Matthew 4

Matthew 4

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Then JesusA was led up by the SpiritB into the wildernessC to be temptedD by the devil.E He fastedF forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was famished.G 

Notes on verses 1-2

A “Jesus” = iesous. From Hebrew Yehoshua (Joshua, the Lord is salvation); {from YHVH (proper name of the God of Israel; the self-existent and eternal one); {from havah (to become) or from hayah (to come to pass, become, be)} + yasha (to deliver, defend, help, preserve, rescue; properly, to be open, wide or free, which implies being safe. So, in a causative sense, this is to free someone). This is Jesus or Joshua in Greek – the Lord saves or the Lord is salvation.
B “Spirit” = pneuma. From pneo (to blow, breath, breathe hard). This is wind, breath, or ghost. A breeze or a blast or air, a breath. Figuratively used for a spirit, the human soul or part of us that is rational. It is also used supernaturally for angels, demons, God, and the Holy Spirit. This is where pneumonia comes from.
C “wilderness” = eremos. Properly, a place that is not settled or farmed, not populated. It could be a deserted area or a desert place. It could be seen as secluded, solitary, or lonesome. Any kind of vegetation is sparse, but so are people generally.
D “tempted” = peirazo. From peira (trial, experiment, attempt, experience, assaying); from the base of peran (over, beyond, across); akin to pera (on the far side); from a derivative or peiro (to pierce). This is to test, try, tempt, or make proof of. It is to test, scrutinize, or assay something. It could also be examine, entice, prove, or discipline.
E “devil” = diabolos. From diaballo (laying a charge against someone, generally with hostility; literally, to thrust through or cast back and forth– used for slandering, accusing, or gossiping; whether or not the sentiment is true, it is spread with negative intention); {from dia (through, across, because of, thoroughly) + ballo (to throw, cast, place, put, drop)}. This is a properly a slanderer or someone who accuses falsely – criticizing unfairly with the intent to cause harm or damage character. This can also mean backbiter or malicious gossip. Also, the Slanderer, the Devil.
F “fasted” = nesteuo. From a (not, without) + esthio (to eat or figuratively to devour or consume like rust). This is to fast, not eat food, to make a religious fast.
G “famished” = peinao. From peina (hunger); related to penomai (working for a living; laborer, poor person; to work for daily bread); from peno (to toil to survive day by day). This is to hunger, be needy, or desire earnestly. It can be being famished in a definitive sense or in comparison to someone or something else. Figuratively, this means to crave.

The tempterH came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God,I command these stones to become loaves of bread.”J 

Notes on verse 3

H “tempter” = peirazo. Same as “tempted” in v1. See note D above.
I “God” = theos. From Proto-Indo-European origins, meaning do, put, place. This is God or a god in general.
J “loaves of bread” = artos. Perhaps from airo (raise, take up, lift, remove). This is bread or a loaf. It is a loaf as raised.

But he answered, “It is written,

‘OneK does not live by bread alone,
    but by every wordL that comes fromM the mouthN of God.’”

Notes on verse 4

K “one” = anthropos. Probably from aner (man, male, husband) + ops (eye, face). This is human, humankind. Used for all genders.
L “word” = rhema. From rheo (to speak, command, make, say, speak of); from ereo (to all, say, speak of, tell; denotes ongoing speech). This is word, which implies a matter or thing spoken, a command, report, promise, thing, or business. Often used for narration, commands, or disputes.
M “comes from” = ekporeuomai. From ek (from, from out of) + poreuomai (to go, travel, journey, die; refers to transporting things from one place to another; focuses on the personal significance of the destination); {from poros (passageway)}. This is to go forth, depart from, be spoken, flow out, project. This word emphasizes the result a process or passage – how it impacts the person or thing.
N “mouth” = stoma. Perhaps from tomoteros (sharp, keener); from temno (to cut). This is mouth, speech, language, the tip of a sword, an opening in the ground.

