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Matthew 12:41-42 Nineveh and the queen of the south
by RS  admin@creationpie.org : 1024 x 640


1. Matthew 12:41-42 Nineveh and the queen of the south
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2. Matthew 12:38-40 Sign verses
Verse routeMatthew 12:38 Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee. [kjv]

Verse route12:39 But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas: [kjv]

Verse route12:40 For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. [kjv]

MWHB: What do you believe?
Logo: Moments with the book
Pamphlet available from MWTB (Moments With The Book) at https://mwtb.org/products/what-do-you-believe. (as of 2025-09-18).

Information sign More: Matthew 12:38-40 Sign sign everywhere a sign

3. Matthew 12:38-40 Sign sign everywhere a sign
Verse routeMatthew 12:38 Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee. [kjv]
Verse routeτοτε απεκριθησαν αυτω τινες των γραμματεων και φαρισαιων λεγοντες διδασκαλε θελομεν απο σου σημειον ιδειν [gnt]

The English word "sign" comes, through French, from the Latin word "signum""mark, sign, token".

The ancient Greek word "σημεῖον""mark, sign, omen, flag" and is related to the English word "semantic" as in "meaning" and the first part of the English word "semaphore".

In the Middle Ages, in English, some words for "sign" were translated as "miracle".
[Philosopher Immanuel Kant]

Information sign More: Miraculous signs of the Messiah
Information sign More: Matthew 12:38-40 Sign sign everywhere a sign

4. Matthew 12:39 Paraphrase
Verse routeMatthew 12:39 But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas: [kjv]
Verse routeο δε αποκριθεις ειπεν αυτοις γενεα πονηρα και μοιχαλις σημειον επιζητει και σημειον ου δοθησεται αυτη ει μη το σημειον ιωνα του προφητου [gnt]

Evil and fornication Adulterous and effeminancy Generation and earth new/young Sign and Messiah
Seek and play Sign and Messiah Shall be given and shall be pitted If not and I am
Sign and Messiah Jonah and age/forever Prophets and planted before (ones)
Greek word order: ... and sign no shall be given[shall be pitted] if not the sign Jonah [ages] (of the) prophet.

... more to be added ...

Information sign More: Matthew 12:38-40 Sign sign everywhere a sign

5. Matthew 12:40 Paraphrase
Verse routeMatthew 12:40 For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. [kjv]
Verse routeωσπερ γαρ ην ιωνας εν τη κοιλια του κητους τρεις ημερας και τρεις νυκτας ουτως εσται ο υιος του ανθρωπου εν τη καρδια της γης τρεις ημερας και τρεις νυκτας [gnt]

Jonah and age/forever Belly and wolves Whale and wall
Three and tree Day and wilderness Three and tree Night and beast

Might the play on words just be a coincidence?

Information sign More: Matthew 12:38-40 Sign sign everywhere a sign

6. Matthew 12:41-42 Nineveh and the queen of the south
Verse routeMatthew 12:41 The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here. [kjv]

Verse route12:42 The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here. [kjv]

These verses connect the three days and three night verses right before and the unclean spirit and seven other spirits right after.

7. Matthew 12:41
 All 
KJV: The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here.
Greek: ανδρες νινευιται αναστησονται εν τη κρισει μετα της γενεας ταυτης και κατακρινουσιν αυτην οτι μετενοησαν εις το κηρυγμα ιωνα και ιδου πλειον ιωνα ωδε
Latin: viri ninevitae surgent in iudicio cum generatione ista et condemnabunt eam quia paenitentiam egerunt in praedicatione Ionae et ecce plus quam Iona hic
Wessex: Niniueissce weres ariseð on dome mid þisse cneornysse & hyo niðeriað hyo. for-þan þe hyo dyden dead-bote on Ionases bodiunge. & þes ys mare þanne Ionas.
Wycliffe: Men of Nynyue schulen rise in doom with this generacioun, and schulen condempne it; for thei diden penaunce in the prechyng of Jonas, and lo! here a gretter than Jonas.
Tyndale: The men of Ninivie shall rise at the daye of iugdement with this nacion and condemne them: for they amended at ye preachinge of Ionas. And beholde a greater then Ionas is here.
Slavonic: Мужие Ниневитстии востанут на суд с родом сим и осудят его, яко покаяшася проповедию Иониною: и се, боле Ионы зде.

