Then He Spoke: Aorist and Dative Direction in Matthew 23:1

Τότε ὁ Ἰησοῦς ἐλάλησε τοῖς ὄχλοις καὶ τοῖς μαθηταῖς αὐτοῦ — Matthew 23:1

The Moment Before the Rebuke

Matthew 23 begins with a formal and significant transition. The use of Τότε (“then”) marks a shift in narrative time and tone, preparing the audience for one of Jesus’ most scathing critiques—his denunciation of the scribes and Pharisees. This short verse is grammatically simple but theologically loaded. The grammar establishes a formal speech moment in which the audience is defined and the action is definitive.

ἐλάλησε: Aorist Declarative Action

The main verb ἐλάλησε (“he spoke”) is in the aorist active indicative, conveying a completed, past action. The verb λαλέω often emphasizes speech in terms of utterance or proclamation. Here, it sets the stage for a direct address to two specific groups: the ὄχλοι (crowds) and the μαθηταί (disciples). The aorist tense presents this moment as a decisive, unified event—a single, formal address that introduces a new section of teaching.

Dative Plurals: Two Audiences, One Message

The dative plural forms τοῖς ὄχλοις (“to the crowds”) and τοῖς μαθηταῖς αὐτοῦ (“to his disciples”) mark the recipients of Jesus’ speech. The use of two coordinated datives emphasizes that this teaching is public and inclusive. It is not a private discussion with his disciples, nor is it exclusively directed at the broader crowd—it is for both. This dual audience sets the tone for a message meant to both expose and instruct.

The Aorist That Opens a Discourse

Though simple in form, Matthew 23:1 functions as a formal gateway into a powerful discourse. The aorist verb ἐλάλησε declares that Jesus took initiative to speak; the double dative shows that the message was for all. What follows is a series of hard truths, but it begins with an inclusive address. Grammar frames the moment—Jesus speaks, and the world is meant to listen.

Parsing the Core Verbal Form