Mark 4:13

Authorized King James Version

And he said unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
λέγει
he said
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#3
αὐτοῖς
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
#4
Οὐκ
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#5
οἴδατε
Know ye
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
#6
τὴν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
παραβολὰς
parable
a similitude ("parable"), i.e., (symbolic) fictitious narrative (of common life conveying a moral), apothegm or adage
#8
ταύτην
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
#9
καὶ
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#10
πῶς
how then
an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!
#11
πάσας
all
all, any, every, the whole
#12
τὰς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
παραβολὰς
parable
a similitude ("parable"), i.e., (symbolic) fictitious narrative (of common life conveying a moral), apothegm or adage
#14
γνώσεσθε
will ye know
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)

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

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