8. Matthew 12:41 Nineveh and Jonah
Verse routeMatthew 12:41 The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here. [kjv]
Verse routeανδρες νινευιται αναστησονται εν τη κρισει μετα της γενεας ταυτης και κατακρινουσιν αυτην οτι μετενοησαν εις το κηρυγμα ιωνα και ιδου πλειον ιωνα ωδε [gnt]

The Greek translated as "rise" is that of "stand up".

9. Matthew 12:42 Sheba
Verse routeMatthew 12:42 The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here. [kjv]
Verse routeβασιλισσα νοτου εγερθησεται εν τη κρισει μετα της γενεας ταυτης και κατακρινει αυτην οτι ηλθεν εκ των περατων της γης ακουσαι την σοφιαν σολομωνος και ιδου πλειον σολομωνος ωδε [gnt]


10. Dual tracks
There are dual tracks in these two verses. Removing the common parts, or similarities, results in the following differences where the first column is plural and the second column is singular.

men (plural) queen (singular)
of Nineveh (north) of the south (Sheba)
(north, in modern Iraq) (Sheba, in modern Yemen)
stand up be woken/raised up/resurrected
repented (thought after)
into the preaching of Jonah
came from the
uttermost parts of the earth/sand
to hear the wisdom of Solomon
(more than) Jonah (is here) (more than) Solomon (is here)

Let us look at the various parts.

11. Strongs - stand up
*G450 *107 ἀνίστημι (an-is'-tay-mee) : from G303 and G2476; to stand up (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive):--arise, lift up, raise up (again), rise (again), stand up(-right).
Word usage per chapter Words: αναπηδησας αναστα=2 ανασταν ανασταντες=6 αναστας=35 αναστασα=2 αναστη=2 αναστηθι=7 αναστηναι=7 αναστησας=3 αναστησει=3 αναστησεται=5 αναστησονται=4 αναστησω=4 αναστωσιν=2 ανεστη=15 ανεστησαν=2 ανεστησεν=4 ανισταμενος ανιστασθαι ανισταται

12. Play on words
Stand up and not fasting
The alpha negation prefix can be used with a play on words.
Greek spoken: ... stand up ...
Greek play on words: ... not fasting ... as in ... eating ...

This discourse was started because the Pharisees complained that the "disciples" (i.e., "men") were "eating" as in "not" "fasting".

13. Matthew 12:1
Verse routeMatthew 12:1 At that time Jesus went on the sabbath day through the corn; and his disciples were an hungred, and began to pluck the ears of corn, and to eat. [kjv]
Verse routeεν εκεινω τω καιρω επορευθη ο ιησους τοις σαββασιν δια των σποριμων οι δε μαθηται αυτου επεινασαν και ηρξαντο τιλλειν σταχυας και εσθιειν [gnt]

Vertical wheat
The English word "corn" meant "grain" as in "wheat". The ancient Greek word "σποράς""scattered, dispersed" as in "scattered" "grain".
The ancient Greek word "στάχυς""ear of grain".

The ancient Greek word "ἐσθίω""eat, vex". To "not" "eat" is to "fast". The ancient Greek word "νηστεύω""fast, abstain from food".

Information sign More: Matthew 12:1-21 Healing on the Sabbath

14. Matthew 12:2 Not lawful
Verse routeMatthew 12:2 But when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto him, Behold, thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the sabbath day. [kjv]
Verse routeοι δε φαρισαιοι ιδοντες ειπαν αυτω ιδου οι μαθηται σου ποιουσιν ο ουκ εξεστιν ποιειν εν σαββατω [gnt]

The Greek word for "lawful" is that of "allowed". As usual, the KJV (King James Version) translates the same Greek word for "look around and observe and compare" as "behold" as two different wards, first as "saw" and then as "behold".

Information sign More: Matthew 12:1-21 Healing on the Sabbath

15. Matthew 12:41 Stand up
Verse routeMatthew 12:41 The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here. [kjv]
Verse routeανδρες νινευιται αναστησονται εν τη κρισει μετα της γενεας ταυτης και κατακρινουσιν αυτην οτι μετενοησαν εις το κηρυγμα ιωνα και ιδου πλειον ιωνα ωδε [gnt]

Stand up and not fasting
The Greek word translated as "rise" is that of "stand up" but is a play on words with "not" "fasting" as in "eating".
These "men" "thought after" or "repented". Did action ensue?

