Mark 8:38

Authorized King James Version

Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ὃς

G3739

Whosoever

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

γὰρ

G1063

therefore

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ἂν

G302

whatsoever

ἐπαισχυνθήσεται

G1870

be ashamed

to feel shame for something

με

G3165

of me

καὶ

G2532

also

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)

ἐμοὺς

G1699

of my

λόγους

G3056

words

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

#10

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#11

τῇ

G3588

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

#12

γενεᾷ

G1074

generation

a generation; by implication, an age (the period or the persons)

#13

ταύτῃ

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

#14

τῇ

G3588

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

#15

μοιχαλίδι

G3428

adulterous

an adulteress (literally or figuratively)

#16

καὶ

G2532

also

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

#17

ἁμαρτωλῷ

G268

sinful

sinful, i.e., a sinner

#18

καὶ

G2532

also

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

#19

ὁ

G3588

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

#20

υἱὸς

G5207

the Son

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

#21

τοῦ

G3588

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

#22

ἀνθρώπου

G444

of man

man-faced, i.e., a human being

#23

ἐπαισχυνθήσεται

G1870

be ashamed

to feel shame for something

#24

αὐτοῦ

G846

of 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

#25

ὅταν

G3752

when

whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as

#26

ἔλθῃ

G2064

he cometh

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

#27

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#28

τῇ

G3588

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

#29

δόξῃ

G1391

the glory

glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)

#30

τοῦ

G3588

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

#31

πατρὸς

G3962

Father

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

#32

αὐτοῦ

G846

of 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

#33

μετὰ

G3326

with

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

#34

τῶν

G3588

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

#35

ἀγγέλων

G32

angels

compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor

#36

τῶν

G3588

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

#37

ἁγίων

G40

the holy

sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Mark. The concept of glory 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 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 glory in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How might the original audience's understanding of glory differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

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