Usage of the Definite Article With the Word “Greatest”
Matthew 18:1-4 reads: “In that hour the disciples came near to Jesus and said: “Who really is greatest in the Kingdom of the heavens?” So calling a young child to him, he stood him in their midst and said: “Truly I say to you, unless you turn around and become as young children, you will by no means enter into the Kingdom of the heavens. Therefore, whoever will humble himself like this young child is the one who is the greatest in the Kingdom of the heavens.”
Why is the definite article not used in the first instance of the word “greatest” while it is used in the second instance?
Top answer
It's not modern English.
- It's not modern English.
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anonymousWhy is the definite article not used in the first instance of the word “greatest” while it is used in the second instance?
It's the author's choice. It could have been written with 'the' in the first sentence and not in the second. Or with 'the' in both places; or without 'the' in both places.
CJ
0The KJV reverses that:
18 At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?
2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,
3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
4 Whosoever therefore
0
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