Mark 12:35

Authorized King James Version

And Jesus answered and said, while he taught in the temple, How say the scribes that Christ is the Son of David?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Καὶ
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
ἀποκριθεὶς
answered
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
#3
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
#5
λέγουσιν
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
#6
διδάσκων
while he taught
to teach (in the same broad application)
#7
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#8
τῷ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
ἱερῷ
the temple
a sacred place, i.e., the entire precincts (whereas g3485 denotes the central sanctuary itself) of the temple (at jerusalem or elsewhere)
#10
Πῶς
How
an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!
#11
λέγουσιν
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
#12
οἱ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
γραμματεῖς
the scribes
a professional writer
#14
ὅτι
that
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#16
Χριστὸς
Christ
anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus
#17
υἱὸς
the Son
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
#18
ἐστιν
is
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
#19
Δαβίδ
of David
david, the israelite king

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

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

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