Tag Archives: Matthew 9:11

Καὶ ἰδόντες οἱ Φαρισαῖοι εἶπον τοῖς μαθηταῖς αὐτοῦ· διατί μετὰ τῶν τελωνῶν καὶ ἁμαρτωλῶν ἐσθίει ὁ διδάσκαλος ὑμῶν; (Matthew 9:11) Grammar of a Grumble

In Matthew 9:11, the Pharisees aren’t just curious — they’re offended. Their question, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” carries theological weight and rhetorical heat. But the grammar amplifies this by placing stress on association, using the preposition μετά, and turning the verb ἐσθίει (he eats) into an action of solidarity, not mere consumption.

This article explores how Greek expresses moral challenge through third-person accusatory questioning, and how the construction Διατί… ἐσθίει functions not just as an inquiry, but as a social rebuke.… Learn Koine Greek