Mark 10:38

Authorized King James Version

But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?

Word-by-Word Analysis

ὁ

G3588

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

δὲ

G1161

But

but, and, etc

Ἰησοῦς

G2424

Jesus

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

εἶπεν

G2036

said

to speak or say (by word or writing)

αὐτοῖς

G846

unto them

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

Οὐκ

G3756

not

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

οἴδατε

G1492

Ye know

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

τί

G5101

what

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

αἰτεῖσθε

G154

ye ask

to ask (in genitive case)

#10

δύνασθε

G1410

can ye

to be able or possible

#11

πίνω

G4095

drink

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

#12

τὸ

G3588

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

#13

ποτήριον

G4221

of the cup

a drinking-vessel; by extension, the contents thereof, i.e., a cupful (draught); figuratively, a lot or fate

#14

ὃ

G3739

that

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

#15

ἐγὼ

G1473

i, me

#16

πίνω

G4095

drink

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

#17

καί

G2532

and

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

#18

τὸ

G3588

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

#19

βάπτισμα

G908

with the baptism

baptism (technically or figuratively)

#20

ὃ

G3739

that

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

#21

ἐγὼ

G1473

i, me

#22

βαπτισθῆναι

G907

am baptized with

to immerse, submerge; to make whelmed (i.e., fully wet); used only (in the new testament) of ceremonial ablution, especially (technically) of the ordi

#23

βαπτισθῆναι

G907

am baptized with

to immerse, submerge; to make whelmed (i.e., fully wet); used only (in the new testament) of ceremonial ablution, especially (technically) of the ordi

Analysis

Within the broader context of Mark, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. 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 building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Mark.

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

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
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?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?

Related Resources

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The Twelve Apostles

Study Resources

Parables of Jesus