Then the devil took him to the holyO cityP and placedQ him on the pinnacleR of the temple,S saying to him, “If you are the Son of God, throwT yourself down; for it is written,

Notes on verses 5-6a

O “holy” = hagios. From hagnos (holy, sacred, pure ethically, ritually, or ceremonially; prepared for worship, chaste, unadulterated, pure to the core; undefiled by sin; figurative for innocent, modest, perfect). God is totally different from humanity and thus set apart. That which is consecrated to worship God (elements of worship) or to serve God (as the saints) are holy because they are now set apart for God’s purposes. Holy because important to God. This is sacred physically, pure. It can be morally blameless or ceremonially consecrated.
P “city” = polis. This is a city or its inhabitants. It is a town of variable size, but one that has walls. This is where “metropolis” and “police” come from.
Q “placed” = histemi. This is to stand, place, establish, appoint, stand ready, be steadfast.
R “pinnacle” = pterugion. 2x in NT – in Matthew’s and Luke’s temptation stories. Perhaps from pterux (wing, pinion); from pteron (feather, bird’s wing); from petomai (to fly). This is a little wing, so it includes things that are wing-like: battlement, extremity, apex, parapet, top corner, etc.
S “temple” = hieron. From hieros (sacred, something sacred, temple, holy, set apart; something consecrated to a god). This is the word for temple.
T “throw” = ballo. Related to “devil” in v1. See note E above.

‘He will commandU his angelsV concerning you,’
    and ‘On their handsW they will bear you up,X
so that you will not dashY your foot against a stone.’”

Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘Do not put the LordZ your God to the test.’”AA

Notes on verses 6b-7

U “command” = entellomai. 15x in NT. From en (in, on, at, by, with) + tellomai (to accomplish); {related to telos (end, event, purpose, consummation)}. This is to charge or command – focuses on the final objective. So, this is looking at the final outcome of the command – how things will end up.
V “angels” = aggelos. Probably from ago (to lead, bring, carry, guide) + agele (flock, herd, drove); {also from ago (see above)}. This is angel or messenger. Properly, it is one sent with news or to perform a specific task. This messenger can be human or an angel from heaven. More commonly, it is used for angels in the New Testament.
W “hands” = cheir. This is the hand in a literal sense. Figuratively, the hand is the means a person uses to accomplish things so it can also mean power, means, or instrument.
X “bear…up” = airo. Related to “loaves of bread” in v3. See note J above.
Y “dash” = proskopto. 8x in NT. From pros (at, towards, for) + kopto (to cut, strike, cut off; beating the chest to lament and so to mourn). This is to kick against, stumble, strike, beat on, surge against like water does, or take offense. It is to trip up in a literal or figurative sense.
Z “Lord” = kurios. From kuros (authority, supremacy). This is a respectful address meaning master or sir. It refers to one who has control or power greater than one’s own. So, it was also applied to God and Jesus as Master or Lord.
AA “test” = ekpeirazo. Related to “tempted” in v1. 4x in NT– 2x in Matthew’s and Luke’s temptation stories, 1x in the parable of the Good Samaritan when the lawyer tests Jesus (Lk 10:25), and 1x in 1 Corinthians 10:9 “nor let us tempt the Christ.” From ek (from, from out of) + peirazo (see note D above). This is testing or tempting thoroughly, to make a trial of.

Again, the devil took him to a very highBB mountain and showed him all the kingdomsCC of the worldDD and their splendor;EE 

Notes on verse 8

BB “high” = hupselos. 12x in NT – in Matthew’s and Luke’s Temptatison story as well as Matthew and Mark’s Transfiguration accounts. From hupsos (height, high position, heaven, dignity, eminence; elevation, altitude; to be exalted); from hupsi (on high, aloft); from huper (over, above, beyond). This is high, lofty, or exalted. It can be lofty in elevation or in character.
CC “kingdoms” = basileia. From basileus (king, emperor, sovereign); probably from basis (step, hence foot; a pace); from baino (to walk, to go). This is kingdom, rule, authority, sovereignty, royalty, a realm.
DD “world” = kosmos. Perhaps from the base of komizo (to carry, convey, recover); from komeo (to take care of). This is order, the world, the universe, including its inhabitants. Literally, this is something that is ordered so it can refer to all creation. It can also refer to decoration in the sense that something is better ordered and, thus, made more beautiful. This is where “cosmos” and “cosmetics” come from.
EE “splendor” = doxa. From dokeo (to have an opinion, seem, appear, suppose; a personal judgment; to think); from dokos (opinion). This is literally something that evokes a good opinion – something that connects to our understanding of intrinsic worth. The ultimate expression of this is, of course, God and God’s manifestation. So, this is opinion, honor, and dignity, but also praise, glory, renown, and worship.

and he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worshipFF me.” 10 Jesus said to him, “AwayGG with you, Satan!HH for it is written,

‘Worship the Lord your God,
    and serveII only him.’”

