 |
|
|
|
The New Testament
Querying the QM Thesis
Matthew 21 (except 28-32)/Mark 11:1-12:12/Luke 19:28-20:19
J. P. Holding
Sectional Analysis
| Matthew |
And when they-drew-near to Jerusalem and came into Bethphage toward the Mount of Olives then the Jesus sent two disciples saying to-them You-go into the village the one-opposite you and at-once you-will-find ass tied and colt with her loosening lead to-me. And if any to-you say any you-will-say The Lord of-them need has at-once and he-will-send them. this But all occurred that may-be-fulfilled that spoken through the prophet saying (Is. 62:11/Zech 9:9). having-gone And the disciples and having-done as ordered them the Jesus they-led the ass and the colt and put upon them the garments of-them and he-sat on them. the And very-great crowd strewed themselves the garments in the way. |
| Mark |
And when they-drew-near to Jerusalem to Bethphage and Bethany toward the Mount of Olives he sends two of disciples of-him and says to-them Go into the village opposite you and at-once you-will-find colt tied on which no-one men has-sat. Having-loosed lead. And if any to-you say Why do-you-do this? Say for the Lord of-it need has. And at-once will-send here. having-gone And found the colt being-tied to the door outside on the crossway and they-loosen it. And some of those there standing said to-them What do-you-do loosening the colt? they And said to-them even-as commanded the Jesus and they-let-go them. And they-led the colt to the Jesus and they put on it the garments of-them and he-sat on it. many And the garments of-them strewed into the way. |
| Luke |
And it-happened as he-drew-near to Bethphage and Bethany toward the Mount being-called Olives he-sent two of disciples of-him saying Go into the opposite village in-which having-entered you-will-find colt having-been-tied on which no-one ever-yet of-men sat; having-loosed it bring. And if any you asks Why do-you-loose? Thus you-shall say to-them the Lord of-it need has. having-gone And those being-sent found even-as he-told them loosing And them the colt said the owners of-it to-them Why do you-loose the colt? they And said the Lord of-it need has. And they-led it to the Jesus and having-thrown-on of themselves the garments on the colt they-put-on the Jesus going And him they-spread-out the garments of-them into the way. |
Matthew has added his didactic OT reference (see here on the donkeys); Mark has his eyewitness touches (the location by the door); Luke has much the same as Mark but with words reversed in a way that points to note-taking.
Hawkins [Hawk.HS, 120] offers a barely comprehensible objection for Marcan priority, saying that Mark's "Straightaway he will send him back hither" has "seemed to detract from the dignity of the request, and from the importance of the impression made by it." (This reflects a textual variation in Mark that is not in the Received Text, shown above.) How this "detraction" occurs other than by imagination is not explained. If anything it would show Jesus honorably and positively following the standard rules for borrowing.
| Matthew |
others And were-cutting branches (2798) from the trees and were-spreading (4766) in the way. the And crowds those going before and those following were-crying-out (2896) saying Hosanna to Son David Blessed he coming in name Lord Hosanna in the highest. And having-entered of-him into Jerusalem was-shaken all the city saying Who is this? the And crowds were-saying This is Jesus the prophet one from Nazareth of Galilee. |
| Mark |
others and branches (4746) were-cutting from the trees and were-spreading in the way. And those going before and those following were-crying-out saying Hosanna has-been blessed the having-coming in name Lord Blessed the coming kingdom in name of Lord the father of-us David. Hosanna in the highest. And entered into Jerusalem Jesus and into the temple And having-looked-around things late already being the hour he-went-out to Bethany with the twelve. |
| Luke |
drawing-near And him already to the descent of Mount of Olives began all the multitude of disciples rejoicing praise the God with voice loud concerning all which they-saw works power saying Blessed the coming king in name Lord peace in heaven and glory in highest-places. |
Luke's version is more suitable and intelligible for a Roman magistrate. The different word for branches in Matt and Mark again suggest a common source in another language. Here again Matthew shows his own focus, emphasizing the reaction about the "Son of David." Redactional points like Matt adding "Son of David" are taken as a sign of Marcan priority, since Mark does not have them, but are just as well seen as additions to a common oral core.
