English: unfoldingWord® Translation Notes

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Mark

Mark front

Introduction to the Gospel of Mark

Part 1: General Introduction

Outline of the Book of Mark
  1. Introduction (1:1-13)
  2. The ministry of Jesus in Galilee
  3. Early ministry (1:14-3:6)
  4. Jesus becomes more popular among the people (3:7-5:43)
  5. Moving away from Galilee and then returning (6:1-8:26)
  6. Progress toward Jerusalem, repeated times when Jesus predicts his own death; the disciples misunderstand, and Jesus teaches them how difficult it will be to follow him (8:27-10:52)
  7. Last days of ministry and preparation for final conflict in Jerusalem (11:1-13:37)
  8. The death of Christ and the empty tomb (14:1-16:8)
What is the Book of Mark about?

The Gospel of Mark is one of four books in the New Testament that describe some of the life of Jesus Christ. The authors of the gospels wrote about different aspects of who Jesus was and what he did. Mark wrote much about how Jesus suffered and died on the cross. He did this to encourage his readers who were being persecuted. Mark also explained Jewish customs and some Aramaic words. This may indicate that Mark expected most of his first readers to be Gentiles.

How should the title of this book be translated?

Translators may choose to call this book by its traditional title, “The Gospel of Mark,” or “The Gospel according to Mark.” They may also choose a title that may be clearer, such as, “The Good News about Jesus that Mark wrote.” (See: How to Translate Names)

Who wrote the Book of Mark?

The book does not give the name of the author. However, since early Christian times, most Christians have thought that the author was Mark. Mark was also known as John Mark. He was a close friend of Peter. Mark may not have witnessed what Jesus said and did. But many scholars think that Mark wrote in his gospel what Peter told him about Jesus.

Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

What were Jesus’ teaching methods?

The people regarded Jesus as a rabbi. A rabbi is a teacher of God’s law. Jesus taught in similar ways as other religious teachers in Israel. He had students who followed him wherever he went. These students were called disciples. He often told parables. Parables are stories that teach moral lessons. (See: law, law of Moses, law of Yahweh, law of God and disciple and parable)

Part 3: Important Translation Issues

What are the Synoptic Gospels?

The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke are called the Synoptic Gospels because they have many similar passages. The word “synoptic” means to “see together.”

The texts are considered “parallel” when they are the same or almost the same among two or three gospels. When translating parallel passages, translators should use the same wording and make them as similar as possible.

Why does Jesus refer to himself as the “Son of Man”?

In the gospels, Jesus calls himself the “Son of Man.” It is a reference to Daniel 7:13-14. In this passage there is a person described as a “son of man.” That means the person was someone who looked like a human being. God gave authority to the son of man to rule over the nations forever. And all the people will worship him forever.

Jews of Jesus’ time did not use “Son of Man” as a title for anyone. Therefore, Jesus used it for himself to help them understand who he truly was. (See: Son of Man, son of man)

Translating the title “Son of Man” can be difficult in many languages. Readers may misunderstand a literal translation. Translators can consider alternatives, such as “The Human One.” It may also be helpful to include a footnote to explain the title.

Why does Mark frequently use terms indicating short periods of time?

The Gospel of Mark uses the word “immediately” forty-two times. Mark does this to make the events more exciting and vivid. It moves the reader quickly from one event to the next.

What are the major issues in the text of the Book of Mark?

The following verses are found in older versions of the Bible but are not included in most modern versions. Translators are advised not to include these verses. However, if in the translators’ region, there are older versions of the Bible that include one or more of these verses, the translators can include them. If they are included, they should be put inside square brackets ([]) to indicate that they were probably not original to Mark’s Gospel.

  • “If any man has ears to hear, let him hear.” (7:16)
  • “where their worm never dies and the fire is never quenched” (9:44)
  • “where their worm never dies and the fire is never quenched” (9:46)
  • “And the scripture was fulfilled that says, ‘He was counted with the lawless ones’” (15:28)

The following passage in not found in the earliest manuscripts. Most Bibles include this passage, but modern Bibles put it in brackets ([]) or indicate in some way that this passage may not have been original to Mark’s Gospel. Translators are advised to do something similar as the modern versions of the Bible.

  • “Early on the first day of the week, after he arose, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons. She went and told those who were with him, while they were mourning and weeping. They heard that he was alive and that he had been seen by her, but they did not believe. After these things he appeared in a different form to two of them, as they were walking out into the country. They went and told the rest of the disciples, but they did not believe them. Jesus later appeared to the eleven as they were reclining at the table, and he rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who saw him after he rose from the dead. He said to them, ‘Go into all the world, and preach the gospel to the entire creation. He who believes and is baptized will be saved, and he who does not believe will be condemned. These signs will go with those who believe: In my name they will cast out demons. They will speak in new languages. They will pick up snakes with their hands, and if they drink anything deadly, it will not hurt them. They will lay hands on the sick, and they will get well.’ After the Lord had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God. The disciples left and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the word by the signs that went with them.” (16:9-20)

(See: Textual Variants)

Mark 1

Mark 01 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 1:2-3, which are words from the Old Testament.

Special concepts in this chapter

“You can make me clean”

Leprosy was a disease of the skin that made a person unclean and unable to properly worship God. Jesus is capable of making people physically “clean” or healthy as well as spiritually “clean” or right with God. (See: clean, wash)

“The kingdom of God is near”

Scholars debate whether the “kingdom of God” was present at this time or is something that is still coming. English translations frequently use the phrase “at hand,” but this can create difficulty for translators. Other versions use the phase “is coming” and “has come near.”

Mark 1:1

The book of Mark begins with the prophet Isaiah’s foretelling of the coming of John the Baptist, who baptizes Jesus. The author is Mark, also called John Mark, who is the son of one of the several women named Mary mentioned in the four Gospels. He is also the nephew of Barnabas.

Υἱοῦ Θεοῦ

This is an important title for Jesus. (See: Translating Son and Father)

Mark 1:2

πρὸ προσώπου σου

This is an idiom that means “ahead of you.” (See: Idiom)

προσώπου σου…τὴν ὁδόν σου

Here the word “your” refers to Jesus and is singular. When you translate this, use the pronoun “your” because this is a quote from a prophet, and he did not use Jesus’ name. (See: Forms of You)

ὃς

This refers to the messenger.

κατασκευάσει τὴν ὁδόν σου

Doing this represents preparing the people for the Lord’s arrival. Alternate translation: “will prepare the people for your arrival” (See: Metaphor)

Mark 1:3

φωνὴ βοῶντος ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ

This can be expressed as a sentence. Alternate translation: “The voice of one calling out in the wilderness is heard” or “They hear the sound of someone calling out in the wilderness”

ἑτοιμάσατε τὴν ὁδὸν Κυρίου, εὐθείας ποιεῖτε τὰς τρίβους αὐτοῦ

These two phrases mean the same thing. (See: Parallelism)

ἑτοιμάσατε τὴν ὁδὸν Κυρίου

“Get the road ready for the Lord.” Doing this represents being prepared to hear the Lord’s message when he comes. People do this by repenting of their sins. Alternate translation: “Prepare to hear the Lord’s message when he comes” or “Repent and be ready for the Lord to come” (See: Metaphor and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Mark 1:4

In these verses the words “he,” “him,” and “his” refer to John.

ἐγένετο Ἰωάννης

Be sure your reader understands that John was the messenger spoken of by the prophet Isaiah in the previous verse.

Mark 1:5

πᾶσα ἡ Ἰουδαία χώρα καὶ οἱ Ἱεροσολυμεῖται πάντες

The words “whole country” are a metaphor for the people who live in the country and a generalization that refers to a great number of people, not to every single person. Alternate translation: “Many people from Judea and Jerusalem” (See: Metaphor and Hyperbole)

ἐβαπτίζοντο ὑπ’ αὐτοῦ ἐν τῷ Ἰορδάνῃ ποταμῷ, ἐξομολογούμενοι τὰς ἁμαρτίας αὐτῶν

They did these things at the same time. The people were baptized because they repented of their sins. Alternate translation: “When they repented of their sins, John baptized them in the Jordan River” (See: Active or Passive)

Mark 1:7

ἐκήρυσσεν

“John proclaimed”

οὗ οὐκ εἰμὶ ἱκανὸς, κύψας λῦσαι τὸν ἱμάντα τῶν ὑποδημάτων αὐτοῦ

John is comparing himself to a servant to show how great Jesus is. Alternate translation: “I am not even worthy to do the lowly task of removing his shoes” (See: Metaphor)

τὸν ἱμάντα τῶν ὑποδημάτων αὐτοῦ

At the time Jesus was on earth, people often wore sandals that were made of leather and tied to their feet with leather straps.

κύψας

“bend down”

Mark 1:8

αὐτὸς δὲ βαπτίσει ὑμᾶς ἐν Πνεύματι Ἁγίῳ

This metaphor compares John’s baptism with water to the future baptism with the Holy Spirit. This means John’s baptism only symbolically cleanses people of their sins. The baptism by the Holy Spirit will truly cleanse people of their sins. If possible, use the same word for “baptize” here as you used for John’s baptism to keep the comparison between the two. (See: Metaphor)

Mark 1:9

ἐγένετο ἐν ἐκείναις ταῖς ἡμέραις

This marks the beginning of a new event in the story line. (See: Introduction of a New Event)

ἐβαπτίσθη…ὑπὸ Ἰωάννου

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “John baptized him” (See: Active or Passive)

Mark 1:10

τὸ Πνεῦμα ὡς περιστερὰν καταβαῖνον ἐπ’ αὐτόν

Possible meanings are (1) this is a simile, and the Spirit descended upon Jesus as a bird descends from the sky toward the ground or (2) the Spirit literally looked like a dove as he descended upon Jesus. (See: Simile)

Mark 1:11

φωνὴ ἐγένετο ἐκ τῶν οὐρανῶν

This represents God speaking. Sometimes people avoid referring directly to God because they respect him. Alternate translation: “God spoke from the heavens” (See: Metonymy and Euphemism)

ὁ Υἱός…ὁ ἀγαπητός

This is an important title for Jesus. The Father calls Jesus his “beloved Son” because of his eternal love for him. (See: Translating Son and Father)

Mark 1:12

After Jesus’ baptism, he is in the wilderness for 40 days and then goes to Galilee to teach and call his disciples.

αὐτὸν ἐκβάλλει

“forced Jesus to go out”

Mark 1:13

ἦν ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ

“He stayed in the wilderness”

τεσσεράκοντα ἡμέρας

“40 days” (See: Numbers)

ἦν μετὰ

“He was among”

Mark 1:14

μετὰ…τὸ παραδοθῆναι τὸν Ἰωάννην

“after John was placed in prison.” This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “after they arrested John” (See: Active or Passive)

κηρύσσων τὸ εὐαγγέλιον

“telling many people about the good news”

Mark 1:15

πεπλήρωται ὁ καιρὸς

“It is now time”

ἤγγικεν ἡ Βασιλεία τοῦ Θεοῦ

“it is almost time for God to begin to rule over his people”

Mark 1:16

εἶδεν Σίμωνα καὶ Ἀνδρέαν

“Jesus saw Simon and Andrew”

ἀμφιβάλλοντας ἐν τῇ θαλάσσῃ

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “throwing a net into the water to catch fish” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Mark 1:17

δεῦτε ὀπίσω μου

“Follow me” or “Come with me”

ποιήσω ὑμᾶς γενέσθαι ἁλιεῖς ἀνθρώπων

This metaphor means Simon and Andrew will teach people God’s true message, so others will also follow Jesus. Alternate translation: “I will teach you to gather men to me like you gather fish” (See: Metaphor)

Mark 1:19

ἐν τῷ πλοίῳ

It can be assumed that this boat belongs to James and John. Alternate translation: “in their boat” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

καταρτίζοντας τὰ δίκτυα

“repairing the nets”

Mark 1:20

ἐκάλεσεν αὐτούς

It may be helpful to state clearly why Jesus called to James and John. Alternate translation: “called them to come with him” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τῶν μισθωτῶν

“servants who worked for them”

ἀπῆλθον ὀπίσω αὐτοῦ

James and John went with Jesus.

Mark 1:21

Jesus teaches in the synagogue of the town of Capernaum on the Sabbath. By sending a demon out of a man he amazes the people in all the nearby area around Galilee.

εἰσπορεύονται εἰς Καφαρναούμ

“arrived at Capernaum”

Mark 1:22

ἦν γὰρ διδάσκων αὐτοὺς ὡς ἐξουσίαν ἔχων, καὶ οὐχ ὡς οἱ γραμματεῖς

The idea of “teach” can be stated clearly when talking about “someone who has authority” and “the scribes.” Alternate translation: “for he was teaching them as someone who has authority teaches and not as the scribes teach” (See: Ellipsis)

Mark 1:24

τί ἡμῖν καὶ σοί, Ἰησοῦ Ναζαρηνέ?

The demons ask this rhetorical question meaning there is no reason for Jesus to interfere with them and that they desire him to leave them. Alternate translation: “Jesus of Nazareth, leave us alone! There is no reason for you to interfere with us.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

ἦλθες ἀπολέσαι ἡμᾶς

The demons ask this rhetorical question to urge Jesus not to harm them. Alternate translation: “Do not destroy us!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Mark 1:26

σπαράξαν αὐτὸν

Here the word “him” refers to the demon-possessed man.

φωνῆσαν φωνῇ μεγάλῃ

The demon is the one who is crying out, not the man.

Mark 1:27

συνζητεῖν πρὸς αὐτοὺς λέγοντας, τί ἐστιν τοῦτο? διδαχὴ καινή κατ’ ἐξουσίαν!…ὑπακούουσιν αὐτῷ!

The people used the two questions to show how amazed they were. The questions can be expressed as exclamations. Alternate translation: “they said to each other, ‘This is amazing! He gives a new teaching, and he speaks with authority!…and they obey him!’” (See: Rhetorical Question)

ἐπιτάσσει

The word “He” refers to Jesus.

Mark 1:29

After healing the demon-possessed man, Jesus healed Simon’s mother-in-law and many other people.

Mark 1:30

ἡ δὲ πενθερὰ Σίμωνος κατέκειτο πυρέσσουσα

The word “Now” introduces Simon’s mother-in-law to the story and gives background information about her. (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants and Background Information)

Mark 1:31

ἤγειρεν αὐτὴν

“caused her to stand” or “made her able to get out of bed”

ἀφῆκεν αὐτὴν ὁ πυρετός

You may want to make explicit who healed her. Alternate translation: “Jesus healed her of the fever” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

διηκόνει αὐτοῖς

You may want to make explicit that she served food. Alternate translation: “she provided them with food and drinks” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Mark 1:32

Here the words “him” and “he” refer to Jesus.

πάντας τοὺς κακῶς ἔχοντας καὶ τοὺς δαιμονιζομένους

The word “all” is an exaggeration to emphasize the great number of people who came. Alternate translation: “many who were sick or possessed by demons” (See: Hyperbole)

Mark 1:33

ἦν ὅλη ἡ πόλις ἐπισυνηγμένη πρὸς τὴν θύραν

The word “city” is a metonym for the people who lived in the city. Here the word “whole” is probably a generalization to emphasize that most people from the city gathered. Alternate translation: “Many people from that city gathered outside the door” (See: Metonymy and Hyperbole)

Mark 1:35

Here the words “he” and “him” refer to Jesus.

Jesus takes time to pray in the midst of his time of healing people. He then goes to towns throughout Galilee to preach, heal, and cast out demons.

ἔρημον τόπον

“a place where he could be alone”

Mark 1:36

Σίμων καὶ οἱ μετ’ αὐτοῦ

Here “him” refers to Simon. Also, those with him include Andrew, James, John, and possibly other people.

Mark 1:37

πάντες ζητοῦσίν σε

The word “Everyone” is an exaggeration to emphasize the very many people who were looking for Jesus. Alternate translation: “Many people are looking for you” (See: Hyperbole)

Mark 1:38

Here the words “he” and “I” refer to Jesus.

ἄγωμεν ἀλλαχοῦ

“We need to go to some other place.” Here Jesus uses the word “us” to refer to himself, along with Simon, Andrew, James, and John.

Mark 1:39

ἦλθεν…εἰς ὅλην τὴν Γαλιλαίαν

The words “throughout all” are an exaggeration used to emphasize that Jesus went to many locations during his ministry. Alternate translation: “He went to many places in Galilee” (See: Hyperbole)

Mark 1:40

ἔρχεται πρὸς αὐτὸν λεπρὸς, παρακαλῶν αὐτὸν καὶ γονυπετῶν λέγων αὐτῷ

“A leper came to Jesus. He knelt down and was begging Jesus and said”

ἐὰν θέλῃς, δύνασαί με καθαρίσαι

In the first phrase, the words “to make me clean” are understood because of the second phrase. Alternate translation: “If you are willing to make me clean, then you can make me clean” (See: Ellipsis)

θέλῃς

“want” or “desire”

δύνασαί με καθαρίσαι

In biblical times, a person who had any of certain skin diseases was considered unclean until his skin had healed enough that he was no longer contagious. Alternate translation: “you can heal me” (See: Metaphor)

Mark 1:41

σπλαγχνισθεὶς

Here the word “moved” is an idiom meaning to feel emotion about another’s need. Alternate translation: “Having compassion for him, Jesus” or “Jesus felt compassion for the man, so he” (See: Idiom)

θέλω

It may be helpful to state what Jesus is willing to do. Alternate translation: “I am willing to make you clean” (See: Ellipsis)

Mark 1:43

The word “him” used here refers to the leper whom Jesus healed.

Mark 1:44

ὅρα μηδενὶ, μηδὲν εἴπῃς

“Be sure to not say anything to anyone”

σεαυτὸν δεῖξον τῷ ἱερεῖ

Jesus told the man to show himself to the priest so that the priest could look at his skin to see if his leprosy was really gone. The law of Moses required people to present themselves to the priest if they had been unclean but were no longer unclean. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

σεαυτὸν δεῖξον

The word “yourself” here represents the skin of the leper. Alternate translation: “show your skin” (See: Synecdoche)

μαρτύριον αὐτοῖς

It is best to use the pronoun “them,” if possible, in your language. Possible meanings are (1) “a testimony to the priests” or (2) “a testimony to the people.”

Mark 1:45

ὁ δὲ ἐξελθὼν

The word “he” refers to the man Jesus healed.

ἤρξατο…διαφημίζειν τὸν λόγον

Here “spread the news widely” is a metaphor for telling people in many places about what had happened. Alternate translation: “began to tell people in many places about what Jesus had done” (See: and Metaphor)

ὥστε

The man spread the news so much that

ὥστε μηκέτι αὐτὸν δύνασθαι φανερῶς εἰς πόλιν εἰσελθεῖν

This was the result of the man spreading the news so much. Here “openly” is a metaphor for “publicly.” Jesus could not enter the towns because many people would crowd around him. Alternate translation: “that Jesus could no longer enter a town publicly” or “that Jesus could no longer enter the towns in a way that many people would see him” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἐρήμοις τόποις

“lonely places” or “places where no one lived”

πάντοθεν

The word “everywhere” is a hyperbole used to emphasize how very many places the people came from. Alternate translation: “from all over the region” (See: Hyperbole)

Mark 2

Mark 02 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

“Sinners”

When the people of Jesus’ time spoke of “sinners,” they were talking about people who did not obey the law of Moses and instead committed sins like stealing or sexual sins. When Jesus said that he came to call “sinners,” he meant that only people who believe that they are sinners can be his followers. This is true even if they are not what most people think of as “sinners.” (See: sin, sinful, sinner, sinning)

Fasting and Feasting

People would fast, or not eat food for a long time, when they were sad or were showing God that they were sorry for their sins. When they were happy, like during weddings, they would have feasts, or meals where they would eat much food. (See: fast, fasting)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical Questions

The Jewish leaders used rhetorical questions to show that they were angry because of what Jesus said and did and that they did not believe that he was God’s Son (Mark 2:7). Jesus used them to show the Jewish leaders that they were arrogant (Mark 2:25-26). (See: Rhetorical Question)

Mark 2:1

After preaching and healing people throughout Galilee, Jesus returns to Capernaum where he heals and forgives the sin of a paralyzed man.

ἠκούσθη ὅτι ἐν οἴκῳ ἐστίν

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the people there heard that he was staying at his home” (See: Active or Passive)

Mark 2:2

καὶ συνήχθησαν πολλοὶ

The word “there” refers to the house that Jesus stayed it in Capernaum. Alternate translation: “So many people gathered there” or “So many people came to the house” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

μηκέτι χωρεῖν, μηδὲ τὰ

This refers to there being no space inside the house. Alternate translation: “there was no more room for them inside” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἐλάλει αὐτοῖς τὸν λόγον

“Jesus spoke his message to them”

Mark 2:3

αἰρόμενον ὑπὸ τεσσάρων

“four of them were carrying him.” It is likely that there were more than four people within the group that brought the man to Jesus.

φέροντες…παραλυτικὸν

“were bringing a man who was unable to walk or use his arms”

Mark 2:4

μὴ δυνάμενοι προσενέγκαι αὐτῷ

“could not get close to where Jesus was”

ἀπεστέγασαν τὴν στέγην…χαλῶσι

Houses where Jesus lived had flat roofs made of clay and covered with tiles. The process of making a hole in the roof can be explained more clearly or made more general so that it may be understood in your language. Alternate translation: “they removed the tiles from the part of the roof above where Jesus was. And when they had dug through the clay roof, they lowered” or “they made a hole in the roof above where Jesus was, and then they lowered”

Mark 2:5

ἰδὼν…τὴν πίστιν αὐτῶν

“Seeing the men’s faith.” Possible meanings are (1) that only the men who carried the paralyzed man had faith or (2) that the paralyzed man and the men who brought him to Jesus all had faith. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τέκνον

The word “Son” here shows Jesus cared for the man as a father cares for a son. Alternate translation: “My son” (See: Metaphor)

ἀφέωνται σου αἱ ἁμαρτίαι

If possible translate this in such a way that Jesus does not clearly say who forgives the man’s sins. Alternate translation: “your sins are gone” or “you do not have to pay for your sins” or “your sins do not count against you”

Mark 2:6

διαλογιζόμενοι ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις αὐτῶν

Here “their hearts” is a metonym for the people’s thoughts. Alternate translation: “were thinking to themselves” (See: Metonymy)

Mark 2:7

τί οὗτος οὕτως λαλεῖ?

The scribes used this question to show their anger that Jesus said “Your sins are forgiven.” Alternate translation: “This man should not speak this way!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

τίς δύναται ἀφιέναι ἁμαρτίας, εἰ μὴ εἷς ὁ Θεός

The scribes used this question to say that since only God can forgive sins, then Jesus should not say “Your sins are forgiven.” Alternate translation: “Only God can forgive sins!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Mark 2:8

τῷ πνεύματι αὐτοῦ

“in his inner being” or “in himself”

διαλογίζονται ἐν ἑαυτοῖς

Each of the scribes was thinking to himself; they were not talking to each other.

τί ταῦτα διαλογίζεσθε ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ὑμῶν

Jesus uses this question to tell the scribes that what they are thinking is wrong. Alternate translation: “What you are thinking is wrong.” or “Do not think that I am blaspheming.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

ταῦτα…ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ὑμῶν

The word “hearts” is a metonym for their inner thoughts and desires. Alternate translation: “this inside yourselves” or “these things” (See: Metonymy)

Mark 2:9

τί ἐστιν εὐκοπώτερον, εἰπεῖν τῷ παραλυτικῷ…ἆρον τὸν κράβαττόν σου καὶ περιπάτει?

Jesus uses this question to make the scribes think about what might prove whether or not he could really forgive sins. Alternate translation: “I just said to the paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven.’ You may think that it is harder to say ‘Get up, take up your bed, and walk,’ because the proof of whether or not I can heal him will be shown by whether or not he gets up and walks.” or “You may think that it is easier to say to the paralyzed man ‘Your sins are forgiven’ than it is to say ‘Get up, take up your bed, and walk.’” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Mark 2:10

ἵνα δὲ εἰδῆτε

“But so that you may know.” The word “you” refers to the scribes and the crowd.

ὅτι ἐξουσίαν ἔχει ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου

Jesus refers to himself as the “Son of Man.” Alternate translation: “that I am the Son of Man and I have authority” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

Mark 2:12

ἔμπροσθεν πάντων

“while all the people there were watching”

Mark 2:13

Jesus is teaching the crowd beside the Sea of Galilee, and he calls Levi to follow him.

τὴν θάλασσαν

This is the Sea of Galilee, which is also known as the Lake of Gennesaret.

ὁ ὄχλος ἤρχετο πρὸς αὐτόν

“the people went where he was”

Mark 2:14

Λευεὶν τὸν τοῦ Ἁλφαίου

Alpheus was Levi’s father. (See: How to Translate Names)

Mark 2:15

It is now later in the day, and Jesus is at Levi’s house for a meal.