Notes on verses 9-10

FF “worship” = proskuneo. From pros (advantageous for, at, to, toward, with) + kuneo (to kiss); {may be related to kuno (dog)}. This is to do reverence, kneel, to prostrate oneself in homage, to worship.
GG “away” = hupago. Related to “angels” in v6. From hupo (by, under, under the authority of) + ago (lead, bring, guide, spend, drive, carry). This is to lead under so to depart, go away, or die. It is to lead away under the command of someone else, being given a mission or objective to carry out.
HH “Satan” = satanas. From Hebrew satan (adversary, Satan); from satan (to be an adversary, attack, accuse, resist). This is Satan, the adversary, or an adversary.
II “serve” = latreuo. From latris (a hired servant; someone who is qualified to perform a technical task). Properly, this is giving good, technical service because qualified or equipped to do so. It can be serve, minister, worship, or give homage.

11 Then the devil leftJJ him, and suddenlyKK angels came and waited onLL him.

Notes on verse 11

JJ “left” = aphiemi. From apo (from, away from) + hiemi (to send). This is send away, release, permit, forgive, allow to depart, discharge, or send forth.
KK “suddenly” = idou. From eido (to be aware, see, know, remember, appreciate). This is see! Lo! Behold! Look! Used to express surprise and or draw attention to the statement.
LL “waited on” = diakoneo. From diakonos (servant, minister, waiter, or attendant; a person who performs a service, including religious service); {perhaps from dia (through, across to the other side, thoroughly) + konis (dust) OR from dioko (to chase after, put to flight; by implication, to persecute or to purse like a hunter after its prey; this can be earnestly pursue or zealously persecute); {related to dio (put to flight)}}. This is to wait at table, to serve generally, to minister or administer, to be in the office of deacon. To wait on someone as a slave, friend, or host.

12 Now when Jesus heardMM that JohnNN had been arrested,OO he withdrew to Galilee.PP 

Notes on verse 12

MM “heard” = akouo. This is hear or listen, but it also means to understand by hearing. This is where the word “acoustics” comes from.
NN “John” = ioannes. Related to “Jesus” in v1. From Hebrew yochanan (Johanan); from Yehochanan (“the Lord has been gracious”); {from YHVH (see note A above) + chanan (beseech, show favor, be gracious; properly, to bend in kindness to someone with less status). This is John.
OO “arrested” = paradidomi. Related to “give” in v9. From para (from beside, by) + didomi (give, offer, place, bestow, deliver; give in a literal or figurative sense). This is literally to hand over – hence to deliver, abandon, or betray. It implies a personal involvement.
PP “Galilee” = galilaia. From Hebrew galil (cylinder, circuit, district); from galal (to roll in a literal or figurative sense, roll away, roll down, wallow, remove, trust). This is Galilee, meaning perhaps region or cylinder.

