Mark 15:21

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
ἀγγαρεύουσιν
G29
they compel
properly, to be a courier, i.e., (by implication) to press into public service
#3
παράγοντά
G3855
who passed by
to lead near, i.e., (reflexively or intransitively) to go along or away
#4
τινα
G5100
one
some or any person or object
#5
Σίμωνα
G4613
Simon
simon (i.e., shimon), the name of nine israelites
#6
Κυρηναῖον
G2956
a Cyrenian
i.e., cyrenaean, i.e., inhabitant of cyrene
#7
ἐρχόμενον
G2064
coming
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#8
ἀπ'
G575
out of
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
#9
ἀγροῦ
G68
the country
a field (as a drive for cattle); genitive case, the country; specially, a farm, i.e., hamlet
#10
τὸν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
πατέρα
G3962
the father
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
#12
Ἀλεξάνδρου
G223
of Alexander
alexander, the name of three israelites and one other man
#13
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#14
Ῥούφου
G4504
Rufus
red; rufus, a christian
#15
ἵνα
G2443
to
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
#16
ἄρῃ
G142
bear
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
#17
τὸν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#18
σταυρὸν
G4716
cross
a stake or post (as set upright), i.e., (specially), a pole or cross (as an instrument of capital punishment); figuratively, exposure to death, i.e.,
#19
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

Analysis

Within the broader context of Mark, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Mark.

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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