τῇ οἰκίᾳ αὐτοῦ

“the home of Levi”

ἁμαρτωλοὶ

people who did not obey the law of Moses but committed what others thought were very bad sins

ἦσαν γὰρ πολλοὶ, καὶ ἠκολούθουν αὐτῷ

Possible meanings are (1) “for there were many tax collectors and sinful people who followed Jesus” or (2) “for Jesus had many disciples and they followed him.”

Mark 2:16

μετὰ τῶν τελωνῶν καὶ ἁμαρτωλῶν ἐσθίει?

The scribes and Pharisees asked this question to show they disapproved of Jesus’ hospitality. This can be worded as a statement. Alternate translation: “He should not eat with sinners and tax collectors!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Mark 2:17

Jesus responds to what the scribes had said to his disciples about his eating with tax collectors and sinful people.

λέγει αὐτοῖς

“he said to the scribes”

οὐ χρείαν ἔχουσιν οἱ ἰσχύοντες ἰατροῦ, ἀλλ’ οἱ κακῶς ἔχοντες

Jesus used this proverb about sick people and doctors to teach them that only people who know that they are sinful realize that they need Jesus. (See: Proverbs)

ἰσχύοντες

“healthy”

οὐκ ἦλθον καλέσαι δικαίους, ἀλλὰ ἁμαρτωλούς

Jesus expects his hearers to understand he came for those who want help. Alternate translation: “I came for people who understand they are sinful, not for people who believe they are righteous” (See: Irony)

ἀλλὰ ἁμαρτωλούς

The words “I came to call” are understood from the phrase before this. Alternate translation: “but I came to call sinners” (See: Ellipsis)

Mark 2:18

Jesus tells parables to show why his disciples should not fast while he is with them. (See: Parables)

οἱ Φαρισαῖοι νηστεύοντες…οἱ μαθηταὶ τῶν Φαρισαίων

These two phrases refer to the same group of people, but the second is more specific. Both refer to the followers of the Pharisee sect, but they do not focus on the leaders of the Pharisees. Alternate translation: “the disciples of the Pharisees were fasting…the disciples of the Pharisees”

ἔρχονται

“Some men.” It is best to translate this phrase without specifying exactly who these men are. If in your language you have to be more specific, the possible meanings are (1) these men were not among John’s disciples or the disciples of the Pharisees or (2) these men were among John’s disciples.

ἔρχονται καὶ λέγουσιν αὐτῷ

“came and said to Jesus”

Mark 2:19

μὴ δύνανται οἱ υἱοὶ τοῦ νυμφῶνος ἐν ᾧ ὁ νυμφίος μετ’ αὐτῶν ἐστιν νηστεύειν?

Jesus uses this question to remind the people of something they already know and to encourage them to apply it to him and his disciples. Alternate translation: “Wedding attendants do not fast while the bridegroom is with them. Rather they celebrate and feast.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Mark 2:20

ἀπαρθῇ…ὁ νυμφίος

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the bridegroom will go away” (See: Active or Passive)

ἀπαρθῇ ἀπ’ αὐτῶν…νηστεύσουσιν

The word “them” and “they” refer to the wedding attendants.

Mark 2:21

οὐδεὶς ἐπίβλημα ῥάκους ἀγνάφου ἐπιράπτει ἐπὶ ἱμάτιον παλαιόν

Sewing a piece of new cloth on an old garment will make the hole on an old garment worse if the piece of new cloth has not yet shrunk. Both the new cloth and old garment will be ruined. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Mark 2:22

Jesus begins to tell another parable. This one is about putting new wine into old wineskins rather than into new wineskins. (See: Parables)

οἶνον νέον

“grape juice.” This refers to wine that has not fermented yet. If grapes are unknown in your area, use the general term for fruit juice.

ἀσκοὺς παλαιούς

This refers to wineskins that have been used many times.

ἀσκοὺς

These were bags made out of animal skins. They could also be called “wine bags” or “skin bags.”

ῥήξει ὁ οἶνος τοὺς ἀσκούς

New wine expands as it ferments, so it would cause old, brittle wineskins to tear open.

ἀπόλλυται

“will be ruined”

ἀσκοὺς καινούς

“new wineskins” or “new wine bags.” This refers to wineskins that have never been used.

Mark 2:23

Jesus gives the Pharisees an example from scripture to show why the disciples were not wrong to pick grain on the Sabbath.

τίλλοντες τοὺς στάχυας

Plucking grain in others’ fields and eating it was not considered stealing. The question was whether it was lawful to do this on the Sabbath. The disciples picked the heads of grain to eat the kernels, or seeds, in them. This can be worded to show the full meaning. Alternate translation: “pick heads of grain and eat the seeds” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τοὺς στάχυας

The “heads” are the topmost part of the wheat plant, which is a kind of tall grass. The heads hold the mature grain or seeds of the plant.

Mark 2:24

The Pharisees ask a question about what the disciples were doing (verse 23).

ποιοῦσιν τοῖς Σάββασιν ὃ οὐκ ἔξεστιν

Plucking grain in others’ fields and eating it (verse 23) was not considered stealing. The question was whether it was lawful to do this on the Sabbath.

ἴδε, τί ποιοῦσιν τοῖς Σάββασιν ὃ οὐκ ἔξεστιν?

The Pharisees ask Jesus a question to condemn him. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “Look! They are breaking the Jewish law concerning the Sabbath.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

ἴδε

“Look at this” or “Listen.” This is a word used to get the attention of someone to show them something. If there is a word in your language that is used to draw a person’s attention to something, you could use that here.

Mark 2:25

Jesus begins to scold the Pharisees by asking them a question.

λέγει αὐτοῖς

“Jesus said to the Pharisees”

οὐδέποτε ἀνέγνωτε τί ἐποίησεν Δαυεὶδ…οἱ μετ’ αὐτοῦ?

Jesus asks this question to remind the scribes and Pharisees of something David did on the Sabbath. The question is very long, so it can be divided into two sentences. (See: Rhetorical Question)

οὐδέποτε ἀνέγνωτε τί ἐποίησεν Δαυεὶδ…αὐτὸς

This can be stated as a command. Alternate translation: “Remember what you read about what David did…him.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

ἀνέγνωτε τί…Δαυεὶδ

Jesus refers to reading about David in the Old Testament. This can be translated showing the implicit information. Alternate translation: “read in the scriptures what David” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Mark 2:26

Jesus finishes asking the question he began in verse 25.

πῶς εἰσῆλθεν εἰς τὸν οἶκον τοῦ Θεοῦ…τοῖς σὺν αὐτῷ οὖσιν?

This can be expressed as a statement separate from verse 25. Alternate translation: “He went into the house of God…to those who were with him.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

πῶς εἰσῆλθεν

The word “he” refers to David.

τοὺς ἄρτους τῆς Προθέσεως

This refers to the twelve loaves of bread that were placed on a golden table in the tabernacle or temple building as a sacrifice to God during Old Testament times.

Mark 2:27

τὸ Σάββατον διὰ τὸν ἄνθρωπον ἐγένετο

Jesus makes clear why God established the Sabbath. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God made the Sabbath for mankind” (See: Active or Passive)

τὸν ἄνθρωπον

“man” or “people” or “the needs of people.” This word here refers to both men and women. (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)

οὐχ ὁ ἄνθρωπος διὰ τὸ Σάββατον

The words “was made” are understood from the previous phrase. They can be repeated here. Alternate translation: “mankind was not made for the Sabbath” or “God did not make mankind for the Sabbath” (See: Ellipsis)

Mark 3

Mark 03 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Sabbath

It was against the law of Moses to do work on the Sabbath. The Pharisees believed healing a sick person on the Sabbath was “work,” so they said that Jesus did wrong when he healed a person on the Sabbath. (See: law, law of Moses, law of Yahweh, law of God)

“Blasphemy against the Spirit”

No one knows for sure what actions people perform or what words they say when they commit this sin. However, they probably insult the Holy Spirit and his work. Part of the Holy Spirit’s work is to make people understand that they are sinners and that they need to have God forgive them. Therefore, anyone who does not try to stop sinning is probably committing blasphemy against the Spirit. (See: blasphemy, blaspheme, blasphemous and Holy Spirit, Spirit of God, Spirit of the Lord, Spirit)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

The twelve disciples

The following are the lists of the twelve disciples:

In Matthew:

Simon (Peter), Andrew, James son of Zebedee, John son of Zebedee, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot.

In Mark:

Simon (Peter), Andrew, James the son of Zebedee and John the son of Zebedee (to whom he gave the name Boanerges, that is, sons of thunder), Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot.

In Luke:

Simon (Peter), Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon (who was called the Zealot), Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot.

Thaddaeus is probably the same person as Jude, the son of James.

Brothers and Sisters

Most people call those who have the same parents “brother” and “sister” and think of them as the most important people in their lives. Many people also call those with the same grandparents “brother” and “sister.” In this chapter Jesus says that the most important people to him are those who obey God. (See: brother)

Mark 3:1

Jesus heals a man on the Sabbath in the synagogue and shows how he feels about what the Pharisees had done with the Sabbath rules. The Pharisees and Herodians begin to plan to put Jesus to death.

ἄνθρωπος, ἐξηραμμένην ἔχων τὴν χεῖρα

“a man with a crippled hand”

Mark 3:2

παρετήρουν αὐτὸν, εἰ τοῖς Σάββασιν θεραπεύσει αὐτόν

“Some people watched Jesus closely to see if he would heal the man with the withered hand”

παρετήρουν αὐτὸν

“Some of the Pharisees.” Later, in Mark 3:6, these people are identified as Pharisees.

ἵνα κατηγορήσωσιν αὐτοῦ

If Jesus were to heal the man that day, the Pharisees would accuse him breaking the law by the working on the Sabbath. Alternate translation: “so that they could accuse him of wrongdoing” or “so that they could accuse him of breaking the law” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Mark 3:3

εἰς τὸ μέσον

“in the middle of this crowd”

Mark 3:4

ἔξεστιν τοῖς Σάββασιν ἀγαθοποιῆσαι…ἢ ἀποκτεῖναι?

Jesus said this to challenge them. He wanted them to acknowledge that it is lawful to heal people on the Sabbath. (See: Rhetorical Question)

τοῖς Σάββασιν ἀγαθοποιῆσαι ἢ κακοποιῆσαι, ψυχὴν σῶσαι ἢ ἀποκτεῖναι

These two phrases are similar in meaning, except that the second is more extreme. (See: Parallelism)

κακοποιῆσαι, ψυχὴν σῶσαι ἢ ἀποκτεῖναι

It may be helpful to repeat “is it lawful,” as that is the question Jesus is asking again in another way. Alternate translation: “is it lawful to save a life or to kill” (See: Ellipsis)

ψυχὴν

This refers to physical life and is a metonym for a person. Alternate translation: “someone from dying” or “someone’s life” (See: Metonymy)

οἱ δὲ ἐσιώπων

“But they refused to answer him”

Mark 3:5

περιβλεψάμενος

“Jesus looked around”

συνλυπούμενος

“was deeply saddened”

ἐπὶ τῇ πωρώσει τῆς καρδίας αὐτῶν

This metaphor describes how the Pharisees were unwilling to have compassion on the man with the withered hand. Alternate translation: “because they were unwilling to have compassion on the man” (See: Metaphor)

ἔκτεινον τὴν χεῖρα σου

“Reach out with your hand”

ἀπεκατεστάθη ἡ χεὶρ αὐτοῦ

This can be stated with an active form. Alternate translation: “Jesus restored his hand” or “Jesus made his hand the way it was before” (See: Active or Passive)

Mark 3:6

συμβούλιον ἐποίουν

“began to make a plan”

τῶν Ἡρῳδιανῶν

This is the name of an informal political party that supported Herod Antipas.

ὅπως αὐτὸν ἀπολέσωσιν

“how they might kill Jesus”

Mark 3:7

A great crowd of people follows Jesus, and he heals many people.

τὴν θάλασσαν

This refers to the Sea of Galilee.

Mark 3:8

τῆς Ἰδουμαίας

This is the region, previously known as Edom, which covered the southern half of the province of Judea.

ὅσα ἐποίει

This refers to the miracles Jesus was performing. Alternate translation: “the great miracles that Jesus was performing”

ἦλθον πρὸς αὐτόν

“came to where Jesus was”

Mark 3:9

Verse 9 tells what Jesus asked his disciples to do because of the large crowd of people around him. Verse 10 tells why such a large crowd was around Jesus. The information in these verses can be reordered to present the events in the order they happened, as in the UST. (See: Order of Events)

εἶπεν τοῖς μαθηταῖς αὐτοῦ, ἵνα πλοιάριον…μὴ θλίβωσιν αὐτόν

As the large crowd was pushing forward toward Jesus, he was in danger of being crushed by them. They would not crush him intentionally. It was just that there were so many people.

Mark 3:10

πολλοὺς γὰρ ἐθεράπευσεν, ὥστε…ἵνα αὐτοῦ ἅψωνται ὅσοι εἶχον μάστιγας

This tells why so many people were crowding around Jesus that he thought they might crush him. Alternate translation: “For, because Jesus had healed many people, everyone…to touch him” (See: Connecting Words and Phrases)

πολλοὺς γὰρ ἐθεράπευσεν

The word “many” refers to the large number of people Jesus had already healed. Alternate translation: “For he healed many people” (See: Ellipsis)

ἐπιπίπτειν αὐτῷ, ἵνα αὐτοῦ ἅψωνται ὅσοι εἶχον μάστιγας

They did this because they believed that touching Jesus would make them well. This can be expressed clearly. Alternate translation: “all the sick people pushed forward eagerly trying to touch him so that they might be healed” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Mark 3:11

αὐτὸν ἐθεώρουν

“saw Jesus”

προσέπιπτον αὐτῷ καὶ ἔκραζον λέγοντα

Here “they” refers to the unclean spirits. It is they who are causing the people they possess to do things. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “they caused the people they were possessing to fall down before him and to cry out to him” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

προσέπιπτον αὐτῷ

The unclean spirits did not fall down before Jesus because they loved him or wanted to worship him. They fell down before him because they were afraid of him.

σὺ εἶ ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ

Jesus has power over unclean spirits because he is the “Son of God.”

ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ

This is an important title for Jesus. (See: Translating Son and Father)

Mark 3:12

πολλὰ ἐπετίμα αὐτοῖς

“Jesus strictly ordered the unclean spirits”

μὴ αὐτὸν φανερὸν ποιήσωσιν

“not to reveal who he was”

Mark 3:13

Jesus chooses the men he wants to be his apostles.

Mark 3:14

ἵνα ὦσιν μετ’ αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἵνα ἀποστέλλῃ αὐτοὺς κηρύσσειν

“so that they would be with him and he would send them to proclaim the message”

Mark 3:16

ἐπέθηκεν ὄνομα τῷ Σίμωνι, Πέτρον

The author begins to list the names of the twelve apostles. Simon is the first man listed.

Mark 3:17

ἐπέθηκεν αὐτοῖς

The phrase “to whom” refers to both James son of Zebedee and his brother John.

ὀνόματα Βοανηργές, ὅ ἐστιν υἱοὶ βροντῆς

Jesus called them this because they were like thunder. Alternate translation: “the name Boanerges, which means men who are like thunder” or “the name Boanerges, which means thunder men” (See: How to Translate Names)

Mark 3:18

Θαδδαῖον

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

Mark 3:19

ὃς καὶ παρέδωκεν αὐτόν

“who would betray Jesus” The word “who” refers to Judas Iscariot.

Mark 3:20

καὶ ἔρχεται εἰς οἶκον

“Then Jesus went to the house where he was staying.”

μὴ δύνασθαι αὐτοὺς μηδὲ ἄρτον φαγεῖν

The word “bread” represents food. Alternate translation: “Jesus and his disciples could not eat at all” or “they could not eat anything” (See: Synecdoche)

Mark 3:21

ἐξῆλθον κρατῆσαι αὐτόν

Members of his family went to the house, so that they could take hold of him and force him to go home with them.

ἔλεγον γὰρ

Possible meanings for the word “they” are (1) his relatives or (2) some people in the crowd.

ἐξέστη

Jesus’ family uses this idiom to describe how they think he is acting. Alternate translation: “crazy” or “insane” (See: Idiom)

Mark 3:22

ἐν τῷ ἄρχοντι τῶν δαιμονίων, ἐκβάλλει τὰ δαιμόνια

“By the power of Beelzebul, who is the ruler of the demons, Jesus drives out demons”

Mark 3:23

Jesus explains with a parable why it is foolish for people to think that Jesus is controlled by Satan. (See: Parables)

προσκαλεσάμενος αὐτοὺς

“Jesus called the people to come to him”

πῶς δύναται Σατανᾶς Σατανᾶν ἐκβάλλειν?

Jesus asked this rhetorical question in response to the scribes saying that he cast out demons by Beelzebul. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: “Satan cannot cast out himself!” or “Satan does not go against his own evil spirits!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Mark 3:24

ἐὰν βασιλεία ἐφ’ ἑαυτὴν μερισθῇ

The word “kingdom” is a metonym for the people who live in the kingdom. Alternate translation: “If the people who live in a kingdom are divided against each other” (See: Metonymy)

οὐ δύναται σταθῆναι

This phrase is a metaphor meaning that the people will no longer be united and they will fall. Alternate translation: “cannot endure” or “will fall”(See: Metaphor and Litotes)

Mark 3:25

οἰκία

This is a metonym for the people who live in a house. Alternate translation: “family” or “household” (See: Metonymy)

Mark 3:26

εἰ ὁ Σατανᾶς ἀνέστη ἐφ’ ἑαυτὸν καὶ ἐμερίσθη

The word “himself” is a reflexive pronoun that refers back to Satan, and it is also a metonym for his evil spirits. Alternate translation: “If Satan and his evil spirits were fighting one another” or “If Satan and his evil spirits have risen up against each other and are divided” (See: Reflexive Pronouns and Metonymy)

ἐμερίσθη, οὐ δύναται στῆναι

This is a metaphor meaning he will fall and cannot endure. Alternate translation: “will cease to be united” or “cannot endure and has come to an end” or “will fall and has come to an end” (See: Metaphor)

Mark 3:27

διαρπάσει

to steal a person’s valuables and possessions

Mark 3:28

ἀμὴν, λέγω ὑμῖν

This indicates that the statement that follows is especially true and important.

τοῖς υἱοῖς τῶν ἀνθρώπων

“those who have been born of man.” This expression is used to emphasize peoples’ humanity. Alternate translation: “people”

βλασφημήσωσιν

speak

Mark 3:30

ἔλεγον

“the people were saying”

πνεῦμα ἀκάθαρτον ἔχει

This is an idiom that means to be possessed by an unclean spirit. Alternate translation: “is possessed by an unclean spirit” (See: Idiom)

Mark 3:31

καὶ ἔρχονται ἡ μήτηρ αὐτοῦ καὶ οἱ ἀδελφοὶ αὐτοῦ

“Then Jesus’ mother and brothers came”

ἀπέστειλαν πρὸς αὐτὸν καλοῦντες αὐτόν

“They sent someone inside to tell him that they were outside and to have him come out to them”

Mark 3:32

ζητοῦσίν σε

“are asking for you”

Mark 3:33

τίς ἐστιν ἡ μήτηρ μου, καὶ οἱ ἀδελφοί μου?

Jesus uses this question to teach the people. Alternate translation: “I will tell you who are really my mother and brothers” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Mark 3:35

ὃς…ἂν ποιήσῃ…οὗτος…ἐστίν

“those who do…they are”

οὗτος ἀδελφός μου καὶ ἀδελφὴ καὶ μήτηρ ἐστίν

This is a metaphor that means Jesus’ disciples belong to Jesus’ spiritual family. This is more important than belonging to his physical family. Alternate translation: “that person is like a brother, sister, or mother to me” (See: Metaphor)

Mark 4

Mark 04 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Mark 4:3-10 forms one parable. The parable is explained in 4:14-23.

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 4:12, which are words from the Old Testament.

Special concepts in this chapter

Parables

The parables were short stories that Jesus told so that people would easily understand the lesson he was trying to teach them. He also told the stories so that those who did not want to believe in him would not understand the truth.

Mark 4:1

As Jesus taught from a boat at the seaside, he told them the parable of the soils. (See: Parables)

τὴν θάλασσαν

This is the Sea of Galilee.

Mark 4:3

ἀκούετε! ἰδοὺ…ὁ σπείρων

“Pay attention! A farmer”

σπεῖραι

All of the seeds that the farmer sowed are spoken of here as if they are one seed. “his seeds”

Mark 4:4

ἐν τῷ σπείρειν, ὃ μὲν ἔπεσεν παρὰ τὴν ὁδόν

“As he threw seed over the soil.” In different cultures people sow seeds differently. In this parable the seeds were sown by throwing the seeds over the land that was prepared for growing.

ὃ μὲν…κατέφαγεν αὐτό

All of the seeds that the farmer sowed are spoken of here as if they are one seed. “some seeds…devoured them”

Mark 4:5

ἄλλο…οὐκ εἶχεν…ἐξανέτειλεν…τὸ μὴ ἔχειν

All of the seeds that the farmer sowed are spoken of here as if they are one seed. “Other seeds…they did not have…they sprang…they did not have”

ἐξανέτειλεν

“the seed that landed on the rocky soil began to grow quickly”

γῆν

This refers to the loose dirt on the ground in which you can plant seeds.

Mark 4:6

ἐκαυματίσθη

This refers to the young plants. This may be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “it scorched the young plants” (See: Active or Passive)

διὰ τὸ μὴ ἔχειν ῥίζαν ἐξηράνθη

“because the young plants had no roots, they dried up”

Mark 4:7

ἄλλο…συνέπνιξαν αὐτό…οὐκ ἔδωκεν

All of the seeds that the farmer sowed are spoken of here as if they are one seed. See how you translated this in Mark 4:3. “Other seeds…choked them…they did not produce”

Mark 4:8

αὐξανόμενα, καὶ ἔφερεν εἰς τριάκοντα, καὶ ἓν ἑξήκοντα, καὶ ἓν ἑκατόν

The amount of grain produced by each plant is being compared to the single seed from which it grew. Ellipsis is used here to shorten the phrases but they can be written out. Alternate translation: “Some plants bore thirty times as much as the seed that the man had planted, some produced sixty times as much grain, and some produced a hundred times as much grain” (See: Ellipsis)

τριάκοντα…ἑξήκοντα…ἑκατόν

“30…60…100.” These may be written as numerals. (See: Numbers)

Mark 4:9

ὃς ἔχει ὦτα ἀκούειν, ἀκουέτω

Jesus is emphasizing that what he has just said is important and may take some effort to understand and put into practice. The phrase “has ears” here is a metonym for the willingness to understand and obey. Alternate translation: “Whoever is willing to listen, listen” or “Whoever is willing to understand, let him understand and obey” (See: Metonymy)

ὃς ἔχει…ἀκουέτω

Since Jesus is speaking directly to his audience, you may prefer to use the second person here. Alternate translation: “If you are willing to listen, listen” or “If you are willing to understand, then understand and obey” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

Mark 4:10

ὅτε ἐγένετο κατὰ μόνας

This does not mean that Jesus was completely alone; rather, that the crowds were gone and Jesus was only with the twelve and some of his other close followers.

Mark 4:11

ὑμῖν…δέδοται

This can be stated in active form. “God has given you” or “I have given you” (See: Active or Passive)

ἐκείνοις…τοῖς ἔξω

“but to those who are not among you.” This refers to all the other people who were not among the twelve or Jesus’ other close followers.

ἐν παραβολαῖς τὰ πάντα γίνεται

It can be stated that Jesus gives the parables to the people. Alternate translation: “I have spoken everything in parables” (See: Ellipsis)

Mark 4:12

βλέποντες…ἀκούοντες

It is assumed that Jesus is speaking about the people looking at what he shows them and hearing what he tells them. Alternate translation: “when they look at what I am doing…when they hear what I am saying” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

βλέπωσι καὶ μὴ ἴδωσιν

Jesus speaks of people understanding what they see as actually seeing. Alternate translation: “they look and do not understand” (See: Metaphor)

ἐπιστρέψωσιν

“turn to God.” Here “turn” is a metaphor for “repent.” Alternate translation: “they would repent” (See: Metaphor)

Mark 4:13

Jesus explains the parable of the soils to his followers and then tells them about using a lamp to show that hidden things will become known.

καὶ λέγει αὐτοῖς

“Then Jesus said to his disciples”

οὐκ οἴδατε τὴν παραβολὴν ταύτην, καὶ πῶς πάσας τὰς παραβολὰς γνώσεσθε?

Jesus used these questions to show how sad he was that his disciples could not understand his parable. Alternate translation: “If you cannot understand this parable, think about how hard it will be for you to understand all the other parables.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Mark 4:14

ὁ σπείρων

“The farmer who sows his seed represents”

τὸν λόγον

The “word” represents God’s message. Sowing the message represents teaching it. Alternate translation: “the one who teaches people God’s message” (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

Mark 4:15

οὗτοι δέ εἰσιν οἱ παρὰ τὴν ὁδὸν

“Some people are like the seeds that fall beside road” or “Some people are like the path where some of the seeds fell”

τὴν ὁδὸν

“the path”

ὅταν ἀκούσωσιν

Here “it” refers to “the word” or “God’s message.”

