Mark 1:7

Authorized King James Version

And preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose.

Word-by-Word Analysis

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐκήρυσσεν

G2784

preached

to herald (as a public crier), especially divine truth (the gospel)

λέγων,

G3004

saying

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

Ἔρχεται

G2064

There cometh

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

ὁ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἰσχυρότερός

G2478

one mightier than

forcible (literally or figuratively)

μου

G3450

of me

ὀπίσω

G3694

after

to the back, i.e., aback (as adverb or preposition of time or place; or as noun)

μου

G3450

of me

#10

οὗ

G3739

of whose

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

#11

οὐκ

G3756

not

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

#12

εἰμὶ

G1510

I am

i exist (used only when emphatic)

#13

ἱκανὸς

G2425

worthy

competent (as if coming in season), i.e., ample (in amount) or fit (in character)

#14

κύψας

G2955

to stoop down

to bend forward

#15

λῦσαι

G3089

and unloose

to "loosen" (literally or figuratively)

#16

τὸν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#17

ἱμάντα

G2438

the latchet

a strap, i.e., (specially) the tie (of a sandal) or the lash (of a scourge)

#18

τῶν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#19

ὑποδημάτων

G5266

something bound under the feet, i.e., a shoe or sandal

#20

αὐτοῦ

G846

shoes

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 declarative statements that establish theological truth. 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

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Mark Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How does this verse's literary context within Mark chapter 1 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

The Twelve Apostles

Study Resources

Parables of Jesus