The meaning of Basileia in Matthew 16:28

Abstract

In view of the prevailing conflict among biblical scholars on the meaning of βασιλείᾳ in Matthew 16:28, the study sought the correct interpretation of the text. In this undertaking, the first objective was to determine the proper literary setting of the text. The second objective was to determine the meaning of the text within its historical and grammatical setting. The third objective was to draw some theological implications from the text. A wide range of sources were consulted during the investigative process. Articles from journals, theological dictionaries, lexicons, commentaries, and other theological books which have a bearing on the topic provided useful information for the overall development of the study and the ultimate conclusion. An exegetical study using the historical grammatical method was undertaken to achieve the goal.After a careful analysis of Matthew 16:28, the study has ascertained that the meaning of βασιλείᾳ is to be found in the context of the transfiguration of Matthew 17:1-13. This decision was informed by four grounds. Firstly, the literary analysis of the passage within its immediate and wider context assisted in defining the limits and possible considerations for the correct rendering of the text. Secondly, the textual analysis of the parallel phrases and clauses including word studies strengthened the transfiguration as the fulfilment of the promise. Thirdly, contextual evidence from Matthew and the related synoptic accounts demonstrated that the placement of the transfiguration immediately after the prediction is indicative of what the evangelists had in mind as the correct interpretation. In this case, the pericope identified in Matthew is 16:28-17:13. Lastly, intertextual evidence points to the transfiguration as the event which carries the primary abstract meaning of βασιλείᾳ. Theological implications covered such themes as the certainty of the Parousia, the kingdom of Christ and also Christ as Messiah.