13 He leftQQ NazarethRR and made his homeSS in CapernaumTT by the sea, in the territory of ZebulunUU and Naphtali,VV 

Notes on verse 13

QQ “left” = kataleipo. From kata (down, against, throughout, among) + leipo (to leave behind, remain, lack, abandon, fall behind while racing). This is to leave or leave behind, abandon, forsake, leave in reserve.
RR “Nazareth” = Nazareth. 12x in NT. Perhaps from netser (branch) OR from natsar (to watch, guard, protect). This is Nazareth, meaning perhaps branch or protected. It is a city in Galilee. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nazareth
SS “made his home” = katoikeo. From kata (down, against, throughout, among) + oikeo (to stele or be established somewhere in a permanent way, to make a home or live at home);{from oikos (house – the building, the household, the family, descendants; the temple)}. This is to live or settle on a permanent basis.
TT “Capernaum” = kapernaoum. 16x in NT. From Hebrew kaphar (village with walls); {from the same as kephir (a young lion, village); from kaphar (to appease, cover, pacify, cancel)} + Nachum (Nahum, “comfortable”); {from nacham (a strong breath or sigh; to be sorry, to pity, console, comfort, or repent; also to comfort oneself with thoughts of vengeance)}. This is Capernaum, meaning “Nahum’s village.”
UU “Zebulun” = zaboulon. 3x in NT. From Hebrew Zebulun (Zebulun, that tribe, or their territory; means “habitation”); from zabal (to dwell, inclose, reside). This is Zebulun, that tribe, or their territory. It means “habitation.”
VV “Naphtali” = nephthalim. 3x in NT. From Hebrew Naphtali (Naphtali, meaning “my wrestling”; Naphtali, his tribe, or the lands of the tribe); from pathal (to twist, twine, wrestle, struggle, behave in an unsavory way). This is Naphtali, meaning “my wrestling.” It can refer to Naphtali, his tribe, or the lands of the tribe.

14 so that what had been spoken through the prophetWW IsaiahXX might be fulfilled:YY

Notes on verse 14

WW “prophet” = prophetes. Related to “said” in v7. From pro (before, in front of, earlier than) + phemi (to declare, say, use contrasts in speaking to shed light on one point of view); {from phao (to shine) or phaino (to bring light, cause to appear, shine, become visible or clear)}. This is a prophet or poet – one who speaks with inspiration from God.
XX “Isaiah” = Esaias. Related to “Jesus” in v1 & “John” in v12. From Hebrew Yeshayahu (Isaiah, “salvation of the Lord”); {from yasha (see note A above) + Yah (God, the Lord; a shortening of the sacred name of the God of Israel); {from YHVH (see note A above)}}. This is Isaiah, meaning “salvation of the Lord.”
YY “fulfilled” = pleroo. From pleres (to be full, complete, abounding in, occupied with). This is to fill, make full or complete. Properly, this is filling something up to the maximum extent that it can be filled – an appropriate amount for its individual capacity. So, this is used figuratively for furnish, influence, satisfy, finish, preach, perfect, and fulfill.

15 “Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali,
    on the roadZZ by the sea,AAA across the Jordan,BBB Galilee of the GentilesCCC

Notes on verse 15

ZZ “road” = hodos. This is way, road, path, or journey. It can imply progress along a route.
AAA “sea” = thalassa. Related to “by the sea” in v13. Perhaps from hals (sea, salt, a boy of saltwater) or halas (salt; can be figurative for prudence). This is the sea, a lake, or seashore.
BBB “Jordan” = iordanes. 15x in NT. From Hebrew yarden (Jordan river, meaning “descending”); from yarad (to go down, descend; going down in a literal or figurative sense; going to the shore or a boundary, bringing down an enemy). This is the Jordan River, meaning “descending.”
CCC “Gentiles” = ethnos. Probably from etho (a custom or culture). This is people who are united by having similar customs or culture. Generally, it is used to refer to Gentiles. This is a tribe, race, nation, or Gentiles in general. This is where the term “ethnicity” comes from.

16 the peopleDDD who satEEE in darknessFFF
   have seenGGG a great light,HHH
and for those who sat in the region and shadowIII of death
    light has dawned.”JJJ

Notes on verse 16

DDD “people” = laos. This is the people or crowd – often used for the chosen people. This is where the word “laity” comes from.
EEE “sat” = kathemai. From kata (down, against, throughout, among) + hemai (to sit). This is to sit, be enthroned, or reside.
FFF “darkness” = skotia. 16x in NT. From skotos (darkness literal or figurative – as moral or spiritual darkness, sin and what comes from it; obscurity); from skia (shadow, thick darkness, outline; figurative for a spiritual situation that is good or bad). This is darkness or dimness. Figuratively, it can be a spiritual darkness. This is obscurity in a literal or figurative sense.
GGG “seen” = horao. To see, perceive, attend to, look upon, experience. Properly, to stare at and so implying clear discernment. This, by extension, would indicate attending to what was seen and learned. This is to see, often with a metaphorical sense. Can include inward spiritual seeing.
HHH “light” = phos. Perhaps related to “prophet” in v14. From phao (see note WW above). This is light, a source of light, fire, or radiance. This is light with specific reference to what it reveals. It is luminousness whether natural or artificial, abstract or concrete, literal or figurative.
III “shadow” = skia. Related to “darkness” in v16. 7x in NT. See note FFF above.
JJJ “dawned” = anatello. 9x in NT. From ana (up, again, back, anew) + tello (to cause to arise); {from telos (an end, aim, purpose, completion, end goal, consummation, tax)}. This is rise, shine, or dawn. It is most often used of the sun. Figuratively, it can mean achieving a goal or reaching consummation after completing the needed steps.

