Mark 8:23

Authorized King James Version

And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw ought.

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
ἐπιλαβόμενος
he took
to seize (for help, injury, attainment, or any other purpose; literally or figuratively)
#3
τῆς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
χεῖρας
by the hand
the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)
#5
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
τυφλοῦ
the blind man
opaque (as if smoky), i.e., (by analogy) blind (physically or mentally)
#7
ἐξήγαγεν
and led
to lead forth
#8
αὐτόν
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
#9
ἔξω
out of
out(-side) (of doors), literally or figuratively
#10
τῆς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
κώμης
the town
a hamlet (as if laid down)
#12
καὶ
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#13
πτύσας
when he had spit
to spit
#14
εἰς
on
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#15
τὰ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#16
ὄμματα
eyes
a sight, i.e., (by implication) the eye
#17
αὐτόν
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
#18
ἐπιθεὶς
and put
to impose (in a friendly or hostile sense)
#19
τὰς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#20
χεῖρας
by the hand
the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)
#21
αὐτόν
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
ἐπηρώτα
he asked
to ask for, i.e., inquire, seek
#23
αὐτόν
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
#24
Εἴ
if, whether, that, etc
#25
τι
some or any person or object
#26
βλέπει
he saw
to look at (literally or figuratively)

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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