Information sign More: Think after what you heard and repent

16. Strongs - preaching
*G2782 *8 κήρυγμα (kay'-roog-mah) : from G2784; a proclamation (especially of the gospel; by implication, the gospel itself):--preaching.
Word usage per chapter Words: κηρυγμα=6 κηρυγματι κηρυγματος

The ancient Greek word "κήρυγμα""proclamation, decree" and comes from "κηρύσσω""I proclaim"which comes from "κῆρυξ""herald, messenger".

17. Usage - preaching
  • *G2782 *8 κήρυγμα (kay'-roog-mah) : from G2784; a proclamation (especially of the gospel; by implication, the gospel itself):--preaching.
  •  Usage 
     All 
    • κηρυγμα *6
      •   Matthew 12:41 ... because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, ...
      •   Luke 11:32 ... for they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, ...
      •   Romans 16:25 ... my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to ...
      •   1 Corinthians 2:4 ... speech and my preaching was not with enticing ...
      •   1 Corinthians 15:14 ... risen, then is our preaching vain, and your ...
      •   2 Timothy 4:17 ... that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all ...
    • κηρυγματος
      •   1 Corinthians 1:21 ... God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
    • κηρυγματι
      •   Titus 1:3 ... his word through preaching, which is committed unto me ...

18. Matthew 25:27 Compounding the interest
Verse routeMatthew 25:27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. [kjv]
Verse routeεδει σε ουν βαλειν τα αργυρια μου τοις τραπεζιταις και ελθων εγω εκομισαμην αν το εμον συν τοκω [gnt]

This appears to be a somewhat sarcastic remark to the servant's excuse and not a reason to justify (or prohibit) the use of compound interest in banking.

The ancient Greek word "τόκος""childbirth, interest (loan), oppression" and is a semantic loan word from the Hebrew "תור""mediate/oppress". It is from "τίκτω""beget, bear, produce, generate" and is cognate with "τέκνον""child", "τέκτων""builder" as in "architect" and "τέχνη""craft" as in "technical"

[usury vs. interest]

Information sign More: Matthew 25:14-30 Parable of the talents in Matthew

19. Matthew 12:41 Proclamation
Verse routeMatthew 12:41 The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here. [kjv]
Verse routeανδρες νινευιται αναστησονται εν τη κρισει μετα της γενεας ταυτης και κατακρινουσιν αυτην οτι μετενοησαν εις το κηρυγμα ιωνα και ιδου πλειον ιωνα ωδε [gnt]

The preaching and child fracture
The ancient Greek word "κήρυγμα""proclamation, decree" and comes from "κηρύσσω""I proclaim"which comes from "κῆρυξ""herald, messenger".

20. Matthew 12:41 Play on words
Verse routeMatthew 12:41 The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here. [kjv]
Verse routeανδρες νινευιται αναστησονται εν τη κρισει μετα της γενεας ταυτης και κατακρινουσιν αυτην οτι μετενοησαν εις το κηρυγμα ιωνα και ιδου πλειον ιωνα ωδε [gnt]

The preaching and child fracture Jonah and age/forever
Does the play on words make sense in this context?
The Greek for "into" can, in context, mean "against".

21. Matthew 12:42 Wake up
Verse routeMatthew 12:42 The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here. [kjv]
Verse routeβασιλισσα νοτου εγερθησεται εν τη κρισει μετα της γενεας ταυτης και κατακρινει αυτην οτι ηλθεν εκ των περατων της γης ακουσαι την σοφιαν σολομωνος και ιδου πλειον σολομωνος ωδε [gnt]

The Greek word translated as "rise up" is that of "raise up" or "wake up" or, in context, "resurrect".

22. Matthew 12:42 Uttermost parts
Verse routeMatthew 12:42 The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here. [kjv]
Verse routeβασιλισσα νοτου εγερθησεται εν τη κρισει μετα της γενεας ταυτης και κατακρινει αυτην οτι ηλθεν εκ των περατων της γης ακουσαι την σοφιαν σολομωνος και ιδου πλειον σολομωνος ωδε [gnt]

The ancient Greek word "περἄτων""end, goal, extremity" (genitive) and comes from "πέρας""end, goal, extremity".

