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Discover the intricacies of Biblical Greek in our analysis, “How Should We Understand the Participle ‘Poreuthentes’ in Matthew 28:19?”. This article critically examines the translation and interpretation of the Greek participle in the context of the Great Commission. Explore whether “poreuthentes” should be read as an imperative command or a descriptive process, and understand its impact on the Christian mission and discipleship. A must-read for theologians, scholars, and anyone interested in the depths of biblical language and its implications for Christian practice.

In Matthew 28:19, a pivotal verse known as the Great Commission, Jesus instructs His disciples, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations…” This command has been the bedrock of Christian missionary work for centuries. However, there is an ongoing debate among scholars and theologians regarding the proper translation and interpretation of the Greek participle “poreuthentes,” often translated as “go.” This discussion centers on whether this participle should be understood as an imperative command or more as a descriptive process of ‘going’ or ‘as you go.’ To explore this, we delve into the intricacies of Biblical Greek grammar and its implications for understanding Jesus’ directive.

1. Understanding Greek Participles

In Greek, participles can convey various nuances, often depending on their context. A participle, essentially a verbal adjective, can describe the manner, time, condition, or reason for an action. The Greek participle “poreuthentes” is derived from “poreuomai,” meaning “to go” or “to proceed.”

2. The Grammatical Structure of Matthew 28:19

The structure of the sentence in Matthew 28:19 places “poreuthentes” before the main verb “matheteusate” (make disciples). This arrangement is significant in Greek syntax and plays a crucial role in interpreting the participle’s force and meaning.

The Reading Culture of Early Christianity

3. The Attendant Circumstance Participle

Daniel Wallace, in his “Greek Grammar Beyond the Basics,” discusses the concept of the attendant circumstance participle. This grammatical construction occurs when a participle, combined with a main verb, effectively takes on the mood of the main verb. In the case of Matthew 28:19, the main verb is an aorist active imperative (“matheteusate”), suggesting a command.

4. Analysis of New Testament Usage

A survey of the New Testament reveals that “poreuthentes,” when followed by an imperative verb, consistently takes on an imperative sense. This pattern strongly suggests that “poreuthentes” in Matthew 28:19 should be read in a similar vein, as an active command rather than a mere descriptive statement.

5. Implications for the Great Commission

If “poreuthentes” is understood as an imperative, it emphasizes the active nature of the Great Commission. The command to “go” is not just a casual or incidental part of life but a deliberate and intentional action. This interpretation aligns with the urgency and global scope of the discipleship mandate.

6. Counterarguments and Alternative Interpretations

Some argue for a more passive interpretation of “poreuthentes,” translating it as “as you go,” implying that making disciples is an integral part of the believer’s daily life rather than a specific command to undertake missionary journeys. This view highlights the ongoing and everyday aspect of disciple-making.

7. Contextual Considerations

The broader context of Matthew’s Gospel and the situation of the disciples at the time of the Great Commission must also be considered. The directive to make disciples of all nations would have necessitated physical movement and missionary activity, lending support to the imperative interpretation.

8. Theological and Missional Implications

The translation and interpretation of “poreuthentes” have significant implications for Christian theology and mission. The imperative view underscores the active calling of the Church to engage in explicit missionary and evangelistic efforts. In contrast, the more passive interpretation focuses on the integration of discipleship into the fabric of everyday life.

9. Historical and Scholarly Perspectives

Throughout church history, theologians and missionaries have variously interpreted this passage, impacting the strategies and emphases of Christian missions. Scholarly work, particularly in the field of Greek grammar and New Testament studies, continues to shed light on these nuances.

10. Conclusion: Balancing Act of Translation and Mission

In conclusion, while the Greek participle “poreuthentes” in Matthew 28:19 can be understood in different ways, the weight of grammatical evidence and the New Testament usage suggest an imperative interpretation, aligning with the active command “make disciples.” This understanding does not negate the ongoing, day-to-day aspect of discipleship but rather complements it, presenting a holistic view of the Great Commission as both a specific mandate and a continuous calling for all Christians. This passage, therefore, remains a cornerstone for Christian mission, encapsulating the dynamic interplay between going forth and making disciples as integral elements of the Christian life.

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).