Mark 9:3

Authorized King James Version

And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them.

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

τὰ

G3588

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

ἱμάτια

G2440

raiment

a dress (inner or outer)

αὐτοῦ

G846

his

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

ἐγένετο

G1096

became

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

στίλβοντα

G4744

shining

to gleam, i.e., flash intensely

λευκὰ

G3022

white

λίαν

G3029

exceeding

much (adverbially)

ὡς

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

#10

χιὼν,

G5510

snow

#11

οἷα

G3634

so as

such or what sort of (as a correlation or exclamation); especially the neuter (adverbially) with negative, not so

#12

γναφεὺς

G1102

fuller

a cloth-dresser

#13

ἐπὶ

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

#14

τῆς

G3588

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

#15

γῆς

G1093

earth

soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)

#16

οὐ

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

#17

δύναται

G1410

can

to be able or possible

#18

λευκᾶναι

G3021

white

to whiten

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Mark. The concept of divine revelation 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 divine revelation 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 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?
How does this verse's literary context within Mark chapter 9 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

Related Resources

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