The ancient Greek word "κωφός" ≈ "dull, mute, deaf". The modern Greek word "κουφός" (ku-FOS) ≈ "deaf" and whose meaning is influenced by translations of the GNT.

The "deaf" may not speak well and may be "mute".

• The German word "Dummkopf" ≈ "lamebrain".
• The German word "dumm" ≈ "dumb, stupid".
• The German word "Kopf" ≈ "head".

The English phrase "turning a deaf ear" means not listening.

The ancient Greek word "δαιμόνιον" ≈ "divine power, inferior divine being, demon, evil spirit" and is the neuter gender of "δαιμόνιος" ≈ "divine power, inferior divine being, demon, evil spirit" and is the source of the English word "demon".

The ancient Greek word "ἐκβάλλω" ≈ "throw or cast out of" as in "to throw ashore". The exact word "ἐκβᾰ́λλει" ≈ "throw out" is used here by the Pharisees as recorded by Matthew. Before the "casting out" there is some uncertainty. After the "casting out" it is more certain what was there. This is a fundamental idea of information. There is a before and an after state.

Card games: You've got to know when to hold'em, know when to fold'em. From the song The Gambler made popular by Kenny Rogers (1978).

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In the 1978 hit song "The gambler", Kenny Rogers sings about card game strategy where one needs to know that, without looking (keeping in the game) it may be necessary to fold. The song hit #1 on the country charts and became Kenny Rogers signature song.

If "X" is "counting your money" then "X" does not matter while the game is not done.

More: Nothing is something

When the "Pharisees" accuse Jesus of "casting out" "demons" by the prince of demons in the following verse, might this be a case of what is projection in psychology whereby one accuses someone else of doing what you are doing.

The psychological idea of projection is that of accusing others of doing or thinking what you are doing or thinking.

Discuss: Does this ever happen in modern day politics? If so, provide some examples.

Aristotle, in his On Sophistical Refutations, details (at least) 12 ways to use bad or "sophistic" logic. Eristic reasoning is one of them.

One technique of "eristic" (faulty and contentious) logic is to accuse the other side of what you are doing. This tends to confuse those who cannot determine what is valid logic and what is not valid logic.


A name for this in psychology is "projection" as one projects one's own ideas, faults, etc., onto others.

More: Aristotle

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The observation that the people were as "sheep" with no "shepherd" is a conclusion of Matthew and not stated by Jesus. There are many instances of disciples coming to conclusions that do not appear to have conclusive evidence. Why might Matthew have reached this conclusion? What are the primary purposes of a "shepherd" for "sheep"?

Google Co-Pilot AI query: What were the priorities of shepherds in Bible times? (as of 2026-06-05)

Main result: In biblical times, shepherds were both skilled caretakers and respected figures in ancient Israelite society. Their core priorities revolved around the health, safety, and well-being of their flocks, as well as the economic and social needs of their families.

Bullet points:

• 1. Protection and Safety
• 2. Guidance to Good Pasture and Water
• 3. Care and Nutrition
• 4. Economic Responsibility
• 5. Family and Social Role
• 6. Religious and Symbolic Significance

Google Co-Pilot AI query: What were the primary threats to sheep in Bible times? (as of 2026-06-05)

Main result: In biblical times, sheep were a vital part of the economy and daily life in the ancient Near East, providing meat, milk, wool, and hides. Because they were domesticated and often grazed in open, unfenced areas, they faced multiple and constant threats.

Bullet points;

• 1. Wild predators
• 2. Human raiders and thieves
• 3. Environmental and natural hazards
• 4. Shepherding challenges
• 5. Economic and social vulnerability

The observation that the people were as "sheep" with no "shepherd" is a conclusion of Matthew and not stated by Jesus. There are many instances of disciples coming to conclusions that do not appear to have conclusive evidence. Why might Matthew have reached this conclusion? What are the primary purposes of a "shepherd" for "sheep"?

The ancient Greek word "ἐργάτης" ≈ "worker/laborer, capstan/winch" from "ἔργον" ≈ "work, labor, task".

• Latin "omen" ≈ "foreboding, omen".
• Greek "ο μεν" ≈ "that on the one hand".

Might there me an "omen" here (on the one hand)?
Greek: ... on the one hand harvest many but on the other hand ... the workers [oath-takers] are few [oh wolves]

Might an "omen" be that later, during the Latin influence, definitions/mountains were moved, leaven mixed in, etc., to obscure the meaning of this verse?

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• "θέρμη" ≈ "heat".
• "θερμός" ≈ "warm, hot, boiling".
• "θερισμός" ≈ "harvest".

Related English words include "thermal", "thermos", "thermodynamics", etc.

More: A hot time to harvest - now and later

Both football players and farmers like to be "outstanding in their field".
Notice that, speaking of the "harvest", Jesus does not say anything about needing "leaders". He needs "followers" who will do "work" without other human "supervision".

That leaves the second step which is to work what grows until the harvest. This is done by the "workers" or "laborers".
Note that the "workers" help to "grow" the "fruit" for the "harvest". A reflexive relationship exists in that the "workers" are also part of the "harvest" as "fruit".

More: A hot time to harvest - now and later

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The Old English word "biddan" ≈ "ask, demand" and is the source of English words such as "bid", "bidding", "bead" an it prayer beads, etc. This word was combined/conflated with the Old English word "beodan" ≈ "offer, announce".
The monk Beade, whose name meant "prayer", starting dating events using the (incorrect dating system for the) birth of Christ. This calendar dating system is still used today. Beade used the term "Easter" and it appears to have been used ever since.

Why fit in when you were born to stand out? Dr. Seuss.

Never forget that only dead fish swim with the stream. Malcolm Muggeridge

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The ancient Greek word "δέω" ≈ "bind, tie, fasten, fetter".

The Greek word for "summer" is related to the Greek word for "harvest" which, according to Jesus, is at the end of the ages.

The ancient Greek word "θερίζω" ≈ "reap" as in the "harvest". The ancient Greek word "θερός" ≈ "heat" as in the "summer".

The three word groups all start with the Greek "K" or "Kappa" letter. The "beware" means "see" or "observe".

• "κυνας" ≈ "dogs" (apparent reference to the Cynics).
• "κακους εργατας" ≈ "bad workers" (faith by required works).
• "κατατομην" ≈ "concision" (Jews with extra required rules).

In Roman times, the letter "k" was considered sinister and, in most cases, the Roman "c", with the same "k" sound, was used. Thus, "Caesar" was pronounced as "Kaiser". Carthage: Latin "Karthago" as "new Tyre", "Punic" as "Phoenician".

Later, the hard Latin "c" as "k" changed to the softer "c" as "s" or "ch" as in "church". The German word "die Kirche" ≈ "church".

More: Philippians 3:1-4 shifting gears to work the others