Mark 1:20

Authorized King James Version

And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants, and went after him.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
εὐθεὼς
straightway
directly, i.e., at once or soon
#3
ἐκάλεσεν
he called
to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)
#4
αὐτοῦ
him
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
#5
καὶ
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#6
ἀφέντες
they left
to send forth, in various applications (as follow)
#7
τὸν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
πατέρα
father
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
#9
αὐτοῦ
him
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
#10
Ζεβεδαῖον
Zebedee
zebedaeus, an israelite
#11
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#12
τῷ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
πλοίῳ
the ship
a sailer, i.e., vessel
#14
μετὰ
with
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
#15
τῶν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#16
μισθωτῶν
the hired servants
a wage-worker (good or bad)
#17
ἀπῆλθον
and went
to go off (i.e., depart), aside (i.e., apart) or behind (i.e., follow), literally or figuratively
#18
ὀπίσω
after
to the back, i.e., aback (as adverb or preposition of time or place; or as noun)
#19
αὐτοῦ
him
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Analysis

Within the broader context of Mark, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by establishing foundational concepts crucial to Mark's theological argument.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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