Mark 14:27

Authorized King James Version

And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered.

Word-by-Word Analysis

καὶ

G2532

And

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

λέγει

G3004

saith

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

αὐτοῖς

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

ὁ

G3588

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

Ἰησοῦς

G2424

Jesus

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

ὅτι

G3754

for

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

Πάντες

G3956

All ye

all, any, every, the whole

σκανδαλισθήσεσθε

G4624

shall be offended

to entrap, i.e., trip up (figuratively, stumble (transitively) or entice to sin, apostasy or displeasure)

ἐν

G1722

because of

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

#10

ἐμοὶ

G1698

to me

#11

ἐν

G1722

because of

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

#12

τῇ

G3588

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

#13

νυκτὶ

G3571

night

"night" (literally or figuratively)

#14

ταύτη,

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

#15

ὅτι

G3754

for

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

#16

γέγραπται

G1125

it is written

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

#17

Πατάξω

G3960

I will smite

to knock (gently or with a weapon or fatally)

#18

τὸν

G3588

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

#19

ποιμένα

G4166

the shepherd

a shepherd (literally or figuratively)

#20

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#21

διασκορπισθήσεται

G1287

shall be scattered

to dissipate, i.e., (genitive case) to rout or separate; specially, to winnow; figuratively, to squander

#22

τὰ

G3588

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

#23

πρόβατα

G4263

the sheep

something that walks forward (a quadruped), i.e., (specially), a sheep (literally or figuratively)

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 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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
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?

Related Resources

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The Twelve Apostles

Study Resources

Parables of Jesus