Mark 4:12

Authorized King James Version

That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ἵνα

G2443

That

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

βλέπωσιν

G991

seeing

to look at (literally or figuratively)

βλέπωσιν

G991

seeing

to look at (literally or figuratively)

καὶ

G2532

and

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

μὴ

G3361

not

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ἴδωσιν

G1492

perceive

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

καὶ

G2532

and

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

ἀκούωσιν

G191

hearing

to hear (in various senses)

ἀκούωσιν

G191

hearing

to hear (in various senses)

#10

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#11

μὴ

G3361

not

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

#12

συνιῶσιν

G4920

understand

to put together, i.e., (mentally) to comprehend; by implication, to act piously

#13

μήποτε

G3379

lest at any time

not ever; also if (or lest) ever (or perhaps)

#14

ἐπιστρέψωσιν

G1994

they should be converted

to revert (literally, figuratively or morally)

#15

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#16

ἀφεθῇ

G863

should be forgiven

to send forth, in various applications (as follow)

#17

αὐτοῖς

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

#18

τὰ

G3588

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

#19

ἁμαρτήματα

G265

their sins

a sin (properly concrete)

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 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

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?
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 divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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