Mark 12:26

Authorized King James Version

And as touching the dead, that they rise: have ye not read in the book of Moses, how in the bush God spake unto him, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob?

Word-by-Word Analysis

περὶ

G4012

as touching

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

δὲ

G1161

And

but, and, etc

τῶν

G3588

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

νεκρῶν

G3498

the dead

dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun)

ὅτι

G3754

that

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἐγείρονται

G1453

they rise

to waken (transitively or intransitively), i.e., rouse (literally, from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death; or figuratively, from

οὐκ

G3756

not

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

ἀνέγνωτε

G314

have ye

to know again, i.e., (by extension) to read

ἐν

G1722

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

#10

τῇ

G3588

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

#11

βίβλῳ

G976

the book

a scroll

#12

Μωσέως,

G3475

of Moses

moseus, moses, or mouses (i.e., mosheh), the hebrew lawgiver

#13

ἐπὶ

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

#14

τῆς

G3588

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

#15

βάτου

G942

the bush

a brier shrub

#16

ὡς

G5613

how

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

#17

εἶπεν

G2036

spake

to speak or say (by word or writing)

#18

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

#19

ὁ

G3588

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

#20

θεὸς

G2316

God

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

#21

λέγων,

G3004

saying

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

#22

Ἐγὼ

G1473

i, me

#23

ὁ

G3588

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

#24

θεὸς

G2316

God

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

#25

Ἀβραὰμ

G11

of Abraham

abraham, the hebrew patriarch

#26

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#27

ὁ

G3588

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

#28

θεὸς

G2316

God

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

#29

Ἰσαὰκ

G2464

of Isaac

isaac (i.e., jitschak), the son of abraham

#30

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#31

ὁ

G3588

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

#32

θεὸς

G2316

God

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

#33

Ἰακώβ

G2384

of Jacob

jacob (i.e., ja`akob), the progenitor of the israelites

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Mark. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. 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 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

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
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?
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?

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