Mathew
Here is a list of words and their definitions that may need to be defined in the Gospel of Matthew (ESV)
I. Jewish Religious Groups, Leaders, and Institutions:
Pharisees (e.g., Matthew 3:7; 5:20; 9:11, 14, 34; 12:2, 14, 24, 38; 15:1, 12; 16:1, 6, 11-12; 19:3; 21:45; 22:15, 34, 41; 23:2, 13-15, 23, 25-27, 29; 27:62): A prominent Jewish religious and political party during the Second Temple period (roughly 516 BC – 70 AD). They were known for their strict observance of both the written Law of Moses and the oral traditions (interpretations and applications of the Law passed down by rabbis). While some Pharisees were sincere, Matthew often portrays them as hypocritical, legalistic, and in conflict with Jesus' teachings on true righteousness and the spirit of the Law.
Sadducees (e.g., Matthew 3:7; 16:1, 6, 11-12; 22:23, 34): Another major Jewish sect during the Second Temple period, largely composed of the wealthy priestly aristocracy. They differed from the Pharisees in several key aspects: they accepted only the written Law of Moses (the Torah) as authoritative, rejecting oral traditions, and they did not believe in the resurrection of the dead, angels, or spirits. They often held significant political power through their control of the Temple.
Scribes (e.g., Matthew 2:4; 5:20; 7:29; 8:19; 9:3; 13:52; 15:1; 16:21; 17:10; 20:18; 21:15; 23:2, 13-15, 23, 25, 27, 29, 34; 26:3, 57; 27:41): Professional interpreters and teachers of the Jewish Law (Torah). They were experts in the scriptures, responsible for copying, studying, and expounding upon them. Many scribes were Pharisees, but not all. Jesus often challenged their interpretations and accused them of hypocrisy and burdening the people with legalistic requirements.
Elders (of the people / of the Jews) (e.g., Matthew 15:2; 16:21; 21:23; 26:3, 47, 57; 27:1, 3, 12, 20, 41; 28:12): Respected leaders within the Jewish community, often members of prominent families or the Sanhedrin (the Jewish high council). They held significant social, political, and religious authority.
Chief Priests (e.g., Matthew 2:4; 16:21; 20:18; 21:15, 23, 45; 26:3, 14, 47, 51, 57-59, 62-63, 65; 27:1, 3, 6, 12, 20, 41, 62; 28:11): The leading members of the priesthood, including the high priest and other high-ranking priests who served in the Temple in Jerusalem. They held considerable religious and political power and were often Sadducees. They played a key role in Jesus' arrest and crucifixion.
High Priest (e.g., Matthew 26:3, 51, 57-58, 62-63, 65; 27:62 [implied with chief priests]): The highest-ranking religious official in Judaism, the head of the priesthood, and president of the Sanhedrin. During Jesus' trial, Caiaphas was the high priest.
Sanhedrin / Council (e.g., Matthew 5:22; 26:59; also implied in gatherings of chief priests, scribes, and elders): The supreme Jewish religious and judicial body in Jerusalem, composed of chief priests, scribes, and elders (both Pharisees and Sadducees). It had authority over many aspects of Jewish life but its power in capital cases was limited under Roman rule.
Synagogue (e.g., Matthew 4:23; 6:2, 5; 9:35; 10:17; 12:9; 13:54; 23:6, 34): A Jewish place of assembly for communal worship, prayer, reading and study of the Scriptures (Torah and Prophets), and local governance. Synagogues were found throughout Judea, Galilee, and the Jewish diaspora.
Temple (e.g., Matthew 4:5; 12:5-6; 21:12-15, 23; 23:16-21, 35, 38; 24:1-2; 26:55, 61; 27:5, 40, 51): The central place of Jewish worship in Jerusalem, considered the dwelling place of God's presence. It was the site of animal sacrifices and major religious festivals. Matthew records Jesus cleansing the Temple and prophesying its destruction.
Holy Place (Matthew 24:15): The sacred area within the Temple, distinct from the Most Holy Place. The "abomination of desolation standing in the holy place" is a prophetic reference.
Treasury (in the Temple) (Matthew 27:6; Mark 12:41, 43; Luke 21:1; John 8:20): The place in the Temple where offerings and contributions were collected.
Sabbath (e.g., Matthew 12:1-2, 5, 8, 10-12; 24:20; 28:1): The seventh day of the week (Saturday), set apart by God as a day of rest and worship, in accordance with the Ten Commandments. Jesus often came into conflict with the Pharisees over their overly strict and burdensome interpretations of Sabbath observance.
Altar (Matthew 5:23-24; 23:18-20, 35): The sacred structure in the Temple (or elsewhere) on which sacrifices or offerings were made to God.
Corban / Gift (devoted to God) (Matthew 15:5-6, referring to Mark 7:11): Though the term "Corban" isn't explicitly in Matthew ESV, the concept is. It refers to an offering or anything declared as "a gift to God." Jesus condemned the practice of using this declaration to evade the responsibility of caring for one's parents.