Mark 4:16

οὗτοί εἰσιν…οἱ

“And some people are like the seeds.” Jesus begins to explain how some people are like the seeds that fell on the rocky soil. (See: Metaphor)

Mark 4:17

οὐκ ἔχουσιν ῥίζαν ἐν ἑαυτοῖς

This is a comparison to the young plants that have very shallow roots. This metaphor means that the people were first excited when they received the word, but they were not strongly devoted to it. Alternate translation: “And they are like the young plants that have no roots” (See: Metaphor)

οὐκ…ῥίζαν

This is an exaggeration to emphasize how shallow the roots were. (See: Hyperbole)

γενομένης θλίψεως ἢ διωγμοῦ διὰ τὸν λόγον

It may be helpful to explain that tribulation comes because people believed God’s message. Alternate translation: “tribulation or persecution comes because they believed God’s message” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

σκανδαλίζονται

In this parable, “stumble” means “stop believing God’s message” (See: Metaphor)

Mark 4:18

ἄλλοι εἰσὶν οἱ εἰς τὰς ἀκάνθας σπειρόμενοι

Jesus begins to explain how some people are like the seeds that fell among the thorns. Alternate translation: “And other people are like the seeds that were sown among the thorns” (See: Metaphor)

Mark 4:19

αἱ μέριμναι τοῦ αἰῶνος

“the worries in this life” or “the concerns about this present life”

ἡ ἀπάτη τοῦ πλούτου

“the desires for riches”

εἰσπορευόμεναι, συνπνίγουσιν τὸν λόγον

As Jesus continues to talk about people who are like the seeds that fell among the thorns, he explains what the desires and worries do to the word in their lives. Alternate translation: “enter in and choke God’s message in their lives like thorns choke young plants” (See: Metaphor)

ἄκαρπος γίνεται

“the word does not produce a crop in them”

Mark 4:20

ἐκεῖνοί εἰσιν οἱ ἐπὶ τὴν γῆν τὴν καλὴν σπαρέντες

Jesus begins to explain how some people are like the seeds that were sown in good soil. Alternate translation: “like the seeds that were sown in the good soil” (See: Metaphor)

τριάκοντα, καὶ ἓν ἑξήκοντα, καὶ ἓν ἑκατόν

This refers to the grain that the plants produce. Alternate translation: “some produce thirty grains, some produce sixty grains, and some produce a hundred grains” or “some produce 30 times the grain that was sown, some produce 60 times the grain that was sown, and some produce 100 times the grain that was sown” (See: Ellipsis or Numbers)

Mark 4:21

καὶ ἔλεγεν αὐτοῖς

“Jesus said to the crowd”

μήτι ἔρχεται ὁ λύχνος ἵνα ὑπὸ τὸν μόδιον τεθῇ, ἢ ὑπὸ τὴν κλίνην?

This question may be written as a statement. Alternate translation: “You certainly do not bring a lamp inside the house to put it under a basket, or under a bed!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Mark 4:22

οὐ γάρ ἐστιν κρυπτὸν, ἐὰν μὴ ἵνα φανερωθῇ…ἔλθῃ εἰς φανερόν

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “For everything that is hidden will be made known, and everything that is secret will come out into to open” (See: Litotes)

οὐ…ἐστιν κρυπτὸν…οὐδὲ ἐγένετο ἀπόκρυφον

“there is nothing that is hidden…there is nothing that is secret” Both of the phrases have the same meaning. Jesus is emphasizing that everything that is secret will be made known. (See: Parallelism)

Mark 4:23

εἴ τις ἔχει ὦτα ἀκούειν, ἀκουέτω

Jesus is emphasizing that what he has just said is important and may take some effort to understand and put into practice. The phrase “ears to hear” here is a metonym for the willingness to understand and obey. See how you translated a similar phrase in Mark 4:9. Alternate translation: “If anyone is willing to listen, listen” or “If anyone is willing to understand, let him understand and obey” (See: Metonymy)

εἴ τις…ἀκουέτω

Since Jesus is speaking directly to his audience, you may prefer to use the second person here. See how you translated a similar phrase in Mark 4:9. Alternate translation: “If you are willing to listen, listen” or “If you are willing to understand, then understand and obey” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

Mark 4:24

ἔλεγεν αὐτοῖς

“Jesus said to the crowd”

ἐν ᾧ μέτρῳ μετρεῖτε

Possible meanings are (1) Jesus is talking about a literal measure and giving generously to others or (2) this is a metaphor in which Jesus speaks of “understanding” as if it were “measuring.” (See: Metaphor)

μετρηθήσεται ὑμῖν, καὶ προστεθήσεται ὑμῖν

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God will measure that amount for you, and he will add it to you” (See: Active or Passive)

Mark 4:25

δοθήσεται αὐτῷ…καὶ ὃ ἔχει ἀρθήσεται ἀπ’ αὐτο

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “to him God will give more…from him God will take away” or “God will give more to him…God will take away from him” (See: Active or Passive)

Mark 4:26

Jesus then tells the people parables to explain the kingdom of God, which he later explains to his disciples. (See: Parables)

οὕτως…ἄνθρωπος βάλῃ τὸν σπόρον

Jesus likens the kingdom of God to a farmer who sows his seed. Alternate translation: “like a farmer who sows his seed” (See: Simile)

Mark 4:27

καθεύδῃ καὶ ἐγείρηται, νύκτα καὶ ἡμέραν

This is something that the man habitually does. Alternate translation: “He sleeps each night and gets up each day” or “He sleeps each night and gets up the next day”

ὡς οὐκ οἶδεν αὐτός

“though the man does not know how the seed sprouts and grows”

Mark 4:28

χόρτον

the stalk or sprout

στάχυν

the head on the stalk or the part of the plant that holds the fruit

Mark 4:29

εὐθὺς ἀποστέλλει τὸ δρέπανον

Here “the sickle” is a metonym that stands for the farmer or the people whom the farmer sends out to harvest the grain. Alternate translation: “he immediately goes into the field with a sickle to harvest the grain” or “he immediately sends people with sickles into the field to harvest the grain” (See: Metonymy)

δρέπανον

a curved blade or a sharp hook used to cut grain

ὅτι παρέστηκεν ὁ θερισμός

Here the phrase “has come” is an idiom for the grain being ripe for harvest. Alternate translation: “because the grain is ready to be harvested” (See: Idiom)

Mark 4:30

πῶς ὁμοιώσωμεν τὴν Βασιλείαν τοῦ Θεοῦ, ἢ ἐν τίνι αὐτὴν παραβολῇ θῶμεν?

Jesus asked this question to cause his hearers to think about what the kingdom of God is. Alternate translation: “With this parable I can explain what the kingdom of God is like.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Mark 4:31

ὅταν σπαρῇ

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “when someone sows it” or “when someone plants it”

Mark 4:32

ποιεῖ κλάδους μεγάλους

The mustard tree is described as causing its branches to grow large. Alternate translation: “with large branches” (See: Personification)

Mark 4:33

ἐλάλει αὐτοῖς τὸν λόγον

“Word” here is a synecdoche for “the message of God.” The word “them” refers to the crowds. Alternate translation: “he taught the message of God to them” (See: Synecdoche)

καθὼς ἠδύναντο ἀκούειν

“and if they were able to understand some, he kept telling them more”

Mark 4:34

κατ’ ἰδίαν

This means that he was away from the crowds, but his disciples were still with him.

ἐπέλυεν πάντα

Here “everything” is an exaggeration. He explained all his parables. Alternate translation: “he explained all his parables” (See: Hyperbole)

Mark 4:35

As Jesus and his disciples take a boat to escape the crowds of people, a great storm arises. His disciples are afraid when they see that even the wind and the sea obey Jesus.

λέγει αὐτοῖς

“Jesus said to his disciples”

τὸ πέραν

“the other side of the Sea of Galilee” or “the other side of the sea”

Mark 4:37

γίνεται λαῖλαψ μεγάλη ἀνέμου

Here “arose” is an idiom for “began.” Alternate translation: “a violent windstorm began” (See: Idiom)

ἤδη γεμίζεσθαι τὸ πλοῖον

It may be helpful to state that the boat was filling up with water. Alternate translation: “the boat was in danger of being filled with water” (See: Ellipsis)

Mark 4:38

τῇ πρύμνῃ

This is at the very back of the boat. “the stern of the boat”

ἐγείρουσιν αὐτὸν

The word “they” refers to the disciples. Compare a similar idea in the next verse, verse 39, “He got up.” “He” refers to Jesus.

οὐ μέλει σοι ὅτι ἀπολλύμεθα?

The disciples asked this question to convey their fear. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: “you need to pay attention to what is happening; we are all about to die!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

ἀπολλύμεθα

The word “we” includes the disciples and Jesus. (See: Inclusive and Exclusive “We”)

Mark 4:39

σιώπα, πεφίμωσο

These two phrases are similar and used to emphasize what Jesus wanted the wind and the sea to do. (See: Doublet)

γαλήνη μεγάλη

“a great stillness over the sea” or “a great calm over the sea”

Mark 4:40

καὶ εἶπεν αὐτοῖς

“And Jesus said to his disciples”

τί δειλοί ἐστε? οὔπω ἔχετε πίστιν

Jesus asks these questions to make his disciples consider why they are afraid when he is with them. These questions can be written as statements. Alternate translation: “You should not be afraid. You need to have more faith.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Mark 4:41

τίς ἄρα οὗτός ἐστιν, ὅτι καὶ ὁ ἄνεμος καὶ ἡ θάλασσα ὑπακούει αὐτῷ?

The disciples ask this question in amazement at what Jesus did. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: “This man is not like ordinary men; even the wind and the sea obey him!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Mark 5

Mark 05 General Notes

Possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“Talitha, koum”

The words “Talitha, koum” (Mark 5:41) are from the Aramaic language. Mark writes them the way they sound and then translates them. (See: Copy or Borrow Words)

Mark 5:1

After Jesus calms the great storm, he heals a man who has many demons, but the local people in Gerasa are not glad about his healing, and they beg Jesus to leave.

ἦλθον

The word “They” refers to Jesus and his disciples.

τῆς θαλάσσης

This refers to the Sea of Galilee.

τῶν Γερασηνῶν

This name refers to the people who live in Gerasa. (See: How to Translate Names)

Mark 5:2

ἐν πνεύματι ἀκαθάρτῳ

This is an idiom meaning that the man is “controlled” or “possessed” by the unclean spirit. Alternate translation: “controlled by an unclean spirit” or “that an unclean spirit possessed” (See: Idiom)

Mark 5:4

αὐτὸν πολλάκις…δεδέσθαι

This can be written in active form. Alternate translation: “People had bound him many times” (See: Active or Passive)

τὰς πέδας συντετρῖφθαι

This can be written in active form. Alternate translation: “he shattered his shackles” (See: Active or Passive)

πέδαις

pieces of metal that people wrap around the arms and legs of prisoners and attach with chains to objects that do not move so the prisoners cannot move

οὐδεὶς ἴσχυεν αὐτὸν δαμάσαι

The man was so strong that no one could subdue him. Alternate translation: “He was so strong that no one was strong enough to subdue him” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

αὐτὸν δαμάσαι

“control him”

Mark 5:5

κατακόπτων ἑαυτὸν λίθοις

Often times when a person is possessed by a demon, the demon will cause the person to do self-destructive things, such as cutting himself.

Mark 5:6

καὶ ἰδὼν τὸν Ἰησοῦν ἀπὸ μακρόθεν

When the man first saw Jesus, Jesus would have been getting out of the boat. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

προσεκύνησεν

This means that he knelt down before Jesus out of reverence and respect, not out of worship.

Mark 5:7

The information in these two verses may be reordered to present the events in the order that they happened, as in the UST. (See: Order of Events)

κράξας

“The unclean spirit cried out”

τί ἐμοὶ καὶ σοί Ἰησοῦ, Υἱὲ τοῦ Θεοῦ τοῦ Ὑψίστου?

The unclean spirit asks this question out of fear. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: “Leave me alone, Jesus, Son of the Most High God! There is no reason for you to interfere with me.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Ἰησοῦ…μή με βασανίσῃς

Jesus has the power to torment unclean spirits.

Υἱὲ τοῦ Θεοῦ τοῦ Ὑψίστου

This is an important title for Jesus. (See: Translating Son and Father)

ὁρκίζω σε τὸν Θεόν

Here the unclean spirit is swearing by God as he makes a request of Jesus. Consider how this type of request is made in your language. Alternate translation: “I beg you before God” or “I swear by God himself and beg you”

Mark 5:9

ἐπηρώτα αὐτόν

“And Jesus asked the unclean spirit”

λέγει αὐτῷ, Λεγιὼν ὄνομά μοι, ὅτι πολλοί ἐσμεν.

One spirit was speaking for many here. He spoke of them as if they were a legion, a Roman army unit of about 6,000 soldiers. Alternate translation: “And the spirit said to him, ‘Call us an army, for many of us are inside the man.’” (See: Metaphor)

Mark 5:12

παρεκάλεσαν αὐτὸν

“the unclean spirits begged Jesus”

Mark 5:13

ἐπέτρεψεν αὐτοῖς

It may be helpful to state clearly what Jesus allowed them to do. Alternate translation: “Jesus allowed the unclean spirits to do what they asked permission to do” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

εἰς τὴν θάλασσαν, ὡς δισχίλιοι, καὶ ἐπνίγοντο ἐν τῇ θαλάσσῃ

You can make this a separate sentence: “into the sea. There were about two thousand pigs, and they drowned in the sea”

ὡς δισχίλιοι

“about 2,000 pigs” (See: Numbers)

Mark 5:14

εἰς τὴν πόλιν καὶ εἰς τοὺς ἀγρούς

It can be stated clearly that the men gave their report to the people who were in the city and countryside. Alternate translation: “to people in the city and in the countryside” (See: Ellipsis)

Mark 5:15

τὸν λεγεῶνα

This was the name of the many demons that were in the man. See how you translated this in Mark 5:9.

σωφρονοῦντα

This is an idiom meaning that he is thinking clearly. Alternate translation: “of a normal mind” or “thinking clearly” (See: Idiom)

ἐφοβήθησαν

The word “they” refers to the group of people who went out to see what had happened.

Mark 5:16

οἱ ἰδόντες, πῶς ἐγένετο

“The people who had witnessed what had happened”

Mark 5:18

ὁ δαιμονισθεὶς

Though the man is no longer demon-possessed, he is still described in this way. Alternate translation: “the man who had been demon-possessed”

Mark 5:19

καὶ οὐκ ἀφῆκεν αὐτόν

What Jesus did not allow the man to do can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “But he did not allow the man to come with them” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Mark 5:20

τῇ Δεκαπόλει

This is the name of a region that means Ten Cities. It is located to the southeast of the Sea of Galilee. (See: How to Translate Names)

πάντες ἐθαύμαζον

It may be helpful to state why the people were amazed. Alternate translation: “all the people who heard what the man said were amazed” (See: Ellipsis)

Mark 5:21

After healing the demon-possessed man in region of the Gerasenes, Jesus and his disciples return across the lake to Capernaum where the one of the rulers of the synagogue asks Jesus to heal his daughter.

τὸ πέραν

It may be helpful to add information to this phrase. Alternate translation: “the other side of the sea” (See: Ellipsis)

παρὰ τὴν θάλασσαν

“on the seashore” or “on the shore”

τὴν θάλασσαν

This is the Sea of Galilee.

Mark 5:22

Ἰάειρος

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

Mark 5:23

ἐπιθῇς τὰς χεῖρας

“Laying on hands” refers to a prophet or teacher placing his hand on someone and imparting either healing or a blessing. In this case, Jarius is asking Jesus to heal his daughter.

ἵνα σωθῇ καὶ ζήσῃ

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “and heal her and make her live” (See: Active or Passive)

Mark 5:24

καὶ ἀπῆλθεν μετ’ αὐτοῦ

“So Jesus went with Jairus.” Jesus’ disciples also went with him. Alternate translation: “So Jesus and the disciples went with Jairus” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

συνέθλιβον αὐτόν

This means they crowded around Jesus and pressed themselves together to be closer to Jesus.

Mark 5:25

While Jesus is on his way to heal the man’s little 12-year-old girl, a woman who has been sick for 12 years interrupts by touching Jesus for her healing.

καὶ γυνὴ οὖσα

“Now” indicates that this woman is being introduced to the story. Consider how new people are introduced into a story in your language. (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

ἐν ῥύσει αἵματος δώδεκα ἔτη

The woman did not have an open wound; rather, her monthly flow of blood would not stop. Your language may have a polite way to refer to this condition. (See: Euphemism)

δώδεκα ἔτη

“for 12 years” (See: Numbers)

Mark 5:26

εἰς τὸ χεῖρον ἐλθοῦσα

“her sickness got worse” or “her bleeding increased”

Mark 5:27

τὰ περὶ τοῦ Ἰησοῦ

She had heard reports about Jesus of how he healed people. Alternate translation: “that Jesus healed people” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τοῦ ἱματίου

outer garment or coat

Mark 5:28

σωθήσομαι

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “it will heal me” or “his power will heal me” (See: Active or Passive)

Mark 5:29

ἴαται ἀπὸ τῆς μάστιγος

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the sickness had left her” or “she was no longer sick” (See: Active or Passive)

Mark 5:30

τὴν ἐξ αὐτοῦ δύναμιν ἐξελθοῦσαν

When the woman touched Jesus, Jesus felt his power healing her. Jesus himself did not lose any of his power to heal people when he healed her. Alternate translation: “that his healing power had healed the woman”

Mark 5:31

τὸν ὄχλον συνθλίβοντά σε

This means they crowded around Jesus and pressed themselves together to be closer to Jesus. See how you translated this in Mark 5:24.

Mark 5:33

προσέπεσεν αὐτῷ

“knelt down before him.” She knelt down before Jesus as an act of honor and submission.

εἶπεν αὐτῷ πᾶσαν τὴν ἀλήθειαν

The phrase “the whole truth” refers to how she had touched him and became well. Alternate translation: “told him the whole truth about how she had touched him” (See: Ellipsis)

Mark 5:34

θυγάτηρ

Jesus was using this term figuratively to refer to the woman as a believer.

ἡ πίστις σου

“your faith in me”

Mark 5:35

ἔτι αὐτοῦ λαλοῦντος

“While Jesus was speaking”

ἔρχονται ἀπὸ τοῦ ἀρχισυναγώγου

Possible meanings are (1) these people had come from Jarius’ house or (2) Jairus had previously given these people orders to go see Jesus or (3) these people had been sent by the man who was presiding as the synagogue leader in Jairus’ absence.

τοῦ ἀρχισυναγώγου

The “leader of the synagogue” is Jairus.

λέγοντες

“synagogue, saying to Jairus”

τί ἔτι σκύλλεις τὸν διδάσκαλον?

This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: “It is useless to bother the teacher any longer.” or “There no need to bother the teacher any longer.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

τὸν διδάσκαλον

This refers to Jesus.

Mark 5:36

The information in verses 37 and 38 may be reordered to present the events in the order that they happened, as in the UST. (See: Order of Events and Verse Bridges)

μόνον πίστευε

If necessary, you can state what Jesus is commanding Jairus to believe. Alternate translation: “Just believe I can make you daughter live”

Mark 5:37

οὐκ ἀφῆκεν

Jesus did not permit

μετ’ αὐτοῦ συνακολουθῆσαι

“to come with him.” It may be helpful to state where they were going. Alternate translation: “to accompany him to Jairus’ house” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Mark 5:38

θεωρεῖ

Jesus saw

Mark 5:39

λέγει αὐτοῖς

“Jesus said to the people who were weeping”

τί θορυβεῖσθε καὶ κλαίετε?

Jesus asked this question to help them see their lack of faith. This may be written as a statement. Alternate translation: “This is not a time to be upset and crying.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

τὸ παιδίον οὐκ ἀπέθανεν, ἀλλὰ καθεύδει

Jesus uses the common word for sleep, and so should the translation.

Mark 5:40

κατεγέλων αὐτοῦ

Jesus used the common word for sleep (verse 39). The reader should understand that the people who hear Jesus laugh at him because they truly do know the difference between a dead person and a sleeping person and they think he does not.

ἐκβαλὼν πάντας

“sent all the other people outside the house”

τοὺς μετ’ αὐτοῦ

This refers to Peter, James, and John.

εἰσπορεύεται ὅπου ἦν τὸ παιδίον

It may be helpful to state where the child is. Alternate translation: “went into the room where the child was lying” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Mark 5:41

ταλιθὰ, κοῦμ!

This is an Aramaic sentence, which Jesus spoke to the little girl in her language. Write these words as is with your alphabet. (See: Copy or Borrow Words)

Mark 5:42

ἦν…ἐτῶν δώδεκα

“she was 12 years old” (See: Numbers)

Mark 5:43

διεστείλατο αὐτοῖς πολλὰ ἵνα μηδεὶς γνοῖ τοῦτο, καὶ

This can be stated as a direct quote. Alternate translation: “He ordered them strictly, ‘No one should know about this!’ Then” or “He ordered them strictly, ‘Do not tell anyone about what I have done!’ Then” (See: Direct and Indirect Quotations)

διεστείλατο αὐτοῖς πολλὰ

“He strongly commanded them”

καὶ εἶπεν δοθῆναι αὐτῇ φαγεῖν

This can be stated as a direct quote. Alternate translation: “And he told them, ‘Give her something to eat.’” (See: Direct and Indirect Quotations)

Mark 6

Mark 06 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

“Anointed with oil”

In the ancient Near East, people would try to heal sick people by putting olive oil on them.

Mark 6:1

Jesus returns to his hometown, where he is not accepted.

τὴν πατρίδα αὐτοῦ

This refers to the town of Nazareth, where Jesus grew up and where his family lived. This does not mean that he owned land there.

Mark 6:2

τίς ἡ σοφία ἡ δοθεῖσα τούτῳ

This question, which contains passive construction, can be asked in active form. Alternate translation: “What is this wisdom that he has gained?”

διὰ τῶν χειρῶν αὐτοῦ γινόμεναι

This phrase emphasizes that Jesus himself does the miracles. Alternate translation: “that he himself works”

Mark 6:3

οὐχ οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ τέκτων, ὁ υἱὸς τῆς Μαρίας, καὶ ἀδελφὸς Ἰακώβου, καὶ Ἰωσῆτος, καὶ Ἰούδα, καὶ Σίμωνος? καὶ οὐκ εἰσὶν αἱ ἀδελφαὶ αὐτοῦ ὧδε πρὸς ἡμᾶς?

These questions can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: “He is just an ordinary carpenter! We know him and his family. We know Mary his mother. We know his younger brothers James, Joses, Judas and Simon. And his younger sisters also live here with us.” (See: Rhetorical Question and How to Translate Names)

Mark 6:4

αὐτοῖς

“to the crowd”

οὐκ ἔστιν προφήτης ἄτιμος, εἰ μὴ

This sentence uses a double negative to create emphasis of the positive equivalent. Alternate translation: “A prophet is always honored, except” or “The only place a prophet is not honored is” (See: Double Negatives)

Mark 6:5

ὀλίγοις ἀρρώστοις, ἐπιθεὶς τὰς χεῖρας

Prophets and teachers would put their hands on people in order to heal them or bless them. In this case, Jesus was healing people.

Mark 6:7

Jesus’ instructions in verses 8 and 9 can be reordered to separate what he told the disciples to do from what he told them not to do, as in the UST. (See: Verse Bridges)

Jesus sends his disciples out in sets of two to preach and to heal.

προσκαλεῖται τοὺς δώδεκα

Here the word “called” means that he summoned the twelve to come to him.

δύο δύο

“2 by 2” or “in pairs” (See: Numbers)

Mark 6:8

μὴ ἄρτον

Here “bread” is a synecdoche for food in general. Alternate translation: “no food” (See: Synecdoche)

Mark 6:10

ἔλεγεν αὐτοῖς

“Jesus said to the twelve”

μένετε ἕως ἂν ἐξέλθητε ἐκεῖθεν

Here “remain” represents daily going back to that house to eat and sleep there. Alternate translation: “eat and sleep in that house until you leave that place” (See: Metonymy)

Mark 6:11

εἰς μαρτύριον αὐτοῖς

“as a testimony against them.” It may be helpful to explain how this action was a testimony to them. “as a testimony to them. By doing that, you will be testifying that they did not welcome you” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Mark 6:12

ἐξελθόντες

The word “They” refers to the twelve and does not include Jesus. Also, it may be helpful to state that they went out to various towns. Alternate translation: “They went out to various towns” (See: Ellipsis)

μετανοῶσιν

Here “turn away from” is a metaphor that means to stop doing something. Alternate translation: “stop sinning” or “repent of their sins” (See: Metaphor)

Mark 6:13

δαιμόνια πολλὰ ἐξέβαλλον

It may be helpful to state that they cast the demons out of people. Alternate translation: “They cast many demons out of people” (See: Ellipsis)

Mark 6:14

When Herod hears about Jesus’ miracles, he worries, thinking that someone has raised John the Baptist from the dead. (Herod had caused John the Baptist to be killed.)

