Mark 15:36

Authorized King James Version

And one ran and filled a spunge full of vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink, saying, Let alone; let us see whether Elias will come to take him down.

Word-by-Word Analysis

δραμὼν

G5143

ran

which uses ????? <pronunciation strongs="drem'-o"/> (the base of g1408) as alternate in certain tenses; to run or walk hastily (literally or figurativ

δέ

G1161

And

but, and, etc

εἶς

G1520

one

καὶ

G2532

and

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

γεμίσας

G1072

filled

to fill entirely

σπόγγον

G4699

a spunge

a "sponge"

ὄξους

G3690

of vinegar

vinegar, i.e., sour wine

περιθεὶς

G4060

put it on

to place around; by implication, to present

τε

G5037

and

both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)

#10

καλάμῳ

G2563

a reed

a reed (the plant or its stem, or that of a similar plant); by implication, a pen

#11

ἐπότιζεν

G4222

and gave

to furnish drink, irrigate

#12

αὐτόν

G846

him

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

λέγων,

G3004

saying

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

#14

Ἄφετε

G863

Let alone

to send forth, in various applications (as follow)

#15

ἴδωμεν

G1492

let us see

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

#16

εἰ

G1487

whether

if, whether, that, etc

#17

ἔρχεται

G2064

will come

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

#18

Ἠλίας

G2243

Elias

helias (i.e., elijah), an israelite

#19

καθελεῖν

G2507

down

to lower (or with violence) demolish (literally or figuratively)

#20

αὐτόν

G846

him

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

How does this verse's literary context within Mark chapter 15 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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?

Related Resources

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Study Resources

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