Mark 9:21

Authorized King James Version

And he asked his father, How long is it ago since this came unto him? And he said, Of a child.

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
ἐπηρώτησεν
he asked
to ask for, i.e., inquire, seek
#3
τὸν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
πατέρα
his father
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
#5
αὐτῷ
unto 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
#6
Πόσος
How long
interrogative pronoun (of amount) how much (large, long or (plural) many)
#7
χρόνος
ago
a space of time (in general, and thus properly distinguished from g2540, which designates a fixed or special occasion; and from g0165, which denotes a
#8
ἐστὶν
is it
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
#9
ὡς
since
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#10
τοῦτο
this
that thing
#11
γέγονεν
came
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
#12
αὐτῷ
unto 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
#13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#14
δὲ
And
but, and, etc
#15
εἶπεν
he said
to speak or say (by word or writing)
#16
παιδιόθεν·
Of a child
from infancy

Analysis

Within the broader context of Mark, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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 divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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