ἤκουσεν ὁ βασιλεὺς Ἡρῴδης

The word “this” refers to everything that Jesus and his disciples had been doing in various towns, including casting out demons and healing people.

ἔλεγον, ὅτι Ἰωάννης ὁ βαπτίζων ἐγήγερται

Some people were saying that Jesus was John the Baptist. This can be stated more clearly. Alternate translation: “Some were saying, ‘He is John the Baptist who has been” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Ἰωάννης ὁ βαπτίζων ἐγήγερται

“Raised” here is an idiom for “caused to live again.” This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “John the Baptist has been caused to live again” or “God has caused John the Baptist to live again” (See: Active or Passive and Idiom)

Mark 6:15

ἄλλοι δὲ ἔλεγον, ὅτι Ἠλείας ἐστίν

It may be helpful to state why some people thought he was Elijah. Alternate translation: “Some others said, ‘He is Elijah, whom God promised to send back again.’” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Mark 6:16

In verse 17 the author begins to give background information about Herod and why he beheaded John the Baptist. (See: Background Information)

ὃν ἐγὼ ἀπεκεφάλισα

Here Herod uses the word “I” to refer to himself. The word “I” is a metonym for Herod’s soldiers. Alternate translation: “whom I commanded my soldiers to behead” (See: Metonymy)

ἠγέρθη

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “has become alive again” (See: Active or Passive)

Mark 6:17

ὁ Ἡρῴδης, ἀποστείλας ἐκράτησεν τὸν Ἰωάννην, καὶ ἔδησεν αὐτὸν ἐν φυλακῇ

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Herod sent his soldiers to arrest John and had them bind him in prison” (See: Active or Passive)

ἀποστείλας

“ordered to have”

διὰ Ἡρῳδιάδα

“because of Herodias”

τὴν γυναῖκα Φιλίππου, τοῦ ἀδελφοῦ αὐτοῦ

“the wife of his brother Philip.” Herod’s brother Philip is not the same Philip who was an evangelist in the book of Acts or the Philip who was one of Jesus’ twelve disciples. (See: How to Translate Names)

ὅτι αὐτὴν ἐγάμησεν

“because Herod had married her”

Mark 6:19

ἤθελεν αὐτὸν ἀποκτεῖναι, καὶ οὐκ ἠδύνατο

Herodias is the subject of this phrase and “she” is a metonym as she wants someone else to execute John. Alternate translation: “she wanted someone to kill him, but she could not have him killed” (See: Metonymy)

Mark 6:20

ὁ γὰρ Ἡρῴδης ἐφοβεῖτο τὸν Ἰωάννην, εἰδὼς

These two clauses can be linked differently to show more clearly why Herod feared John. Alternate translation: “for Herod feared John because he knew” (See: Connecting Words and Phrases)

εἰδὼς αὐτὸν ἄνδρα δίκαιον

“Herod knew that John was a righteous”

ἀκούσας αὐτοῦ

“Listening to John”

Mark 6:21

The author continues to give background information about Herod and the beheading of John the Baptist. (See: Background Information)

δεῖπνον ἐποίησεν, τοῖς μεγιστᾶσιν αὐτοῦ…τῆς Γαλιλαίας

Here the word “he” refers to Herod and is a metonym for his servant whom he would have commanded to prepare a meal. Alternate translation: “he had a dinner made for his officials…of Galilee” or “he invited his officials…of Galilee to eat and celebrate with him”

δεῖπνον

a formal meal or banquet

Mark 6:22

αὐτοῦ Ἡρῳδιάδος

The word “herself” is a reflexive pronoun used to emphasize that it was significant that it was Herodias’ own daughter who danced at the dinner. (See: Reflexive Pronouns)

εἰσελθούσης

“came into the room”

Mark 6:23

ἐάν με αἰτήσῃς…τῆς βασιλείας μου

“I will give you up to half of what I own and rule, if you ask for it”

Mark 6:24

ἐξελθοῦσα

“went out of the room”

Mark 6:25

πίνακι

“on a board” or “on a large wooden dish”

Mark 6:26

διὰ τοὺς ὅρκους καὶ τοὺς συνανακειμένους

The content of the oath, and the relationship between the oath and the dinner guests can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “because his dinner guests had heard him make the oath that he would give her anything she asked for” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Mark 6:28

ἐπὶ πίνακι

“on a tray”

Mark 6:29

ἀκούσαντες, οἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ

“When John’s disciples”

Mark 6:30

After the disciples return from preaching and healing, they go somewhere to be alone, but there are many people who come to hear Jesus teach. When it becomes late, he feeds the people and then sends everyone away while he prays alone.

Mark 6:31

ἔρημον τόπον

a place where there are no people

ἦσαν…οἱ ἐρχόμενοι καὶ οἱ ὑπάγοντες πολλοί

This means that people were continually coming to the apostles and then going away from them.

οὐδὲ…εὐκαίρουν

The word “they” refers to the apostles.

Mark 6:32

καὶ ἀπῆλθον

Here the word “they” includes both the apostles and Jesus.

Mark 6:33

εἶδον αὐτοὺς ὑπάγοντας

“the people saw Jesus and the apostles leaving”

πεζῇ

The people are going on foot by land, which contrasts with how the disciples went by boat.

Mark 6:34

εἶδεν πολὺν ὄχλον

“Jesus saw a great crowd”

ἦσαν ὡς πρόβατα μὴ ἔχοντα ποιμένα

Jesus compares the people to sheep who are confused when they do not have their shepherd to lead them. (See: Simile)

Mark 6:35

καὶ ἤδη ὥρας πολλῆς γενομένης

This means it was late in the day. Alternate translation: “When it was getting late” or “Late in the afternoon” (See: Idiom)

ἔρημός ἐστιν ὁ τόπος

This refers to a place where there are no people. See how you translated this in Mark 6:31.

Mark 6:37

ὁ δὲ ἀποκριθεὶς εἶπεν αὐτοῖς

“But Jesus answered and said to his disciples”

ἀπελθόντες, ἀγοράσωμεν δηναρίων διακοσίων ἄρτους, καὶ δώσομεν αὐτοῖς φαγεῖν?

The disciples ask this question to say that there is no way they could afford to buy enough food for this crowd. Alternate translation: “We could not buy enough bread to feed this crowd, even if we had two hundred denarii!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

δηναρίων διακοσίων

“200 denarii.” The singular form of the word “denarii” is “denarius.” A denarius was a Roman silver coin worth one day’s wages. (See: Biblical Money and Numbers)

Mark 6:38

ἄρτους

lumps of bread dough that have been shaped and baked

Mark 6:39

τῷ χλωρῷ χόρτῳ

Describe the grass with the color word used in your language for healthy grass, which may or may not be the color green.

Mark 6:40

πρασιαὶ, κατὰ ἑκατὸν καὶ κατὰ πεντήκοντα

This refers to the number of people in each of the groups. Alternate translation: “about fifty people in some groups and about a hundred people in other groups” (See: Numbers and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Mark 6:41

ἀναβλέψας εἰς τὸν οὐρανὸν

This means that he looked up toward the sky, which is associated with the place where God lives.

εὐλόγησεν

“he spoke a blessing” or “he gave thanks”

καὶ τοὺς δύο ἰχθύας ἐμέρισεν πᾶσιν

“he divided the two fish so that everyone could have some”

Mark 6:43

ἦραν

Possible meaning are (1) “The disciples took up” or (2) “The people took up.”

κλάσματα δώδεκα κοφίνων πληρώματα

“twelve baskets full of broken pieces of bread”

δώδεκα κοφίνων

“12 baskets” (See: Numbers)

Mark 6:44

πεντακισχίλιοι ἄνδρες

“5,000 men” (See: Numbers)

ἦσαν οἱ φαγόντες τοὺς ἄρτους, πεντακισχίλιοι ἄνδρες

The number of women and children was not counted. If it would not be understood that women and children were present, it can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “And there were five thousand men who ate the loaves. They did not even count the women and children” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Mark 6:45

εἰς τὸ πέραν

This refers to the Sea of Galilee. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “to the other side of the Sea of Galilee” (See: Ellipsis)

Βηθσαϊδάν

This is a town on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. (See: How to Translate Names)

Mark 6:46

ἀποταξάμενος αὐτοῖς

“When the people had left”

Mark 6:48

A storm arises while the disciples are trying to cross the lake. Seeing Jesus walking on the water terrifies them. They do not understand how Jesus can calm the storm.

τετάρτην φυλακὴν

This is the time between 3 a.m. and sunrise. (See: Ordinal Numbers)

Mark 6:49

φάντασμά

the spirit of a dead person or some other kind of spirit

Mark 6:50

θαρσεῖτε…μὴ φοβεῖσθε

These two sentences are similar in meaning, emphasizing to his disciples that they did not need to be afraid. They can be combined into one if necessary. Alternate translation: “Do not fear me!” (See: Parallelism)

Mark 6:51

λείαν ἐν ἑαυτοῖς ἐξίσταντο

If you need to be more specific, it can stated what they were amazed by. Alternate translation: “They were completely amazed at what he had done” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Mark 6:52

ἐπὶ τοῖς ἄρτοις

Here the phrase “the loaves” refers to when Jesus multiplied the loaves of bread. Alternate translation: “what it meant when Jesus multiplied the loaves of bread” or “what it meant when Jesus caused the few loaves to become many” (See: Metonymy)

ἦν αὐτῶν ἡ καρδία πεπωρωμένη

Having a hard heart represents being too stubborn to understand. Alternate translation: “they were too stubborn to understand” (See: Metaphor)

Mark 6:53

When Jesus and his disciples arrive at Gennesaret in their boat, people see him and bring people for him to heal. This happens wherever they go.

Γεννησαρὲτ

This is the name of the region to the northwest of the Sea of Galilee. (See: How to Translate Names)

Mark 6:55

περιέδραμον ὅλην τὴν χώραν

It may be helpful to state why they ran through the region. Alternate translation: “they ran throughout the whole district in order to tell others that Jesus was there” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

περιέδραμον…ἤκουον

The word “they” refers to the people who recognized Jesus, not to the disciples.

τοὺς κακῶς ἔχοντας

This phrase refers to people. Alternate translation: “the sick people” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

Mark 6:56

ὅπου ἂν εἰσεπορεύετο

“Wherever Jesus entered”

ἐτίθεσαν

Here “they” refers to the people. It does not refer to Jesus’ disciples.

τοὺς ἀσθενοῦντας

This phrase refers to people. Alternate translation: “the sick people” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

παρεκάλουν αὐτὸν

Possible meanings are (1) “The sick begged him” or (2) “The people begged him.”

ἅψωνται

The word “them” refers to the sick.

τοῦ κρασπέδου τοῦ ἱματίου αὐτοῦ

“the hem of his robe” or “the edge of his clothes”

ὅσοι ἂν

“all those who”

Mark 7

Mark 07 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 7:6-7, which are words from the Old Testament.

Special concepts in this chapter

Hand washing

The Pharisees washed many things that were not dirty because they were trying to make God think that they were good. They washed their hands before they ate, even when their hands were not dirty. and even though the law of Moses did not say that they had to do it. Jesus told them that they were wrong and that people make God happy by thinking and doing the right things. (See: law, law of Moses, law of Yahweh, law of God and clean, wash)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“Ephphatha”

This is an Aramaic word. Mark wrote it the way it sounds using Greek letters and then explained what it means. (See: Copy or Borrow Words)

Mark 7:1

Jesus rebukes the Pharisees and scribes.

συνάγονται πρὸς αὐτὸν

“gathered around Jesus”

Mark 7:2

In verses 3 and 4, the author gives background information about the Pharisees’ washing traditions in order to show why the Pharisees were bothered that Jesus’ disciples did not wash their hands before eating. This information can be reordered in order to make it easier to understand, as in the UST. (See: Background Information and Verse Bridges)

ἰδόντες

“The Pharisees and the scribes saw”

τοῦτ’ ἔστιν ἀνίπτοις

The word “unwashed” explains why the disciples’ hands were defiled. It can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: “that is, with hands that they had not washed” or “that is, that they had not washed their hands” (See: Active or Passive)

Mark 7:3

τῶν πρεσβυτέρων

Jewish elders were leaders in their communities and were also judges for the people.

Mark 7:4

χαλκίων

“copper kettles” or “metal containers”

Mark 7:5

διὰ τί οὐ περιπατοῦσιν οἱ μαθηταί σου κατὰ τὴν παράδοσιν τῶν πρεσβυτέρων, ἀλλὰ κοιναῖς χερσὶν ἐσθίουσιν τὸν ἄρτον?

“Walk in” here is a metaphor for “obey.” The Pharisees and scribes asked this question to challenge Jesus’ authority. This can be written as two statements. Alternate translation: “Your disciples disobey the traditions of our elders! They should wash their hands using our rituals.” (See: Rhetorical Question and Metaphor)

ἄρτον

This is a synecdoche, representing food in general. Alternate translation: “food” (See: Synecdoche)

Mark 7:6

Here Jesus quotes the prophet Isaiah, who had written scripture many years earlier.

τοῖς χείλεσίν

Here “lips” is a metonym for speaking. Alternate translation: “by what they say” (See: Metonymy)

ἡ δὲ καρδία αὐτῶν πόρρω ἀπέχει ἀπ’ ἐμοῦ

Here “heart” refers to a person’s thoughts or emotions. This is a way of saying the people are not truly devoted to God. Alternate translation: “but they do not really love me” (See: Metonymy and Idiom)

Mark 7:7

μάτην δὲ σέβονταί με

“They offer me useless worship” or “They worship me in vain”

Mark 7:8

Jesus continues to rebuke the scribes and Pharisees.

ἀφέντες

refuse to obey

κρατεῖτε

“hold strongly to” or “only keep”

Mark 7:9

καλῶς ἀθετεῖτε τὴν ἐντολὴν τοῦ Θεοῦ…τὴν παράδοσιν ὑμῶν τηρήσητε

Jesus uses this ironic statement to rebuke his listeners for forsaking God’s commandment. Alternate translation: “You think you have done well in how you have rejected the commandment of God so you may keep your own traditions, but what you have done is not good at all” (See: Irony)

καλῶς ἀθετεῖτε τὴν ἐντολὴν τοῦ Θεοῦ…τὴν παράδοσιν ὑμῶν τηρήσητε

“How skillfully you reject”

Mark 7:10

ὁ κακολογῶν πατέρα

“who curses”

θανάτῳ τελευτάτω

“must be put to death”

ὁ κακολογῶν πατέρα ἢ μητέρα θανάτῳ τελευτάτω

This may be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “The authorities must execute a person who speaks evil about his father or mother” (See: Active or Passive)

Mark 7:11

κορβᾶν, (ὅ ἐστιν δῶρον), ὃ ἐὰν ἐξ ἐμοῦ ὠφεληθῇς

The tradition of the scribes said that once money or other things were promised to the temple, they could not be used for any other purpose.

κορβᾶν

“Corban” here is a Hebrew word that refers to things that people promise to give to God. Translators normally transliterate it using the target language alphabet. Some translators translate its meaning, and then leave out Mark’s explanation of the meaning that follows. Alternate translation: “is a gift to God” or “belongs to God” (See: Copy or Borrow Words)

δῶρον

This phrase explains the meaning of the Hebrew word “Corban.” It can be stated in active form. Mark explained the meaning so that his non-Jewish readers could understand what Jesus said. Alternate translation: “I have given it to God” (See: Active or Passive)

Mark 7:12

In verses 11 and 12, Jesus shows how the Pharisees teach people that they do not have to obey God’s commandment to honor their parents. In verse 11 Jesus tells what the Pharisees allow people to say about their possessions, and in verse 12 he tells how that shows the Pharisees’ attitude toward people helping their parents. This information can be reordered to first tell about the Pharisees’ attitude toward people helping their parents and then tell how that attitude is shown in what the Pharisees allow people to say about their possessions. (See: Verse Bridges)

οὐκέτι ἀφίετε αὐτὸν οὐδὲν ποιῆσαι τῷ πατρὶ ἢ τῇ μητρί

By doing this, the Pharisees are allowing people not to provide for their parents, if they promise to give to God what they would have given to them. You can order these words before the words that begin with “Whatever help” in verse 11: “You no longer permit a person to do anything for his father or his mother after he says, ‘Whatever help you would have received from me is Corban.’ (Corban means ‘Given to God.’)” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Mark 7:13

ἀκυροῦντες

canceled or done away with

παρόμοια τοιαῦτα πολλὰ ποιεῖτε

“you are doing may other things similar to this”

Mark 7:14

Jesus tells a parable to the crowd to help them understand what he has been saying to the scribes and Pharisees. (See: Parables)

προσκαλεσάμενος

“Jesus called”

ἀκούσατέ μου πάντες καὶ σύνετε

The words “Listen” and “understand” are related. Jesus uses them together to emphasize that his hearers should pay close attention to what he is saying. (See: Doublet)

σύνετε

It may be helpful to state what Jesus is telling them to understand. Alternate translation: “try to understand what I am about to tell you” (See: Ellipsis)

Mark 7:15

οὐδέν…ἔξωθεν τοῦ ἀνθρώπου

Jesus is speaking about what a person eats. This is in contrast to “what come out of the person.” Alternate translation: “nothing from outside a person that he can eat” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τὰ ἐκ τοῦ ἀνθρώπου ἐκπορευόμενά

This refers to the things a person does or says. This is in contrast to “what is outside a person that enters into him.” Alternate translation: “It is what comes out of a person that he says or does” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Mark 7:17

The disciples still do not understand what Jesus has just said to the scribes, Pharisees, and crowds. Jesus explains his meaning more thoroughly to them.

καὶ

This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Jesus is now away from the crowd, in a house with his disciples.

Mark 7:18

Jesus begins to teach his disciples by asking a question.

οὕτως καὶ ὑμεῖς ἀσύνετοί ἐστε?

Jesus uses this question to express his disappointment that they do not understand. This can be expressed as a statement. Alternate translation: “After all I have said and done, I would expect you to understand.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Mark 7:19

Jesus finishes asking the question he is using to teach his disciples.

ὅτι…εἰς τὸν ἀφεδρῶνα ἐκπορεύεται?

This is the end of the question that begins with the words “Do you not see” in verse 18. Jesus uses this question to teach his disciples something they should already know. It can be expressed as a statement. “You should already understand that whatever enters into a person from outside cannot defile him, because it cannot go into his heart, but it goes into his stomach and then passes out into the latrine.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

οὐκ εἰσπορεύεται αὐτοῦ εἰς τὴν καρδίαν

Here “heart” is a metonym for a person’s inner being or mind. Here Jesus means that food does not affect a person’s character. Alternate translation: “it cannot go into his inner being” or “it cannot go into his mind” (See: Metonymy)

οὐκ εἰσπορεύεται

Here “it” refers to what goes into a person; that is, what a person eats.

(καθαρίζων πάντα τὰ βρώματα

It may be helpful to explain clearly what this phrase means. Alternate translation: “all foods clean, meaning that people can eat any food without God considering the eater defiled” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Mark 7:20

ἔλεγεν

“Jesus said”

τὸ ἐκ τοῦ ἀνθρώπου ἐκπορευόμενον, ἐκεῖνο κοινοῖ τὸν ἄνθρωπον

“What defiles a person is what comes out of him”

Mark 7:21

ἐκ τῆς καρδίας…οἱ διαλογισμοὶ οἱ κακοὶ ἐκπορεύονται

Here “heart” is a metonym for a person’s inner being or mind. Alternate translation: “out of the inner being, come evil thoughts” or “out of the mind, come evil thoughts” (See: Metonymy)

Mark 7:22

ἀσέλγεια

not controlling one’s lustful desires

Mark 7:23

ἔσωθεν ἐκπορεύεται

Here the word “within” describes a person’s heart. Alternate translation: “come from within a person’s heart” or “come from within a person’s thoughts” (See: Ellipsis)

Mark 7:24

When Jesus goes away to Tyre, he heals the daughter of a Gentile woman who has extraordinary faith.

Mark 7:25

εἶχεν…πνεῦμα ἀκάθαρτον

This is an idiom meaning that she was possessed by the unclean spirit. Alternate translation: “was possessed by an unclean spirit” (See: Idiom)

προσέπεσεν

“knelt.” This is an act of honor and submission.

Mark 7:26

ἡ δὲ γυνὴ ἦν Ἑλληνίς, Συροφοινίκισσα τῷ γένει

The word “Now” marks a break in the main story line, as this sentence gives us background information about the woman. (See: Background Information)

Συροφοινίκισσα

This is the name of the woman’s nationality. She was born in the Phoenician region in Syria. (See: How to Translate Names)

Mark 7:27

ἄφες πρῶτον χορτασθῆναι τὰ τέκνα; οὐ γάρ ἐστιν καλόν…τοῖς κυναρίοις βαλεῖν

Here Jesus speaks about the Jews as if they are children and the Gentiles as if they are dogs. Alternate translation: “Let the children of Israel first be fed. For it is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the Gentiles, who are like dogs” (See: Metaphor)

ἄφες πρῶτον χορτασθῆναι τὰ τέκνα

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “We must first feed the children of Israel” (See: Active or Passive)

ἄρτον

This refers to food in general. Alternate translation: “food” (See: Synecdoche)

τοῖς κυναρίοις

This refers to small dogs kept as pets.

Mark 7:29

ὕπαγε

Jesus was implying that she no longer needed to stay to ask him to help her daughter. He would do it. Alternate translation: “you may go now” or “you may go home in peace” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἐξελήλυθεν τὸ δαιμόνιον, ἐκ τῆς θυγατρός σου

Jesus has caused the unclean spirit to leave the woman’s daughter. This can be expressed clearly. Alternate translation: “I have caused the evil spirit to leave your daughter” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Mark 7:31

After healing people in Tyre, Jesus goes to the Sea of Galilee. There he heals a deaf man, which amazes the people.

πάλιν ἐξελθὼν ἐκ τῶν ὁρίων Τύρου

“left the region of Tyre”

ἀνὰ μέσον τῶν ὁρίων

Possible meanings are (1) “in the region” as Jesus is at the sea in the region of the Decapolis or (2) “through the region” as Jesus went through the region of the Decapolis to get to the sea.

Δεκαπόλεως

This is the name of a region that means Ten Cities. It is located to the southeast of the Sea of Galilee. See how you translated this in Mark 5:20. (See: How to Translate Names)

Mark 7:32

φέρουσιν

“And people brought”

κωφὸν

“who was not able to hear”

παρακαλοῦσιν αὐτὸν ἵνα ἐπιθῇ αὐτῷ τὴν χεῖρα

Prophets and teachers would put their hands on people in order to heal them or bless them. In this case, people are begging Jesus to heal a man. Alternate translation: “they begged Jesus to put his hand on the man to heal him” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Mark 7:33

ἀπολαβόμενος αὐτὸν

“Jesus took the man”

ἔβαλεν τοὺς δακτύλους αὐτοῦ εἰς τὰ ὦτα αὐτοῦ

Jesus is putting his own fingers in the man’s ears.

πτύσας, ἥψατο τῆς γλώσσης αὐτοῦ

Jesus spits and then touches the man’s tongue.

πτύσας

It may be helpful to state that Jesus spit on his fingers. Alternate translation: “after spitting on his fingers” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Mark 7:34

ἀναβλέψας εἰς τὸν οὐρανὸν

This means that he looked up toward the sky, which is associated with the place where God lives.

ἐφφαθά

Here the author refers to something by an Aramaic word. This word should be copied as is into your language using your alphabet. (See: Copy or Borrow Words)

ἐστέναξεν

This means that he groaned or that he let out a long deep breath that could be heard. It probably shows Jesus’ sympathy for the man.

λέγει αὐτῷ

“said to the man”

Mark 7:35

ἠνοίγησαν αὐτοῦ αἱ ἀκοαί

This means he was able to hear. Alternate translation: “his ears were opened and he was able to hear” or “he was able to hear”

ἐλύθη ὁ δεσμὸς τῆς γλώσσης αὐτοῦ

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Jesus took away what prevented his tongue from speaking” or “Jesus loosened his tongue” (See: Active or Passive)

Mark 7:36

ὅσον…αὐτοῖς διεστέλλετο, αὐτοὶ

The refers to him ordering them not to tell anyone about what he had done. Alternate translation: “the more he ordered them not to tell anyone” (See: Ellipsis)

μᾶλλον περισσότερον

“the more widely” or “the more”

Mark 7:37

ὑπέρ περισσῶς ἐξεπλήσσοντο

“were utterly amazed” or “were exceedingly astonished” or “were astonished beyond all measure”

τοὺς κωφοὺς…ἀλάλους

These refer to people. Alternate translation: “deaf people…mute people” or “people who cannot hear…people who cannot speak” (See: Metonymy)

Mark 8

Mark 08 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Bread

When Jesus worked a miracle and provided bread for a large crowd of people, they probably thought about when God miraculously provided food for the people of Israel when they were in the wilderness.

