Mark 9:47

Authorized King James Version

And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire:

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
ἐὰν
if
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
#3
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
ὀφθαλμοὺς
eye
the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication, vision; figuratively, envy (from the jealous side-glance)
#5
σου
thine
of thee, thy
#6
σκανδαλίζῃ
offend
to entrap, i.e., trip up (figuratively, stumble (transitively) or entice to sin, apostasy or displeasure)
#7
σε
thee
thee
#8
ἔκβαλε
out
to eject (literally or figuratively)
#9
αὐτόν·
it
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
#10
καλόν
better
properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished
#11
σοι
for thee
to thee
#12
ἐστιν
it is
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
#13
μονόφθαλμον
with one eye
one-eyed
#14
εἰσελθεῖν
to enter
to enter (literally or figuratively)
#15
εἰς
into
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#16
τὴν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#17
βασιλείαν
the kingdom
properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)
#18
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#19
θεοῦ
of God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#20
than
disjunctive, or; comparative, than
#21
δύο
two
"two"
#22
ὀφθαλμοὺς
eye
the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication, vision; figuratively, envy (from the jealous side-glance)
#23
ἔχοντα
having
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#24
βληθῆναι
to be cast
to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)
#25
εἰς
into
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#26
τὴν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#27
γέενναν
hell
valley of (the son of) hinnom; ge-henna (or ge-hinnom), a valley of jerusalem, used (figuratively) as a name for the place (or state) of everlasting p
#28
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#29
πυρὸς,
fire
"fire" (literally or figuratively, specially, lightning)

Analysis

The kingdom of God theme here intersects with the progressive revelation of God's rule from creation to consummation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of development from creation mandate through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment. The phrase emphasizing kingdom relates to eschatology and the ultimate purpose of God's redemptive plan and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's reign from creation through the millennial kingdom.

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 kingdom of God 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 kingdom in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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