Mark 14:63

Authorized King James Version

Then the high priest rent his clothes, and saith, What need we any further witnesses?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#2
δὲ
Then
but, and, etc
#3
ἀρχιερεὺς
the high priest
the high-priest (literally, of the jews; typically, christ); by extension a chief priest
#4
διαῤῥήξας
rent
to tear asunder
#5
τοὺς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
χιτῶνας
clothes
a tunic or shirt
#7
αὐτοῦ
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
#8
λέγει
and 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
#9
Τί
What
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
#10
ἔτι
any further
"yet," still (of time or degree)
#11
χρείαν
need
employment, i.e., an affair; also (by implication) occasion, demand, requirement or destitution
#12
ἔχομεν
we
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#13
μαρτύρων
witnesses
a witness (literally (judicially) or figuratively (genitive case)); by analogy, a "martyr"

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

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