Mark 14:21

Authorized King James Version

The Son of man indeed goeth, as it is written of him: but woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! good were it for that man if he had never been born.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ὁ

G3588

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

μὲν

G3303

indeed

properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)

υἱὸς

G5207

The Son

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

τοῦ

G3588

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

ἄνθρωπος

G444

man

man-faced, i.e., a human being

ὑπάγει

G5217

goeth

to lead (oneself) under, i.e., withdraw or retire (as if sinking out of sight), literally or figuratively

καθὼς

G2531

just (or inasmuch) as, that

γέγραπται

G1125

it is written

to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe

περὶ

G4012

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

#10

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

#11

οὐαὶ

G3759

woe

#12

δὲ

G1161

but

but, and, etc

#13

τῷ

G3588

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

#14

ἄνθρωπος

G444

man

man-faced, i.e., a human being

#15

ἐκεῖνος

G1565

for that

that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed

#16

δι'

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

#17

οὗ

G3739

whom

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

#18

ὁ

G3588

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

#19

υἱὸς

G5207

The Son

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

#20

τοῦ

G3588

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

#21

ἄνθρωπος

G444

man

man-faced, i.e., a human being

#22

παραδίδοται·

G3860

is betrayed

to surrender, i.e yield up, entrust, transmit

#23

καλὸν

G2570

! good

properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished

#24

ἦν

G2258

were it

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

#25

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

#26

εἰ

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

#27

οὐκ

G3756

never

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

#28

ἐγεννήθη

G1080

been born

to procreate (properly, of the father, but by extension of the mother); figuratively, to regenerate

#29

ὁ

G3588

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

#30

ἄνθρωπος

G444

man

man-faced, i.e., a human being

#31

ἐκεῖνος

G1565

for that

that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed

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

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 the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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