Mark 6:2

Authorized King James Version

And when the sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were astonished, saying, From whence hath this man these things? and what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands?

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

γινόνται

G1096

are wrought

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

σαββάτου

G4521

when the sabbath day

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

ἤρξατο

G756

he began

to commence (in order of time)

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῇ

G3588

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

συναγωγῇ

G4864

the synagogue

an assemblage of persons; specially, a jewish "synagogue" (the meeting or the place); by analogy, a christian church

διδάσκειν

G1321

to teach

to teach (in the same broad application)

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#10

πολλοὶ

G4183

many

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

#11

ἀκούοντες

G191

hearing

to hear (in various senses)

#12

ἐξεπλήσσοντο

G1605

him were astonished

to strike with astonishment

#13

λέγοντες

G3004

saying

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

#14

Πόθεν

G4159

From whence

from which (as interrogative) or what (as relative) place, state, source or cause

#15

τούτῳ

G5129

hath this

to (in, with or by) this (person or thing)

#16

ταῦτα

G5023

man these things

these things

#17

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#18

τίς

G5101

what

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

#19

ἡ

G3588

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

#20

σοφία

G4678

wisdom

wisdom (higher or lower, worldly or spiritual)

#21

ἡ

G3588

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

#22

δοθεῖσα

G1325

is this which is given

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

#23

αὐτοῦ

G846

his

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

#24

ὅτι

G3754

that

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

#25

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#26

δυνάμεις

G1411

mighty works

force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)

#27

τοιαῦται

G5108

such

truly this, i.e., of this sort (to denote character or individuality)

#28

διὰ

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

#29

τῶν

G3588

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

#30

χειρῶν

G5495

hands

the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)

#31

αὐτοῦ

G846

his

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

#32

γινόνται

G1096

are wrought

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Mark, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of wisdom connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about wisdom, 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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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?
How might the original audience's understanding of wisdom differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this verse's literary context within Mark chapter 6 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

Related Resources

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