Mark 14:47

Authorized King James Version

And one of them that stood by drew a sword, and smote a servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear.

Word-by-Word Analysis

εἷς

G1520

of them

one

δέ

G1161

And

but, and, etc

τις

G5100

one

some or any person or object

τῶν

G3588

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

παρεστηκότων

G3936

that stood by

to stand beside, i.e., (transitively) to exhibit, proffer, (specially), recommend, (figuratively) substantiate; or (intransitively) to be at hand (or

σπασάμενος

G4685

drew

to draw

τὴν

G3588

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

μάχαιραν

G3162

a sword

a knife, i.e., dirk; figuratively, war, judicial punishment

ἔπαισεν

G3817

and smote

to hit (as if by a single blow and less violently than g5180); specially, to sting (as a scorpion)

#10

τὸν

G3588

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

#11

δοῦλον

G1401

a servant

a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)

#12

τοῦ

G3588

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

#13

ἀρχιερέως

G749

of the high priest

the high-priest (literally, of the jews; typically, christ); by extension a chief priest

#14

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#15

ἀφεῖλεν

G851

cut off

to remove (literally or figuratively)

#16

αὐτοῦ

G846

his

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

#17

τὸ

G3588

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

#18

ὠτίον

G5621

ear

an earlet, i.e., one of the ears, or perhaps the lobe of the ear

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 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?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

Related Resources

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