Mark 2:6
But there were certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts,
Original Language Analysis
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καθήμενοι
sitting
G2521
καθήμενοι
sitting
Strong's:
G2521
Word #:
7 of 13
and ???? (to sit; akin to the base of g1476); to sit down; figuratively, to remain, reside
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
διαλογιζόμενοι
reasoning
G1260
διαλογιζόμενοι
reasoning
Strong's:
G1260
Word #:
9 of 13
to reckon thoroughly, i.e., (genitive case) to deliberate (by reflection or discussion)
ταῖς
G3588
ταῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
Scribes (γραμματεῖς, grammateis) were Torah scholars who copied, preserved, and interpreted Scripture, holding significant religious authority in first-century Judaism. They served as teachers, lawyers, and religious judges. Most scribes affiliated with the Pharisaic party. Their theological training made them arbiters of orthodoxy, which they jealously guarded. By Mark 2, scribes had begun monitoring Jesus' ministry from headquarters in Jerusalem, representing institutional opposition that would culminate in His crucifixion.
Questions for Reflection
- How can theological knowledge become a barrier to faith rather than a pathway to it, and what heart posture prevents this distortion?
- In what ways do you silently resist Jesus' authority while maintaining outward religious respectability?
- How does this passage challenge you to examine your heart's true response to Christ's claims and authority?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The scribes' internal reasoning (διαλογιζόμενοι ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις, dialogizomenoi en tais kardiais, 'reasoning in their hearts') reveals hardened unbelief masquerading as theological discernment. Mark emphasizes their silent objection—they didn't verbally challenge Jesus but harbored hostile thoughts. This interior resistance demonstrates that sin's root is in the heart (Mark 7:21-23). The scribes, religious experts charged with interpreting Torah, immediately questioned Jesus' authority rather than marveling at His compassion or power. Their presence in this Capernaum gathering suggests official scrutiny of Jesus' growing ministry. Reformed theology notes that unconverted religious professionals can be Christianity's fiercest opponents—their theological knowledge, divorced from humble faith, becomes a weapon against Christ.