Mark 7:18

Authorized King James Version

And he saith unto them, Are ye so without understanding also? Do ye not perceive, that whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man, it cannot defile him;

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 saith
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
αὐτὸν
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
#4
Οὕτως
so
in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)
#5
καὶ
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#6
ὑμεῖς
ye
you (as subjective of verb)
#7
ἀσύνετοί
without understanding
unintelligent; by implication, wicked
#8
ἐστε
Are
ye are
#9
οὐ
it cannot
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#10
νοεῖτε
Do ye
to exercise the mind (observe), i.e., (figuratively) to comprehend, heed
#11
ὅτι
that
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#12
πᾶν
whatsoever thing
all, any, every, the whole
#13
τὸ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#14
ἔξωθεν
from without
external(-ly)
#15
εἰσπορευόμενον
entereth
to enter (literally or figuratively)
#16
εἰς
into
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#17
τὸν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#18
ἄνθρωπον
the man
man-faced, i.e., a human being
#19
οὐ
it cannot
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#20
δύναται
to be able or possible
#21
αὐτὸν
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
#22
κοινῶσαι
defile
to make (or consider) profane (ceremonially)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Mark. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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

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