Mark 3:4

Authorized King James Version

And he saith unto them, Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath days, or to do evil? to save life, or to kill? But they held their peace.

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

λέγει

G3004

he saith

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

αὐτοῖς

G846

unto 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

Ἔξεστιν

G1832

Is it lawful

so also ???? <pronunciation strongs="ex-on'"/> neuter present participle of the same (with or without some form of g1510 expressed); impersonally, it

τοῖς

G3588

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

σάββασιν

G4521

on the sabbath days

the sabbath (i.e., shabbath), or day of weekly repose from secular avocations (also the observance or institution itself); by extension, a se'nnight,

ἀγαθοποιῆσαι,

G15

to do good

to be a well-doer (as a favor or a duty)

ἢ

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

κακοποιῆσαι

G2554

to do evil

to be a bad-doer, i.e., (objectively) to injure, or (genitive) to sin

#10

ψυχὴν

G5590

life

breath, i.e., (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from g4151, wh

#11

σῶσαι

G4982

to save

to save, i.e., deliver or protect (literally or figuratively)

#12

ἢ

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

#13

ἀποκτεῖναι

G615

to kill

to kill outright; figuratively, to destroy

#14

οἱ

G3588

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

#15

δὲ

G1161

But

but, and, etc

#16

ἐσιώπων

G4623

they held their peace

to be dumb (but not deaf also, like 2974 properly); figuratively, to be calm (as quiet water)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Mark. The concept of peace 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 peace in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on peace address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does understanding peace in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

Related Resources

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