GZeolla (@GZeolla)

Study of Matthew and “worthy” The Greek word ἄξιος; (áxios) is consistently rendered as “worthy” throughout my Analytical-Literal Translation of the Bible (ALT). But considering its strictly literal meaning of “equal weight” brings out different nuances of Matthew’s use of it in his Gospel. 3:7 But having seen many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism [or, immersion], he said to them, “Brood of vipers! Who warned you* to flee from the coming wrath? 8Therefore, bear fruit worthy of [or, fitting for] repentance. [Note: The rendering “worthy of” comes from ἄξιος (áxios). While this term normally describes someone or something deserving of a particular response or honor, here it carries the sense of “fitting” or “appropriate.” The fruit produced by people should “fit” or provide concrete evidence that they have truly repented of their sins. More literally, this term describes two things that have equal weight. Therefore, people’s outward fruit should carry the same “weight” as their internal repentance. It is not enough to claim repentance; the fruit must “fit” or provide evidence that matches the reality of the change that has taken place.] 10:5 These twelve Jesus sent out, having given strict orders to them, saying, “You* shall not go into the way of the Gentiles, and you* shall not enter into a city of the Samaritans, 6but be going rather to the sheep, the ones having been lost from [the] house of Israel. [cp. Jer 50:6] 7Now be going, be proclaiming, saying, ‘The kingdom of the heavens has drawn near!’ 8Be healing [people] being sick, be cleansing lepers [or, [people] with a skin disease], be casting out demons; freely you* received, freely give. 9You* shall not acquire [or, provide yourselves with] gold nor silver nor copper coin in your* money belt, 10nor a traveler’s bag for [the] journey, nor two tunics nor sandals nor staffs, for the laborer is worthy [or, deserving] of his nourishment. [Note: The rendering “worthy of” comes from ἄξιος (áxios). This term describes someone or something deserving of a particular response or honor. More literally, it describes two things that have equal weight. Just as physical laborers are paid in proportion to their work, the support provided to those who labor in the Gospel should have the same “weight” as the value of their spiritual work (cp. 1Tim 5:18; 1Cor 9:14.] 11“But into whatever city or village you* enter, inquire who in it is worthy [or, deserving], and stay there until you* depart. 12And as you* enter into the house, greet it. 13And if indeed the house is worthy, let your* peace come on it; but if it is not worthy, let your* peace return to you*. [Note: Here, a “worthy” (ἄξιος; áxios) household is one that provides sustenance to Gospel workers. It is not that people must pay to hear the Gospel, but rather that those who support its spread demonstrate a spiritual receptivity that “balances the weight” of the Gospel preachers’ presence. Their physical support is counter-balanced by the blessing of receiving the preachers’ personalized teaching and presence. If there is no “equal weight” of receptivity, the preachers’ blessing cannot find a place to land.] 10:37 The one affectionately loving father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me, and the one affectionately loving son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me, 38and whoever does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. 39The one finding his life will lose it, and the one having lost his life for My sake will find it. [Note: To be “worthy” (ἄξιος; áxios) of Christ’s presence in our lives, our love for Him must carry greater “weight” than our love for even our closest family members. This is another way of saying we must love God with all our whole heart, soul, and understanding (Matt 22:37). To be a true follower of Christ requires forsaking all to make Him Lord of our entire lives, while bearing whatever burdens come our way due to our commitment to Him. If we give our lives fully to Him, He will give us true life.] #ALT #Bible #ALTBible #Matthew #BiblicalStudy #GreekRoot #Exegesis #ChristianDiscipleship #BiblicalLanguages #GodsWord #StudyVersion #Theology #Worthy