17 From that time Jesus beganKKK to proclaim,LLL “Repent,MMM for the kingdom of heavenNNN has come near.”OOO

Notes on verse 17

KKK “began” = archomai. From archo (to rule, begin, have first rank or have political power). This is to begin or rule.
LLL “proclaim” = kerusso. This is to proclaim, preach, publish. Properly, it is to act as a herald – announcing something publicly with confidence and/or to persuade.
MMM “repent” = metanoeo. From meta (with, among, after, beyond) + noieo (to perceive, think, understand); {from nous (mind, understanding, reasoning faculty, intellect, capacity to reflect)}. This is to change how one thinks, to reconsider, to repent. It refers to a change of thinking, which means a change of purpose and behavior.
NNN “heaven” = ouranos. May be related to oros (mountain, hill) with the notion of height. This is the air, the sky, the atmosphere, and heaven. It is the sky that is visible and the spiritual heaven where God dwells. Heaven implies happiness, power, and eternity.
OOO “come near” = eggizo. From eggus (nearby or near in time). This is extremely close by – approaching, at hand, immediately imminent.

18 As he walkedPPP by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers,QQQ Simon,RRR who is called Peter,SSS

Notes on verse 18a

PPP “walked” = peripateo. From peri (about, concerning, around, encompassing) + pateo (to read, trample on; to trample literally or figuratively); {from patos (trodden) OR from paio (to strike, smite, sting; a hit like a single blow)}. This is to walk. Going from Hebrew figurative language, to walk referred to how you conducted your life, how you chose to live. This word is most literally walking around. Figuratively, it is living, behaving, following, how you occupy yourself. This is where “peripatetic” comes from.
QQQ “brothers” = adelphos. From a (with, community, fellowship) + delphus (womb). This is a brother in a literal or figurative sense. It is also used of another member of the Church.
RRR “Simon” = simon. From Hebrew Shimon (Simon – Jacob’s son and his tribe); from shama (to hear, often implying attention and obedience). This is Simon, meaning “he who hears.”
SSS “Peter” = petros. Related to petra (large rock that is connected and or projecting like a rock, ledge, or cliff; can also be cave or stony ground). This is Peter, a stone, pebble, or boulder.

and AndrewTTT his brother, castingUUU a netVVV into the sea—for they were fishermen.WWW 

Notes on verse 18b

TTT “Andrew” = andreas. Perhaps related to “one” in v4. 13x in NT. From aner (see note K above). This is Andrew, meaning manly.
UUU “casting” = ballo. Same as “throw” in v6. See note E above.
VVV “net” = amphiblestron. Related to “devil” in v1 & “throw” in v6. 1x in NT. From amphoteros (both, all); {from ampho (on both sides, around)} + ballo (see note E above). This is properly a thing that is thrown around. Used specifically to describe a drag net style of fishing net.
WWW “fishermen” = halieus. Related to “by the sea” in v13 & “sea” in v15. 5x in NT. From hals (see note AAA above). This is a sailor, which implies a fisher.

19 And he said to them, “FollowXXX me, and I will make you fishYYY for people.”ZZZ 

Notes on verse 19

XXX “follow” = deute. 12x in NT. From deuro (come here, hither, hence, now, until now). This is come, follow – as an exclamatory mood.
YYY “fish” = halieus. Same as “fishermen” in v18. See note WWW above.
ZZZ “people” = anthropos. Same as “one” in v4. See note K above.