Why did Jesus use the word translated as "uttermost parts" ? Solomon's navy sailed much further than the place from where the queen of Sheba came?

23. Strongs - ends
*G4009 *4 πέρας (per'-as) : from the same as G4008; an extremity:--end, ut-(ter-)most participle
Word usage per chapter Words: περας περατα περατων=2

The ancient Greek word "περἄτων""end, goal, extremity" (genitive) and comes from "πέρας""end, goal, extremity".

24. Usage - ends
  • *G4009 *4 πέρας (per'-as) : from the same as G4008; an extremity:--end, ut-(ter-)most participle
  •  Usage 
     All 
    • περατων *2
      •   Matthew 12:42 ... for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom ...
      •   Luke 11:31 ... for she came from the utmost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom ...
    • περατα
      •   Romans 10:18 ... their words unto the ends of the world.
    • περας
      •   Hebrews 6:16 ... for confirmation is to them an end of all strife.

25. 1 Kings 10:22 Navy of Solomon
Verse route1 Kings 10:22 For the king had at sea a navy of Tharshish with the navy of Hiram: once in three years came the navy of Tharshish, bringing gold, and silver, ivory, and apes, and peacocks. [kjv]
Verse routeοτι ναυς θαρσις τω βασιλει εν τη θαλασση μετα των νηων χιραμ μια δια τριων ετων ηρχετο τω βασιλει ναυς εκ θαρσις χρυσιου και αργυριου και λιθων τορευτων και πελεκητων [lxx]

The LXX (Septuagint) has "wrought stones" for what the HOT (Hebrew Old Testament) has "apes".
The LXX has "hewn stones" for what the HOT has "peacocks".
The LXX has an additional several paragraphs not in the HOT (omitted).

These "ships" appear to have gone to the "uttermost parts" of the "earth".

26. 1 Kings 10:22
 All 
KJV: For the king had at sea a navy of Tharshish with the navy of Hiram: once in three years came the navy of Tharshish, bringing gold, and silver, ivory, and apes, and peacocks.
Hebrew: כי אני תרשיש למלך בים עם אני חירם אחת לשלש שנים תבוא אני תרשיש נשאת זהב וכסף שנהבים וקפים ותכיים׃
Greek: οτι ναυς θαρσις τω βασιλει εν τη θαλασση μετα των νηων χιραμ μια δια τριων ετων ηρχετο τω βασιλει ναυς εκ θαρσις χρυσιου και αργυριου και λιθων τορευτων και πελεκητων

27. Matthew 12:42 Ends of the earth
Verse routeMatthew 12:42 … for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here. [kjv]
Verse route… οτι ηλθεν εκ των περατων της γης ακουσαι την σοφιαν σολομωνος και ιδου πλειον σολομωνος ωδε [gnt]

Ends and pirate
There is a play on words of "uttermost parts" with "pirate" or "robber". Does this play on words make any sense in this context?

28. Matthew 12:42 Ends of the earth
Verse routeMatthew 12:42 … for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here. [kjv]
Verse route… οτι ηλθεν εκ των περατων της γης ακουσαι την σοφιαν σολομωνος και ιδου πλειον σολομωνος ωδε [gnt]

Ends and pirate
There is a play on words of "uttermost parts" with "pirate" or "robber". Does this play on words make any sense in this context?
Play on words (Greek word order): ... out of the uttermost parts [pirate/robber] of the earth to hear the cunning/clever ...

Note that "pirates" prefer to use deception rather than outright fighting. That requires "cunning" and "clever" "wisdom".

[price of key lime pies]

Information sign More: Do not mention temptations nor attempt to be a pirate

29. Job 37:3 Light a wing
Verse routeJob 37:3 He directeth it under the whole heaven, and his lightning unto the ends of the earth. [kjv]
Verse routeυποκατω παντος του ουρανου αρχη αυτου και το φως αυτου επι πτερυγων της γης [lxx]

In the LXX, the word translated as "lightning" is that of "light".

In the LXX, the word translated as "ends" is that of "wings" as in the "wings" of a "bird".

