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Selected Verse: Matthew 17:14 - King James

Verse         Translation Text
Mt 17:14 King James And when they were come to the multitude, there came to him a certain man, kneeling down to him, and saying,

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Notes on the Bible, by Albert Barnes, [1834]
And when they were come to the multitude - This took place on the day following the transfiguration, Luk 9:37. This multitude was probably composed of persons who had attended on his ministry, many of whom were his real disciples. With them, as Mark Mar 9:15 informs us, were "scribes questioning with them." That is, they were probably professedly making inquiries about the Saviour, but really attempting to introduce their own sentiments, and to draw them off from him. They probably artfully asked them many questions about his birth, his family, his appearance, his manner of life, and his instructions, all which were contrary to the general expectation respecting the Messiah, and they intended, therefore, to insinuate that such a person could not be the Christ. The people were persuaded that he was the Messiah. and it would not have done to have attacked their opinions openly, but they attempted to gain the same point by sly insinuations. Error is always subtle, and often puts on the appearance of calm and honest inquiry. Well had he compared them to leavens, Mat 16:11-12. The multitude, seeing Jesus coming down, left the scribes, and ran to meet him (Mark). They were amazed, probably because they had not expected to see him there. In their joy at meeting him in this unexpected manner, they "saluted" him (Mark); that is, probably they prostrated themselves before him after the manner of salutation in Eastern countries. See the notes at Luk 10:4. Jesus, seeing the scribes and their artful design, reproved them by asking them why they questioned thus with his disciples, Mar 9:16. Conscious of their guilt and their base purpose, they returned no answer.

A certain man kneeling down to him - That is, saluting him, or showing high regard for him. See the notes at Luk 10:4. It did not imply religious homage, but merely high respect and earnest entreaty.
 
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4 Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way.
16 And he asked the scribes, What question ye with them?
4 Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way.
11 How is it that ye do not understand that I spake it not to you concerning bread, that ye should beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees?
12 Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.
15 And straightway all the people, when they beheld him, were greatly amazed, and running to him saluted him.
37 And it came to pass, that on the next day, when they were come down from the hill, much people met him.
37 And as he spake, a certain Pharisee besought him to dine with him: and he went in, and sat down to meat.
14 And when he came to his disciples, he saw a great multitude about them, and the scribes questioning with them.
29 And Moses said unto him, As soon as I am gone out of the city, I will spread abroad my hands unto the LORD; and the thunder shall cease, neither shall there be any more hail; that thou mayest know how that the earth is the LORD'S.