Yeast is the ingredient that causes bread to become larger before it is baked. In this chapter, Jesus uses yeast as a metaphor for things that change the way people think, speak, and act. (See: Metaphor)

“Adulterous generation”

When Jesus called the people an “adulterous generation,” he was telling them that they were not faithful to God. (See: faithful, faithfulness, unfaithful, unfaithfulness, trustworthy and people of God)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical Questions

Jesus used many rhetorical questions as a way of both teaching the disciples (Mark 8:17-21) and scolding the people (Mark 8:12). (See: Rhetorical Question)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Paradox

A paradox is a true statement that appears to describe something impossible. Jesus uses a paradox when he says, “Whoever wants to save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it” (Mark 8:35-37).

Mark 8:1

A great, hungry crowd is with Jesus. He feeds them using only seven loaves and a few fish before Jesus and his disciples get in a boat to go to another place.

ἐν ἐκείναις ταῖς ἡμέραις

This phrase is used to introduce a new event in the story. (See: Introduction of a New Event)

Mark 8:2

ἤδη ἡμέραι τρεῖς προσμένουσίν μοι, καὶ οὐκ ἔχουσιν τι φάγωσιν

“this is this third day these people have been with me, and they have nothing to eat”

Mark 8:3

ἐκλυθήσονται

Possible meanings are (1) literal, “they may lose consciousness temporarily” or (2) hyperbolic exaggeration, “they may become weak.” (See: Hyperbole)

Mark 8:4

πόθεν τούτους δυνήσεταί τις ὧδε χορτάσαι ἄρτων ἐπ’ ἐρημίας?

The disciples are expressing surprise that Jesus would expect them to be able to find enough food. Alternate translation: “This place is so deserted that there is no place here for us to get enough loaves of bread to satisfy these people!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

ἄρτων

Loaves of bread are lumps of dough that have been shaped and baked.

Mark 8:5

ἠρώτα αὐτούς

“Jesus asked his disciples”

Mark 8:6

παραγγέλλει τῷ ὄχλῳ ἀναπεσεῖν ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς

This can be written as a direct quote. “Jesus commanded the crowd, ‘Sit down on the ground’” (See: Direct and Indirect Quotations)

ἀναπεσεῖν

Use your language’s word for how people customarily eat when there is no table, whether sitting or lying down.

Mark 8:7

καὶ εἶχαν

Here the word “they” is used to refer to Jesus and his disciples.

εὐλογήσας αὐτὰ

“Jesus gave thanks for the fish”

Mark 8:8

ἔφαγον

“The people ate”

ἦραν

“the disciples picked up”

περισσεύματα κλασμάτων ἑπτὰ σπυρίδας

This refers to the broken pieces of fish and bread that were left over after the people ate. Alternate translation: “the remaining broken pieces of bread and fish, which filled seven large baskets” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Mark 8:9

καὶ ἀπέλυσεν αὐτούς

It may be helpful to clarify when he sent them away. Alternate translation: “After they ate, Jesus sent them away” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Mark 8:10

ἦλθεν εἰς τὰ μέρη Δαλμανουθά

It may be helpful to clarify how they got to Dalmanutha. Alternate translation: “they sailed around the Sea of Galilee to the region of Dalmanutha” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Δαλμανουθά

This is the name of a place on the northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee. (See: How to Translate Names)

Mark 8:11

In Dalmanutha, Jesus refuses to give the Pharisees a sign before he and his disciples get in a boat and leave.

ζητοῦντες παρ’ αὐτοῦ

“They asked him for”

σημεῖον ἀπὸ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ

They wanted a sign that would prove that Jesus’ power and authority were from God. Possible meanings are (1) The word “heaven” is a metonym for God. Alternate translation: “a sign from God” or (2) the word “heaven” refers to the sky. Alternate translation: “a sign from the sky” (See: Metonymy)

πειράζοντες αὐτόν

The Pharisees tried to test Jesus to make him prove that he was from God. Some information can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “to prove that God had sent him” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Mark 8:12

ἀναστενάξας τῷ πνεύματι αὐτοῦ

This means that he groaned or that he let out a long deep breath that could be heard. It probably shows Jesus’ deep sadness that the Pharisees refused to believe him. See how you translated this in Mark 7:34.

τῷ πνεύματι αὐτοῦ

“in himself”

τί ἡ γενεὰ αὕτη ζητεῖ σημεῖον?

Jesus is scolding them. This question may be written as a statement. Alternate translation: “This generation should not seek a sign.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

ἡ γενεὰ αὕτη

When Jesus speaks of “this generation,” he is referring to the people who lived at that time. There Pharisees are included in this group. Alternate translation: “you and the people of this generation” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

εἰ δοθήσεται…σημεῖον

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “I will not give a sign” (See: Active or Passive)

Mark 8:13

ἀφεὶς αὐτοὺς, πάλιν ἐμβὰς

Jesus’ disciples went with him. Some information can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “he left them, got into a boat again with his disciples” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

εἰς τὸ πέραν

This describes the Sea of Galilee, which can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “to the other side of the sea” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Mark 8:14

While Jesus and his disciples are in a boat, they have a discussion about the lack of understanding among the Pharisees and Herod, though they had seen many signs.

καὶ

This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here the author tells background information about the disciples forgetting to bring bread. (See: Background Information)

εἰ μὴ ἕνα ἄρτον

The negative phrase “no more” is used to emphasize how small an amount of bread they had. Alternate translation: “only one loaf” (See: Litotes)

Mark 8:15

ὁρᾶτε, βλέπετε

These two terms have a common meaning and are repeated here for emphasis. They can be combined. Alternate translation: “Keep watch” (See: Doublet)

τῆς ζύμης τῶν Φαρισαίων καὶ τῆς ζύμης Ἡρῴδου

Here Jesus is speaking to his disciples in a metaphor they do not understand. Jesus is comparing the Pharisees’ and Herod’s teachings to yeast, but you should not explain this when you translate it because the disciples themselves did not understand it. (See: Metaphor)

Mark 8:16

ὅτι ἄρτους οὐκ ἔχουσιν

In this statement, it may be helpful to state that “it” refers to what Jesus had said. Alternate translation: “He must have said that because we have no bread” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἄρτους οὐκ ἔχουσιν

The word “no” is an exaggeration. The disciples did have one loaf of bread (Mark 8:14), but that was not much different from having no bread at all. Alternate translation: “very little bread” (See: Hyperbole)

Mark 8:17

τί διαλογίζεσθε ὅτι ἄρτους οὐκ ἔχετε?

Here Jesus is mildly rebuking his disciples because they should have understood what he had been talking about. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: “You should not be thinking that I am talking about actual bread.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

οὔπω νοεῖτε, οὐδὲ συνίετε?

These questions have the same meaning and are used together to emphasize that they do not understand. This can be written as one question or as a statement. Alternate translation: “Do you not yet understand?” or “You should perceive and understand by now the things I say and do.” (See: Parallelism and Rhetorical Question)

πεπωρωμένην ἔχετε τὴν καρδίαν ὑμῶν?

Here “hearts” is a metonym for a person’s mind. The phrase “hearts become so dull” is a metaphor for not being able or willing to understand something. Jesus uses a question to scold the disciples. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: “Your thinking has become so dull!” or “You are so slow to understand what I mean!” (See: Metonymy and Metaphor and Rhetorical Question)

Mark 8:18

ὀφθαλμοὺς ἔχοντες, οὐ βλέπετε? καὶ ὦτα ἔχοντες, οὐκ ἀκούετε? καὶ οὐ μνημονεύετε?

Jesus continues to mildly rebuke his disciples. These questions can be written as statements. Alternate translation: “You have eyes, but you do not understand what you see. You have ears, but you do not understand what you hear. You should remember.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Mark 8:19

τοὺς πεντακισχιλίους

This refers to the 5,000 people Jesus fed. Alternate translation: “the 5,000 people” (See: Metonymy and Numbers)

πόσους κοφίνους κλασμάτων πλήρεις ἤρατε?

It may be helpful to state when they collected the baskets of pieces. Alternate translation: “how many baskets full of broken pieces of bread did you collect after everyone finished eating” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Mark 8:20

τοὺς τετρακισχιλίους

This refers to the 4,000 people Jesus fed. Alternate translation: “the 4,000 people” (See: Metonymy and Numbers)

πόσων σπυρίδων πληρώματα κλασμάτων ἤρατε?

It may be helpful to state when they collected these. Alternate translation: “how many baskets full of broken pieces of bread did you collect after everyone finished eating” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Mark 8:21

πῶς οὔπω συνίετε?

Jesus is mildly rebuking his disciples for not understanding. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: “You should understand by now the things I say and do.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Mark 8:22

When Jesus and his disciples get out of their boat at Bethsaida, Jesus heals a blind man.

Βηθσαϊδάν

This is a town on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. See how you translated the name of this town in Mark 6:45. (See: How to Translate Names)

ἵνα αὐτοῦ ἅψηται

It may be helpful to state why they wanted Jesus to touch the man. Alternate translation: “to touch him in order to heal him” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Mark 8:23

πτύσας εἰς τὰ ὄμματα αὐτοῦ…ἐπηρώτα αὐτόν

“When Jesus had spit on the man’s eyes…Jesus asked the man”

Mark 8:24

ἀναβλέψας

“The man looked up”

βλέπω τοὺς ἀνθρώπους, ὅτι ὡς δένδρα ὁρῶ περιπατοῦντας

The man sees men walking around, yet they are not clear to him, so he compares them to trees. Alternate translation: “Yes, I see people! They are walking around, but I cannot see them clearly. They look like trees” (See: Simile)

Mark 8:25

εἶτα πάλιν ἐπέθηκεν

“Then Jesus again”

καὶ διέβλεψεν καὶ ἀπεκατέστη

The phrase “his sight was restored” can be written in active form. Alternate translation: “restoring the man’s sight, and then the man opened his eyes” (See: Active or Passive)

Mark 8:27

Jesus and his disciples talk on their way to the villages of Caesarea Philippi about who Jesus is and what will happen to him.

Mark 8:28

οἱ δὲ εἶπαν αὐτῷ λέγοντες

“They answered him, saying,”

Ἰωάννην τὸν Βαπτιστήν

The disciples answer that this was who some people said Jesus was. This can be shown more clearly. Alternate translation: “Some people say that you are John the Baptist” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἄλλοι…ἄλλοι

The word “others” refers to other people. This refers to their responses to Jesus’ question. Alternate translation: “Other people say you are…other people say you are” (See: Ellipsis)

Mark 8:29

αὐτὸς ἐπηρώτα αὐτούς

“Jesus asked his disciples”

Mark 8:30

ἐπετίμησεν αὐτοῖς ἵνα μηδενὶ λέγωσιν περὶ αὐτοῦ

Jesus did not want them to tell anyone that he was the Christ. This can be made more explicit. Also, this can also be written as a direct quote. Alternate translation: “Jesus warned them not to tell anyone that he is the Christ” or “Jesus warned them, ‘Do not tell anyone that I am the Christ’” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and Direct and Indirect Quotations)

Mark 8:31

τὸν Υἱὸν τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου

This is an important title for Jesus. (See: Translating Son and Father)

ἀποδοκιμασθῆναι ὑπὸ τῶν πρεσβυτέρων…καὶ μετὰ τρεῖς ἡμέρας ἀναστῆναι

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “that the elders and the chief priests and the scribes would reject him, and that men would kill him, and that after three days he would rise up” (See: Active or Passive)

Mark 8:32

παρρησίᾳ τὸν λόγον ἐλάλει

“He said this in a way that was easy to understand”

ἤρξατο ἐπιτιμᾶν αὐτῷ

Peter rebuked Jesus for saying the things he said would happen to the Son of Man. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “began to rebuke him for saying these things” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Mark 8:33

After rebuking Peter for his not wanting Jesus to die and rise, Jesus tells both his disciples and the crowd how to follow him.

ὕπαγε ὀπίσω μου, Σατανᾶ, ὅτι οὐ φρονεῖς

Jesus means that Peter is acting like Satan because Peter is trying to prevent Jesus from accomplishing what God sent him to do. Alternate translation: “Get behind me, because you are acting like Satan! You are not setting” (See: Metaphor)

ὕπαγε ὀπίσω μου

“Get away from me”

Mark 8:34

ὀπίσω μου ἀκολουθεῖν

Following Jesus here represents being one of his disciples. Alternate translation: “be my disciple” or “be one of my disciples” (See: Metaphor)

ἀπαρνησάσθω ἑαυτὸν

“must not give in to his own desires” or “must forsake his own desires”

ἀράτω τὸν σταυρὸν αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἀκολουθείτω μοι

“carry his cross and follow me.” The cross represents suffering and death. Taking up the cross represents being willing to suffer and die. Alternate translation: “must obey me even to the point of suffering and dying” (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

ἀκολουθείτω μοι

Following Jesus here represents obeying him. Alternate translation: “obey me” (See: Metaphor)

Mark 8:35

ὃς γὰρ ἐὰν θέλῃ

“For anyone who wants”

τὴν ψυχὴν

This refers to both physical life and spiritual life.

ἕνεκεν ἐμοῦ καὶ τοῦ εὐαγγελίου

“because of me and because of the gospel.” Jesus is talking about people who lose their lives because they follow Jesus and the gospel. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “because he follows me and tells others the gospel” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Mark 8:36

τί γὰρ ὠφελεῖ ἄνθρωπον, κερδήσῃ τὸν κόσμον ὅλον καὶ ζημιωθῆναι τὴν ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ?

This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: “Even if a person gains the whole world, it will not benefit him if he forfeits his life.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

κερδήσῃ τὸν κόσμον ὅλον καὶ ζημιωθῆναι τὴν ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ

This can also be expressed as a condition starting with the word “if.” Alternate translation: “if he gains the whole world and then forfeits his life”

κερδήσῃ τὸν κόσμον ὅλον

The words “the whole world” are an exaggeration for great riches. Alternate translation: “to gain everything he ever wanted” (See: Hyperbole)

ζημιωθῆναι

To forfeit something is to lose it or to have another person take it away.

Mark 8:37

τί γὰρ δοῖ ἄνθρωπος ἀντάλλαγμα τῆς ψυχῆς αὐτοῦ?

This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: “There is nothing a person can give in exchange for his life.” or “No one can give anything in exchange for his life.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

τί…δοῖ ἄνθρωπος

If in your language “giving” requires someone to receive what is given, “God” can be stated as the receiver. Alternate translation: “What can a person give to God”

Mark 8:38

ἐπαισχυνθῇ με καὶ τοὺς ἐμοὺς λόγους

“ashamed of me and my message”

ἐν τῇ γενεᾷ ταύτῃ, τῇ μοιχαλίδι καὶ ἁμαρτωλῷ

Jesus speaks of this generation as “adulterous,” meaning that they are unfaithful in their relationship with God. Alternate translation: “in this generation of people who have committed adultery against God and are very sinful” or “in this generation of people who are unfaithful to God and are very sinful” (See: Metaphor)

ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου

This is an important title for Jesus. (See: Translating Son and Father)

ὅταν ἔλθῃ

“when he comes back”

ἐν τῇ δόξῃ τοῦ Πατρὸς αὐτοῦ

When Jesus returns he will have the same glory as his Father.

μετὰ τῶν ἀγγέλων τῶν ἁγίων

“accompanied by the holy angels”

Mark 9

Mark 09 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

“transfigured”

Scripture often speaks of God’s glory as a great, brilliant light. When people see this light, they are afraid. Mark says in this chapter that Jesus’ clothing shone with this glorious light so that his followers could see that Jesus truly was God’s Son. At the same time, God told them that Jesus was his Son. (See: glory, glorious, glorify and fear, afraid, dread, frighten)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Hyperbole

Jesus said things that he did not expect his followers to understand literally. When he said, “If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off” (Mark 9:43), he was exaggerating so they would know that they should stay away from anything that caused them to sin, even if it was something they loved or thought they needed.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Elijah and Moses

Elijah and Moses suddenly appear to Jesus, James, John, and Peter, and then they disappear. All four of them saw Elijah and Moses, and because Elijah and Moses spoke with Jesus, the reader should understand that Elijah and Moses appeared physically.

“Son of Man”

Jesus refers to himself as the “Son of Man” in this chapter (Mark 9:31). Your language may not allow people to speak of themselves as if they were speaking about someone else. (See: Son of Man, son of man and First, Second or Third Person)

Paradox

A paradox is a true statement that appears to describe something impossible. Jesus uses a paradox when he says, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be last of all and servant of all” (Mark 9:35).

Mark 9:1

Jesus has just been talking to the people and his disciples about following him. Six days later, Jesus goes with three of his disciples up a mountain where his appearance temporarily changes to what he will look like one day in the kingdom of God.

ἔλεγεν αὐτοῖς

“Jesus said to his disciples”

τὴν Βασιλείαν τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐληλυθυῖαν ἐν δυνάμει

The kingdom of God coming represents God showing himself as king. Alternate translation: “God show himself with great power as king” (See: Metonymy)

Mark 9:2

κατ’ ἰδίαν μόνους

The author uses the reflexive pronoun “themselves” here to emphasize that they were alone and that only Jesus, Peter, James, and John went up the mountain. (See: Reflexive Pronouns)

μετεμορφώθη ἔμπροσθεν αὐτῶν

When they looked at him, his appearance was different from what it had been.

μετεμορφώθη

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “his appearance had changed” or “he appeared very different” (See: Active or Passive)

ἔμπροσθεν αὐτῶν

“in front of them” or “so they could clearly him”

Mark 9:3

στίλβοντα

“shining” or “glowing.” Jesus’ garments were so white they were emitting or giving off light.

λείαν

as much as possible or more than most

οἷα γναφεὺς ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς οὐ δύναται οὕτως λευκᾶναι

Bleaching describes the process of making natural white wool even whiter by using chemicals like bleach or ammonia. Alternate translation: “whiter than any person on earth could whiten them”

Mark 9:4

ὤφθη…Ἠλείας σὺν Μωϋσεῖ

It may be helpful to state who these men are. Alternate translation: “two prophets who had lived long ago, Elijah and Moses, appeared” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἦσαν συνλαλοῦντες

The word “they” refers to Elijah and Moses.

Mark 9:5

ἀποκριθεὶς ὁ Πέτρος λέγει τῷ Ἰησοῦ

“Peter said to Jesus.” Here the word “answered” is used to introduce Peter into the conversation. Peter was not answering a question.

καλόν ἐστιν ἡμᾶς ὧδε εἶναι

It is not clear whether “us” refers only to Peter, James, and John, or if it refers to everyone there, including Jesus, Elijah, and Moses. If you can translate so that both options are possible, do so. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’ and Inclusive and Exclusive “We”)

σκηνάς

simple, temporary places in which to sit or sleep

Mark 9:6

οὐ γὰρ ᾔδει τί ἀποκριθῇ; ἔκφοβοι γὰρ ἐγένοντο

This parenthetical sentence tells background information about Peter, James, and John. (See: Background Information)

ἔκφοβοι…ἐγένοντο

“they were very frightened” or “they were very afraid”

Mark 9:7

ἐγένετο…ἐπισκιάζουσα

“appeared and covered”

καὶ ἐγένετο φωνὴ ἐκ τῆς νεφέλης

Here “a voice came out” is a metonym for someone speaking. It can also be stated clearly who spoke. Alternate translation: “Then someone spoke from the cloud” or “Then God spoke from the cloud” (See: Metonymy and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ Υἱός μου, ὁ ἀγαπητός, ἀκούετε αὐτοῦ

God the Father expresses his love for his “beloved Son,” the Son of God.

ὁ Υἱός…ὁ ἀγαπητός

This is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God. (See: Translating Son and Father)

Mark 9:8

περιβλεψάμενοι

Here “they” refers to Peter, James, and John.

Mark 9:9

διεστείλατο αὐτοῖς ἵνα μηδενὶ…εἰ μὴ ὅταν ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου ἐκ νεκρῶν ἀναστῇ

This implies that he was permitting them to tell people about what they had seen only after he rose from being dead. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἐκ νεκρῶν ἀναστῇ

“risen from among the dead.” This speaks of becoming alive again. The phrase “the dead” refers to “dead people” and is a metonym for death. Alternate translation: “risen from death” (See: Metonymy)

Mark 9:10

ἐκ νεκρῶν ἀναστῆναι

“to rise from among the dead.” This speaks of becoming alive again. The phrase “the dead” refers to “dead people” and is a metonym for death. Alternate translation: “rising from death” (See: Metonymy)

καὶ τὸν λόγον ἐκράτησαν πρὸς ἑαυτοὺς

Here “kept the matter to themselves” is an idiom that means they did not tell anyone about what they had seen. Alternate translation: “So they did not tell anyone about what they had seen” (See: Idiom)

Mark 9:11

Though Peter, James, and John wondered what Jesus might mean by “rising from the dead,” they asked him instead about Elijah’s coming.

ἐπηρώτων αὐτὸν

The word “they” refers to Peter, James, and John.

λέγουσιν οἱ γραμματεῖς ὅτι Ἠλείαν δεῖ ἐλθεῖν πρῶτον?

Prophecy foretold that Elijah would come again from heaven. Then the Messiah, who is the Son of Man, would come to rule and reign. The disciples are confused about how the Son of Man could die and rise again. Alternate translation: “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first before the Messiah comes?” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Mark 9:12

Ἠλείας μὲν ἐλθὼν πρῶτον ἀποκατιστάνει πάντα

By saying this, Jesus affirms that Elijah would come first.

πῶς γέγραπται…ἐξουδενηθῇ?

Jesus uses this question to remind his disciples that the scriptures also teach that the Son of Man must suffer and be despised. This may be expressed as a statement. Alternate translation: “But I also want you to consider what is written about the Son of Man. The scriptures say that he must suffer many things and be hated.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

ἐξουδενηθῇ

This may be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “people would hate him” (See: Active or Passive)

Mark 9:13

ἐποίησαν αὐτῷ ὅσα ἤθελον

It may be helpful to state what people did to Elijah. Alternate translation: “our leaders treated him very badly, just as they wanted to do” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Mark 9:14

When Peter, James, John, and Jesus came down from the mountain, they found the scribes arguing with the other disciples.

ἐλθόντες πρὸς τοὺς μαθητὰς

Jesus, Peter, James, and John returned to the other disciples who had not gone with them up the mountain.

εἶδον ὄχλον πολὺν περὶ αὐτοὺς

“Jesus and those three disciples saw a great crowd around the other disciples”

γραμματεῖς συνζητοῦντας πρὸς αὐτούς

The scribes were arguing with the disciples who had not gone with Jesus.

Mark 9:15

ἐξεθαμβήθησαν

It may be helpful to state why they were amazed. Alternate translation: “was amazed that Jesus had come” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Mark 9:17

To explain what the scribes and other disciples were arguing about, a father of a demon-possessed man tells Jesus that he has asked the disciples to send the demon out of his son, but they could not. Jesus then casts the demon out of the boy. Later the disciples ask why they were not able to send the demon away.

ἔχοντα πνεῦμα

This means the boy is possessed by an unclean spirit. “He has an unclean spirit” or “He is possessed by an unclean spirit” (See: Idiom)

Mark 9:18

ἀφρίζει

A convulsion, or seizure, can cause a person to have trouble breathing or swallowing. This causes white foam to come out of the mouth. If your language has a way to describe that, you could use it. Alternate translation: “bubbles come out of his mouth”

ξηραίνεται

“he becomes stiff” or “his body becomes rigid”

οὐκ ἴσχυσαν

This refers to the disciples not being about to drive the spirit out of the boy. Alternate translation: “they could not drive it out of him” (See: Ellipsis)

Mark 9:19

ὁ…ἀποκριθεὶς αὐτοῖς

Though it was the boy’s father who made a request of Jesus, Jesus responds to the whole crowd. This can be made clear. Alternate translation: “Jesus responded to the crowd” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ὦ γενεὰ ἄπιστος

“You unbelieving generation.” Jesus calls the crowd this, as he begins to respond to them.

ἕως πότε πρὸς ὑμᾶς ἔσομαι?…ἀνέξομαι ὑμῶν?

Jesus uses these questions to express his frustration. Both questions have the same meaning. They can be written as statements. Alternate translation: “I have become weary by your unbelief!” or “Your unbelief tires me! I wonder how long I must bear with you.” (See: Rhetorical Question and Parallelism)

ἀνέξομαι ὑμῶν

“endure you” or “put up with you”

φέρετε αὐτὸν πρός με

“Bring the boy to me”

Mark 9:20

τὸ πνεῦμα

This refers to the unclean spirit. See how you translated this in Mark 9:17.

συνεσπάραξεν αὐτόν

This is a condition where a person has no control over his body, and his body shakes violently.

