Mark 10:18

Authorized King James Version

And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#2
δὲ
And
but, and, etc
#3
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
#4
εἶπεν
said
to speak or say (by word or writing)
#5
αὐτῷ
unto 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
#6
Τί
Why
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
#7
με
me
me
#8
λέγεις
callest thou
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#9
ἀγαθὸς
G18
good
"good" (in any sense, often as noun)
#10
οὐδεὶς
there is none
not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing
#11
ἀγαθὸς
G18
good
"good" (in any sense, often as noun)
#12
εἰ
if, whether, that, etc
#13
μὴ
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
#14
εἷς
one
one
#15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#16
θεός
that is God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Mark, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Mark.

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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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