Mark 2:18

Authorized King James Version

And the disciples of John and of the Pharisees used to fast: and they come and say unto him, Why do the disciples of John and of the Pharisees fast, but thy disciples fast not?

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

ἦσαν

G2258

used

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

οἱ

G3588

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

μαθηταὶ

G3101

disciples

a learner, i.e., pupil

Ἰωάννου

G2491

of John

joannes (i.e., jochanan), the name of four israelites

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)

τῶν

G3588

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

Φαρισαίων

G5330

of the Pharisees

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

#10

νηστεύουσιν

G3522

fast

to abstain from food (religiously)

#11

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#12

ἔρχονται

G2064

they come

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

#13

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#14

λέγουσιν

G3004

say

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

#15

αὐτῷ

G846

unto 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

#16

Διατί

G1302

Why do

through what cause ?, i.e., why?

#17

οἱ

G3588

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

#18

μαθηταὶ

G3101

disciples

a learner, i.e., pupil

#19

Ἰωάννου

G2491

of John

joannes (i.e., jochanan), the name of four israelites

#20

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#21

οἱ

G3588

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

#22

τῶν

G3588

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

#23

Φαρισαίων

G5330

of the Pharisees

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

#24

νηστεύουσιν

G3522

fast

to abstain from food (religiously)

#25

οἱ

G3588

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

#26

δὲ

G1161

but

but, and, etc

#27

σοὶ

G4674

thy

thine

#28

μαθηταὶ

G3101

disciples

a learner, i.e., pupil

#29

οὐ

G3756

not

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

#30

νηστεύουσιν

G3522

fast

to abstain from food (religiously)

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

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Mark Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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