Sunday, January 28, 2024

Mathematical Arrangements in Matthew

 James Moffatt, An Introduction to the Literature of the New Testament. Edinburgh, Clark, 1911, p 248-249:


Groups of 3:

Three divisions in the genealogy (Matt 1:2-17) 

Three angel- messages to Joseph in dreams (Matt 1:20, Matt 2:13, Matt 2:19)

Three temptations (Matt 4:1-11)

A triple description of the mission (Matt 4:23 see above)

A triple illustration in Matt 5:22 (cp. Matt 5:34-35, Matt 5:39-41)

The threefold definition of Matt 6:1-4, Matt 6:5-15, Matt 6:16-18 (cp. also Matt 6:9-10, Matt 7:7-8, 22, 25, 27)

Three miracles of healing (Matt 8:1-15)

Three further miracles (Matt 8:23 – Matt 9:9)

Three other miracles of healing (Matt 9:18-34)

The triple rhythm of Matt 11:7-9 (cp. Matt 12:50)

The threefold attack of the Pharisees (Matt 12:2, 10, 24)

Three parables of sowing (Matt 13:1-32)

Three instances of Verily I say to you (Matt 18:3, 13, 18)

Three classes of eunuchs (Matt 10:12),

The threefold rhythm of Matt 20:19 and Matt 21:9

Three parables (Matt 21:18-22:14)

Three questions put to Jesus (Matt 22:15-40)

Three warnings (Matt 23:8-10, cp. Matt 23:20-22)

Three herbs vs. three virtues (mint and dill and cumin, justice and mercy and faithfulness) of Matt 23:23

Three clarifications of prophets and wise men and scribes of Matt 23:34 

The three men of the parable (Matt 25:14)

Three prayers in Gethsemane (Matt 26:36-45)

Three denials of Peter (Matt 26:69)

Three questions of Pilate (Matt 27:17-22)

Three mockeries of the crucified (Matt 27:39-44)

Three women, specially mentioned at the cross (Matt 27:56)

The threefold rhythm of Matt 28:19


Groups of 5, 7, or 10:


Five occurrences of the formula “and when Jesus had finished these sayings” (Matt 7:28, Matt 11:1, Matt 13:53, Matt 19:1, Matt 26:1)

The fivefold antithesis of Matt 5:21-48

The fivefold rhythm of Matt 10:7-8 (cp. Matt 10:9-10)


The seven evil spirits of Matt 12:25

The sevenfold forgiveness of Matt 18:21-22 (cp. Matt 22:25)

The seven loaves and baskets (Matt 15:34, 37)

The sevenfold woe of Matt 23.


Ten OT citations (Matt 1-4:11) before the beginning of the Galilean mission

Ten miracles in Matt 8:1 – 9:34


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