Mark 4:7

Authorized King James Version

And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit.

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

ἄλλο

G243

some

"else," i.e., different (in many applications)

ἔπεσεν

G4098

fell

to fall (literally or figuratively)

εἰς

G1519

among

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὰς

G3588

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

ἄκανθαι

G173

the thorns

a thorn

καὶ

G2532

And

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

ἀνέβησαν

G305

grew up

to go up (literally or figuratively)

αἱ

G3588

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

#10

ἄκανθαι

G173

the thorns

a thorn

#11

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#12

συνέπνιξαν

G4846

choked

to strangle completely, i.e., (literally) to drown, or (figuratively) to crowd

#13

αὐτό

G846

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

#14

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#15

καρπὸν

G2590

fruit

fruit (as plucked), literally or figuratively

#16

οὐκ

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

#17

ἔδωκεν

G1325

it yielded

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

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?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about 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