20 Immediately they left their netsAAAA and followedBBBB him. 21 As he wentCCCC from there, he saw two other brothers, JamesDDDD son of ZebedeeEEEE and his brother John,

Notes on verses 20-21a

AAAA “nets” = diktuon. 12x in NT. From dikein (to cast); probably from diko (to cast). A fishing net or any net used in hunting.
BBBB “followed” = akoloutheo. From a (with, fellowship, union) + keleuthos (road, way). This is to accompany or follow someone, especially the way a disciple does.
CCCC “went” = probaino. Related to “kingdoms” in v8. From pro (before, ahead, earlier than, above) + the same as basis (see note CC above). This is to go forward literally or to advance in years.
DDDD “James” = iakobos. From Hebrew Yaaqov (Jacob); from the same as aqeb (heel, hind part, hoof, rear guard of an army, one who lies in wait, usurper). This is James, meaning heel grabber or usurper.
EEEE “Zebedee” = Zebedaios. Related to “Jesus” in v1 & “John” in v12 & “Isaiah” in v14. 12x in NT. From Hebrew zebadyah (Zebadiah, “The Lord has bestowed”); {from Zabad (to bestow, confer, endure) + Yah (see note XX above)}. This is Zebedee, meaning “the Lord has bestowed.”

in the boatFFFF with their father Zebedee, mendingGGGG their nets,HHHH and he calledIIII them. 22 Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed him.

Notes on verses 21b-22

FFFF “boat” = ploion. From pleo (to sail, voyage); probably from pluno (to plunge – so to wash); from pluo (to flow). This is a boat, ship, or vessel.
GGGG “mending” = katartizo. Related to “loaves of bread” in v3 & “bear…up” in v6 & “mountain” in v8. 13x in NT. From kata (down, against, throughout, among) + artizo (get ready, prepare); {from artios (perfect, complete, ready, adequate, fitted); from arti (now, in the moment); from airo (see note J above)}. This is to prepare, complete, perfect for final use. This is restoring something to a good condition, whether for the first time or one more. It is to repair in a literal or figurative sense.
HHHH “nets” = diktuon. Same as “nets” in v20. See note AAAA above.
IIII “called” = kaleo. Related to keleuo (to command, order, direct); from kelomai (to urge on). This is to call by name, invite, to name, bid, summon, call aloud.

23 Jesus wentJJJJ throughout Galilee, teachingKKKK in their synagoguesLLLL and proclaiming the good newsMMMM of the kingdom

Notes on verse 23a

JJJJ “went” = periago. Related to “led up” in v1 & “angels” in v6 & “away” in v10. 6x in NT. From peri (about, concerning, all around, encompassing) + ago (see note V above). This is to lead around, compass, go about.
KKKK “teaching” = didasko. From dao (learn). This is to teach, direct, instruct, or impart knowledge. In the New Testament, this is almost always used for teaching scripture.
LLLL “synagogues” = sunagoge. Related to “led up” in v1 & “angels” in v6 & “away” in v10 & “went” in v23. From sun (with, together with, closely associated) + ago (see note V above). Literally, this is a bringing together, a place of assembly. The term can be used for the people or for the place where they assemble. It is also sometimes used of Christian churches in the New Testament. So, this is synagogue, assembly, congregation, or church. This is where the word “synagogue” comes from.
MMMM “good news” = euaggelion. Related to “led up” in v1 & “angels” in v6 & “away” in v10 & “went” and “synagogues” in v23. From eu (well, good, rightly) + aggelos (angel, messenger; a messenger from God bringing news – whether a prophet or an angel); {from aggellos (to bring tidings); probably from ago (see note V above)}. This is literally “the good news,” used for the gospel. This is also where “evangelism” comes from.

and curingNNNN every diseaseOOOO and every sicknessPPPP among the people. 

Notes on verse 23b

NNNN “curing” = therapeuo. From therapon (servant, attendant, minister); perhaps from theros (properly heat and so used for summer); from thero (to heat). This is to serve, care, attend, heal, or cure. Since it means to attend to, it can be used for doctors, but also for those who serve God. So, it can mean worship. This is where the word “therapy” comes from.
OOOO “disease” = nosos. 11x in NT. This refers to a disease that is chronic and enduring. It can also be used for a moral failing.
PPPP “sickness” = malakia. 3x in NT. From malakos (soft, delicate). This is softness, weakness, or illness. It is some kind of condition that leaves the sufferer feeling weaker. It can also be a disabling condition.

