Mark 16:18

Authorized King James Version

They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ὄφεις
serpents
a snake, figuratively, (as a type of sly cunning) an artful malicious person, especially satan
#2
ἀροῦσιν
They shall take up
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
#3
κἂν
and if
and (or even) if
#4
θανάσιμόν
deadly
fatal, i.e., poisonous
#5
τι
any
some or any person or object
#6
πίωσιν
they drink
to imbibe (literally or figuratively)
#7
οὐ
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#8
μὴ
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
#9
αὐτοὺς
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
#10
βλάψει,
hurt
properly, to hinder, i.e., (by implication) to injure
#11
ἐπὶ
on
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#12
ἀῤῥώστους
the sick
infirm
#13
χεῖρας
hands
the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)
#14
ἐπιθήσουσιν
they shall lay
to impose (in a friendly or hostile sense)
#15
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#16
καλῶς
recover
well (usually morally)
#17
ἕξουσιν.
they shall
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

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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