτάsevencardinal numeral (indeclinable)ἑπτά: 'seven'; the number recurs in the leftover baskets (v.37).
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ὀλίγαa fewAccusativeattributive adjective
ἰχθύδιαsmall fishAccusativedirect object (of implied ἔχομεν)ἰχθύδιον: diminutive of ἰχθύς — 'little fish.'
35

καὶ παραγγείλας τῷ ὄχλῳ ἀναπεσεῖν ἐπὶ τὴν γῆν

And commanding the crowd to recline on the ground,

Crowd seatedκαὶJesus directs the crowd to recline — the preparatory action of the meal.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
παραγγείλαςhaving commandedAor Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · παραγγέλλωtemporal/attendant participle→ antecedent aoristπαραγγέλλω: 'command, instruct, give orders.'
τῷtheDativearticle
ὄχλῳcrowdDativedat. complement of παραγγείλας
ἀναπεσεῖνto reclineAor Act Inf · ἀναπίπτωinfinitive of indirect command→ constative aoristἀναπίπτω: 'recline, lie down' (for a meal).
ἐπὶonpreposition + accusative (place)
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
γῆνground / earthAccusativeobject of ἐπίγῆ: 'earth, ground'; on the bare ground (no green grass noted, unlike the 5,000).
36

ἔλαβεν τοὺς ἑπτὰ ἄρτους καὶ τοὺς ἰχθύας καὶ εὐχαριστήσας ἔκλασεν καὶ ἐδίδου τοῖς μαθηταῖς, οἱ δὲ μαθηταὶ τοῖς ὄχλοις.

he took the seven loaves and the fish, and having given thanks he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples to the crowds.

The bread taken, blessed, broken, givenasyndetonThe eucharistic gestures — took, gave thanks, broke, gave — distributing through the disciples.
ἔλαβενhe tookAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λαμβάνωmain verb→ constative aoristλαμβάνω: 'take'; first of the four eucharistic verbs.
τοὺςtheAccusativearticle
ἑπτὰsevencardinal numeral (indeclinable)
ἄρτουςloavesAccusativedirect object
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
τοὺςtheAccusativearticle
ἰχθύαςfishAccusativedirect objectἰχθύς: 'fish.'
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
εὐχαριστήσαςhaving given thanksAor Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · εὐχαριστέωtemporal/attendant participle→ antecedent aoristεὐχαριστέω: 'give thanks' (cf. εὐλογέω at the 5,000); the table-blessing.
ἔκλασενhe brokeAor Act Indic 3 Sg · κλάωmain verb→ constative aoristκλάω: 'break' (of bread).
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἐδίδουhe was givingImpf Act Indic 3 Sg · δίδωμιmain verb→ iterative imperfect (distribution)δίδωμι: 'give'; imperfect pictures the ongoing handing-out.
τοῖςtheDativearticle
μαθηταῖςto the disciplesDativeindirect object
οἱtheNominativearticle
δὲandcontinuative conjunction
μαθηταὶdisciplesNominativesubject (of implied ἐδίδουν)
τοῖςtheDativearticle
ὄχλοιςto the crowdsDativeindirect objectὄχλος: 'crowd'; the disciples mediate the bread to the people.
37

καὶ ἔφαγον πάντες καὶ ἐχορτάσθησαν, καὶ τὸ περισσεῦον τῶν κλασμάτων ἦραν, ἑπτὰ σπυρίδας πλήρεις.

And they all ate and were satisfied, and they took up seven baskets full of the broken pieces that were left over.

All satisfied; the surplusκαὶAll eat their fill, and the surplus fills seven large baskets — abundance from scarcity.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἔφαγονthey ateAor Act Indic 3 Pl · ἐσθίω/φάγωmain verb→ constative aorist
πάντεςallNominativesubject (substantival adj.)
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἐχορτάσθησανwere satisfiedAor Pass Indic 3 Pl · χορτάζωmain verb→ constative aoristχορτάζω: 'satisfy, fill'; passive 'were filled.'
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
τὸthe (thing)Accusativearticle
περισσεῦονthat was left overPres Act Ptc · Acc Sg Neut · περισσεύωsubstantival participle (object of ἦραν)→ present (resultant state)περισσεύω: 'abound, be left over, remain.'
τῶνtheGenitivearticle
κλασμάτωνof the broken piecesGenitivepartitive genitiveκλάσμα: 'fragment, broken piece' (from κλάω).
ἦρανthey took upAor Act Indic 3 Pl · αἴρωmain verb→ constative aoristαἴρω: 'lift up, take up, carry away.'
ἑπτὰsevencardinal numeral (indeclinable)ἑπτά: 'seven'; matching the seven loaves (v.34).
σπυρίδαςbasketsAccusativeaccusative in apposition (measure)σπυρίς: a large (provision/hamper) basket — distinct from the κόφινος of the 5,000 (cf. 16:9-10).
πλήρειςfullAccusativeattributive adjectiveπλήρης: 'full.'
38

οἱ δὲ ἐσθίοντες ἦσαν τετρακισχίλιοι ἄνδρες χωρὶς γυναικῶν καὶ παιδίων.

Those who ate were four thousand men, besides women and children.

The number fedδὲThe tally: four thousand men, apart from women and children.
οἱthoseNominativearticle
δὲand / nowcontinuative conjunction
ἐσθίοντεςwho were eatingPres Act Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · ἐσθίωsubstantival participle (subject)→ present (concurrent)ἐσθίω: 'eat.'
ἦσανwereImpf Act Indic 3 Pl · εἰμίcopula→ durative imperfect
τετρακισχίλιοιfour thousandNominativepredicate numeralτετρακισχίλιοι: 'four thousand'; the feeding of the 4,000 (cf. the 5,000 of ch. 14).
ἄνδρεςmenNominativesubject (in apposition to numeral)ἀνήρ: 'man' (adult male); counted apart from the rest.
χωρὶςbesides / apart fromimproper preposition + genitive
γυναικῶνwomenGenitiveobject of χωρίςγυνή: 'woman.'
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
παιδίωνchildrenGenitiveobject of χωρίςπαιδίον: 'little child.'
39

Καὶ ἀπολύσας τοὺς ὄχλους ἐνέβη εἰς τὸ πλοῖον, καὶ ἦλθεν εἰς τὰ ὅρια Μαγαδάν.

And having sent away the crowds, he got into the boat and came to the region of Magadan.

Departure to MagadanΚαὶThe scene closes: Jesus dismisses the crowds, embarks, and crosses to the district of Magadan.
Καὶandcoordinating conjunction (narrative close)
ἀπολύσαςhaving sent awayAor Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · ἀπολύωtemporal/attendant participle→ antecedent aoristἀπολύω: 'dismiss, send away.'
τοὺςtheAccusativearticle
ὄχλουςcrowdsAccusativedirect object of participle
ἐνέβηhe embarkedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἐμβαίνωmain verb→ constative aoristἐμβαίνω: 'step in, embark, get into (a boat).'
εἰςintopreposition + accusative (direction)
τὸtheAccusativearticle
πλοῖονboatAccusativeobject of εἰςπλοῖον: 'boat, ship.'
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἦλθενcameAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἔρχομαιmain verb→ constative aorist
εἰςinto / topreposition + accusative (direction)
τὰtheAccusativearticle
ὅριαregion / bordersAccusativeobject of εἰςὅριον: 'boundary, region, district.'
Μαγαδάνof MagadanGenitivegenitive of apposition (place name)Μαγαδάν: Magadan (indeclinable place name; Mark 8:10 reads Dalmanutha) — its exact site is uncertain, somewhere on the Sea of Galilee's western shore.