Mark 12:38

Authorized King James Version

And he said unto them in his doctrine, Beware of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing, and love salutations in the marketplaces,

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
ἔλεγεν
G3004
he 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
#3
αὐτοῦ
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
#4
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#5
ταῖς
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
διδαχῇ
G1322
doctrine
instruction (the act or the matter)
#7
αὐτοῦ
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
#8
Βλέπετε
G991
Beware
to look at (literally or figuratively)
#9
ἀπὸ
G575
of
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
#10
ταῖς
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
γραμματέων
G1122
the scribes
a professional writer
#12
ταῖς
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
θελόντων
G2309
love
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
#14
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#15
στολαῖς
G4749
long clothing
equipment, i.e., (specially), a "stole" or long-fitting gown (as a mark of dignity)
#16
περιπατεῖν
G4043
to go
to tread all around, i.e., walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion or votary)
#17
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#18
ἀσπασμοὺς
G783
love salutations
a greeting (in person or by letter)
#19
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#20
ταῖς
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#21
ἀγοραῖς
G58
the marketplaces
properly, the town-square (as a place of public resort); by implication, a market or thoroughfare

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 love fundamental to theology proper, revealing God's essential nature and character and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 love. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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