Mark 10:17

Authorized King James Version

And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?

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
ἐκπορευομένου
when he was gone forth
to depart, be discharged, proceed, project
#3
αὐτόν
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
#4
εἰς
into
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#5
ὁδὸν
a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means
#6
προσδραμὼν
running
to run towards, i.e., hasten to meet or join
#7
εἷς
one
one
#8
καὶ
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#9
γονυπετήσας
kneeled
to fall on the knee
#10
αὐτόν
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
#11
ἐπηρώτα
and asked
to ask for, i.e., inquire, seek
#12
αὐτόν
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
#13
Διδάσκαλε
Master
an instructor (genitive case or specially)
#14
ἀγαθέ
G18
Good
"good" (in any sense, often as noun)
#15
τί
what
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
#16
ποιήσω
shall I do
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
#17
ἵνα
that
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
#18
ζωὴν
life
life (literally or figuratively)
#19
αἰώνιον
eternal
perpetual (also used of past time, or past and future as well)
#20
κληρονομήσω
I may inherit
to be an heir to (literally or figuratively)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Mark. The concept of life reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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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