Mark 14:3

Authorized King James Version

And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head.

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
ὄντος
being
#3
αὐτοῦ
as he
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
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#5
Βηθανίᾳ
Bethany
date-house; beth-any, a place in palestine
#6
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#7
τῇ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
οἰκίᾳ
the house
properly, residence (abstractly), but usually (concretely) an abode (literally or figuratively); by implication, a family (especially domestics)
#9
Σίμωνος
of Simon
simon (i.e., shimon), the name of nine israelites
#10
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
λεπροῦ
the leper
scaly, i.e., leprous (a leper)
#12
κατακειμένου
sat at meat
to lie down, i.e., (by implication) be sick; specially, to recline at a meal
#13
αὐτοῦ
as he
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
#14
ἦλθεν
there came
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#15
γυνὴ
a woman
a woman; specially, a wife
#16
ἔχουσα
having
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#17
ἀλάβαστρον
an alabaster box
properly, an "alabaster" box, i.e., (by extension) a perfume vase (of any material)
#18
μύρου
of ointment
"myrrh", i.e., (by implication) perfumed oil
#19
νάρδου
of spikenard
"nard"
#20
πιστικῆς
trustworthy, i.e., genuine (unadulterated)
#21
πολυτελοῦς
very precious
extremely expensive
#22
Καὶ
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#23
συντρίψασα
she brake
to crush completely, i.e., to shatter (literally or figuratively)
#24
τό
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#25
ἀλάβαστρον
an alabaster box
properly, an "alabaster" box, i.e., (by extension) a perfume vase (of any material)
#26
κατέχεεν
and poured
to pour down (out)
#27
αὐτοῦ
as he
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
#28
κατὰ
it on
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
#29
τῆς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#30
κεφαλῆς
head
the head (as the part most readily taken hold of), literally or figuratively

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

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

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