Mark 9:22

Authorized King James Version

And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us.

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

πολλάκις

G4178

ofttimes

many times, i.e., frequently

αὐτόν·

G846

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

καὶ

G2532

And

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

εἰς

G1519

into

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

πῦρ

G4442

the fire

"fire" (literally or figuratively, specially, lightning)

ἔβαλεν

G906

it hath cast

to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)

καὶ

G2532

And

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

εἰς

G1519

into

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

#10

ὕδατα

G5204

the waters

water (as if rainy) literally or figuratively

#11

ἵνα

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

#12

ἀπολέσῃ

G622

destroy

to destroy fully (reflexively, to perish, or lose), literally or figuratively

#13

αὐτόν·

G846

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

#14

ἀλλ'

G235

but

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

#15

εἴ

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

#16

τι

G5100

some or any person or object

#17

δύνασαι,

G1410

thou canst

to be able or possible

#18

βοήθησον

G997

and help

to aid or relieve

#19

ἡμῖν

G2254

to (or for, with, by) us

#20

σπλαγχνισθεὶς

G4697

have compassion

to have the bowels yearn, i.e., (figuratively) feel sympathy, to pity

#21

ἐφ'

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

#22

ἡμᾶς

G2248

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How does this verse's literary context within Mark chapter 9 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

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