Mark 15:21
And they compel one Simon a Cyrenian, who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear his cross.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀγγαρεύουσιν
they compel
G29
ἀγγαρεύουσιν
they compel
Strong's:
G29
Word #:
2 of 19
properly, to be a courier, i.e., (by implication) to press into public service
παράγοντά
who passed by
G3855
παράγοντά
who passed by
Strong's:
G3855
Word #:
3 of 19
to lead near, i.e., (reflexively or intransitively) to go along or away
ἐρχόμενον
coming
G2064
ἐρχόμενον
coming
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
7 of 19
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
ἀπ'
out of
G575
ἀπ'
out of
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
8 of 19
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
ἀγροῦ
the country
G68
ἀγροῦ
the country
Strong's:
G68
Word #:
9 of 19
a field (as a drive for cattle); genitive case, the country; specially, a farm, i.e., hamlet
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πατέρα
the father
G3962
πατέρα
the father
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
11 of 19
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
Ἀλεξάνδρου
of Alexander
G223
Ἀλεξάνδρου
of Alexander
Strong's:
G223
Word #:
12 of 19
alexander, the name of three israelites and one other man
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἄρῃ
bear
G142
ἄρῃ
bear
Strong's:
G142
Word #:
16 of 19
to lift up; by implication, to take up or away; figuratively, to raise (the voice), keep in suspense (the mind), specially, to sail away (i.e., weigh
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Matthew 27:32And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross.Luke 23:26And as they led him away, they laid hold upon one Simon, a Cyrenian, coming out of the country, and on him they laid the cross, that he might bear it after Jesus.Romans 16:13Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine.
Historical Context
Crucifixion victims typically carried the 40-pound crossbeam (~18 kg) through crowded streets while the vertical post remained at the execution site. Roman soldiers routinely requisitioned civilian labor for military purposes throughout occupied territories. Cyrene in Libya had a substantial Jewish population; many came to Jerusalem for major festivals. Mark's original Roman audience would have known Alexander and Rufus personally, validating this eyewitness detail.
Questions for Reflection
- How might an initially unwelcome 'burden' from God actually be His means of drawing you into deeper discipleship?
- What does Simon's transformation from forced laborer to believer reveal about God's sovereignty over 'chance' encounters?
- In what practical ways are you called to 'bear the cross' for Christ in your daily circumstances?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
They compel one Simon a Cyrenian (ἀγγαρεύουσιν Σίμωνα Κυρηναῖον)—The verb angareuō (ἀγγαρεύω) is a technical term for Roman military requisition: soldiers could legally force civilians to carry military equipment one mile (Matthew 5:41). Simon from Cyrene (North Africa, modern Libya) was likely a Diaspora Jew visiting for Passover, coming out of the country (ἐρχόμενον ἀπ' ἀγροῦ, returning from field labor).
Mark uniquely identifies Simon as the father of Alexander and Rufus—these names indicate Simon's family became known in the early church (Romans 16:13 likely references this Rufus). Jesus, weakened by blood loss, shock, and sleeplessness, could not carry His crossbeam. Yet this 'chance' encounter transformed Simon's family: forced to literally bear Christ's cross, he apparently became a disciple. This fulfills Jesus' words: 'Take up your cross and follow me' (Mark 8:34).