Mark 2:23

Authorized King James Version

And it came to pass, that he went through the corn fields on the sabbath day; and his disciples began, as they went, to pluck the ears of corn.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
ἐγένετο
G1096
it came to pass
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
#3
παραπορεύεσθαι
G3899
that he went
to travel near
#4
αὐτοῦ
G846
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
#5
ἐν
G1722
on
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#6
τοῖς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
σάββασιν
G4521
the sabbath day
the sabbath (i.e., shabbath), or day of weekly repose from secular avocations (also the observance or institution itself); by extension, a se'nnight,
#8
διὰ
G1223
through
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
#9
τῶν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
σπορίμων
G4702
the corn fields
sown, i.e., (neuter plural) a planted field
#11
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#12
ἤρξαντο
G756
began
to commence (in order of time)
#13
οἱ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#14
μαθηταὶ
G3101
disciples
a learner, i.e., pupil
#15
αὐτοῦ
G846
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
#16
ὁδὸν
G3598
as they went
a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means
#17
ποιεῖν
G4160
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
#18
τίλλοντες
G5089
to pluck
to pull off
#19
τοὺς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#20
στάχυας
G4719
the ears of corn
a head of grain (as standing out from the stalk)

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 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

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