Matthew 10:40-42

Matthew 10:40-42
Proper 8A

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40 “Whoever welcomesA you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sentB me. 41 Whoever welcomes a prophetC in the nameD of a prophet

Notes on verses 40-41a

A “welcomes” = dechomai. This is to warmly receive, be ready for what is offered, take, accept, or welcome. It is to receive in a literal or figurative sense.
B “sent” = apostello. From apo (from, away from) + stello (to send, set, arrange, prepare, gather up); {probably from histemi (to make to stand, stand, place, set up, establish, appoint, stand firm, be steadfast)}. This is to send forth, send away, dismiss, send as a messenger. It implies one that is sent for a particular mission or purpose rather than a quick errand. This is where “apostle” comes from.
C “prophet” = prophetes. 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.
D “name” = onoma. May be from ginosko (know, recognize, learn from firsthand experience). This is a name, authority, cause, character, fame, reputation. The name was thought to include something of the essence of the person so it was not thought to be separate from the person.

will receiveE a prophet’s reward,F and whoever welcomes a righteous personG in the name of a righteous person will receive the reward of the righteous, 

Notes on verse 41b

E “receive” = lambano. It does not refer to passive receiving of something, but active acceptance or taking of something whether it is offered or simply nearby. It focuses on individual decision and action.
F “reward” = misthos. This is wages, pay, or salary. It can also be reward, recompense, or punishment. It is pay for services rendered in a literal or figurative way, either good or bad.
G “righteous person” = dikaios. From dike (the principle of justice; that which is right in a way that is very clear; a decision or the execution of that decision; originally, this word was for custom or usage; evolved to include the process of law, judicial hearing, execution of sentence, penalty, and even vengeance; more commonly, it refers to what is right); may be from deiknumi (to show, point out, exhibit; figurative for teach, demonstrate, make known). This is correct, righteous, just, or a righteous person. It implies innocent or conforming to God’s standard of justice.

42 and whoever givesH evenI a cupJ of coldK water

Notes on verse 42a

H “gives” = potizo. 15x in NT. From potos (drink or for drinking) OR from pino (to drink literally or figuratively). This is to give to drink, water, furnish, irrigate, or feed.
I “even” = monon. From monos (alone, single, remaining, mere, desolate); from meno (to stay, abide, wait, endure). This is merely, only, simply, sole. It can also imply alone.
J “cup” = poterion. Related to “gives” in v42. From pino (see note H above). This is a drinking vessel. Figuratively, it can refer to one’s lot, to fate, or to what God has in store for you.
K “cold” = psuchros. 4x in NT. From psuchos (cold or coolness); from psucho (to breathe, blow, breathe out, to cool or make cold). This is cold or cool. Figuratively, it can mean cold-hearted.

to oneL of these little onesM in the name of a discipleN

Notes on verse 42b

L “one” = heis. This is one, a person, only, some.
M “little ones” = mikros. This is small in reference to a size or the number of something, least or less. Figuratively, it can refer to little dignity.
N “disciple” = mathetes. From matheteuo (to make a disciple of); from manthano (to learn key facts, gain knowledge from experience; generally implies reflection as part of the learning process); from math– (thinking things through). This is a disciple, learner, or student. It is where we get “mathematics” from.

trulyO I tellP you, none of these will loseQ their reward.”

Notes on verse 42c

O “truly” = amen. From Hebrew amen (verily, truly, amen, truth, so be it, faithfulness); from aman (to believe, endure, fulfill, confirm, support, be faithful, put one’s trust in, be steadfast. Figuratively, this is to be firm, steadfast, or faithful, trusting, believing, being permanent, morally solid). This word is literally firmness, but figuratively fidelity, faithfulness, honesty, responsibility, trust, truth, steadfastness. Properly, it is to be sure, certain, or firm. This is a word of emphasis indicating that something crucial follows.
P “tell” = lego. This is to speak, say, name, call, command. It is generally to convey verbally.
Q “lose” = apollumi. From apo (from, away from) + ollumi (to destroy or ruin; the loss that comes from a major ruination). This is to destroy, cut off, to perish – perhaps violently. It can also mean to cancel or remove.


Image credit: “#6006 water in pewter cup” by Nemo’s great uncle, 2014.

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