Mark 10:51

Authorized King James Version

And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight.

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

ἀποκριθεὶς

G611

answered

to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)

λὲγει

G3004

and said

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

αὐτῷ

G846

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

ὁ

G3588

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

Ἰησοῦς

G2424

Jesus

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

Τί

G5101

What

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

θέλεις

G2309

wilt

to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),

ποιήσω

G4160

thou that I should do

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

#10

σοι

G4671

unto thee

to thee

#11

ὁ

G3588

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

#12

δὲ

G1161

but, and, etc

#13

τυφλὸς

G5185

The blind man

opaque (as if smoky), i.e., (by analogy) blind (physically or mentally)

#14

εἶπεν

G2036

said

to speak or say (by word or writing)

#15

αὐτῷ

G846

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

#16

Ῥαββονί

G4462

Lord

corresponding to g4461

#17

ἵνα

G2443

that

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

#18

ἀναβλέψω

G308

I might receive my sight

to look up; by implication, to recover sight

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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

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?
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 might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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