| Matthew |
And went-in the Jesus into the temple of God and threw-out all those selling and buying in the temple And the tables of moneychangers he-overthrew and the seats of selling the doves And he-says to-them it-has-been-written (Is. 56:7) you but it have-made. And came-near to-him blind and lame in the temple and he-healed them. having-seen But the chief-priests and the scribes the wonders which he-did and the children crying-out in the temple and saying Hosanna to Son David they-were-incensed and said to-him do-you-hear what these say? the And Jesus says to-them Yes, never did-you-read (Ps. 8:2). And leaving them he-went out of city to Bethany and lodged there. |
| Mark |
And on morrow having-gone-out they from Bethany hungered And seeing fig-tree afar having leaves came if perhaps he-will-find something in it. And coming upon it nothing he-found except leaves not for it was season of-figs And answering the Jesus said to-it No-more from you to the age no-one fruit may-eat. And heard the disciples of-him. And they-come into Jerusalem. And entering the Jesus into the temple he-began to-throw-out those selling and buying in the temple And the tables of moneychangers and the seats of selling the doves he-overthrew and not he-allowed that any may carry vessel through the temple. And he-taught saying to-them has it-been-written that (Is. 56:7) you but have-made-it (Jer. 7:11). And heard the scribes and the chief-priests and they-sought how him they-might-destroy they-feared For him because all the crowd was-astounded at the doctrine of-him. |
| Luke |
And some of Pharisees from the crowd said to him Teacher rebuke the disciples of-you And answering he-said to-them I-say to-you for if these should-be-silent the stones will-cry-out. (41-44 no parallel) And having-entered into the temple he-began to throw-out those selling in it and buying saying to-them it-has-been-written (Is. 56:7) you but it made (Jer. 7:11). And he-was teaching the day by-day in the temple the but chief priests and the scribes sought him to-kill also the chief-men of people and not found the what they might do the people for all hung-upon him hearing. |
Luke modifies again somewhat for his Roman reader and also replaces the fig-tree episode with a lament over Jerusalem that offers much the same message. The fig tree story itself bears scrutiny: Mark's artificial "sandwich" technique suggests that he is not reporting historical order, whereas Matthew is. (For convenience the relevant portion of Mark will be repeated below.) Thus as well Hawkins' [Hawk.HS, 118] claim for Marcan priority in that the observation of the tree withering the next morning, rather than right away, "might be dropped as obscuring the signal character of the miracle," falls flat (and relies on a paranoid reading to begin with).
| Matthew |
early And returning into the city hungered and seeing fig-tree one on the way went-up to it and nothing found in it except leaves only. And he-says to-it no-longer from you fruit may-be to the age. And was-dried-up instantly the fig-tree. And having seen the disciples marveled saying How instantly was-dried-up the fig-tree answering the And Jesus said to-them Truly I-say to-you if you-have faith and not do-doubt not only that of fig-tree you-will-do but also if mountain to-this you-say Be-taken and thrown into the sea it-will-happen (1096) and all what ever you-ask in the prayer believing you-will-receive. |
| Mark |
(And on morrow having-gone-out they from Bethany hungered And seeing fig-tree afar having leaves came if perhaps he-will-find something in it. And coming upon it nothing he-found except leaves not for it was season of-figs And answering the Jesus said to-it No-more from you to the age no-one fruit may-eat. And heard the disciples of-him.) And when evening was he went-forth out of the city. And early passing-along they-saw the fig-tree was-dried-up from roots. And remembering the Peter says to-him Rabbi, behold the fig-tree which you-cursed has dried-up. And answering Jesus says to-them have faith of-God Truly for I-say to-you that who ever says the mountain to-this Be-taken and thrown into the sea and not does-doubt in the heart of-him it-will-be (2071) to-him whatever he-says. And when you-stand having-prayed forgive if any you have against any that also the Father of-you the in heaven may-forgive you the transgressions of-you. If but you not do-forgive neither the Father of-you in the heaven will-forgive the transgressions of-you. |
| Luke |
(no parallel) |
Mark adds more eyewitness detail, and here Marcan prioritists argue that Matt shows signs of posterity, for he does not have Jesus walking over to the fig tree and finding nothing on it. Oddly enough they think Matthew found this to be an embarrassing lack of omniscience and supposes he put the tree closer to the road, but there is no sign that he does, and omniscience would be just as embarrassed not knowing the day before they came that the tree had no fruit on it. This is an overread in service of supporting a weak thesis. The more prosaic answer is that these differences simply reflect variable oral transmission.
