Matthew 6:16 Vulgate: Future Perfect 'Receperunt'?

Introduction

Hey guys! Ever wondered about the nitty-gritty of biblical translations? Today, we're diving deep into a fascinating linguistic puzzle found in Matthew 6:16 of the Vulgate. Specifically, we're going to unravel why the verb "receperunt" is in the future perfect tense, rather than the simple perfect. This might sound like a super nerdy grammar question, but trust me, it opens up a whole new world of understanding the text's original intent and how language shapes meaning. So, buckle up, and let's get started!

Setting the Stage: Matthew 6:16

Before we get lost in verb tenses, let's set the scene. Matthew 6:16 is part of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, a treasure trove of ethical and spiritual teachings. In this passage, Jesus is talking about fasting and warning against doing it for the wrong reasons—namely, to show off. Here’s the verse in the Vulgate:

"Cum autem jejunatis, nolite fieri sicut hypocritæ, tristes. Exterminant enim facies suas, ut appareant hominibus jejunantes. Amen dico vobis, quia receperunt mercedem suam."

Which translates to:

"When you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, looking sad. For they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward."

The Grammatical Conundrum: Future Perfect vs. Simple Perfect

Now, here’s where things get interesting. The verb "receperunt" is the third-person plural future perfect of recipio, meaning "to receive." But wait a minute, why future perfect? The English translation uses the simple perfect ("have received"), which seems to fit the context. The reward has already been received, right? This is the core question we're tackling today.

To understand this, we need to appreciate the nuances of the future perfect tense in Latin. It’s not just about something happening in the future; it’s about an action that will be completed before a specific point in the future. Think of it as a future action seen from a future perspective. This is subtly different from the simple perfect, which describes an action completed in the past with present relevance.

Diving into the Nuances of the Future Perfect Tense

So, why did Jerome, the brilliant mind behind the Vulgate, choose the future perfect here? The answer lies in the perspective and the intended emphasis. Jerome wasn't just stating a simple fact; he was making a profound theological point about the fleeting nature of earthly rewards. To really grasp this, we need to break down the implications.

When Jesus says, "they have received their reward," he's not just saying they got some fleeting praise. He's saying that the entirety of their reward is contained in that moment of recognition. There's nothing more coming. The future perfect tense, "receperunt," underscores this finality. It suggests that at some point in the future (from the perspective of the hypocrites), it will be evident that they will have fully received their reward, and that's all there is.

In simpler terms, imagine a scenario: You work really hard on a project, and all you want is a pat on the back. You get that pat on the back, and you feel great! But that’s it. That feeling is the complete reward. There’s no bonus, no promotion, just that fleeting moment of praise. That's the kind of finality the future perfect brings to the table.

The Theological Implications: A Reward That's Here and Gone

This grammatical choice has significant theological implications. Jesus is contrasting the immediate, but ultimately empty, reward of human praise with the lasting reward that comes from God. The hypocrites seek the applause of men, and in that applause, they receive their full due. There's no eternal significance, no divine approval, just the fleeting satisfaction of human recognition.

The future perfect tense highlights the ephemeral nature of this reward. It's a reward that will have been completely received, leaving nothing more to anticipate. In contrast, the reward from God is ongoing, eternal, and far surpasses any earthly praise. This is a central theme in the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus continually contrasts earthly and heavenly treasures.

Consider the broader context of Matthew 6. Jesus speaks about storing up treasures in heaven (6:20), where they cannot be destroyed. This contrasts sharply with the treasures sought by the hypocrites, which are fleeting and insubstantial. The future perfect in 6:16 serves as a stark reminder of this contrast. It's a grammatical spotlight on the ultimate futility of seeking human glory.

Jerome's Genius: Capturing the Original Intent

Jerome's translation choice wasn't arbitrary. He was a meticulous scholar deeply attuned to the nuances of both Greek and Latin. He understood that the future perfect carried a weight of meaning that the simple perfect couldn't fully capture. By using "receperunt," Jerome preserved the original intent of Jesus' teaching, emphasizing the completeness and finality of the hypocrites' reward.

This is a testament to the power of translation when done with careful attention to detail. It’s not just about converting words from one language to another; it’s about conveying the full force of the original message. Jerome’s Vulgate, with its careful grammatical choices, has shaped Christian theology and understanding for centuries. His decision to use the future perfect here is a prime example of how linguistic precision can illuminate profound theological truths.

Comparing with Other Translations and the Original Greek

To further appreciate the significance of Jerome’s choice, let's briefly compare the Vulgate with other translations and the original Greek text. The Greek text of Matthew 6:16 uses the verb ἀπέχουσιν (apechousin), which is in the present active indicative. This tense can be understood in multiple ways, but it often implies that the reward is fully received at the moment of the action. Many English translations, like the ESV and NIV, use the simple present or perfect tenses (“they have their reward”) to reflect this sense of immediate fulfillment.

However, Jerome's future perfect adds a layer of nuance that is present but perhaps less explicit in the Greek. It’s like he’s taking the idea of immediate fulfillment and projecting it into the future, highlighting the ultimate emptiness of that reward. Other Latin translations, as well as interpretations by early Church Fathers, show a range of understandings, but Jerome’s choice stands out for its theological depth.

By opting for the future perfect, Jerome wasn’t necessarily contradicting the Greek; he was interpreting it in a way that brought out a specific aspect of its meaning. This underscores the interpretive nature of translation. Translators aren't just transferring words; they're making choices about how to convey the meaning and emphasis of the original text.

Practical Takeaways: Why This Matters Today

So, why does all this matter for us today? Understanding the nuances of Matthew 6:16, particularly the use of the future perfect, can profoundly impact our spiritual lives. It's a powerful reminder to examine our motivations and to seek rewards that have lasting value. We live in a world that often celebrates immediate gratification and public recognition. Social media, with its likes and shares, can easily become a platform for seeking the kind of fleeting praise Jesus warns against.

Knowing that the hypocrites will have received their reward in full should prompt us to ask: What kind of reward am I seeking? Am I living for the applause of men, or am I striving for the approval of God? This isn’t to say that all recognition is bad, but it’s a call to prioritize eternal rewards over temporal ones. It's about seeking a deeper, more meaningful purpose than mere fleeting praise.

Conclusion: The Enduring Wisdom of Matthew 6:16

In conclusion, the use of "receperunt" in the future perfect tense in Matthew 6:16 of the Vulgate is no mere grammatical quirk. It’s a deliberate and insightful choice that underscores the fleeting nature of earthly rewards and the importance of seeking eternal treasures. Jerome's translation, with its careful attention to nuance, continues to speak powerfully to readers centuries later.

By understanding the subtleties of the Latin tense, we gain a richer appreciation for the depth of Jesus' teaching and the enduring wisdom of the Sermon on the Mount. So, the next time you read Matthew 6:16, remember the future perfect and the profound message it conveys: Seek rewards that last, and let your fasting be a matter between you and God.

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