Mark 2:20

Authorized King James Version

But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ἐλεύσονται

G2064

will come

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

δὲ

G1161

But

but, and, etc

ἡμέραῖς

G2250

days

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

ὅταν

G3752

when

whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as

ἀπαρθῇ

G522

shall be taken away

to lift off, i.e., remove

ἀπ'

G575

from

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

αὐτῶν

G846

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

ὁ

G3588

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

νυμφίος

G3566

the bridegroom

a bride-groom (literally or figuratively)

#10

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#11

τότε

G5119

then

the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)

#12

νηστεύσουσιν

G3522

shall they fast

to abstain from food (religiously)

#13

ἐν

G1722

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

#14

ἐκείναις

G1565

those

that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed

#15

ταῖς

G3588

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

#16

ἡμέραῖς

G2250

days

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
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?

Related Resources

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People

The Twelve Apostles

Study Resources

Parables of Jesus