| Matthew |
And having-come him into the temple came-near to-him teaching the chief-priests and the elders of people saying By what authority these do-you? And who to-you gave the authority this? answering And the Jesus said to-them will-question (2065) you I-also word one which if you-tell me I-also you will-tell by what authority these I-do. The baptism John from where was it? heaven or from men? they And reasoned (1260) by themselves saying If we-say heaven will-say to-us Why then not you-believed him? If we-say from men we-fear the crowd (3793) all for they-hold John as prophet. And answering the Jesus they-said Not we-know. said to-them And he, Neither I do-tell you by what authority these I-do. (28-32, no parallel) |
| Mark |
And they-come again into Jerusalem And in the temple walking-around him come to him the chief-priests and the scribes and the elders. And they say to-him By what authority these do-you? And who to-you the authority this gave that these you-do? the But Jesus answering said to-them I-will-ask (1905) you I-also one word and answer to-me and I-will-tell you by what authority these I-do. The baptism John from heaven was or from men? Answer me! they And they-argued (3049) with themselves saying If we-say from heaven will-say Why then not you-did-believe him? But if we-say from men they-feared the people (2992) all for held the John that really prophet. And answering they-say to Jesus Not we-know. And the Jesus answering says to-them Neither I tell you by what authority these I-do. |
| Luke |
And it-happened on one the days those teaching him the people in the temple and proclaiming-the-gospel came-upon the chief-priests and the scribes with the elders and spoke to him saying Tell us by what authority these do-you or who one the giving you the authority this answering And he-said to-them will-ask (2065) you I-also one word and you-tell me: The baptism John was or from men? they And debated (4817) to themselves saying If we-say from heaven will-say Why then not you-believed him? if And we-say from men all the people will-stone is having-been-convinced for it-is John prophet to-be And they-answered not-to-know from-where. And Jesus said to-them Neither do-I tell you by what authority these I-do. |
Three different Greek words for what the Pharisees did among themselves and the other variables bespeak again a common Aramaic source available.
| Matthew |
Another parable hear: man certain was housemaster who planted vineyard and hedge it put-around and dug in it winepress (3025) and built tower and rented it vinedressers and departed. when And drew-near the season of fruits he-sent the slaves of-him to the vinedressers to-receive the fruits of-it. And having-taken the vinedressers the slaves of-him this one they-beat one and they-killed one and they-stoned Again he-sent other slaves more the last and they-did to-them likewise. later But he-sent to them the son of-him saying They-will-respect the son of me. the But vinedressers having-seen the son said among themselves This is the heir come let-us-kill him and let-us-possess the inheritance of-him. And taking him they-threw out from vineyard and killed. When therefore comes the lord of vineyard what will-he-do vinedressers those? |
| Mark |
And he-began to-them in parables to-speak Vineyard planted man and put-around hedge and dug in it winevat (5276) and built tower and rented it vinedressers and departed. And he-sent to the vinedressers at season slave that from the vinedressers to-receive from the fruits to-the vineyard. they But And having-taken him they-beat and sent-away empty. And again he-sent to them another slave that-he having-stoned they-struck-in-the-head and sent-away insulting-him And again another he-sent That-one they-killed and many others these indeed beating these and killing. Still then one son having beloved his-own he-sent also him to them last saying They-will-respect the son of me. those But the vinedressers said among themselves for This is the heir come let-us-kill him and of-us will-be the inheritance. And taking him they-killed and threw out the vineyard. What then will-do the lord of vineyard? |
| Luke |
he-began And to the people to-speak parable this man certain planted vineyard and let-out it to vinedressers and departed periods considerable. And in time he-sent to the vinedressers slave that from the fruit of-the vineyard they-will give-him. the But vinedressers having-beaten him sent-away empty. And he-added to-send another slave they but that one also-having-beaten and having-insulted sent-away empty. And he-added to-send third they but also this one wounding threw-out. said And the Lord of vineyard What may-I-do? I-will-send the son of me the beloved perhaps this having-seen they-will-respect. having-seen And him the vinedressers reasoned to themselves saying This is the heir come let-us-kill him that of-us may-be the inheritance. And having thrown-out him out of the vineyard they killed. What then will-do the lord of vineyard? |
It is interesting for example that whereas Mark has the men kill the son and throw him out, Matt and Luke have that order reversed. We have a sign here of an Ur-Matthew in Luke's hands. Hawkins [Hawk.HS, 124] thinks we see Marcan priority in that "the interpretation of the parable becomes easier" if the killing and casting out are transposed as Matt and Mark have. How it becomes "easier" is not explained; what we more likely have is a simple oral or memory-copying variation.
