Mark 10:21

Authorized King James Version

Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ὁ

G3588

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

δὲ

G1161

Then

but, and, etc

Ἰησοῦς

G2424

Jesus

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

ἐμβλέψας

G1689

beholding

to look on, i.e., (relatively) to observe fixedly, or (absolutely) to discern clearly

αὐτῷ

G846

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

ἠγάπησεν

G25

loved

to love (in a social or moral sense)

αὐτῷ

G846

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

καὶ

G2532

and

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

εἶπεν

G2036

said

to speak or say (by word or writing)

#10

αὐτῷ

G846

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

Ἕν

G1520

One thing

one

#12

σοί

G4671

thou

to thee

#13

ὑστερεῖ·

G5302

lackest

to be later, i.e., (by implication) to be inferior; generally, to fall short (be deficient)

#14

ὕπαγε

G5217

go thy way

to lead (oneself) under, i.e., withdraw or retire (as if sinking out of sight), literally or figuratively

#15

ὅσα

G3745

whatsoever

as (much, great, long, etc.) as

#16

ἕξεις

G2192

thou hast

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

#17

πώλησον

G4453

sell

to barter (as a pedlar), i.e., to sell

#18

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#19

δὸς

G1325

give

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

#20

τοῖς

G3588

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

#21

πτωχοῖς

G4434

to the poor

akin to g4422 and the alternate of g4098); a beggar (as cringing), i.e., pauper (strictly denoting absolute or public mendicancy, although also used i

#22

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#23

ἕξεις

G2192

thou hast

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

#24

θησαυρὸν

G2344

treasure

a deposit, i.e., wealth (literally or figuratively)

#25

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#26

οὐρανῷ

G3772

heaven

the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)

#27

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#28

δεῦρο

G1204

come

here; used also imperative hither!; and of time, hitherto

#29

ἀκολούθει

G190

and follow

properly, to be in the same way with, i.e., to accompany (specially, as a disciple)

#30

μοι

G3427

to me

#31

ἄρας

G142

take up

to lift up; by implication, to take up or away; figuratively, to raise (the voice), keep in suspense (the mind), specially, to sail away (i.e., weigh

#32

τὸν

G3588

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

#33

σταυρόν

G4716

the cross

a stake or post (as set upright), i.e., (specially), a pole or cross (as an instrument of capital punishment); figuratively, exposure to death, i.e.,

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Mark. The concept of love reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The emotional and relational language employed here is characteristic of biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, emphasizing the personal nature of divine-human relationship. The original language emphasizes agape in Greek contexts or hesed in Hebrew, indicating covenantal loyalty, 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 patron-client relationships and family loyalty concepts, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
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?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on love address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

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