[wings of the temple]

30. Job 37:3
   Job 37:3 
 All 
KJV: He directeth it under the whole heaven, and his lightning unto the ends of the earth.
Hebrew: תחת כל השמים ישרהו ואורו על כנפות הארץ׃
Greek: υποκατω παντος του ουρανου αρχη αυτου και το φως αυτου επι πτερυγων της γης

31. Matthew 12:42 Hear wisdom
Verse routeMatthew 12:42 The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here. [kjv]
Verse routeβασιλισσα νοτου εγερθησεται εν τη κρισει μετα της γενεας ταυτης και κατακρινει αυτην οτι ηλθεν εκ των περατων της γης ακουσαι την σοφιαν σολομωνος και ιδου πλειον σολομωνος ωδε [gnt]

The ancient Greek word "ἀκούω""hear" and assumes understanding of what is heard. It is the source of the English word words such as "acoustic" and is cognate with the English word "hear" and "harken".

The ancient Greek word "σοφός""clever, cunning" and is often translated as the English word "wise". Aristotle uses the word for what he calls "sophists" as those "clever" and "cunning" who deceive for money. The word is the first part of the English word "sophomore", the last part meaning "fool".

32. Matthew 12:42 Hear wisdom
Verse routeMatthew 12:42 The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here. [kjv]
Verse routeβασιλισσα νοτου εγερθησεται εν τη κρισει μετα της γενεας ταυτης και κατακρινει αυτην οτι ηλθεν εκ των περατων της γης ακουσαι την σοφιαν σολομωνος και ιδου πλειον σολομωνος ωδε [gnt]

How useful is "hearing" "clever" and "cunning" talk? What about putting ideas into action?

33. Matthew 6:28-29 Red letter verses
Verse routeMatthew 6:28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: [kjv]
Verse routeκαι περι ενδυματος τι μεριμνατε καταμαθετε τα κρινα του αγρου πως αυξανουσιν ου ουδε νηθουσιν [gnt]
Verse route6:29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. [kjv]
Verse routeλεγω δε υμιν οτι ουδε σολομων εν παση τη δοξη αυτου περιεβαλετο ως εν τουτων [gnt]

Lily and separate/judge
The Greek word for "lily" is a play on words on "judging" as "separating". Solomon was known for his wisdom in judging. Jesus uses the code word "field" for "world".
The Greek translated as "glory" is that of "opinion".

Information sign More: Matthew 6:25-34 Seek to eat , drink and be married to Jesus
Information sign More: Whether this or that: What is your opinion on glory?
Information sign More: The word glory in Latin and Greek
Information sign More: Parables and secret codes used and explained by Jesus

34. Red tape analogy
Here is an analogy using double-meanings in English to refer to government practices.
Analogy: Consider these red-tape pansies [judger's] of the world. They increase, they do not work, they spend. Yet even George Washington in all his glory (opinion) was not surrounded (clothed) by red-tape pansies [judger's] such as these (current red-tape pansies).

Information sign More: Matthew 6:25-34 Seek to eat , drink and be married to Jesus

35. Matthew 12:42 Queen of the south
Verse routeMatthew 12:42 The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here. [kjv]
Verse routeβασιλισσα νοτου εγερθησεται εν τη κρισει μετα της γενεας ταυτης και κατακρινει αυτην οτι ηλθεν εκ των περατων της γης ακουσαι την σοφιαν σολομωνος και ιδου πλειον σολομωνος ωδε [gnt]

Compass
Who is the "queen" of the "south"? The "queen" is from "Sheba", a Hebrew word that is related to the Hebrew word for "oath" and "wells".
Why does Jesus use "south" rather than "Sheba"?

[directions vs. orientation, east as sunrise/daybreak, west as sunset/evening]

Information sign More: Oaths and vows and wells

36. 2 Chronicles 9:1 Queen of Sheba
Verse route2 Chronicles 9:1 And when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon, she came to prove Solomon with hard questions at Jerusalem, with a very great company, and camels that bare spices, and gold in abundance, and precious stones: and when she was come to Solomon, she communed with him of all that was in her heart. [kjv]
Verse routeκαι βασιλισσα σαβα ηκουσεν το ονομα σαλωμων και ηλθεν του πειρασαι σαλωμων εν αινιγμασιν εις ιερουσαλημ εν δυναμει βαρεια σφοδρα και καμηλοι αιρουσαι αρωματα και χρυσιον εις πληθος και λιθον τιμιον και ηλθεν προς σαλωμων και ελαλησεν προς αυτον παντα οσα εν τη ψυχη αυτης [lxx]

The Hebrew word for "Sheba" is related to the Hebrew word for "oath".