| Matthew |
They-say to-him Bad men badly he-will-destroy them and the vineyard he-will-give-out other vinedressers who will-give-over to-him the fruits in the seasons of-them. Says to-them the Jesus Never did-you-read in the Scriptures (Ps. 118:22-3) Because this I-say to-you that will-be-taken from you the kingdom of God and will-be-given-to nation producing the fruits of-it. And one falling on the stone this will-be-broken-up upon whom but it-fall it-will-pulverize him. And hearing the chief-priests and the Pharisees the parables of-him they-knew that about then he-speaks And seeking him to-seize they-feared the crowds because as prophet him they-held. |
| Mark |
He-will-come and will-destroy the vinedressers and will-give the vineyard to-others not even scripture this did you read (Ps.118:22-3) And they-sought him to-seize and feared the crowd. they-knew For that against them the parable he-told. And leaving him they-went-away. |
| Luke |
He-will-come and will-destroy the vinedressers these and will-give the vineyard to-others having heard And they-said Not let-it-be! he And having-looked at-them said What then is the having-been-written this (Ps. 118:22) Everyone the having-fallen on that the stone will-be-broken-in-pieces but on whom ever it-falls will-crush him. And sought the chief priests and the scribes to-lay on him the hands in same the hour, and feared the people they-knew for that against them the parable this he-told. |
Luke's composition once again shows awareness of elements of Mark and Matt together, which again points to an Ur-Matthew available to him.
Ur-Matthew Reconstruction
And when they-drew-near to Jerusalem and came into Bethphage toward the Mount of Olives then the Jesus sent two disciples saying to-them You-go into the village the one-opposite you and at-once you-will-find tied colt loosening lead to-me. And if any to-you say any you-will-say The Lord of-it need has at-once. having-gone And the disciples and having-done as ordered them the Jesus they-led the colt and put upon it the garments of-them and he-sat on them. the And very-great crowd strewed themselves the garments in the way. others and branches were-cutting from the trees and were-spreading in the way. And those going before and those following were-crying-out saying Hosanna has-been blessed the having-coming in name Lord Blessed the coming kingdom in name of Lord the father of-us David. Hosanna in the highest.
And went-in the Jesus into the temple of God and threw-out all those selling and buying in the temple And the tables of moneychangers he-overthrew and the seats of selling the doves And he-says to-them it-has-been-written (Is. 56:7) you but it have-made. And came-near to-him blind and lame in the temple and he-healed them. having-seen But the chief-priests and the scribes were-incensed and said to-him do-you-hear what these say? the And Jesus says to-them I-say to-you for if these should-be-silent the stones will-cry-out
early And returning into the city hungered and seeing fig-tree one on the way went-up to it and nothing found in it except leaves only. And he-says to-it no-longer from you fruit may-be to the age. And was-dried-up instantly the fig-tree. And having seen the disciples marveled saying How instantly was-dried-up the fig-tree answering the And Jesus said to-them Truly I-say to-you if you-have faith and not do-doubt not only that of fig-tree you-will-do but also if mountain to-this you-say Be-taken and thrown into the sea it-will-happen
And having-come him into the temple came-near to-him teaching the chief-priests and the elders of people saying By what authority these do-you? And who to-you gave the authority this? answering And the Jesus said to-them will-question you I-also word one which if you-tell me I-also you will-tell by what authority these I-do. The baptism John from where was it? heaven or from men? they And reasoned by themselves saying If we-say heaven will-say to-us Why then not you-believed him? If we-say from men we-fear the crowd all for they-hold John as prophet. And answering the Jesus they-said Not we-know. said to-them And he, Neither I do-tell you by what authority these I-do.
Another parable hear: man certain was housemaster who planted vineyard and hedge it put-around and dug in it winepress (3025) and built tower and rented it vinedressers and departed. when And drew-near the season of fruits he-sent the slaves of-him to the vinedressers to-receive the fruits of-it. And having-taken the vinedressers the slaves of-him this one they-beat one and they-killed one and they-stoned Again he-sent other slaves more the last and they-did to-them likewise. later But he-sent to them the son of-him saying They-will-respect the son of me. the But vinedressers having-seen the son said among themselves This is the heir come let-us-kill him and let-us-possess the inheritance of-him. And taking him they-threw out from vineyard and killed. When therefore comes the lord of vineyard what will-he-do vinedressers those? He-will-come and will-destroy the vinedressers these and will-give the vineyard to-others having heard And they-said Not let-it-be! he And having-looked at-them said What then is the having-been-written this (Ps. 118:22) Everyone the having-fallen on that the stone will-be-broken-in-pieces but on whom ever it-falls will-crush him. And sought the chief priests and the scribes to-lay on him the hands in same the hour, and feared the people they-knew for that against them the parable this he-told.
Go Home! |
|
|
