Mark 9:39

Authorized King James Version

But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ὁ

G3588

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

δὲ

G1161

But

but, and, etc

Ἰησοῦς

G2424

Jesus

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

εἶπεν

G2036

said

to speak or say (by word or writing)

Μὴ

G3361

not

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

κωλύετε

G2967

Forbid

to estop, i.e., prevent (by word or act)

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

οὐδεὶς

G3762

no man

not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing

γάρ

G1063

for

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

#10

ἐστιν

G2076

there is

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

#11

ὃς

G3739

which

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

#12

ποιήσει

G4160

shall do

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

#13

δύναμιν

G1411

a miracle

force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)

#14

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

#15

τῷ

G3588

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

#16

ὀνόματί

G3686

name

a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)

#17

μου

G3450

of me

#18

καὶ

G2532

that

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

#19

δυνήσεται

G1410

can

to be able or possible

#20

ταχὺ

G5035

lightly

shortly, i.e., without delay, soon, or (by surprise) suddenly, or (by implication, of ease) readily

#21

κακολογῆσαί

G2551

speak evil

to revile

#22

με·

G3165

of me

Analysis

Within the broader context of Mark, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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

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

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about 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?
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?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

The Twelve Apostles

Study Resources

Parables of Jesus