Mark 13:35

Authorized King James Version

Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
γρηγορεῖτε
Watch ye
to keep awake, i.e., watch (literally or figuratively)
#2
οὖν·
therefore
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
#3
οὐκ
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#4
οἴδατε
ye know
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
#5
γὰρ
for
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
#6
πότε
when
interrogative adverb, at what time
#7
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
κύριος
the master
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
#9
τῆς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
οἰκίας
of the house
properly, residence (abstractly), but usually (concretely) an abode (literally or figuratively); by implication, a family (especially domestics)
#11
ἔρχεται
cometh
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#12
ὀψὲ
at even
(adverbially) late in the day; by extension, after the close of the day
#13
or
disjunctive, or; comparative, than
#14
μεσονυκτίου,
at midnight
midnight (especially as a watch)
#15
or
disjunctive, or; comparative, than
#16
ἀλεκτοροφωνίας
at the cockcrowing
cock-crow, i.e., the third night-watch
#17
or
disjunctive, or; comparative, than
#18
πρωΐ
in the morning
at dawn; by implication, the day-break watch

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 revelation 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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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