Mark 9:21

ἐκ παιδιόθεν

“Since he was a small child.” It may be helpful to state this as a full sentence. Alternate translation: “He has been like this since he was a small child” (See: Ellipsis)

Mark 9:22

σπλαγχνισθεὶς

“have compassion”

Mark 9:23

εἰ δύνῃ?

Jesus repeated what the man had said to him. Alternate translation: “Do you say to me ‘If you are able’?” or “Why do you say ‘If you are able’?” (See: Ellipsis)

εἰ δύνῃ?

Jesus used this question to rebuke the man’s doubt. It can be expressed as a statement. Alternate translation: “You should not say to me, ‘If you are able.’” or “You ask me if I am able. Of course I am able.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

πάντα δυνατὰ τῷ πιστεύοντι

“God can do anything for people who believe in him”

τῷ πιστεύοντι

“for the person” or “for anyone”

τῷ πιστεύοντι

This refers to belief in God. Alternate translation: “believes in God”

Mark 9:24

βοήθει μου τῇ ἀπιστίᾳ

The man is asking Jesus to help him overcome his unbelief and increase his faith. Alternate translation: “Help me when I do not believe” or “Help me have more faith”

Mark 9:25

ἐπισυντρέχει ὄχλος

This means that more people were running toward where Jesus was and that the crowd there was growing larger.

τὸ ἄλαλον καὶ κωφὸν πνεῦμα

The words “mute” and “deaf” can be explained. Alternate translation: “You unclean spirit, you who are causing the boy to be unable to speak and unable to hear”

Mark 9:26

κράξας

“The unclean spirit cried out”

πολλὰ σπαράξας, αὐτόν

“shook the boy violently”

ἐξῆλθεν

It is implied that the spirit came out of the boy. Alternate translation: “came out of the boy” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἐγένετο ὡσεὶ νεκρὸς

The boy’s appearance is compared to that of a dead person. Alternate translation: “The boy appeared dead” or “The boy looked like a dead person” (See: Simile)

ὥστε τοὺς πολλοὺς

“so that many people”

Mark 9:27

κρατήσας τῆς χειρὸς αὐτοῦ

This means that Jesus grasped the boy’s hand with his own hand. Alternate translation: “grasped the boy by the hand” (See: Idiom)

ἤγειρεν αὐτόν

“helped him get up”

Mark 9:28

κατ’ ἰδίαν

This means they were alone.

ἐκβαλεῖν αὐτό

“cast the unclean spirit out.” This refers to casting the spirit out of the boy. Alternate translation: “cast the unclean spirit out of the boy” (See: Ellipsis)

Mark 9:29

τοῦτο τὸ γένος ἐν οὐδενὶ δύναται ἐξελθεῖν, εἰ μὴ ἐν προσευχῇ καὶ νηστεία

The words “cannot” and “except” are both negative words. In some languages it is more natural to use a positive statement. Alternate translation: “This kind can be cast out only by prayer” (See: Double Negatives)

τοῦτο τὸ γένος

This describes unclean spirits. Alternate translation: “This kind of unclean spirit” (See: Ellipsis)

Mark 9:30

After he heals the demon-possessed boy, Jesus and his disciples leave the house where they are staying. He takes time to teach his disciples alone.

κἀκεῖθεν ἐξελθόντες

“Jesus and his disciples left that region”

παρεπορεύοντο διὰ

“traveled through” or “passed by”

Mark 9:31

ἐδίδασκεν γὰρ τοὺς μαθητὰς αὐτοῦ

Jesus was teaching his disciples privately, away from the crowd. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “for he was teaching his disciples privately” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου παραδίδοται

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “Someone will deliver the Son of Man” (See: Active or Passive)

ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου

Here Jesus refers to himself as the Son of Man. This is an important title for Jesus. “I, the Son of Man,” (See: Translating Son and Father)

εἰς χεῖρας ἀνθρώπων

Here “hands” is a metonym for control. Alternate translation: “into the control of men” or “so that men will be able to control him” (See: Metonymy)

ἀποκτανθεὶς, μετὰ τρεῖς ἡμέρας ἀναστήσεται

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “After they have put him to death and three days have passed, he” (See: Active or Passive)

Mark 9:32

ἐφοβοῦντο αὐτὸν ἐπερωτῆσαι

They were afraid to ask Jesus what his statement meant. Alternate translation: “they were afraid to ask him what it meant” (See: Ellipsis)

Mark 9:33

When they come to Capernaum, Jesus teaches his disciples about being humble servants. (See: Introduction of a New Event)

ἦλθον εἰς

“they arrived at.” The word “they” refers to Jesus and his disciples.

διελογίζεσθε

“were you discussing with one another”

Mark 9:34

οἱ…ἐσιώπων

They were silent because they were ashamed to tell Jesus what they had been discussing. Alternate translation: “they were silent because they were ashamed” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τίς μείζων

Here “the greatest” refers to “the greatest” among the disciples. Alternate translation: “who was the greatest among them” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Mark 9:35

εἴ τις θέλει πρῶτος εἶναι, ἔσται πάντων ἔσχατος

Here the words “first” and “last” are opposites of one another. Jesus speaks of being the “most important” as being “first” and of being the “least important” as being “last.” Alternate translation: “If anyone wants God to consider him to be the most important person of all, he must consider himself to be the least important of all” (See: Metaphor)

πάντων

“of all people…of all people”

Mark 9:36

ἐν μέσῳ αὐτῶν

“among them.” The word “their” refers to the crowd.

ἐναγκαλισάμενος αὐτὸ

This means that he hugged the child or picked him up and placed him on his lap.

Mark 9:37

ἓν τῶν τοιούτων παιδίων

“a child like this”

ἐπὶ τῷ ὀνόματί μου

This means to do something because of love for Jesus. Alternate translation: “because he loves me” or “for my sake” (See: Idiom)

τὸν ἀποστείλαντά με

This refers to God, who has sent him to earth. Alternate translation: “God, who has sent me” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Mark 9:38

ἔφη αὐτῷ ὁ Ἰωάννης

“John said to Jesus”

ἐκβάλλοντα δαιμόνια

“sending away demons.” This refers to casting demons out of people. Alternate translation: “driving demons out of people” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἐν τῷ ὀνόματί σου

Here “name” is associated with Jesus’ authority and power. Alternate translation: “by the authority of your name” or “by the power of your name” (See: Metonymy)

οὐκ ἠκολούθει ἡμῖν

This means that he is not among their group of disciples. Alternate translation: “he is not one of us” or “he does not walk with us” (See: Idiom)

Mark 9:40

οὐκ ἔστιν καθ’ ἡμῶν

“is not opposing us”

ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν ἐστιν

It can be explained clearly what this means. Alternate translation: “is trying to achieve the same goals that we are”

Mark 9:41

ποτίσῃ ὑμᾶς ποτήριον ὕδατος ἐν ὀνόματι, ὅτι Χριστοῦ ἐστε

Jesus speaks about giving someone a cup of water as an example of how one person may help another. This is a metaphor for helping someone in any way. (See: Metaphor)

οὐ μὴ ἀπολέσῃ

This negative sentence emphasizes the positive meaning. In some languages, it is more natural to use a positive statement. Alternate translation: “definitely receive” (See: Litotes)

Mark 9:42

μύλος

a large, round stone used for grinding grain into flour

Mark 9:43

ἐὰν σκανδαλίσῃ σε ἡ χείρ σου

Here “hand” is a metonym for desiring to do something sinful that you would do with your hand. Alternate translation: “If you want to do something sinful with one of your hands” (See: Metonymy)

κυλλὸν εἰσελθεῖν εἰς τὴν ζωὴν

“to be maimed and then to enter into life” or “to be maimed before entering into life”

εἰσελθεῖν εἰς τὴν ζωὴν

Dying and then beginning to live eternally is spoken of as entering into life. Alternate translation: “to enter into eternal life” or “to die and begin to live forever” (See: Metaphor)

κυλλὸν

missing a body part as a result of having it removed or being injured. Here it refers to missing a hand. Alternate translation: “without a hand” or “missing a hand”

εἰς τὸ πῦρ τὸ ἄσβεστον

“where the fire cannot be put out”

Mark 9:45

ἐὰν ὁ πούς σου σκανδαλίζῃ σε

Here the word “foot” is a metonym for desiring to do something sinful that you would do with your feet, such as going to a place you should not go to. Alternate translation: “If you want to do something sinful with one of your feet” (See: Metonymy)

εἰσελθεῖν εἰς τὴν ζωὴν χωλὸν

“to be lame and then to enter into life” or “to be lame before entering into life”

εἰσελθεῖν εἰς τὴν ζωὴν

Dying and then beginning to live eternally is spoken of as entering into life. Alternate translation: “to enter into eternal life” or “to die and begin to live forever” (See: Metaphor)

χωλὸν

“unable to walk easily.” Here it refers not being able to walk well because of missing a foot. Alternate translation: “without a foot” or “missing a foot”

βληθῆναι εἰς τὴν Γέενναν

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “for God to throw you into hell” (See: Active or Passive)

Mark 9:47

ἐὰν ὁ ὀφθαλμός σου σκανδαλίζῃ σε, ἔκβαλε αὐτόν

Here the word “eye” is a metonym for either (1) desiring to sin by looking at something. Alternate translation: “If you want to do something sinful by looking at something, tear your eye out” or (2) Desiring to sin because of what you have looked at. Alternate translation: “If you want to do something sinful because of what you look at, tear your eye out” (See: Metonymy)

μονόφθαλμον εἰσελθεῖν εἰς τὴν Βασιλείαν τοῦ Θεοῦ, ἢ δύο ὀφθαλμοὺς ἔχοντα

This refers to the state of a person’s physical body when he dies. A person does not take his physical body with him into eternity. Alternate translation: “to enter into the kingdom of God after having lived on earth with only one eye than to have lived on earth with two eyes” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

βληθῆναι εἰς τὴν Γέενναν

This can be stated in the active form. Alternate translation: “for God to throw you into hell” (See: Active or Passive)

Mark 9:48

ὅπου ὁ σκώληξ αὐτῶν οὐ τελευτᾷ

The meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “where worms that eat people there do not die” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Mark 9:49

πᾶς…πυρὶ ἁλισθήσεται

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God will salt everyone with fire” or “Just as salt purifies a sacrifice, God will purify everyone by allowing them to suffer” (See: Active or Passive)

πυρὶ ἁλισθήσεται

Here “fire” is a metaphor for suffering, and putting salt on people is a metaphor for purifying them. So “will be salted with fire” is a metaphor for being purified through suffering. Alternate translation: “will be made pure in the fire of suffering” or “will suffer in order to be purified as a sacrifice is purified with salt” (See: Metaphor)

Mark 9:50

ἄναλον γένηται

“its salty taste”

ἐν τίνι αὐτὸ ἀρτύσετε?

This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: “you cannot make it salty again.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

ἀρτύσετε

“taste salty again”

ἔχετε ἐν ἑαυτοῖς ἅλα

Jesus speaks of doing good things for one another as if good things were salt that people possess. Alternate translation: “Do good to each other, like salt adds flavor to food” (See: Metaphor)

Mark 10

Mark 10 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set quotations from the Old Testament farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text. The ULT does this with the quoted material in 10:7-8.

Special concepts in this chapter

Jesus’ teaching about divorce

The Pharisees wanted to find a way to make Jesus say that it is good to break the law of Moses, so they asked him about divorce. Jesus tells how God originally designed marriage to show that the Pharisees taught wrongly about divorce.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphor

Metaphors are pictures of visible objects that speakers use to explain invisible truths. When Jesus spoke of “the cup which I will drink,” he was speaking of the pain he would suffer on the cross as if it were a bitter, poisonous liquid in a cup.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Paradox

A paradox is a true statement that appears to describe something impossible. Jesus uses a paradox when he says, “Whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant” (Mark 10:43).

Mark 10:1

After Jesus and his disciples leave Capernaum, Jesus reminds the Pharisees, as well as his disciples, what God really expects in marriage and divorce.

ἐκεῖθεν ἀναστὰς

Jesus’ disciples were traveling with him. They were leaving Capernaum. Alternate translation: “Jesus and his disciples left Capernaum” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

καὶ πέραν τοῦ Ἰορδάνου

“and to the land on the other side of the Jordan River” or “and to the area east of the Jordan River”

πάλιν ἐδίδασκεν αὐτούς

The word “them” refers to the crowds.

εἰώθει

“was his custom” or “he usually did”

Mark 10:3

τί ὑμῖν ἐνετείλατο Μωϋσῆς?

Moses gave the law to their ancestors, which they now were also supposed to follow. Alternate translation: “What did Moses command your ancestors about this”

Mark 10:4

βιβλίον ἀποστασίου

This was a paper saying that the woman was no longer his wife.

Mark 10:5

ὁ δὲ Ἰησοῦς εἶπεν αὐτοῖς…ἔγραψεν ὑμῖν τὴν ἐντολὴν ταύτην

In some languages speakers do not interrupt a quote to say who is speaking. Rather they say who is speaking at the beginning or end of the complete quote. Alternate translation: “Jesus said to them, ‘It was because…this law.” (See: Quotations and Quote Margins)

πρὸς τὴν σκληροκαρδίαν ὑμῶν, ἔγραψεν ὑμῖν τὴν ἐντολὴν ταύτην

Long before this time, Moses wrote this law for the Jews and their descendants because they had hard hearts. The Jews of Jesus’ time also had hard hearts, so Jesus included them by using the words “your” and “you.” Alternate translation: “because your ancestors and you had hard hearts that he wrote this law”

τὴν σκληροκαρδίαν ὑμῶν

Here “hearts” is a metonym for a person’s inner being or mind. The phrase “hard hearts” is a metaphor for “stubbornness.” Alternate translation: “your stubbornness” (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

Mark 10:6

ἐποίησεν αὐτούς

“God made people”

Mark 10:7

Jesus continues to quote what God said in the book of Genesis.

ἕνεκεν τούτου

“Therefore” or “Because of this”

Mark 10:8

οἱ δύο εἰς σάρκα μίαν

Jesus finishes quoting what God said in the book of Genesis.

οὐκέτι εἰσὶν δύο, ἀλλὰ μία σάρξ

This is a metaphor to illustrate their close union as husband and wife. Alternate translation: “the two people are like one person” or “they are no longer two, but together they are one body” (See: Metaphor)

Mark 10:9

ὃ οὖν ὁ Θεὸς συνέζευξεν, ἄνθρωπος μὴ χωριζέτω

The phrase “what God has joined together” refers to any married couple. Alternate translation: “Therefore since God has joined together husband and wife, let no one tear them apart” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Mark 10:10

καὶ εἰς

“When Jesus and his disciples were”

εἰς τὴν οἰκίαν

Jesus’ disciples were speaking to him privately. Alternate translation: were alone in the house” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

περὶ τούτου ἐπηρώτων αὐτόν

The word “this” refers to the conversation that Jesus had just had with the Pharisees about divorce.

Mark 10:11

ὃς ἂν

“Anyone who”

μοιχᾶται ἐπ’ αὐτήν

Here “her” refers to the first woman he was married to.

Mark 10:12

μοιχᾶται

In this situation she commits adultery again her previous husband. Alternate translation: “she commits adultery against him” or “she commits adultery against the first man” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Mark 10:13

When the disciples rebuke the people for bringing their little children to Jesus, he blesses the children and reminds the disciples that people must be as humble as a child to enter the kingdom of God.

καὶ προσέφερον

“Now people were bringing.” This is the next event in the story. (See: Introduction of a New Event)

αὐτῶν ἅψηται

This means that Jesus would touch them with his hands and bless them. Alternate translation: “he might touch them with his hands and bless them” or “he might lay his hands on them and bless them” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἐπετίμησαν αὐτοῖς

“rebuked the people”

Mark 10:14

ἰδὼν…ὁ Ἰησοῦς

The word “it” refers to the disciples rebuking the people who were bringing the children to Jesus.

ἠγανάκτησεν

“became angry”

ἄφετε τὰ παιδία ἔρχεσθαι πρός με, καὶ μὴ κωλύετε αὐτά

These two clauses have similar meanings, repeated for emphasis. In some languages it is more natural to emphasize this in another way. Alternate translation: “Be sure to allow the little children to come to me” (See: Parallelism)

μὴ κωλύετε

This is a double negative. In some languages it is more natural to use a positive statement. Alternate translation: “allow” (See: Double Negatives)

τῶν γὰρ τοιούτων ἐστὶν ἡ Βασιλεία τοῦ Θεοῦ

The kingdom belonging to people represents the kingdom including them. Alternate translation: “the kingdom of God includes people who are like them” or “because only people like them are members of the kingdom of God” (See: Metaphor)

Mark 10:15

ὃς ἂν μὴ δέξηται…παιδίον, οὐ μὴ εἰσέλθῃ εἰς αὐτήν

“if anyone will not recieve…child, he will definitely not enter it”

ὡς παιδίον

Jesus is comparing how people must receive the kingdom of God to how little children would receive it. Alternate translation: “in the same manner as a child would” (See: Simile)

μὴ δέξηται τὴν Βασιλείαν τοῦ Θεοῦ

“will not accept God as their king”

οὐ μὴ εἰσέλθῃ εἰς αὐτήν

The word “it” refers to the kingdom of God.

Mark 10:16

ἐναγκαλισάμενος αὐτὰ

“he hugged the children”

Mark 10:17

ἵνα ζωὴν αἰώνιον κληρονομήσω

Here the man speaks of “receiving” as if it were “inheriting.” This metaphor is used to emphasize the importance of receiving. Also, “inherit” here does not mean that someone has to die first. Alternate translation: to receive eternal life” (See: Metaphor)

Mark 10:18

τί με λέγεις ἀγαθόν?

Jesus asks this question to remind the man that no man is good the way God is good. Alternate translation: “You do not understand what you are saying when you call me good.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

ἀγαθὸς, εἰ μὴ εἷς ὁ Θεός

“good. Only God is good”

Mark 10:19

μὴ…ψευδομαρτυρήσῃς

“do not testify falsely against anyone” or “do not lie about someone in court”

Mark 10:21

ἕν σε ὑστερεῖ

“There is one thing you are missing.” Here “lack” is a metaphor for needing to do something. Alternate translation: “One thing you need to do” or “There is one thing you have not yet done” or (See: Metaphor)

δὸς τοῖς πτωχοῖς

Here the word “it” refers to the things he sells and is a metonym for the money he receives when he sells them. Alternate translation: “give the money to the poor” (See: Metonymy)

τοῖς πτωχοῖς

This refers to poor people. Alternate translation: “poor people” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

θησαυρὸν

wealth, valuable things

Mark 10:22

ἔχων κτήματα πολλά

“owned many things”

Mark 10:23

πῶς δυσκόλως

“It is very difficult”

Mark 10:24

ὁ δὲ Ἰησοῦς πάλιν ἀποκριθεὶς λέγει αὐτοῖς

“Jesus said to his disciples again”

τέκνα, πῶς

“My children, how.” Jesus is teaching them as a father would teach his children. Alternate translation: “My friends, how” (See: Metaphor)

πῶς δύσκολόν ἐστιν

“it is very hard”

Mark 10:25

εὐκοπώτερόν ἐστιν…εἰς τὴν Βασιλείαν τοῦ Θεοῦ εἰσελθεῖν

Jesus uses an exaggeration to emphasize how very difficult it is for rich people to get into the kingdom of God. (See: Hyperbole)

εὐκοπώτερόν ἐστιν κάμηλον

This speaks of an impossible situation. If you cannot state this in this way in your language, it can be written as a hypothetical situation. Alternate translation: “It would be easier for a camel” (See: Hypothetical Situations)

τρυμαλιᾶς ῥαφίδος

“the hole of a needle.” This refers to the small hole in the end of a sewing needle that thread passes through.

Mark 10:26

οἱ δὲ περισσῶς ἐξεπλήσσοντο

“The disciples were”

καὶ τίς δύναται σωθῆναι?

This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: “If that is so, then no one will be saved!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Mark 10:27

παρὰ ἀνθρώποις ἀδύνατον, ἀλλ’ οὐ παρὰ Θεῷ

The understood information may be supplied. Alternate translation: “It is impossible for people to save themselves, but God can save them” (See: Ellipsis)

Mark 10:28

ἰδοὺ, ἡμεῖς ἀφήκαμεν πάντα καὶ ἠκολουθήκαμέν σοι

Here the word “Look” is used to draw attention to the words that come next. Similar emphasis can be expressed in other ways. Alternate translation: “We have left everything and have followed you”

ἀφήκαμεν πάντα

“have left everything behind”

Mark 10:29

ἢ ἀγροὺς

“or plots of ground” or “or the land that he owns”

ἕνεκεν ἐμοῦ

“for my cause” or “for me”

τοῦ εὐαγγελίου

“to proclaim the gospel”

Mark 10:30

ἐὰν μὴ λάβῃ

Jesus finishes a sentenc that begins with the words “there is no one who has left” (verse 29). The whole sentence can be stated positively. “everyone who has left house, or brothers, or sisters, or mother, or father, or children, or lands, for my sake, and for the gospel, will receive” (See: Double Negatives and Litotes)

ἐν τῷ καιρῷ τούτῳ

“this life” or “this present age”

ἀδελφοὺς, καὶ ἀδελφὰς, καὶ μητέρας, καὶ τέκνα

Like the list in verse 29, this describes the family in general. The word “fathers” is missing in verse 30, but it does not significantly change the meaning.

μετὰ διωγμῶν, καὶ ἐν τῷ αἰῶνι τῷ ἐρχομένῳ, ζωὴν αἰώνιον

This can be reworded so that the ideas in the abstract noun “persecution” are expressed with the verb “persecute.” Because the sentence is so long and complicated, “will receive” can be repeated. Alternate translation: “and even though people persecute them, in the world to come, they will receive eternal life” (See: Abstract Nouns)

ἐν τῷ αἰῶνι τῷ ἐρχομένῳ

“in the future world” or “in the future

Mark 10:31

ἔσονται πρῶτοι ἔσχατοι, καὶ ἔσχατοι πρῶτοι

Here the words “first” and “last” are opposites of one another. Jesus speaks of being the “important” as being “first” and of being the “unimportant” as being “last.” Alternate translation: “are important will be unimportant, and those who are unimportant will be important” (See: Metaphor)

ἔσχατοι πρῶτοι

The phrase “the last” refers to people who are “last.” Also, the understood verb in this clause may be supplied. Alternate translation: “those who are last will be first” (See: Nominal Adjectives and Ellipsis)

Mark 10:32

ἦσαν δὲ ἐν τῇ ὁδῷ…ἦν προάγων αὐτοὺς ὁ Ἰησοῦς

“Jesus and his disciples were walking on the road…and Jesus was in front of his disciples”

οἱ…ἀκολουθοῦντες

“those who were following behind them.” Some people were walking behind Jesus and his disciples.

Mark 10:33

ἰδοὺ

“Look” or “Listen” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you”

ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου παραδοθήσεται

Jesus is speaking about himself. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “I, the Son of Man, will” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου παραδοθήσεται τοῖς

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “someone will deliver the Son of Man to” or “they will hand the Son of Man over to” (See: Active or Passive)

κατακρινοῦσιν

The word “They” refers to the chief priests and the scribes.

παραδώσουσιν αὐτὸν τοῖς ἔθνεσιν

“put him under the control of the Gentiles””

Mark 10:34

ἐμπαίξουσιν

“People will mock”

ἀποκτενοῦσιν

“kill him”

ἀναστήσεται

This refers to rising from the dead. Alternate translation: “he will rise from being dead” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Mark 10:35

θέλομεν…αἰτήσωμέν…ἡμῖν

These words refer only to James and John. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

Mark 10:37

ἐν τῇ δόξῃ σου

“when you are glorified.” The phrase “in your glory” refers to when Jesus is glorified and rules over his kingdom. Alternate translation: “when you rule in your kingdom” (See: Metonymy)

Mark 10:38

οὐκ οἴδατε

“You do not understand”

πιεῖν τὸ ποτήριον ὃ ἐγὼ πίνω

Here “cup” refers to what Jesus must suffer. Suffering is often referred to as drinking from a cup. Alternate translation: “drink the cup of suffering that I will drink” or “drink from the cup of suffering that I will drink from” (See: Metaphor)

τὸ βάπτισμα ὃ ἐγὼ βαπτίζομαι βαπτισθῆναι

Here “baptism” and being baptized represent suffering. Just as water covers a person during baptism, suffering will overwhelm Jesus. Alternate translation: “endure the baptism of suffering which I will suffer” (See: Metaphor)

Mark 10:39

δυνάμεθα

They respond this way, meaning that they are able to drink the same cup and endure the same baptism. (See: Ellipsis)

πίεσθε

“you will drink as well”

Mark 10:40

τὸ δὲ καθίσαι ἐκ δεξιῶν μου…οὐκ ἔστιν ἐμὸν δοῦναι

“But I am not the one who allows people to sit at my right hand or my left hand”

ἀλλ’ οἷς ἡτοίμασται

“but those places are for those for whom they have been prepared.” The word “it” refers to the places to his right hand and to his left hand.

