Mark 2:16

Authorized King James Version

And when the scribes and Pharisees saw him eat with publicans and sinners, they said unto his disciples, How is it that he eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners?

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

οἱ

G3588

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

γραμματεῖς

G1122

when the scribes

a professional writer

καὶ

G2532

And

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

οἱ

G3588

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

Φαρισαῖοι,

G5330

Pharisees

a separatist, i.e., exclusively religious; a pharisean, i.e., jewish sectary

ἰδόντες

G1492

saw

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

αὐτοῦ

G846

unto 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

ἐσθίει

G2068

he eateth

used only in certain tenses, the rest being supplied by g5315; to eat (usually literal)

#10

μετὰ

G3326

with

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

#11

τῶν

G3588

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

#12

τελωνῶν

G5057

publicans

a tax-farmer, i.e., collector of public revenue

#13

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#14

ἁμαρτωλῶν

G268

sinners

sinful, i.e., a sinner

#15

ἔλεγον

G3004

they said

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

#16

τοῖς

G3588

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

#17

μαθηταῖς

G3101

disciples

a learner, i.e., pupil

#18

αὐτοῦ

G846

unto 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

#19

Τι

G5101

How

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

#20

ὅτι

G3754

is it that

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

#21

μετὰ

G3326

with

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

#22

τῶν

G3588

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

#23

τελωνῶν

G5057

publicans

a tax-farmer, i.e., collector of public revenue

#24

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#25

ἁμαρτωλῶν

G268

sinners

sinful, i.e., a sinner

#26

ἐσθίει

G2068

he eateth

used only in certain tenses, the rest being supplied by g5315; to eat (usually literal)

#27

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#28

πίνει

G4095

drinketh

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Mark, this passage highlights salvation through rhetorical questioning that engages the reader. 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 the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
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?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

The Twelve Apostles

Study Resources

Parables of Jesus