And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to [our] father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
And {G2532} think {G1380} not {G3361} to say {G3004} within {G1722} yourselves {G1438}, We have {G2192} Abraham {G11} to our father {G3962}: for {G1063} I say {G3004} unto you {G5213}, that {G3754} God {G2316} is able {G1410} of {G1537} these {G5130} stones {G3037} to raise up {G1453} children {G5043} unto Abraham {G11}.
And don't suppose you can comfort yourselves by saying, `Avraham is our father'! For I tell you that God can raise up for Avraham sons from these stones!
And do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham.
and think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
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Luke 3:8
Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to [our] father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. -
Galatians 3:27
For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. -
Galatians 3:29
And if ye [be] Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. -
Romans 9:7
Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, [are they] all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called. -
Romans 9:8
That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these [are] not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed. -
John 8:33
They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free? -
Acts 13:26
Men [and] brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent.
In Matthew 3:9, John the Baptist delivers a sharp rebuke to the Pharisees and Sadducees who came to his baptism, challenging their reliance on their ancestral lineage as a source of spiritual security. This verse is a powerful declaration of God's sovereignty and the true nature of spiritual identity.
Context
This verse is part of John the Baptist's fiery ministry, which called for radical repentance in preparation for the coming Messiah. When the self-righteous religious leaders, the Pharisees and Sadducees, approached him, John confronted their spiritual arrogance (see Matthew 3:7). They believed their physical descent from Abraham guaranteed them a favored status with God and exemption from divine judgment. John shatters this false security, emphasizing that true spiritual standing comes from inner transformation, not outward pedigree.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Greek word for "able" is dynatos (δυνατός), related to dynamis (δύναμις), which signifies inherent power, ability, or might. John's statement underscores God's absolute and dynamic power to accomplish His will, even to the extent of creating new life and lineage from inanimate objects like "stones" (lithos, λίθος). This emphasizes that God's plan of salvation is not dependent on human lineage or effort, but on His divine initiative and strength.
Practical Application
Matthew 3:9 remains profoundly relevant today. It challenges us to examine the basis of our spiritual assurance. Are we relying on our family's faith, church membership, religious traditions, or a superficial understanding of our identity as believers? John the Baptist's message urges us to pursue genuine repentance and faith, understanding that God values a transformed heart over any external credentials. Furthermore, it reminds us that God can use anyone, regardless of background or perceived qualifications, to fulfill His purposes, demonstrating that His power is not limited by human expectations or limitations.