Mark 4:41

Authorized King James Version

And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?

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

ἐφοβήθησαν

G5399

they feared

to frighten, i.e., (passively) to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e., revere

φόβον

G5401

exceedingly

alarm or fright

μέγαν

G3173

big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)

καὶ

G2532

And

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

ἔλεγον

G3004

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

πρὸς

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

ἀλλήλους

G240

another

one another

Τίς

G5101

What

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

#10

ἄρα

G686

manner of man

a particle denoting an inference more or less decisive (as follows)

#11

οὗτός

G3778

this

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

#12

ἐστιν

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

#13

ὅτι

G3754

that

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

#14

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#15

ὁ

G3588

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

#16

ἄνεμος

G417

the wind

wind; (plural) by implication, (the four) quarters (of the earth)

#17

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#18

ἡ

G3588

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

#19

θάλασσα

G2281

the sea

the sea (genitive case or specially)

#20

ὑπακούουσιν

G5219

obey

to hear under (as a subordinate), i.e., to listen attentively; by implication, to heed or conform to a command or authority

#21

αὐτῷ

G846

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

Analysis

Within the broader context of Mark, this passage highlights salvation through rhetorical questioning that engages the reader. 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

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
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?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

The Twelve Apostles

Study Resources

Parables of Jesus