I was recently preaching through the last section of Matthewβs gospel and made an important discovery. I discovered that Matthew uses the same word fifteen times in 26:2β27:26. The word is paradidomi and the Legacy Standard Bible translates it as βdeliverβ or βbetray.β
Let me walk you through how I made this discovery and show you how discoveries like this can aid your understanding of the Scriptures.
Strongβs Bibles
While not using a Strongβs tagged Bible should never be considered a waste of time, you definitely arenβt making the most of recent technological advancements by not having one. Let me say it another way. In order to maximize the potential of the technology you hold in your hand or that rests on your desk, you should definitely consider investing in biblical study resources like Strongβs tagged Bibles. Not only is this technology available and easy to use, but it can also save you a tremendous amount of time and lead to compelling insights in your study of Godβs Word.
STEP ONE
Once you have purchased a Strongβs tagged Bible, select the resource in your library and it will open in the main window. In the Verse Chooser, navigate to Matthew 26 and it should look like this:
The blue and maroon words are all the words with Strongβs numbers tagging. Once I tap the word βdeliveredβ in verse 2, a pop-up window will open. This window shows the Greek word, Strongβs number, related Greek words, a brief definition, and the different ways translators choose to translate it. All with a simple click or tap.
STEP TWO
What we want to find out though is how Matthew uses this word. So, in the bottom of the pop-up window, youβll see the option to Search for g3860 or Lookup paradidomi. Tap on Search for g3860 and youβll see the search results arranged by book.
Since we want to see the search results for Matthewβs gospel, just scroll down to Matthew 26:2 and you should see a list of verses like this:
RESULTS AND IMPLICATIONS
Beginning with Jesusβ prediction in Matthew 26:2, these verses show how he was going to be delivered over for crucifixion. He would be betrayed by one of his own disciples, given into the hands of the Jewish leaders, delivered over to Pilate, who delivered him up to be crucified.
While we can trace this theme through Matthewβs use of the word βbetray,β we wouldnβt see how it connects to Jesusβ prediction without access to the original Greek. Strongβs tagged Bibles, like the Legacy Standard Bible with Strongβs, enables us to discover themes like these without being proficient in the original languages and obscured by Bible translations.
Maximize Your Study
CLICK HERE for the Legacy Standard Bible with Strongβs.