Phylacteries (Matthew 23:5): Small leather boxes containing parchment scrolls inscribed with specific verses from the Torah (Exodus 13:1-10, 11-16; Deuteronomy 6:4-9, 11:13-21). Observant Jewish men wore them on their foreheads and left arms during weekday morning prayers, as a literal interpretation of Deuteronomy 6:8. Jesus criticized some for making their phylacteries wide for show.
Fringes (Matthew 9:20; 14:36; 23:5): Tassels (Hebrew: tzitzit) that Israelites were commanded to wear on the corners of their garments (Numbers 15:38-41) as a reminder of God's commandments. Jesus criticized some for making their fringes long for ostentation.
Genealogy / Family record (Matthew 1:1-17): A record of ancestry. Matthew begins his Gospel with a genealogy of Jesus Christ, tracing His lineage back to David and Abraham to establish His messianic credentials for a Jewish audience.
II. Key Theological Concepts and Titles for Jesus:
Kingdom of Heaven / Kingdom of God (e.g., Matthew 3:2; 4:17, 23; 5:3, 10, 19-20; 6:10, 33; 7:21; 8:11-12; 9:35; 10:7; 11:11-12; 12:28; 13:11, 19, 24, 31, 33, 38, 41, 43-45, 47, 52; 16:19, 28; 18:1, 3-4, 23; 19:12, 14, 23-24; 20:1, 21; 21:31, 43; 22:2; 23:13; 24:14; 25:1, 34; 26:29): A central theme in Matthew's Gospel. "Kingdom of Heaven" is Matthew's preferred term (likely out of Jewish reverence for the divine name, using "Heaven" as a circumlocution for "God"), while other Gospels often use "Kingdom of God." It refers to God's sovereign reign and rule, both as a present reality in the person and ministry of Jesus and as a future, eschatological hope when His rule will be perfectly and universally established. It involves righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Messiah / Christ (Hebrew: Mashiach; Greek: Christos) (e.g., Matthew 1:1, 16-18; 2:4; 11:2; 16:16, 20; 22:42; 23:10; 24:5, 23-24; 26:63, 68; 27:17, 22): Meaning "Anointed One." In the Old Testament, kings, priests, and sometimes prophets were anointed with oil for their office. By Jesus' time, it specifically referred to the promised deliverer from the line of David who would restore God's kingdom, save His people, and fulfill Old Testament prophecies. Matthew presents Jesus as this long-awaited Messiah.
Son of David (e.g., Matthew 1:1, 20; 9:27; 12:23; 15:22; 20:30-31; 21:9, 15; 22:42, 45): A key messianic title, emphasizing Jesus' royal lineage from King David and His role as the heir to the Davidic covenant and throne.
Son of Man (e.g., Matthew 8:20; 9:6; 10:23; 11:19; 12:8, 32, 40; 13:37, 41; 16:13, 27-28; 17:9, 12, 22; 18:11 [KJV/TR, not in modern ESV]; 19:28; 20:18, 28; 24:27, 30, 37, 39, 44; 25:13 [KJV/TR, not ESV], 31; 26:2, 24, 45, 64): Jesus' most frequent self-designation in the Gospels. It can simply mean "human being" (cf. Ezekiel), but in many contexts, especially drawing on Daniel 7:13-14, it refers to a divine, heavenly figure with authority to forgive sins, judge, and who will suffer, die, rise again, and come in glory.
Son of God (e.g., Matthew 2:15; 3:17; 4:3, 6; 8:29; 11:27; 14:33; 16:16; 17:5; 26:63; 27:40, 43, 54): A title affirming Jesus' unique, divine relationship with God the Father. It signifies His divine nature, authority, and messianic identity.
Immanuel (Matthew 1:23): A Hebrew name meaning "God with us," quoted from Isaiah 7:14 and applied to Jesus, signifying His divine presence among His people.
Fulfill / Fulfillment (of prophecy) (e.g., Matthew 1:22; 2:15, 17, 23; 3:15; 4:14; 5:17-18; 8:17; 12:17; 13:14, 35; 21:4; 26:54, 56; 27:9): A major theme in Matthew, who repeatedly demonstrates how Jesus' birth, life, ministry, death, and resurrection fulfilled the prophecies of the Old Testament, thereby confirming His messianic identity.
Repent / Repentance (e.g., Matthew 3:2, 8, 11; 4:17; 9:13; 11:20-21; 12:41; 21:29, 32; 27:3): To turn away from sin and toward God, involving a change of mind, heart, and behavior. Both John the Baptist and Jesus began their ministries with a call to repentance in view of the coming Kingdom of Heaven.
