Mat 10:26-33 | RWP | e4.org | Fear them not therefore ( μη ουν φοβηθητε αυτους ). Repeated in verses and ( μη φοβεισθε present middle imperative here in contrast with aorist passive subjunctive in the preceding prohibitions). Note also the accusative case with the aorist passive subjunctive, transitive though passive. See same construction in . In the construction is with απο and the ablative, a translation Hebraism as in (Robertson, Grammar of the Greek N.T. in the Light of Historical Research , p. 577).

‏ Matthew 10:26-33

Fear them not therefore ( μη ουν φοβηθητε αυτους ). Repeated in verses 28 and 31 ( μη φοβεισθε present middle imperative here in contrast with aorist passive subjunctive in the preceding prohibitions). Note also the accusative case with the aorist passive subjunctive, transitive though passive. See same construction in Lu 12:5. In Mt 10:28 the construction is with απο and the ablative, a translation Hebraism as in Lu 12:4 (Robertson, Grammar of the Greek N.T. in the Light of Historical Research, p. 577).

Destroy both soul and body in hell ( κα ψυχην κα σωμα απολεσα εν γεεννη ). Note "soul" here of the eternal spirit, not just life in the body. "Destroy" here is not annihilation, but eternal punishment in Gehenna (the real hell) for which see on 5:22. Bruce thinks that the devil as the tempter is here meant, not God as the judge, but surely he is wrong. There is no more needed lesson today than the fear of God.

Two sparrows ( δυο στρουθια ). Diminutive of στρουθος and means any small bird, sparrows in particular. They are sold today in the markets of Jerusalem and Jaffa. "For a farthing" ( ασσαριου ) is genitive of price. Only here and Lu 12:6 in the N.T. Diminutive form of the Roman as, slightly more than half an English penny.

Without your Father ( ανευ του πατρος υμων ). There is comfort in this thought for us all. Our father who knows about the sparrows knows and cares about us.

Than many sparrows ( πολλων στρουθιων ). Ablative case of comparison with διαφερετε (our differ).

Shall confess me ( ομολογησε εν εμο ). An Aramaic idiom, not Hebrew, see also Lu 12:8. So also here, "him will I also confess" ( ομολογησω κ'αγω εν αυτω ). Literally this Aramaic idiom reproduced in the Greek means "confess in me," indicating a sense of unity with Christ and of Christ with the man who takes the open stand for him.

Shall deny me ( αρνησητα με ). Aorist subjunctive here with οστις, though future indicative ομολογησε above. Note accusative here (case of extension), saying "no" to Christ, complete breach. This is a solemn law, not a mere social breach, this cleavage by Christ of the man who repudiates him, public and final.