Mark 2:4

Authorized King James Version

And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay.

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
μὴ
G3361
not
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
#3
δυνάμενοι
G1410
when they could
to be able or possible
#4
προσεγγίσαι
G4331
come nigh
to approach near
#5
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
#6
διὰ
G1223
for
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
#7
τὸν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
ὄχλον
G3793
the press
a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot
#9
ἀπεστέγασαν
G648
they uncovered
to unroof
#10
τὴν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
στέγην
G4721
the roof
a roof
#12
ὅπου
G3699
where
what(-ever) where, i.e., at whichever spot
#13
ἦν
G2258
he was
i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)
#14
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#15
ἐξορύξαντες
G1846
when they had broken it up
to dig out, i.e., (by extension) to extract (an eye), remove (roofing)
#16
χαλῶσιν
G5465
they let down
to lower (as into a void)
#17
τὸν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#18
κράββατον
G2895
the bed
a mattress
#19
ἐφ'
G1909
wherein
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#20
ὧ
G3739
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#21
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#22
παραλυτικὸς
G3885
the sick of the palsy
as if dissolved, i.e., "paralytic"
#23
κατέκειτο
G2621
lay
to lie down, i.e., (by implication) be sick; specially, to recline at a meal

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

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