ἡτοίμασται

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God has prepared it” or “God has prepared them” (See: Active or Passive)

Mark 10:41

ἀκούσαντες,

The word “this” refers to James and John asking to sit at Jesus’ right and left hands.

Mark 10:42

προσκαλεσάμενος αὐτοὺς ὁ Ἰησοῦς

“Jesus called his disciples”

οἱ δοκοῦντες ἄρχειν τῶν ἐθνῶν

This can be stated in active form. Possible meanings are (1) people in general consider these people the rulers of the Gentiles. Alternate translation: “those whom people consider to be the rulers of the Gentiles” or (2) the Gentiles consider these people their rulers. Alternate translation: “those whom the Gentiles think of as their rulers” (See: Active or Passive)

κατακυριεύουσιν

have control or power over

κατεξουσιάζουσιν

“flaunt their authority.” This means that they show or use their authority in an overbearing way.

Mark 10:43

οὐχ οὕτως δέ ἐστιν ἐν ὑμῖν

This refers back to the previous verse about the Gentile rulers. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “But do not be like them” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

μέγας γενέσθαι

“be highly respected”

Mark 10:44

εἶναι πρῶτος

This is a metaphor for being the most important. Alternate translation: “to be the most important” (See: Metaphor)

Mark 10:45

γὰρ ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου οὐκ ἦλθεν διακονηθῆναι

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “For the Son of Man did not come to have people serve him” (See: Active or Passive)

διακονηθῆναι, ἀλλὰ διακονῆσαι

“to be served by people, but to serve people”

ἀντὶ πολλῶν

“for many people”

Mark 10:46

As Jesus and his disciples continue walking toward Jerusalem, Jesus heals blind Bartimaeus, who then walks with them.

ὁ υἱὸς Τιμαίου, Βαρτιμαῖος, τυφλὸς προσαίτης

“a blind beggar named Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus.” Bartimaeus is the name of a man. Timaeus is his father’s name. (See: How to Translate Names)

Mark 10:47

ἀκούσας ὅτι Ἰησοῦς…ἐστιν

Bartimaeus heard people saying that it was Jesus. Alternate translation: “When he heard people saying that it was Jesus” (See: Ellipsis)

Υἱὲ Δαυεὶδ

Jesus is called the Son of David because he is a descendant of King David. Alternate translation: “You who are the Messiah descended from King David” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Mark 10:48

ἐπετίμων…πολλοὶ

“Many people rebuked”

πολλῷ μᾶλλον

“even more”

Mark 10:49

εἶπεν, φωνήσατε αὐτόν

This can be translated in active form or as a direct quote. Alternate translation: “commanded others to call him” or “commanded them, ‘Call him to come over here.’” (See: Active or Passive and Direct and Indirect Quotations)

φωνοῦσι

The word “They” refers to the crowd.

θάρσει

“Have courage” or “Do not be afraid”

φωνεῖ σε

“Jesus is calling for you”

Mark 10:50

ἀναπηδήσας

“jumped up”

Mark 10:51

ἀποκριθεὶς αὐτῷ

“answered the blind man”

ἀναβλέψω

“to be able to see”

Mark 10:52

ἡ πίστις σου σέσωκέν σε

This phrase is written this way to place emphasis on the man’s faith. Jesus heals the man because he believes that Jesus can heal him. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “I am healing you because you believed in me” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἠκολούθει αὐτῷ

“he followed Jesus”

Mark 11

Mark 11 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 11:9-10, 17, which are words from the Old Testament.

Special concepts in this chapter

The donkey and the colt

Jesus rode into Jerusalem on an animal. In this way he was like a king who came into a city after he had won an important battle. Also, the kings of Israel in the Old Testament rode on a donkeys. Other kings rode on horses. So Jesus was showing that he was the king of Israel and that he was not like other kings.

Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John all wrote about this event. Matthew and Mark wrote that the disciples brought Jesus a donkey. John wrote that Jesus found a donkey. Luke wrote that they brought him a colt. Only Matthew wrote that there were both a donkey had a colt. No one knows for sure whether Jesus rode the donkey or the colt. It is best to translate each of these accounts as it appears in the ULT without trying to make them all say exactly the same thing. (See: Matthew 21:1-7 and Mark 11:1-7 and Luke 19:29-36 and John 12:14-15)

Mark 11:1

καὶ ὅτε ἐγγίζουσιν εἰς Ἱεροσόλυμα, εἰς Βηθφαγὴ καὶ Βηθανίαν πρὸς τὸ Ὄρος τῶν Ἐλαιῶν

“When Jesus and his disciples came near to Jerusalem, they came to Bethphage and Bethany near the Mount of Olives” They have come to Bethphage and Bethany in the vicinity of Jerusalem.

Βηθφαγὴ

This is the name of a village. (See: How to Translate Names)

Mark 11:2

τὴν κατέναντι ὑμῶν

“ahead of us”

πῶλον

This refers to a young donkey that is large enough to carry a man.

ἐφ’ ὃν οὐδεὶς ἀνθρώπων οὔπω ἐκάθισεν

This can be written in active form. Alternate translation: “that no one has ever ridden” (See: Active or Passive)

Mark 11:3

τί ποιεῖτε τοῦτο?

It can be written clearly what the word “this” refers to. Alternate translation: “Why are you untying and taking the colt” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

αὐτοῦ χρείαν ἔχει

“needs it”

εὐθὺς αὐτὸν ἀποστέλλει πάλιν ὧδε

Jesus will send it back promptly when he is finished using it. Alternate translation: “will immediately send it back when he no longer needs it” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Mark 11:4

ἀπῆλθον

“The two disciples went”

πῶλον

This refers to a young donkey that is large enough to carry a man. See how you translated this in Mark 11:2.

Mark 11:6

οἱ…εἶπον

“They responded”

καθὼς εἶπεν ὁ Ἰησοῦς

“as Jesus had told them to respond.” This refers to how Jesus had told them to respond to people’s questions about taking the colt.

ἀφῆκαν αὐτούς

This means that they allowed them to continue doing what they were doing. Alternate translation: “let them take the donkey with them” (See: Idiom)

Mark 11:7

ἐπιβάλλουσιν αὐτῷ τὰ ἱμάτια αὐτῶν, καὶ ἐκάθισεν ἐπ’ αὐτόν

“laid their cloaks on its back so Jesus could ride it.” It is easier to ride a colt or a horse when there is a blanket or something similar on its back. In this case, the disciples threw their cloaks on it.

τὰ ἱμάτια

“coats” or “robes”

Mark 11:8

πολλοὶ τὰ ἱμάτια αὐτῶν ἔστρωσαν εἰς τὴν ὁδόν

It was a tradition to lay garments on the road in front of important people to honor them. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “Many people spread their garments on the road to honor him” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἄλλοι δὲ στιβάδας κόψαντες ἐκ τῶν ἀγρῶν

It was a tradition to lay palm branches on the road in front of an important people to honor them. Alternate translation: “others spread branches on the road that they had cut from the fields, also to honor him” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Mark 11:9

οἱ…ἀκολουθοῦντες

“who followed him”

ὡσαννά

This word means “save us,” but people also shouted it joyfully when they wanted to praise God. You can translate it according to how it was used, or you can write “Hosanna” using your language’s way of spelling that word. Alternate translation: “Praise God” (See: Copy or Borrow Words)

εὐλογημένος ὁ ἐρχόμενος

This is referring to Jesus. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “Blessed are you, the one” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἐν ὀνόματι Κυρίου

This is a metonym for the Lord’s authority. Alternate translation: “the authority of the Lord” (See: Metonymy)

εὐλογημένος

“May God bless”

Mark 11:10

εὐλογημένη ἡ ἐρχομένη βασιλεία τοῦ πατρὸς ἡμῶν, Δαυείδ

“Blessed is our father David’s coming kingdom.” This refers to Jesus coming and ruling as king. The word “blessed” can be translated as an active verb. Alternate translation: “Blessed be the coming of your kingdom” or “May God bless you as you rule your coming kingdom” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and Active or Passive)

τοῦ πατρὸς ἡμῶν, Δαυείδ

Here David’s descendant who will rule is referred to as David himself. Alternate translation: “of the greatest descendant of our father David” or “that David’s greatest descendant will rule” (See: Metonymy)

ὡσαννὰ ἐν τοῖς ὑψίστοις

Possible meanings are (1) “Praise God who is in heaven” or (2) “Let those who are in heaven shout ‘Hosanna’.”

τοῖς ὑψίστοις

Here heaven is spoken of as “the highest.” Alternate translation: “the highest heaven” or “heaven” (See: Metaphor)

Mark 11:11

ὀψίας ἤδη οὔσης τῆς ὥρας

“because it was late in the day”

ἐξῆλθεν εἰς Βηθανίαν μετὰ τῶν δώδεκα

“he and his twelve disciples left Jerusalem and went to Bethany”

Mark 11:12

ἐξελθόντων αὐτῶν ἀπὸ Βηθανίας

“while they were going back to Jerusalem from Bethany”

Mark 11:13

This happens while Jesus and his disciples are walking to Jerusalem.

εἰ…τι εὑρήσει ἐν αὐτῇ

“if there was any fruit on it”

οὐδὲν εὗρεν εἰ μὴ φύλλα

This means that he did not find any figs. Alternate translation: “he found only leaves and no figs on the tree” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and Litotes)

ὁ…καιρὸς

“the time of year”

Mark 11:14

εἶπεν αὐτῇ, μηκέτι εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα, ἐκ σοῦ μηδεὶς καρπὸν φάγοι

Jesus speaks to the fig tree and curses it. He speaks to it so that his disciples hear him. (See: Apostrophe)

εἶπεν αὐτῇ

“He spoke to the tree”

ἤκουον οἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ

The word “it” refers to Jesus speaking to the fig tree.

Mark 11:15

ἔρχονται

“Jesus and his disciples came”

ἤρξατο ἐκβάλλειν τοὺς πωλοῦντας καὶ τοὺς ἀγοράζοντας ἐν τῷ ἱερῷ

Jesus is driving these people out of the temple. This can be written clearly. Alternate translation: “began to drive the sellers and buyers out of the temple” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τοὺς πωλοῦντας καὶ τοὺς ἀγοράζοντας

“the people who were buying and selling”

Mark 11:17

God had said earlier in his word, through the prophet Isaiah, that his temple would be a house of prayer for all the nations.

οὐ γέγραπται, ὅτι ὁ οἶκός μου, οἶκος προσευχῆς κληθήσεται πᾶσιν τοῖς ἔθνεσιν?

Jesus is rebuking the Jewish leaders for their misuse of the temple. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: “It is written in the scriptures that God said, ‘I want my house to be called a house where people from all nations may pray.’” (See: Rhetorical Question)

ὑμεῖς δὲ ἐποιήσατε αὐτὸν σπήλαιον λῃστῶν

Jesus compares the people to robbers and the temple to a robbers’ den. Alternate translation: “But you are like robbers who have made my house into a robbers’ den” (See: Metaphor)

σπήλαιον λῃστῶν

“a cave where robbers hide”

Mark 11:18

ἐζήτουν πῶς

“they were seeking a way”

Mark 11:19

ὅταν ὀψὲ ἐγένετο

“In the evening”

ἐξεπορεύοντο ἔξω τῆς πόλεως

“Jesus and his disciples left the city”

Mark 11:20

Jesus uses the example of the fig tree to remind the disciples to have faith in God.

παραπορευόμενοι

“were walking along the road”

τὴν συκῆν ἐξηραμμένην ἐκ ῥιζῶν

Translate this statement to clarify that the tree died. Alternate translation: “the fig tree withered away down to its roots and died” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἐξηραμμένην

“dried up”

Mark 11:21

ἀναμνησθεὶς ὁ Πέτρος

It may be helpful to state what Peter remembered. Alternate translation: “Peter remembered what Jesus had said to the fig tree” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Mark 11:22

ἀποκριθεὶς ὁ Ἰησοῦς λέγει αὐτοῖς

“Jesus replied to his disciples”

Mark 11:23

ἀμὴν, λέγω ὑμῖν

“I tell you the truth.” This phrase adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.

ὃς ἂν εἴπῃ

“if anyone says”

μὴ διακριθῇ ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ αὐτοῦ, ἀλλὰ πιστεύῃ

Here “heart” is a metonym for a person’s mind or inner being. Alternate translation: “if he truly believes in his heart” or “if he does not doubt but believes” (See: Metonymy)

ἔσται αὐτῷ

“God will make happen”

Mark 11:24

διὰ τοῦτο λέγω ὑμῖν

“So I tell you” (See: Connecting Words and Phrases)

ἔσται ὑμῖν

It is understood that this will happen because God will provide what you ask for. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “God will give it to you” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Mark 11:25

ὅταν στήκετε προσευχόμενοι

It is common in Hebrew culture to stand when praying to God. Alternate translation: “When you pray”

εἴ τι ἔχετε κατά τινος

“whatever grudge you have against anyone.” Here the word “whatever” refers to any grudge you hold against someone for sinning against you or any anger you have against someone.

Mark 11:27

The next day when Jesus returns to temple, he gives the chief priests, scribes, and elders an answer to their question about his casting the money changers out of the temple area, by asking them another question, which they were not willing to answer.

ἔρχονται…εἰς

“Jesus and his disciples came to”

ἐν τῷ ἱερῷ περιπατοῦντος αὐτοῦ

This means that Jesus was walking around inside of the temple; he was not walking into the temple.

Mark 11:28

ἔλεγον αὐτῷ

The word “They” refers to the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders.

ἐν ποίᾳ ἐξουσίᾳ ταῦτα ποιεῖς? ἢ, τίς σοι ἔδωκεν τὴν ἐξουσίαν ταύτην, ἵνα ταῦτα ποιῇς?

Possible meanings: (1) Both of these questions have the same meaning and are asked together to strongly question Jesus’ authority and so can be combined. Alternate translation: “Who gave you authority to do these things?” (2) They are two separate questions, the first asking about the nature of the authority and the second about who gave it to him. (See: Parallelism)

ταῦτα ποιεῖς

The words “these things” refer to Jesus turning over the sellers’ tables in the temple and speaking against what the chief priests and scribes taught. Alternate translation: “things like those you did here yesterday” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Mark 11:29

ἀποκρίθητέ μοι

“Answer me”

Mark 11:30

τὸ βάπτισμα τὸ Ἰωάννου

“The baptism that John performed”

ἐξ οὐρανοῦ ἦν ἢ ἐξ ἀνθρώπων

“was it authorized by heaven or by men”

ἐξ οὐρανοῦ

Here “heaven” refers to God. Alternate translation: “from God” (See: Metonymy)

ἐξ ἀνθρώπων

“from people”

Mark 11:31

ἐὰν εἴπωμεν, ἐξ οὐρανοῦ

This refers to the source of the baptism of John. Alternate translation: “If we say, ‘It was from heaven,’” (See: Ellipsis)

ἐξ οὐρανοῦ

Here “heaven” refers to God. See how you translated this in Mark 11:30. Alternate translation: “From God” (See: Metonymy)

οὐκ ἐπιστεύσατε αὐτῷ

The word “him” refers to John the Baptist.

Mark 11:32

ἀλλὰ εἴπωμεν, ἐξ ἀνθρώπων

This refers to the source of the baptism of John. Alternate translation: “But if we say, ‘It was from men,’” (See: Ellipsis)

ἐξ ἀνθρώπων

“From people”

ἀλλὰ εἴπωμεν, ἐξ ἀνθρώπων…ἦν.

The religious leaders imply that they will suffer from the people if they give this answer. Alternate translation: “But if we say, ‘From men,’ that would not be good.” or “But we do not want to say that it was from men.” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and Ellipsis)

ἐφοβοῦντο τὸν ὄχλον

The author, Mark, explains why the religious leaders did not want to say that John’s baptism was from men. This can be stated clearly. “They said this to each other because they were afraid of the people” or “They did not want to say that John’s baptism was from men because they were afraid of the people” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Mark 11:33

οὐκ οἴδαμεν

This refers to the baptism of John. This understood information may be supplied. Alternate translation: “We do not know where the baptism of John came from” (See: Ellipsis)

Mark 12

Mark 12 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 12:10-11, 36, which are words from the Old Testament.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Hypothetical Situations

Hypothetical situations are situations that have not actually happened. People describe these situations so they learn what their hearers think is good and bad or right and wrong. (See: Hypothetical Situations)

Mark 12:1

Jesus speaks this parable against the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders. (See: Parables)

καὶ ἤρξατο αὐτοῖς ἐν παραβολαῖς λαλεῖν

The word “them” here refers to the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders to whom Jesus had been talking in the previous chapter.

περιέθηκεν φραγμὸν

He put a barrier around the vineyard. It could have been a row of shrubs, a fence, or a stone wall.

ὤρυξεν ὑπολήνιον

This means that he carved a pit on the rock, which would be the bottom part of the winepress used for collecting the squeezed grape juice. Alternate translation: “carved a pit into rock for the winepress” or “he made a vat to collect the juice from the winepress” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἐξέδετο αὐτὸν γεωργοῖς

The owner still owned the vineyard, but he allowed the vine growers to take care of it. When the grapes became ripe, they were to give some of them to the owner and keep the rest.

Mark 12:2

τῷ καιρῷ

This refers to the time of harvest. This can be made clear. Alternate translation: “When the time came to harvest the grapes” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Mark 12:3

καὶ λαβόντες αὐτὸν

“But the vine growers took the servant”

κενόν

This means that they did not give him any of the fruit. Alternate translation: “without any grapes” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Mark 12:4

ἀπέστειλεν πρὸς αὐτοὺς

“the owner of the vineyard sent to the vine growers”

κἀκεῖνον ἐκεφαλίωσαν

This can be written more clearly. Alternate translation: “they beat that one on the head, and they hurt him terribly” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Mark 12:5

ἄλλον…πολλοὺς ἄλλους

These phrases refer to other servants. Alternate translation: “yet another servant…many other servants” (See: Ellipsis)

Mark 12:6

υἱὸν ἀγαπητόν

It is implied that this is the owner’s son. Alternate translation: “his beloved son” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Mark 12:7

ὁ κληρονόμος

This is the owner’s heir, who would inherit the vineyard after his father died. Alternate translation: “the owner’s heir” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἡ κληρονομία

The tenants are referring to the vineyard as “the inheritance.” Alternate translation: “this vineyard” (See: Synecdoche)

Mark 12:8

λαβόντες

“The vine growers seized the son”

Mark 12:9

τί οὖν ποιήσει ὁ κύριος τοῦ ἀμπελῶνος?

Jesus asks a question and then gives the answer to teach the people. The question may be written as a statement. Alternate translation: “So I will tell you what the owner of the vineyard will do.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

οὖν

Jesus has finished telling the parable and is now asking the people what they think will happen next. (See: Connecting Words and Phrases)

ἀπολέσει

kill

δώσει τὸν ἀμπελῶνα ἄλλοις

The word “others” refers to other vine growers who will care for the vineyard. Alternate translation: “he will give the vineyard to vine growers to care for it” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Mark 12:10

This scripture was written long before in God’s word.

οὐδὲ τὴν Γραφὴν ταύτην ἀνέγνωτε:

Jesus reminds the people of a scripture passage. He uses a rhetorical question here to rebuke them. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: “Surely you have read this scripture.” or “You should remember this scripture.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

ἐγενήθη εἰς κεφαλὴν γωνίας

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the Lord made into the cornerstone”

Mark 12:11

παρὰ Κυρίου ἐγένετο αὕτη

“The Lord has done this”

ἔστιν θαυμαστὴ ἐν ὀφθαλμοῖς ἡμῶν

Here “in our eyes” stands for seeing, which is a metaphor for the people’s opinion. Alternate translation: “we have seen it and think that it is marvelous” or “we think that it is wonderful” (See: Metaphor)

Mark 12:12

ἐζήτουν αὐτὸν κρατῆσαι

“They” refers to the chief priests, scribes, and elders. This group may be referred to as the “Jewish leaders.”

ἐζήτουν

“wanted”

καὶ ἐφοβήθησαν τὸν ὄχλον

They were afraid of what the crowd would do to them if they arrested Jesus. This can be made clear. Alternate translation: “but they feared what the crowd would do if they arrested him” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

πρὸς αὐτοὺς

“to accuse them”

Mark 12:13

In an effort to trap Jesus, some of the Pharisees and Herodians, and then the Sadducees, come to Jesus with questions.

καὶ ἀποστέλλουσιν

“Then the Jewish leaders sent”

τῶν Ἡρῳδιανῶν

This was the name of an informal political party that supported Herod Antipas.

ἵνα αὐτὸν ἀγρεύσωσιν

Here the author describes tricking Jesus as “trapping him.” Alternate translation: “to trick him” (See: Metaphor)

Mark 12:14

ἐλθόντες, λέγουσιν

Here “they” refers to those sent from among the Pharisees and the Herodians.

οὐ μέλει σοι περὶ οὐδενός

This means that Jesus is not concerned. The negation can modify the verb instead. Alternate translation: “you do not care about people’s opinions” or “you are not concerned with earning people’s favor” (See: Litotes)

Mark 12:15

ὁ…εἰδὼς αὐτῶν τὴν ὑπόκρισιν

They were acting hypocritically. This can be explained more clearly. Alternate translation: “Jesus knew that they did not really want to know what God wanted them to do” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τί με πειράζετε?

Jesus rebukes the Jewish leaders because they were trying to trick him. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: “I know you are trying to make me say something wrong so you can accuse me.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

δηνάριον

This coin was worth a day’s wages. (See: Biblical Money)

Mark 12:16

οἱ δὲ ἤνεγκαν

“The Pharisees and the Herodians brought a denarius”

ἡ εἰκὼν…καὶ ἡ ἐπιγραφή

“picture and name”

οἱ…εἶπαν αὐτῷ, Καίσαρος.

Here “Caesar’s” refers to his likeness and inscription. Alternate translation: “They said, ‘They are Caesar’s likeness and inscription” (See: Ellipsis)

Mark 12:17

τὰ Καίσαρος ἀπόδοτε Καίσαρι

Jesus is teaching that his people must respect the government by paying taxes. This figure of speech can be clarified by changing Caesar to Roman government. Alternate translation: “Give to the Roman government the things that belong to the Roman government” (See: Metonymy)

καὶ…τῷ Θεῷ

The understood verb may be supplied. Alternate translation: “and give to God” (See: Ellipsis)

ἐξεθαύμαζον ἐπ’ αὐτῷ

They were amazed at what Jesus had said. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “They marveled at him and at what he had said” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Mark 12:18

οἵτινες λέγουσιν ἀνάστασιν μὴ εἶναι

This phrase explains who the Sadducees were. This can be written more clearly. Alternate translation: “who say there is no resurrection from the dead” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Mark 12:19

Μωϋσῆς ἔγραψεν ἡμῖν, ὅτι ἐάν τινος ἀδελφὸς ἀποθάνῃ

The Sadducees are quoting what Moses had written in the law. Moses’ quote can be expressed as an indirect quote. Alternate translation: “Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies” (See: Direct and Indirect Quotations)

ἔγραψεν ἡμῖν

“wrote for us Jews.” The Sadducees were a group of Jews. Here they use the word “us” to refer to themselves and all Jews.

λάβῃ ὁ ἀδελφὸς αὐτοῦ τὴν γυναῖκα

“the man should marry his brother’s wife”

ἐξαναστήσῃ σπέρμα τῷ ἀδελφῷ αὐτοῦ

“have a son for his brother.” The man’s first son would be considered to be the dead brother’s son, and the son’s descendants would be considered to be the dead brother’s descendants. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “have a son who will be considered to be the dead brother’s son” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Mark 12:20

ἑπτὰ ἀδελφοὶ ἦσαν

The Sadducees talk about a situation that did not really happen because they want Jesus to tell them what he thinks is right and wrong. Alternate translation: “Suppose there were seven brothers” (See: Hypothetical Situations)

ὁ πρῶτος

the first brother

ὁ πρῶτος ἔλαβεν γυναῖκα

“the first married a woman.” Here marrying a woman is spoken of as “taking” her.

Mark 12:21

ὁ δεύτερος…ὁ τρίτος

These numbers refer to each of the brothers and can be expressed as such. Alternate translation: “the second brother…the third brother” (See: Ellipsis)

ὁ δεύτερος ἔλαβεν αὐτήν

“the second married her.” Here marrying a woman is spoken of as “taking” her.

