Mark 15:46

Authorized King James Version

And he bought fine linen, and took him down, and wrapped him in the linen, and laid him in a sepulchre which was hewn out of a rock, and rolled a stone unto the door of the sepulchre.

Word-by-Word Analysis

καὶ

G2532

And

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

ἀγοράσας

G59

he bought

properly, to go to market, i.e., (by implication) to purchase; specially, to redeem

σινδόνι

G4616

fine linen

byssos, i.e., bleached linen (the cloth or a garment of it)

καὶ

G2532

And

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

καθελὼν

G2507

took him down

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

αὐτὸν

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

ἐνείλησεν

G1750

and wrapped

to enwrap

τῇ

G3588

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

σινδόνι

G4616

fine linen

byssos, i.e., bleached linen (the cloth or a garment of it)

#10

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#11

κατέθηκεν

G2698

laid

to place down, i.e., deposit (literally or figuratively)

#12

αὐτὸν

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

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#14

μνημείου

G3419

a sepulchre

a remembrance, i.e., cenotaph (place of interment)

#15

ὃ

G3739

which

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

#16

ἦν

G2258

was

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

#17

λελατομημένον

G2998

hewn

to quarry

#18

ἐκ

G1537

out of

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

#19

πέτρας

G4073

a rock

a (mass of) rock (literally or figuratively)

#20

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#21

προσεκύλισεν

G4351

rolled

to roll towards, i.e., block against

#22

λίθον

G3037

a stone

a stone (literally or figuratively)

#23

ἐπὶ

G1909

unto

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

#24

τὴν

G3588

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

#25

θύραν

G2374

the door

a portal or entrance (the opening or the closure, literally or figuratively)

#26

τοῦ

G3588

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

#27

μνημείου

G3419

a sepulchre

a remembrance, i.e., cenotaph (place of interment)

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

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
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?
How does this verse's literary context within Mark chapter 15 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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