matthew 16 18 in greek

3 min read 24-08-2025
matthew 16 18 in greek


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matthew 16 18 in greek

Matthew 16:18 in Greek: Exploring the Text and its Significance

Matthew 16:18, a cornerstone verse in Christian theology, declares Peter's confession of Jesus as the Christ and Jesus' subsequent promise to build his church upon this confession. Understanding the Greek text offers deeper insight into the nuances of this pivotal passage.

The verse, in its original Greek, reads:

καγὼ δέ σοι λέγω ὅτι σὺ εἶ Πέτρος, καὶ ἐπὶ ταύτῃ τῇ πέτρᾳ οἰκοδομήσω μου τὴν ἐκκλησίαν, καὶ πύλαι ᾅδου οὐ κατισχύσουσιν αὐτῆς.

Let's break down the components:

  • καγὼ δέ σοι λέγω (kagō de soi legō): "And I also say to you." This emphasizes Jesus' response to Peter's confession, highlighting the significance of what follows. The "also" implies a reciprocal declaration, a response that matches the weight of Peter's confession.

  • ὅτι σὺ εἶ Πέτρος (hoti su ei Petros): "that you are Peter." This is a straightforward statement. "σὺ (su)" means "you," "εἶ (ei)" means "are," and "Πέτρος (Petros)" is "Peter," meaning "rock" in Greek.

  • καὶ ἐπὶ ταύτῃ τῇ πέτρᾳ οἰκοδομήσω μου τὴν ἐκκλησίαν (kai epi tautēi tē petrā oikodomēsō mou tēn ekklēsian): "and upon this rock I will build my church." This is the most debated part of the verse. The crucial word is "πέτρᾳ (petrā)," the dative case of "petra" (rock). The interpretation of whether this refers to Peter himself or to Peter's confession (or something else entirely) has fueled centuries of theological discussion. "οἰκοδομήσω (oikodomēsō)" means "I will build," and "ἐκκλησίαν (ekklēsian)" means "church."

  • καὶ πύλαι ᾅδου οὐ κατισχύσουσιν αὐτῆς (kai pylai haidou ou katischysousin autēs): "and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it." This powerful concluding statement affirms the enduring nature of the church. "πύλαι (pylai)" means "gates," "ᾅδου (haidou)" is "Hades" (the underworld), "οὐ (ou)" means "not," "κατισχύσουσιν (katischysousin)" means "shall prevail," and "αὐτῆς (autēs)" means "against it" (referring to the church).

Frequently Asked Questions (PAAs)

While a direct "People Also Ask" section isn't consistently present across search engines for this specific phrase, common questions related to Matthew 16:18 include:

What is the meaning of "petra" in Matthew 16:18?

The meaning of "petra" in Matthew 16:18 is a central point of theological debate. Some interpret it as referring to Peter himself, emphasizing his role as the foundation of the Church. Others believe it refers to the confession of faith Peter made – that Jesus is the Christ – highlighting the importance of this belief as the foundation of the Church. Still others suggest a combination of both, seeing Peter's confession as the rock upon which the Church is built.

Is Matthew 16:18 proof of Papal authority?

The interpretation of Matthew 16:18 as proof of Papal authority is a significant point of contention between Catholic and Protestant theologians. Catholics often see this verse as establishing Peter as the first Pope and giving the papacy a unique authority. Protestants generally argue that the "rock" refers to Christ or Peter's confession of faith, not Peter himself. The interpretation of this verse remains a key point of difference in ecclesiology.

What are the different interpretations of Matthew 16:18?

As mentioned above, interpretations of Matthew 16:18 vary widely. The primary interpretations center around whether "petra" refers to Peter, his confession, or a combination of both. Understanding the historical and linguistic context is essential in evaluating these different perspectives. Each interpretation leads to different implications for the nature of church authority and leadership.

How does Matthew 16:18 relate to the building of the Church?

Matthew 16:18 highlights the essential role of faith in Jesus Christ as the foundation upon which the Church is built. Regardless of the specific interpretation of "petra," the verse underscores the enduring nature of the Church, divinely protected against the forces of opposition. This verse serves as a powerful declaration of the Church's stability and divine promise.

This detailed examination of Matthew 16:18 in its original Greek, along with the exploration of common questions surrounding its interpretation, provides a comprehensive understanding of this crucial biblical passage. The enduring significance of this verse remains a subject of ongoing theological discussion and interpretation.