24 So his fameQQQQ spread throughout all Syria,RRRR and they broughtSSSS to him all the sick,TTTT

Notes on verse 24a

QQQQ “fame” = akoe. Related to “heard” in v12. From akouo (see note MM above). This is hearing, ear, audience, fame, report, rumor.
RRRR “Syria” = suria. 8x in NT. From Akkadian ashshur (after the god Ashur, head of their gods). This is Syria. See https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Syria; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashur_(god)
SSSS “brought” = prosphero. From pros (at, to, with, towards, advantageous for) + phero (to bear, bring, lead, make known publicly; to carry in a literal or figurative sense). This is to offer gifts or sacrifices, to bring up.
TTTT “sick” = kakos. 16x in NT. From kakos (bad, evil, harm, ill; evil that is part of someone’s core character – intrinsic, rotted, worthless, depraved, causing harm; deep inner malice that comes from a rotten character; can be contrasted with the Greek poneros, which is that which bears pain – a focus on the miseries and pains that come with evil; also contrasting the Greek sapros, which deals with falling away from a previously embodied virtue). This is wrongly, badly, cruelly, with bad motives, misery connected to affliction. It can be physically badly or morally badly, i.e. evilly.

those who were afflictedUUUU with various diseases and pains,VVVV demoniacs,WWWW epileptics,XXXX and paralytics,YYYY and he cured them. 

Notes on verse 24b

UUUU “afflicted” = sunecho. Related to “afflicted” in v24. 12x in NT. From sun (with, together with) + echo (to have, hold, possess). This is to hold together or hold fast, to close or press together. It can also be to be struck by an illness, arrested, compressed as by a multitude or a siege. Figuratively, it can mean to compel, perplex, preoccupy, or generally afflict.
VVVV “pains” = basanos. Perhaps related to “kingdoms” in v8 & “went” in v21. perhaps from the same as basis (see note CC above). This is a touchstone used to test metals. Figuratively, it is used for interrogating using torture, torment, pain, sickness.
WWWW “demoniacs” = daimonizomai. 13x in NT. From daimon (evil spirit, demon, fallen angel); perhaps from daio (giving out destinies). This is being demon-possessed or under an evil spirit’s power. This root is where the word “demon” comes from.
XXXX “epileptics” = seleniazomai. 2x in NT. From selene (moon); from selas (bright flame). This is to be stricken by the moon, a lunatic. It was used for epileptics as their condition was supposed to be caused by the moon.
YYYY “paralytics” = paralutikos. 10x in NT. From paraluo (to release on the side, weaken, disable, relax, paralyze); {from para (by, beside, in the presence of) + luo (to loose, release, untie; figuratively, to break, destroy, or annul; releasing what had been withheld)}. This is someone who is paralyzed. This is where the word “paralyze” comes from.

25 And great crowds followed him from Galilee, the Decapolis,ZZZZ Jerusalem,AAAAA Judea,BBBBB and from beyond the Jordan.

Notes on verse 25

ZZZZ “Decapolis” = dekapolis. Related to “city” in v5 & perhaps related to “great” in v25.3x in NT. From deka (ten, -teen) + polis (see note P above) or polus (much, many, often). This is the Decapolis, ten Greek cities.
AAAAA “Jerusalem” = hierosoluma. From Hebrew yerushalaim (probably foundation of peace); {from yarah (to throw, shoot, be stunned; to flow as water so figuratively to instruct or teach) + shalem (to make amends, to be complete or sound)}. This is Jerusalem, dwelling of peace.
BBBBB “Judea” = ioudaia. From Hebrew Yehudah (Judah, son of Jacob, his tribal descendants, a name for the southern kingdom. Literally, it means praised); probably from yadah (to throw one’s hands into the air in a gesture of praise); from yad (hand). This is Judea, which was a Roman province.


Image credit: “The Temptation in the Wilderness” by Briton Riviere, 1898.

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