Mark 14:7

Authorized King James Version

For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good: but me ye have not always.

Word-by-Word Analysis

πάντοτε

G3842

always

every when, i.e., at all times

γὰρ

G1063

For

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

τοὺς

G3588

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

πτωχοὺς

G4434

the poor

akin to g4422 and the alternate of g4098); a beggar (as cringing), i.e., pauper (strictly denoting absolute or public mendicancy, although also used i

ἔχετε

G2192

ye have

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

μεθ'

G3326

with

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

ἑαυτῶν

G1438

you

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

καὶ

G2532

and

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

ὅταν

G3752

whensoever

whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as

#10

θέλητε

G2309

ye will

to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),

#11

δύνασθε

G1410

ye may

to be able or possible

#12

αὐτούς

G846

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

#13

εὖ

G2095

good

(adverbially) well

#14

ποιῆσαι

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

#15

ἐμὲ

G1691

#16

δὲ

G1161

but

but, and, etc

#17

οὐ

G3756

not

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

#18

πάντοτε

G3842

always

every when, i.e., at all times

#19

ἔχετε

G2192

ye have

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

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

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

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?
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?

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