Mark 8:34

Authorized King James Version

And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

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

προσκαλεσάμενος

G4341

when he had called

to call toward oneself, i.e., summon, invite

τὸν

G3588

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

ὄχλον

G3793

the people

a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot

σὺν

G4862

unto him with

with or together (but much closer than g3326 or g3844), i.e., by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, additi

τοῖς

G3588

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

μαθηταῖς

G3101

disciples

a learner, i.e., pupil

αὐτοῦ

G846

unto 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

εἶπεν

G2036

also he said

to speak or say (by word or writing)

#10

αὐτοῦ

G846

unto 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

#11

Ὅστις

G3748

Whosoever

which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same

#12

θέλει

G2309

will

to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),

#13

ὀπίσω

G3694

after

to the back, i.e., aback (as adverb or preposition of time or place; or as noun)

#14

μου

G3450

of me

#15

ἐλθεῖν,

G2064

come

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

#16

ἀπαρνησάσθω

G533

let him deny

to deny utterly, i.e., disown, abstain

#17

ἑαυτὸν

G1438

himself

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

#18

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#19

ἀράτω

G142

take up

to lift up; by implication, to take up or away; figuratively, to raise (the voice), keep in suspense (the mind), specially, to sail away (i.e., weigh

#20

τὸν

G3588

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

#21

σταυρὸν

G4716

cross

a stake or post (as set upright), i.e., (specially), a pole or cross (as an instrument of capital punishment); figuratively, exposure to death, i.e.,

#22

αὐτοῦ

G846

unto 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

#23

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#24

ἀκολουθείτω

G190

properly, to be in the same way with, i.e., to accompany (specially, as a disciple)

#25

μοι

G3427

to me

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Mark. The concept of covenant community 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

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 covenant community. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Mark chapter 8 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does understanding covenant community in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How might the original audience's understanding of covenant community differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

Related Resources

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People

The Twelve Apostles

Study Resources

Parables of Jesus