Mark 14:48

Authorized King James Version

And Jesus answered and said unto them, Are ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and with staves to take me?

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

ἀποκριθεὶς

G611

answered

to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)

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

εἶπεν

G2036

and said

to speak or say (by word or writing)

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

Ὡς

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

ἐπὶ

G1909

against

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

λῃστὴν

G3027

a thief

a brigand

#10

ἐξήλθετε

G1831

Are ye come out

to issue (literally or figuratively)

#11

μετὰ

G3326

with

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

#12

μαχαιρῶν

G3162

swords

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

#13

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#14

ξύλων

G3586

with staves

timber (as fuel or material); by implication, a stick, club or tree or other wooden article or substance

#15

συλλαβεῖν

G4815

to take

to clasp, i.e., seize (arrest, capture); specially, to conceive (literally or figuratively); by implication, to aid

#16

με

G3165

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

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?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

The Twelve Apostles

Study Resources

Parables of Jesus