The Greek word translated as "prove" is that of "examine" as a mental action but is often translated as "tempt" in the GNT (Greek New Testament). There is another Greek word for "prove" that requires physical action.

The Greek word translated as "heart" is that of "life" and is often translated as "soul" in the GNT.

The Greek word translated as "fame" is that of "name".

Information sign More: Oaths and vows and wells

37. Word play
Word play, by definition, is using words that sound like other words to convey some point. Often the point is humor in the form of puns.
Some people consider word play using puns as punishment. This statement itself is a play on words.
Word play, or play on words, is an important way to communicate. Play on words in Greek was done in ancient times. Paul uses it. Jesus uses it often in the Greek. Yes, almost everyone in the Eastern Mediterranean area, for over 350 years, had grown up learning Greek as well as their native language.

Information sign More: Punishment by punny puns

38. Matthew 12:42 Queen and king
Verse routeMatthew 12:42 The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment … [kjv]
Verse routeβασιλισσα νοτου εγερθησεται εν τη κρισειωδε [gnt]

Queen of the south and King Satan not

The Greek for "queen" of the "south" can be a play on words with "king" "Satan" "not".

When pronounced, the "o" sound would be slid to the "a" sound with a slight pause for the "not".

Modern slide: "Santa" vs. "Satan" (many conspiracy theories)

Exchanging consonants to make a play on words is called a Spoonerism after the Rev. William Archibald Spooner (1844-1930). Example: light the fire. and fight the liar.

39. Matthew 12:42 Queen and king
Verse routeMatthew 12:42 The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment … [kjv]
Verse routeβασιλισσα νοτου εγερθησεται εν τη κρισειωδε [gnt]

Queen of the south and King Satan not

Where were the words related to "king" "Satan" and "Satan" used in previous verses (in this discourse)?

40. Matthew 12:24 Beelzebub
Verse routeMatthew 12:24 But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils. [kjv]
Verse routeοι δε φαρισαιοι ακουσαντες ειπον ουτος ουκ εκβαλλει τα δαιμονια ει μη εν τω βεεζεβουλ αρχοντι των δαιμονιων [gnt]

Queen of the south and King Satan not
The idea of "king" or "queen" "Satan" will be a play on words later in the discourse.
Jesus would be referring to the "queen" of "Sheba" in a few verses where using "Sheba" instead of "south" would ruin the play on words.

Information sign More: Matthew 12:38-40 Sign sign everywhere a sign
Information sign More: Matthew 12:22-28 Kingdoms divided against themselves

41. Matthew 12:26 Satan casting out Satan
Verse routeMatthew 12:26 And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand? [kjv]
Verse routeκαι ει ο σατανας τον σαταναν εκβαλλει εφ εαυτον εμερισθη πως ουν σταθησεται η βασιλεια αυτου [gnt]

Queen of the south and King Satan not
The words for "Satan" and "kingdom" will appear later in the discourse in an interesting way.
Here, Jesus uses the usual word for "cast out" rather than the word that is a play on words with "oblivion" since, with "Satan" that idea would be implicit in what is said.

[thinking outside the box, limits of computation]

Information sign More: Matthew 12:38-40 Sign sign everywhere a sign
Information sign More: Matthew 12:22-28 Kingdoms divided against themselves

42. 2 Chronicles 9:1
 All 
KJV: And when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon, she came to prove Solomon with hard questions at Jerusalem, with a very great company, and camels that bare spices, and gold in abundance, and precious stones: and when she was come to Solomon, she communed with him of all that was in her heart.
Hebrew: ומלכת שבא שמעה את שמע שלמה ותבוא לנסות את שלמה בחידות בירושלם בחיל כבד מאד וגמלים נשאים בשמים וזהב לרב ואבן יקרה ותבוא אל שלמה ותדבר עמו את כל אשר היה עם לבבה׃
Greek: και βασιλισσα σαβα ηκουσεν το ονομα σαλωμων και ηλθεν του πειρασαι σαλωμων εν αινιγμασιν εις ιερουσαλημ εν δυναμει βαρεια σφοδρα και καμηλοι αιρουσαι αρωματα και χρυσιον εις πληθος και λιθον τιμιον και ηλθεν προς σαλωμων και ελαλησεν προς αυτον παντα οσα εν τη ψυχη αυτης