Faith (e.g., Matthew 8:10, 13, 26; 9:2, 22, 28-29; 13:58; 14:31; 15:28; 16:8; 17:17, 20; 21:21-22, 25, 32; 23:23; 24:10; 25:21, 23; 27:42): Trust, belief, and reliance upon God or Jesus Christ, often leading to healing, salvation, or answers to prayer. Lack of faith is also noted.
Righteousness (e.g., Matthew 3:15; 5:6, 10, 20; 6:1, 33; 21:32; 23:23, 28-29, 35; 25:37, 46; 27:4, 19, 24): Conformity to God's will and law, moral uprightness, and justice. Matthew emphasizes a righteousness that surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, involving inward transformation and sincere obedience.
Law (Torah) (e.g., Matthew 5:17-19; 7:12; 11:13; 12:5; 15:6; 22:36, 40; 23:23): The divine instruction given by God through Moses, found in the first five books of the Old Testament. Jesus affirmed the abiding validity of the Law but also taught its true meaning and fulfillment in Himself.
Grace (While the specific noun "grace" [charis] is not as prominent in Matthew as in Paul's letters, the concept of God's unmerited favor, compassion, and saving action is evident throughout, e.g., Jesus' healings, forgiveness of sins, and teachings on God's mercy): God's unmerited favor, kindness, and saving power extended to humanity.
Forgiveness (of sins) (e.g., Matthew 6:12, 14-15; 9:2, 5-6; 12:31-32; 18:21-35; 26:28): The act of pardoning or remitting sins, a central aspect of Jesus' ministry and the New Covenant.
Judgment (e.g., Matthew 5:21-22; 7:1-2; 10:15; 11:20-24; 12:18, 20, 36-37, 41-42; 16:27; 19:28; Chapters 24-25; 27:19): God's assessment and rendering of justice, both in the present and eschatologically at the end of the age, involving reward for the righteous and punishment for the wicked.
Parable (e.g., Matthew 13:3, 10, 13, 18, 24, 31, 33-36, 53; 15:15; 21:28, 33, 45; 22:1; 24:32; 25:1, 14): A short story, often drawn from everyday life, used by Jesus to illustrate a spiritual or moral truth about the Kingdom of Heaven.
Gehenna / Hell (e.g., Matthew 5:22, 29-30; 10:28; 18:9; 23:15, 33): The place of final, eternal punishment for the wicked, often described with imagery of fire. Derived from the name of the Valley of Hinnom south of Jerusalem, which was once a site of child sacrifice and later a burning rubbish heap.
Beelzebul (Matthew 10:25; 12:24, 27): A derogatory name for Satan or the prince of demons, used by Jesus' opponents to accuse Him of casting out demons by demonic power.
Mammon (Matthew 6:24): An Aramaic term for wealth, riches, or material possessions, personified by Jesus as a master that competes with God for a person's allegiance.
Hypocrite / Hypocrisy (e.g., Matthew 6:2, 5, 16; 7:5; 15:7; 22:18; 23:13-15, 23, 25, 27-29; 24:51): One who feigns righteousness or piety; the practice of claiming to have moral standards or beliefs to which one's own behavior does not conform. Jesus strongly condemned the hypocrisy of some religious leaders.
III. Discipleship and Ethical Terms:
Disciple (e.g., Matthew 5:1; 8:21, 23, 25; 9:10-11, 14, 19, 37; 10:1, 24-25, 42; and frequently throughout): A learner or follower of Jesus, committed to His teachings and way of life. The twelve apostles were His closest disciples.
Sermon on the Mount (Matthew Chapters 5-7): A foundational discourse by Jesus outlining the ethics, righteousness, and way of life expected in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12): A series of blessings proclaimed by Jesus upon those who possess certain spiritual qualities (e.g., poor in spirit, mourn, meek, hunger and thirst for righteousness, merciful, pure in heart, peacemakers, persecuted).
Abba (While the Aramaic term "Abba" is not directly in Matthew ESV, the concept of God as Father is central, e.g., Matthew 5:16, 45, 48; 6:1, 4, 6, 8-9, 14-15, 18, 26, 32; 7:11, 21; etc.): An Aramaic term for "father," expressing intimacy and trust. Jesus taught His disciples to address God as "Our Father."
Gentiles / Nations (e.g., Matthew 4:15; 5:47; 6:7, 32; 10:5, 18; 12:18, 21; 20:19, 25; 24:7, 9, 14; 25:32; 28:19): Non-Jewish peoples. Matthew portrays Jesus' mission as initially focused on Israel but ultimately extending to all nations (the Great Commission, 28:19).
Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20): Jesus' final command to His disciples to "go therefore and make disciples of all nations," baptizing them and teaching them to observe all that He commanded.
This list provides definitions for many of the key terms encountered in the Gospel of Matthew (ESV). Understanding these within their original historical, cultural, and theological context is vital for a deeper appreciation of Matthew's unique portrayal of Jesus as the Messiah and King who inaugurates the Kingdom of Heaven.