Mark 1:2
As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.
Original Language Analysis
Ὡς
As
G5613
Ὡς
As
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
1 of 21
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
γέγραπται
it is written
G1125
γέγραπται
it is written
Strong's:
G1125
Word #:
2 of 21
to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
προφήταις,
the prophets
G4396
προφήταις,
the prophets
Strong's:
G4396
Word #:
5 of 21
a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet
ἀποστέλλω
send
G649
ἀποστέλλω
send
Strong's:
G649
Word #:
8 of 21
set apart, i.e., (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἄγγελόν
messenger
G32
ἄγγελόν
messenger
Strong's:
G32
Word #:
10 of 21
compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor
πρὸ
before
G4253
πρὸ
before
Strong's:
G4253
Word #:
12 of 21
"fore", i.e., in front of, prior (figuratively, superior) to
προσώπου
face
G4383
προσώπου
face
Strong's:
G4383
Word #:
13 of 21
the front (as being towards view), i.e., the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person
ὃς
which
G3739
ὃς
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
15 of 21
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
κατασκευάσει
shall prepare
G2680
κατασκευάσει
shall prepare
Strong's:
G2680
Word #:
16 of 21
to prepare thoroughly (properly, by external equipment; whereas g2090 refers rather to internal fitness); by implication, to construct, create
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὁδόν
way
G3598
ὁδόν
way
Strong's:
G3598
Word #:
18 of 21
a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means
Cross References
Malachi 3:1Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.Matthew 11:10For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.Luke 1:76And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways;Psalms 40:7Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me,Matthew 26:31Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.Luke 1:70As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began:
Historical Context
Mark wrote for a primarily Gentile audience, likely in Rome around AD 65-70, yet begins by citing Jewish Scripture, demonstrating Christianity's rootedness in God's Old Testament promises. The combination of Malachi 3:1 and Isaiah 40:3 was common in ancient Jewish exegesis (gezera shawa). First-century Jews eagerly anticipated messianic deliverance and scrutinized prophets for signs. John's ministry (AD 27-29) fulfilled these prophecies, preparing Israel for Jesus' public ministry.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Mark's opening with Old Testament prophecy demonstrate that the Gospel fulfills God's ancient promises rather than inventing a new religion?
- What does John the Baptist's role as forerunner teach about God's orderly preparation for major redemptive events?
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Analysis & Commentary
Mark begins his Gospel not with Jesus' birth but with Old Testament prophecy, establishing that Jesus' ministry fulfills God's eternal redemptive plan. The phrase 'As it is written in the prophets' (καθὼς γέγραπται) appeals to scriptural authority—Mark combines Malachi 3:1 and Isaiah 40:3, showing their unified fulfillment in Christ. The messenger 'before thy face' identifies John the Baptist as the forerunner preparing Christ's way. The Hebrew mal'ak (מַלְאָךְ) means both human messenger and angel—John functions as God's divinely appointed herald. John's ministry of repentance prepared hearts to receive the Messiah. Reformed theology emphasizes that God's redemptive plan spans history—Old Testament prophecy finds fulfillment in New Testament reality, demonstrating divine sovereignty over all events.