43. Matthew 12:41-42 Play on word paraphrase
Verse routeMatthew 12:41 The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here. [kjv]
Verse routeανδρες νινευιται αναστησονται εν τη κρισει … [gnt]
Verse route12:42 The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment … [kjv]
Verse routeβασιλισσα νοτου εγερθησεται εν τη κρισειωδε [gnt]

Stand up and not fasting (these) men rising/eating ... repented (action)...
Queen of the south and King Satan not queen/king Satan not raised/resurrected ... clever/cunning listening (no action) ...

44. TenPin model

 1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10   11   12   +   -   ▶ 


45. Luke 11:31 Queen of the south
Verse routeLuke 11:31 The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation, and condemn them: for she came from the utmost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here. [kjv]
Verse routeβασιλισσα νοτου εγερθησεται εν τη κρισει μετα των ανδρων της γενεας ταυτης και κατακρινει αυτους οτι ηλθεν εκ των περατων της γης ακουσαι την σοφιαν σολομωνος και ιδου πλειον σολομωνος ωδε [gnt]

Luke has the same basic message as Matthew but reverses the order which somewhat breaks the model.

46. Luke 11:32 Men of Nineveh
Verse routeLuke 11:32 The men of Nineve shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here. [kjv]
Verse routeανδρες νινευιται αναστησονται εν τη κρισει μετα της γενεας ταυτης και κατακρινουσιν αυτην οτι μετενοησαν εις το κηρυγμα ιωνα και ιδου πλειον ιωνα ωδε [gnt]

Luke has the same basic message as Matthew but reverses the order which somewhat breaks the model.

47. Luke 11:31
   Luke 11:31 
 All 
KJV: The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation, and condemn them: for she came from the utmost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here.
Greek: βασιλισσα νοτου εγερθησεται εν τη κρισει μετα των ανδρων της γενεας ταυτης και κατακρινει αυτους οτι ηλθεν εκ των περατων της γης ακουσαι την σοφιαν σολομωντος σολομωνος και ιδου πλειον σολομωντος σολομωνος ωδε

48. Luke 11:32
   Luke 11:32 
 All 
KJV: The men of Nineve shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here.
Greek: ανδρες νινευι νινευιται αναστησονται εν τη κρισει μετα της γενεας ταυτης και κατακρινουσιν αυτην οτι μετενοησαν εις το κηρυγμα ιωνα και ιδου πλειον ιωνα ωδε

49. Plenty more and greater
Verse routeMatthew 12:41 The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here. [kjv]
Verse route… και ιδου πλειον ιωνα ωδε [gnt]
Verse route12:42 … and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here. [kjv]
Verse route… και ιδου πλειον σολομωνος ωδε [gnt]

The ancient Greek word "πλείων""more". If Jesus had meant to say "greater", there is a Greek word for "greater" that was used back in verse 6. The ancient Greek word "μείζων""greater, larger" in a comparative sense.
Verse route12:6 But I say unto you, That in this place is one greater than the temple. [kjv]
Verse routeλεγω δε υμιν οτι του ιερου μειζον εστιν ωδε [gnt]

The Greek word translated as "place" is that of "here" as used in verses 41 and 42. The Greek word for "place" is used in verse 43 (below).

50. Matthew 12:41-42 Plenty more
Verse routeMatthew 12:41 The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here. [kjv]
Verse route… και ιδου πλειον ιωνα ωδε [gnt]
Verse route12:42 … and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here. [kjv]
Verse route… και ιδου πλειον σολομωνος ωδε [gnt]

Plenty more and boat/ship
Jesus uses the idea of "greater" as in "plenty more" in the judgment involving Nineveh and then Solomon.
The ancient Greek word "πλείων""more" as an inflection of "πολύς""many, a lot".

