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Matthew 7:26 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)
26 And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand.

In Matthew 7:26, Jesus concludes the Sermon on the Mount with a compelling illustration that serves to underscore the vital importance of not only hearing His words but also putting them into practice. This passage, Καὶ πᾶς ὁ ἀκούων μου τοὺς λόγους τούτους καὶ μὴ ποιῶν αὐτοὺς ὁμοιωθήσεται ἀνδρὶ μωρῷ ὅστις ᾠκοδόμησεν αὐτοῦ τὴν οἰκίαν ἐπὶ τὴν ἄμμον, offers a striking picture of the consequences of disregarding Jesus’ teachings. The Updated American Standard Version (UASV) captures the essence of this verse with clarity: “And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand.”

Exegetical Breakdown of the Greek Syntax:

Subject Phrase: Καὶ πᾶς ὁ ἀκούων μου τοὺς λόγους τούτους (And everyone who hears these words of mine): This phrase establishes the subject of the sentence, highlighting the universal application of Jesus’ teaching. The participle ἀκούων (hearing) is present active, emphasizing the ongoing act of listening. The possessive pronoun μου (of mine) personalizes the message, indicating a direct relationship between the speaker and the words.
Conditional Clause: καὶ μὴ ποιῶν αὐτοὺς (and does not do them): Following the subject is a condition marked by μὴ (not) and the present active participle ποιῶν (doing), specifying an ongoing neglect of action in response to hearing. The pronoun αὐτοὺς (them) refers back to Jesus’ words, creating a direct link between hearing and doing.
Result Clause: ὁμοιωθήσεται ἀνδρὶ μωρῷ… (will be like a foolish man…): The future passive indicative ὁμοιωθήσεται (will be likened) introduces the result of the condition: a comparison to a foolish man. The use of the passive voice indicates that this likeness is not a choice but a consequence imposed on the hearer.
Illustrative Comparison: ὅστις ᾠκοδόμησεν αὐτοῦ τὴν οἰκίαν ἐπὶ τὴν ἄμμον (who built his house on the sand): The relative clause provides a concrete example of folly, with the aorist active indicative ᾠκοδόμησεν (built) indicating a completed action with lasting effects. The phrase ἐπὶ τὴν ἄμμον (on the sand) vividly depicts the unstable foundation, symbolizing the lack of durability and security in the lives of those who fail to act on Jesus’ teachings.

Soundness of the Translation:

The UASV translation faithfully conveys the original Greek text’s meaning and urgency. By maintaining the direct and conditional structure of the verse, it encapsulates the logical progression from hearing to acting—or failing to act—and the resultant comparison. This approach underscores the necessity of obedience to Jesus’ words as the foundation for a life that can withstand trials and tribulations, akin to a house built on a solid foundation.

Conclusion:

Matthew 7:26 serves as a potent reminder of the intrinsic connection between faith and obedience. Through a meticulous examination of its Greek syntax, we gain a deeper understanding of Jesus’ call to not only be hearers but doers of His word. The translation into English preserves the original’s admonition and its call to a life built on the enduring foundation of Christ’s teachings. This passage challenges believers to reflect on the substance of their faith and the practical outworking of their commitment to follow Christ, ensuring their spiritual edifice is secured not on the shifting sands of mere assent but on the solid rock of active obedience.

About the Author

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