King James Version
Matthew 4:16 in the King James Version says “The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprun...” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.
“The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up .”
Matthew 4:16 · KJV
That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying,
The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles;
The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up .
From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“The people”
G2992a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)
“sat”
G2521and ???? (to sit; akin to the base of g1476); to sit down; figuratively, to remain, reside
“saw”
G1492used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
“light”
G5457luminousness (in the widest application, natural or artificial, abstract or concrete, literal or figurative)
“and”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
“sat”
G2521and ???? (to sit; akin to the base of g1476); to sit down; figuratively, to remain, reside
“the region”
G5561room, i.e., a space of territory (more or less extensive; often including its inhabitants)
“and”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
“shadow”
G4639"shade" or a shadow (literally or figuratively (darkness of error or an adumbration))
“of death”
G2288(properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively)
“light”
G5457luminousness (in the widest application, natural or artificial, abstract or concrete, literal or figurative)
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
This verse is found in the book of Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Matthew 4:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
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