A play on words would be "πλοῖον""boat, ship" which comes from "πλέω""sail". Saying: Your ship has arrived!. How many verses do we need to go to get Jesus in a "boat" that has arrived - with "plenty more" than Jonah or Solomon?

Information sign More: Greater than the greatest

51. Matthew 13:1 Out of the house
Verse routeMatthew 13:1 The same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea side. [kjv]
Verse routeεν τη ημερα εκεινη εξελθων ο ιησους της οικιας εκαθητο παρα την θαλασσαν [gnt]

House Boat directions

The ancient Greek word "οἶκος""house, household".

Unlike the man who returns to the "house", Jesus leaves the "house". Jesus will now leave the "house" and sit in the "boat". Does that bode well for Jesus? Can you (canoe) see it very (ferry) well? Or (oar) what?

Information sign More: Greek house and village and city

52. Matthew 13:2 Ship to the holy
Verse routeMatthew 13:2 And great multitudes were gathered together unto him, so that he went into a ship, and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore. [kjv]
Verse routeκαι συνηχθησαν προς αυτον οχλοι πολλοι ωστε αυτον εις πλοιον εμβαντα καθησθαι και πας ο οχλος επι τον αιγιαλον ιστηκει [gnt]

Plenty more and boat/ship
Some nine verses later, Jesus has arrived in a "boat". The ancient Greek word "πλοῖον""boat, ship" and can be a play on words with "πλείων""more".

Today they would be pronounced the same. At that time, there would have been some minor differences in the pronunciation.

53. Matthew 13:2 Holy salt
Verse routeMatthew 13:2 And great multitudes were gathered together unto him, so that he went into a ship, and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore. [kjv]
Verse routeκαι συνηχθησαν προς αυτον οχλοι πολλοι ωστε αυτον εις πλοιον εμβαντα καθησθαι και πας ο οχλος επι τον αιγιαλον ιστηκει [gnt]

Shore and holy salt
The ancient Greek word "αἰγιαλός""beach, shore". That sure sounds good to me - if you get my drift! A girl waving in the tide is a girl worth wading for.
This word is a play on words with "ἅγιος""devoted to the gods, sacred, holy" or "ἄγια""holy" (neuter plural) and "αλας, αλος""salt" which is the origin of the last part of "shore".

Information sign More: Matthew 5:13: Salt of the earth

54. Matthew 13:1
   Matthew 13:1 
 All 
KJV: The same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea side.
Greek: εν δε τη ημερα εκεινη εξελθων ο ιησους απο της οικιας εκαθητο παρα την θαλασσαν

55. Matthew 13:2
   Matthew 13:2 
 All 
KJV: And great multitudes were gathered together unto him, so that he went into a ship, and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore.
Greek: και συνηχθησαν προς αυτον οχλοι πολλοι ωστε αυτον εις το πλοιον εμβαντα καθησθαι και πας ο οχλος επι τον αιγιαλον ειστηκει ιστηκει

56. Matthew 12:41-42 Plenty more
Verse routeMatthew 12:41 The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here. [kjv]
Verse route… και ιδου πλειον ιωνα ωδε [gnt]
Verse route12:42 … and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here. [kjv]
Verse route… και ιδου πλειον σολομωνος ωδε [gnt]

You are here
The Greek word translated as "place", not in the Greek, is that of "in this way". The ancient Greek word "ὧδε""in this way, thus" and comes from "ὅδε""this". Of place it would be "here", of time "present".
What does Jesus mean? Given the large number of play on words in these verses, there is indeed "plenty more" than just the person mentioned "here"! Is that not what he says? He told us plainly. Is that correct? Without planes, might it be boatly?

57. Matthew 12:42
 All 
KJV: The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here.
Greek: βασιλισσα νοτου εγερθησεται εν τη κρισει μετα της γενεας ταυτης και κατακρινει αυτην οτι ηλθεν εκ των περατων της γης ακουσαι την σοφιαν σολομωντος σολομωνος και ιδου πλειον σολομωντος σολομωνος ωδε
Latin: regina austri surget in iudicio cum generatione ista et condemnabit eam quia venit a finibus terrae audire sapientiam Salomonis et ecce plus quam Salomon hic

58. End of page

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