Mark 8:35

Authorized King James Version

For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ὃς
G3739
whosoever
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#2
γὰρ
G1063
For
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
#3
ἂν
G302
whatsoever
#4
θέλῃ
G2309
will
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
#5
τὴν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
ψυχὴν
G5590
life
breath, i.e., (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from g4151, wh
#7
αὐτήν
G846
it
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
#8
σώσει
G4982
save
to save, i.e., deliver or protect (literally or figuratively)
#9
ἀπολέσῃ
G622
shall lose
to destroy fully (reflexively, to perish, or lose), literally or figuratively
#10
αὐτήν
G846
it
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
ὃς
G3739
whosoever
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#12
δ'
G1161
but
but, and, etc
#13
ἂν
G302
whatsoever
#14
ἀπολέσῃ
G622
shall lose
to destroy fully (reflexively, to perish, or lose), literally or figuratively
#15
τὴν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#16
ψυχὴν
G5590
life
breath, i.e., (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from g4151, wh
#17
αὐτήν
G846
it
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
ἕνεκεν
G1752
for
on account of
#19
ἐμοῦ
G1700
my sake
of me
#20
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#21
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#22
εὐαγγελίου
G2098
the gospel's
a good message, i.e., the gospel
#23
οὐτὸς
G3778
the same
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
#24
σώσει
G4982
save
to save, i.e., deliver or protect (literally or figuratively)
#25
αὐτήν
G846
it
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

Analysis

Within the broader context of Mark, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of life connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about life, 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

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Mark Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes life in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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