Mark 11:23

Authorized King James Version

For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ἀμὴν

G281

verily

properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)

γὰρ

G1063

For

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

λέγεῖ

G3004

I say

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

ὑμῖν

G5213

unto you

to (with or by) you

ὅτι

G3754

That

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ὃ

G3739

those things which

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

ἂν

G302

whatsoever

εἴπῃ

G2036

he saith

to speak or say (by word or writing)

τῷ

G3588

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

#10

ὄρει

G3735

mountain

a mountain (as lifting itself above the plain)

#11

τούτῳ

G5129

unto this

to (in, with or by) this (person or thing)

#12

Ἄρθητι

G142

Be thou removed

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

#13

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#14

βλήθητι

G906

be thou cast

to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)

#15

εἰς

G1519

into

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

#16

τὴν

G3588

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

#17

θάλασσαν

G2281

the sea

the sea (genitive case or specially)

#18

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#19

μὴ

G3361

not

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

#20

διακριθῇ

G1252

doubt

to separate thoroughly, i.e., (literally and reflexively) to withdraw from, or (by implication) oppose; figuratively, to discriminate (by implication,

#21

ἐν

G1722

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

#22

τῇ

G3588

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

#23

καρδίᾳ

G2588

heart

the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle

#24

αὐτῷ

G846

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

#25

ἀλλὰ

G235

but

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

#26

πιστεύσῃ

G4100

shall believe

to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch

#27

ὅτι

G3754

That

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

#28

ὃ

G3739

those things which

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

#29

λέγεῖ

G3004

I say

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

#30

γίνεται

G1096

shall come to pass

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

#31

ἔσται

G2071

shall have

will be

#32

αὐτῷ

G846

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

#33

ὃ

G3739

those things which

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

#34

ἐὰν

G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

#35

εἴπῃ

G2036

he saith

to speak or say (by word or writing)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Mark. The concept of divine revelation 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

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

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?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?

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