Mark 6:41

Authorized King James Version

And when he had taken the five loaves and the two fishes, he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and brake the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before them; and the two fishes divided he among them all.

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

λαβὼν

G2983

when he had taken

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

τοὺς

G3588

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

πέντε

G4002

the five

"five"

ἄρτους

G740

loaves

bread (as raised) or a loaf

καὶ

G2532

And

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

τοὺς

G3588

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

δύο

G1417

the two

"two"

ἰχθύας

G2486

fishes

a fish

#10

ἀναβλέψας

G308

he looked up

to look up; by implication, to recover sight

#11

εἰς

G1519

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

#12

τὸν

G3588

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

#13

οὐρανὸν

G3772

heaven

the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)

#14

εὐλόγησεν

G2127

and blessed

to speak well of, i.e., (religiously) to bless (thank or invoke a benediction upon, prosper)

#15

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#16

κατέκλασεν

G2622

brake

to break down, i.e., divide

#17

τοὺς

G3588

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

#18

ἄρτους

G740

loaves

bread (as raised) or a loaf

#19

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#20

ἐδίδου

G1325

gave

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

#21

τοῖς

G3588

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

#22

μαθηταῖς

G3101

disciples

a learner, i.e., pupil

#23

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

#24

ἵνα

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

#25

παραθῶσιν

G3908

set before

to place alongside, i.e., present (food, truth); by implication, to deposit (as a trust or for protection)

#26

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

#27

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#28

τοὺς

G3588

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

#29

δύο

G1417

the two

"two"

#30

ἰχθύας

G2486

fishes

a fish

#31

ἐμέρισεν

G3307

divided he

to part, i.e., (literally) to apportion, bestow, share, or (figuratively) to disunite, differ

#32

πᾶσιν

G3956

among them all

all, any, every, the whole

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

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
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?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

Related Resources

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