ὁ τρίτος ὡσαύτως

It may be helpful to explain what “likewise” means. Alternate translation: “the third brother married her as his other bothers did, and he also died leaving no children” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Mark 12:22

οἱ ἑπτὰ

This refers to all the brothers. Alternate translation: “The seven brothers” (See: Ellipsis)

οἱ ἑπτὰ οὐκ ἀφῆκαν σπέρμα

Each of the brothers married the woman and then died before he had any children with her. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “Eventually all seven brothers married that woman one by one, but none of them had any children with her, and one by one they died” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Mark 12:23

ἐν τῇ ἀναστάσει, ὅταν ἀναστῶσιν, τίνος αὐτῶν ἔσται γυνή

The Sadducees are testing Jesus by asking this question. If your readers can only understand this as a request for information, this can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: “Now tell us whose wife she will be in the resurrection, when they all rise again.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Mark 12:24

οὐ διὰ τοῦτο πλανᾶσθε…τὴν δύναμιν τοῦ Θεοῦ?

Jesus rebukes the Sadducees because they are mistaken about God’s law. This may be written as a statement. Alternate translation: “You are mistaken because…power of God.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

μὴ εἰδότες τὰς Γραφὰς

This means that they do not understand what is written in the Old Testament scriptures.

τὴν δύναμιν τοῦ Θεοῦ

“how powerful God is”

Mark 12:25

ὅταν γὰρ…ἀναστῶσιν

Here the word “they” refers to the brothers and the woman from the example.

ἀναστῶσιν

Waking and getting up from sleep is a metaphor for becoming alive after having been dead. (See: Metaphor)

ἐκ νεκρῶν

From among all those who have died. This expression describes all dead people together in the underworld. To rise from among them speaks of becoming alive again.

οὔτε γαμοῦσιν οὔτε γαμίζονται

“they do not marry, and they are not given in marriage”

γαμίζονται

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “and no one gives them in marriage” (See: Active or Passive)

τοῖς οὐρανοῖς

This refers to the place where God lives.

Mark 12:26

ὅτι ἐγείρονται

This can be expressed with an active verb. Alternate translation: “who rise” or “who rise to live again” (See: Active or Passive)

τῇ βίβλῳ Μωϋσέως

“the book that Moses wrote”

τοῦ βάτου

This refers to the part of the Book of Moses that tells about when God spoke to Moses out of a bush that was burning but that did not burn up. Alternate translation: “the passage about the burning bush” or “the words about the fiery bush” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τοῦ βάτου

This refers to a shrub, a woody plant that is smaller than a tree.

πῶς εἶπεν αὐτῷ ὁ Θεὸς

“about when God spoke to Moses”

ἐγὼ ὁ Θεὸς Ἀβραὰμ…Ἰσαὰκ…Ἰακώβ

This means that Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob worship God. These men have died physically, but they are still alive spiritually and still worship God.

Mark 12:27

οὐκ…Θεὸς νεκρῶν, ἀλλὰ ζώντων

Here “the dead” refers to people who are dead, and “the living” refers to people who are alive. Also, the words “the God” can be stated clearly in the second phrase. Alternate translation: “not the God of dead people, but the God of living people” (See: Nominal Adjectives and Ellipsis)

ζώντων

This includes people who are alive physically and spiritually.

πολὺ πλανᾶσθε

It may be helpful to state what they are mistaken about. Alternate translation: “When you say that dead people do not rise again, you are quite mistaken” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

πολὺ πλανᾶσθε

“completely mistaken” or “very wrong”

Mark 12:28

ἐπηρώτησεν αὐτόν

“The scribe asked Jesus”

Mark 12:29

πρώτη ἐστίν

“The most important” refers to the most important commandment. Alternate translation: “The most important commandment is” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

ἄκουε, Ἰσραήλ, Κύριος ὁ Θεὸς ἡμῶν Κύριος εἷς ἐστιν

“Listen, O Israel! The Lord our God is one Lord”

Mark 12:30

ἐξ ὅλης τῆς καρδίας σου, καὶ ἐξ ὅλης τῆς ψυχῆς σου, καὶ ἐξ ὅλης τῆς διανοίας σου, καὶ ἐξ ὅλης τῆς ἰσχύος σου

Here “heart” and “soul” are metonyms for a person’s inner being. These four phrases are used together to mean “completely” or “earnestly.” (See: Metonymy and Doublet)

Mark 12:31

ἀγαπήσεις τὸν πλησίον σου ὡς σεαυτόν

Jesus uses this simile to compare how people are to love each other with the same love as they love themselves. Alternate translation: “love your neighbor as much as you love yourself” (See: Simile)

τούτων

Here the word “these” refers to the two commandments that Jesus had just told the people.

Mark 12:32

καλῶς, Διδάσκαλε

“Good answer, Teacher” or “Well said, Teacher”

εἷς ἐστιν

This means that there is only one God. Alternate translation: “there is only one God” (See: Idiom)

οὐκ ἔστιν ἄλλος

The word “God” is understood from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “that there is no other God” (See: Ellipsis)

Mark 12:33

ἐξ ὅλης τῆς καρδίας…ἐξ ὅλης τῆς συνέσεως…ἐξ ὅλης τῆς ἰσχύος

Here “heart” is a metonym for person’s thoughts, feelings, or inner being. These three phrases are used together to mean “completely” or “earnestly.” (See: Metonymy)

τὸ ἀγαπᾶν τὸν πλησίον ὡς ἑαυτὸν

This simile compares how people are to love each other with the same love that they love themselves. Alternate translation: “to love your neighbor as much as you love yourself” (See: Simile)

περισσότερόν ἐστιν

This idiom means that something is more important than something else. In this case, these two commandments are more pleasing to God that burnt offering and sacrifices. This may be written clearly. Alternate translation: “is even more important than” or “is even more pleasing to God than” (See: Idiom)

Mark 12:34

οὐ μακρὰν εἶ ἀπὸ τῆς Βασιλείας τοῦ Θεοῦ

This can be stated in positive form. Here Jesus speaks of the man being ready to submit to God as king as being physically close to the kingdom of God, as if it where a physical place. Alternate translation: “You are close to submitting to God as king” (See: Litotes and Metaphor)

οὐδεὶς…ἐτόλμα

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “everyone was afraid” (See: Litotes)

Mark 12:35

ἀποκριθεὶς ὁ Ἰησοῦς ἔλεγεν διδάσκων ἐν τῷ ἱερῷ

Some time has passed and Jesus is now in the temple. This is not part of the previous conversation. Alternate translation: “Later, while Jesus was teaching in the temple area, he said to the people” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

πῶς λέγουσιν οἱ γραμματεῖς ὅτι ὁ Χριστὸς, υἱὸς Δαυείδ ἐστιν?

Jesus uses this question to get the people to think deeply about the Psalm he is about to quote. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: “Consider why the scribes say the Christ is the son of David.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

υἱὸς Δαυείδ

“a descendant of David”

Mark 12:36

αὐτὸς Δαυεὶδ

This word “himself” refers to David and is used to place emphasis on him and what he said. Alternate translation: “It was David who” (See: Reflexive Pronouns)

ἐν τῷ Πνεύματι τῷ ἁγίῳ

This means that he was inspired by the Holy Spirit. That is, the Holy Spirit directed David in what he said. Alternate translation: “inspired by the Holy Spirit” (See: Idiom)

εἶπεν…εἶπεν ὁ Κύριος τῷ Κυρίῳ μου

Here David calls God “The Lord” and calls the Christ “my Lord.” This can be written more clearly. Alternate translation: “said about the Christ, ‘The Lord God said to my Lord” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

κάθου ἐκ δεξιῶν μου

Jesus is quoting a psalm. Here God is speaking to the Christ. To sit at the “right hand of God” is a symbolic action of receiving great honor and authority from God. Alternate translation: “Sit in the place of honor beside me” (See: Symbolic Action)

ἕως ἂν θῶ τοὺς ἐχθρούς σου ὑποκάτω τῶν ποδῶν σου

In this quote, God speaks of defeating enemies as making them into a footstool. Alternate translation: “until I completely defeat your enemies” (See: Metaphor)

Mark 12:37

λέγει αὐτὸν, Κύριον

Here the word “him” refers to the Christ.

καὶ πόθεν υἱός αὐτοῦ ἐστιν?

This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: “so consider how the Christ can be a descendant of David” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Mark 12:38

ἀσπασμοὺς ἐν ταῖς ἀγοραῖς

The noun “greetings” can be expressed with the verb “greet.” These greetings showed that the people respected the scribes. Alternate translation: “to be greeted respectfully in the marketplaces” or “people to greet them respectfully in the marketplaces” (See: Abstract Nouns and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Mark 12:40

οἱ κατεσθίοντες τὰς οἰκίας τῶν χηρῶν

Here Jesus describes the scribes’ cheating of widows and stealing of their houses as “devouring” their houses. Alternate translation: “They also cheat widows in order to steal their houses from them” (See: Metaphor)

τὰς οἰκίας τῶν χηρῶν

The words “widows” and “houses” are synecdoches for helpless people and all of a person’s important possessions, respectively. Alternate translation: “everything from helpless people” (See: Synecdoche)

οὗτοι λήμψονται περισσότερον κρίμα

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God will certainly punish them with greater condemnation” or “God will certainly punish them severely” (See: Active or Passive)

λήμψονται περισσότερον κρίμα

The word “greater” implies a comparison. Here the comparison is to other men who are punished. Alternate translation: “will receive greater condemnation than other people” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Mark 12:41

Still in the temple area, Jesus comments on the value of the widow’s offering.

τοῦ γαζοφυλακίου

This box, which everyone could use, held temple offerings.

Mark 12:42

λεπτὰ δύο

“two small copper coins.” These were the least valuable coins available. (See: Biblical Money)

ἐστιν κοδράντης

“worth very little.” A penny is worth very little. Translate “penny” with the name of the smallest coin in your language if you have one that is worth very little.

Mark 12:43

In verse 43 Jesus says that the widow put more money in the offering than the rich people put in, and in verse 44 he tells his reason for saying that. The information can be reordered so that Jesus tells his reason first and then says that the widow put in more, as in the UST. (See: Verse Bridges)

προσκαλεσάμενος

“Jesus called”

ἀμὴν, λέγω ὑμῖν

This indicates that the statement that follows is especially true and important. See how you translated this in Mark 3:28.

πάντων…τῶν βαλλόντων εἰς

“all the other people who put money into”

Mark 12:44

τοῦ περισσεύοντος

much wealth, many valuable things

τῆς ὑστερήσεως αὐτῆς

“lack” or “the little she had”

τὸν βίον αὐτῆς

“to survive on”

Mark 13

Mark 13 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 13:24-25, which are words from the Old Testament.

Special concepts in this chapter

The return of Christ

Jesus said much about what would happen before he returned (Mark 13:6-37). He told his followers that bad things would happen to the world and bad things would happen to them before he returned, but they needed to be ready for him to return at any time.

Mark 13:1

As they leave the temple area, Jesus tells his disciples what will happen in the future to the wonderful temple that Herod the Great has built.

ποταποὶ λίθοι καὶ ποταπαὶ οἰκοδομαί

The “stones” refer to the stones that the buildings were built with. Alternate translation: “the wonderful buildings and the wonderful stones that they are made of” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Mark 13:2

βλέπεις ταύτας τὰς μεγάλας οἰκοδομάς? οὐ μὴ…λίθος

This question is used to draw attention to the buildings. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: “Look at these great buildings! Not one stone” or “You see these great buildings now, but not one stone” (See: Rhetorical Question)

οὐ μὴ ἀφεθῇ ὧδε λίθος ἐπὶ λίθον, ὃς οὐ μὴ καταλυθῇ

It is implied that enemy soldiers will tear down the stones. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Not one stone will remain on top of another, for enemy soldiers will come and destroy these buildings” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and Active or Passive)

Mark 13:3

In answer to the disciples’ questions about the temple’s destruction and what was going to happen, Jesus tells them what was going to take place in the future.

καὶ καθημένου αὐτοῦ εἰς τὸ Ὄρος τῶν Ἐλαιῶν κατέναντι τοῦ ἱεροῦ…Πέτρος

It can be expressed clearly that Jesus and his disciples had walked to the Mount of Olives. Alternate translation: “After arriving at the Mount of Olives, which is opposite the temple, Jesus sat down. Then Peter” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

κατ’ ἰδίαν

when they were alone

Mark 13:4

ταῦτα ἔσται…μέλλῃ…συντελεῖσθαι

This refers to what Jesus had just said will happen to the stones of the temple. This can be made clear. Alternate translation: “these things happen to the buildings of the temple…are about to happen to the temple buildings” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ὅταν…ταῦτα…πάντα

“that all these things”

Mark 13:5

λέγειν αὐτοῖς

“to his disciples”

ὑμᾶς πλανήσῃ

Here “leads you astray” is a metaphor for persuading someone to believe what is not true. Alternate translation: “deceives you” (See: Metaphor)

Mark 13:6

πολλοὺς πλανήσουσιν

Here “lead…astray” is a metaphor for persuading someone to believe what is not true. Alternate translation: “they will deceive many people” (See: Metaphor)

ἐπὶ τῷ ὀνόματί μου

Possible meanings are (1) “claiming my authority” or (2) “claiming that God sent them.” (See: Metonymy)

ἐγώ εἰμι

“I am the Christ”

Mark 13:7

ἀκούσητε πολέμους καὶ ἀκοὰς πολέμων

“hear of wars and reports about wars.” Possible meanings are (1) “hear the sounds of wars close by and news of wars far away” or (2) “hear of wars that have started and reports about wars that are about to start”

ἀλλ’ οὔπω τὸ τέλος

“but it is not yet the end” or “but the end will not happen until later” or “but the end will be later”

τὸ τέλος

This probably refers to the end of the world. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Mark 13:8

ἐγερθήσεται…ἐπ’

This idiom means to fight against one another. Alternate translation: “will fight against” (See: Idiom)

βασιλεία ἐπὶ βασιλείαν

The words “will rise” are understood from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “kingdom will rise against kingdom” or “the people of one kingdom will fight against the people of another kingdom” (See: Ellipsis)

ἀρχὴ ὠδίνων ταῦτα

Jesus speaks of these disasters as the beginnings of birth pains because more severe things will happen after them. Alternate translation: “These events will be like the first pains a woman suffers when she is about to bear a child” (See: Metaphor)

Mark 13:9

βλέπετε δὲ ὑμεῖς ἑαυτούς

“Be ready for what people will do to you”

παραδώσουσιν ὑμᾶς εἰς συνέδρια

“take you and put you under the control of councils”

δαρήσεσθε

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “people will beat you” (See: Active or Passive)

ἐπὶ…σταθήσεσθε

This means to be put on trial and judged. Alternate translation: “You will be put on trial before” or “You will be brought to trial and judged by” (See: Idiom)

ἕνεκεν ἐμοῦ

“because of me” or “on account of me”

εἰς μαρτύριον αὐτοῖς

This means they will testify about Jesus. This can be made clear. Alternate translation: “and testify to them about me” or “and you will tell them about me” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Mark 13:10

καὶ εἰς πάντα τὰ ἔθνη πρῶτον δεῖ κηρυχθῆναι τὸ εὐαγγέλιον

Jesus is still speaking about things that must happen before the end comes. This can be made clear. Alternate translation: “But the gospel must first be proclaimed to all the nations before the end will come” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Mark 13:11

παραδιδόντες

Here this means to put people under the control of the authorities. Alternate translation: “give you over to the authorities” (See: Idiom)

ἀλλὰ τὸ Πνεῦμα τὸ Ἅγιον

The words “will speak” are understood from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “but the Holy Spirit will speak through you” (See: Ellipsis)

Mark 13:12

παραδώσει ἀδελφὸς ἀδελφὸν εἰς θάνατον

“One brother will put another brother under the control of people who will kill him” or “Brothers will put their brothers under the control of people who will kill them.” This will happen many times to many different people. Jesus is not speaking of just one person and his brother.

ἀδελφὸς ἀδελφὸν

This refers to both brothers and sisters. Alternate translation: “People…their siblings” (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)

πατὴρ τέκνον

The words “will deliver up to death” are understood from the previous phrase. This means that some fathers will betray their children, and this betrayal will cause their children to be killed. Alternate translation: “fathers will deliver up their children to death” or “fathers will betray their children, handing them over to be killed” (See: Ellipsis and Idiom)

ἐπαναστήσονται τέκνα ἐπὶ γονεῖς

This means that children will oppose their parents and betray them. Alternate translation: “Children will oppose their parents” (See: Idiom)

θανατώσουσιν αὐτούς

This means that the authorities will sentence the parents to be put to death. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “cause the authorities to sentence the parents to die” or “the authorities will kill the parents” (See: Active or Passive)

Mark 13:13

ἔσεσθε μισούμενοι ὑπὸ πάντων

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Everyone will hate you” (See: Active or Passive)

διὰ τὸ ὄνομά μου

Jesus uses the metonym “my name” to refer to himself. Alternate translation: “because of me” or “because you believe in me” (See: Metonymy)

ὁ…ὑπομείνας εἰς τέλος, οὗτος σωθήσεται

This may be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “whoever endures to the end, God will save that person” or “God will save whoever endures to the end” (See: Active or Passive)

ὁ…ὑπομείνας εἰς τέλος

Here “endures” represents continuing to be faithful to God even while suffering. Alternate translation: “whoever suffers and stays faithful to God to the end” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

εἰς τέλος

Possible meanings are (1) “to the end of his life” or (2) “to the end of that time of trouble”

Mark 13:14

τὸ βδέλυγμα τῆς ἐρημώσεως

This phrase is from the book of Daniel. His audience would have been familiar with this passage and the prophecy about the abomination entering the temple and defiling it. Alternate translation: “the shameful thing that defiles the things of God” (See: Metaphor)

ἑστηκότα ὅπου οὐ δεῖ

Jesus’ audience would have known that this refers to the temple. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “standing in the temple, where it should not be standing” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ὁ ἀναγινώσκων νοείτω

This is not Jesus speaking. Matthew added this to get the readers’ attention, so that they would listen to this warning. Alternate translation: “may everyone who is reading this pay attention to this warning” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Mark 13:15

ἐπὶ τοῦ δώματος

Housetops where Jesus lived were flat, and people could stand on them.

Mark 13:16

μὴ ἐπιστρεψάτω εἰς τὰ ὀπίσω

This refers to returning to his house. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “not return to his house” (See: Ellipsis)

ἆραι τὸ ἱμάτιον αὐτοῦ

“to get his cloak”

Mark 13:17

ταῖς ἐν γαστρὶ ἐχούσαις

This is a polite way to say that someone is pregnant. Alternate translation: “are pregnant” (See: Euphemism)

Mark 13:18

προσεύχεσθε…ἵνα

“Pray that these times” or “Pray that these things”

χειμῶνος

“the cold season” or “the cold, rainy season.” This refers to the time of year when it is cold and unpleasant and difficult to travel.

Mark 13:19

οἵα οὐ γέγονεν τοιαύτη

“greater than there has ever been.” This describes how great and terrible the tribulation will be. There has never been a tribulation as terrible as this one will be.

οὐ μὴ γένηται

“and greater than there will ever be again” or “and after that tribulation, there will never again be a tribulation like it”

Mark 13:20

ἐκολόβωσεν…τὰς ἡμέρας

“had shortened the time.” It may be helpful to specify which “days” are referred to. Alternate translation: “had reduced the days of suffering” or “had shortened the time of suffering” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

οὐκ ἂν ἐσώθη πᾶσα σάρξ

The word “flesh” refers to people, and “saved” refers to physical salvation. Alternate translation: “no one would be saved” or “everyone would die” (See: Synecdoche)

διὰ τοὺς ἐκλεκτοὺς

“in order to help the elect”

τοὺς ἐκλεκτοὺς, οὓς ἐξελέξατο

The phrase “those whom he chose” means the same thing as “the elect.” Together, they emphasize that God chose these people. (See: Doublet)

Mark 13:21

In verse 21 Jesus gives a command, and in 22 he tells the reason for the command. This can be reordered with the reason first, and the command second, as in the UST. (See: Verse Bridges)

Mark 13:22

ψευδόχριστοι

“people who claim they are Christ”

πρὸς τὸ ἀποπλανᾶν

“in order to deceive” or “hoping to deceive” or “trying to deceive”

πρὸς τὸ ἀποπλανᾶν εἰ δυνατὸν τοὺς ἐκλεκτούς

The phrase “even the elect” implies that the false Christs and false prophets will expect to deceive some people, but they will not know if they will be able to deceive the elect. Alternate translation: “in order to deceive people, and even deceive the elect, if that is possible” (See: Ellipsis)

τοὺς ἐκλεκτούς

“the people whom God has chosen”

Mark 13:23

ὑμεῖς δὲ βλέπετε

“Be watchful” or “Be alert”

προείρηκα ὑμῖν πάντα

Jesus told them these things to warn them. Alternate translation: “I have told you all these things ahead of time to warn you” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Mark 13:24

ὁ ἥλιος σκοτισθήσεται

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the sun will become dark” (See: Active or Passive)

ἡ σελήνη οὐ δώσει τὸ φέγγος αὐτῆς

Here the moon is spoken of as if it were alive and able to give something to someone else. Alternate translation: “the moon will not shine” or “the moon will be dark” (See: Personification)

Mark 13:25

οἱ ἀστέρες ἔσονται ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ πίπτοντες

This does not mean that they will fall to earth but that they will fall from where the are now. Alternate translation: “the stars will fall from their places in the sky” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

αἱ δυνάμεις αἱ ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς σαλευθήσονται

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the powers in the heavens will shake” or “God will shake the powers that are in the heavens” (See: Active or Passive)

αἱ δυνάμεις αἱ ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς

“the powerful things in the heavens.” Possible meanings are (1) this refers to the sun, moon, and stars or (2) this refers to powerful spiritual beings

ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς

“in the sky”

Mark 13:26

τότε ὄψονται

“Then people will see”

μετὰ δυνάμεως πολλῆς καὶ δόξης

“powerfully and gloriously”

Mark 13:27

ἐπισυνάξει

The word “he” refers to God and is a metonym for his angels, as they are the ones who will gather the elect. Alternate translation: “they will gather” or “his angels will gather” (See: Metonymy)

τῶν τεσσάρων ἀνέμων

The whole earth is spoken of as “the four winds,” which refer to the four directions: north, south, east, and west. Alternate translation: “the north, south, east, and west” or “all parts of the earth” (See: Metaphor)

ἀπ’ ἄκρου γῆς ἕως ἄκρου οὐρανοῦ

These two extremes are given to emphasize that the elect will be gathered from the entire earth. Alternate translation: “from every place on earth” (See: Merism)

Mark 13:28

Jesus gives two short parables here to remind people to be aware when the things that he has been explaining happen. (See: Parables)

ὁ κλάδος αὐτῆς ἁπαλὸς γένηται, καὶ ἐκφύῃ τὰ φύλλα

The phrase “the branch” refers to the branches of the fig tree. Alternate translation: “its branches become tender and put out their leaves”

ἁπαλὸς

“green and soft”

ἐκφύῃ τὰ φύλλα

Here the fig tree is spoken of as if it were alive and able to willingly cause its leaves to grow. Alternate translation: “its leaves begin to sprout” (See: Personification)

τὸ θέρος

the warm part of the year or the growing season

Mark 13:29

ταῦτα

This refers to the days of tribulation. Alternate translation: “these things I have just described” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἐγγύς ἐστιν

“the Son of Man is near”

ἐπὶ θύραις

This idiom means that he is very near and has almost arrived, referring to a traveler being close to arriving at the city gates. Alternate translation: “and is almost here” (See: Idiom)

Mark 13:30

ἀμὴν, λέγω ὑμῖν

This indicates that the statement that follows is especially important. See how you translated this in Mark 3:28.

οὐ μὴ παρέλθῃ

This is a polite way to talk about someone dying. Alternate translation: “will not die” or “will not end” (See: Euphemism)

μέχρις οὗ ταῦτα πάντα

The phrase “these things” refers to the days of tribulation.

Mark 13:31

ὁ οὐρανὸς καὶ ἡ γῆ

The two extremes are given to refer to all of the sky, including the sun, moon, stars, and planets, and all of the earth. Alternate translation: “The sky, the earth, and everything in them” (See: Merism)

παρελεύσονται

“will cease to exist.” Here this phrase refers to the world ending.

οἱ…λόγοι μου οὐ μὴ παρελεύσονται

Jesus speaks of words not losing their power as if they were something that will never physically die. Alternate translation: “my words will never lose their power” (See: Metaphor)

Mark 13:32

τῆς ἡμέρας ἐκείνης ἢ τῆς ὥρας

This refers to the time that the Son of Man will return. Alternate translation: “that day or that hour that the Son of Man will return” or “the day or the hour that I will return” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

οὐδεὶς οἶδεν; οὐδὲ οἱ ἄγγελοι ἐν οὐρανῷ, οὐδὲ ὁ Υἱός, εἰ μὴ ὁ Πατήρ

These words specify some of those who do not know when the Son of Man will return, different from the Father, who does know. Alternate translation: “no one knows—neither the angels in heaven nor the Son know—but the Father” or “neither the angels in heaven nor the Son know; no one knows but the Father” (See: Ellipsis)

οἱ ἄγγελοι ἐν οὐρανῷ

Here “heaven” refers to the place where God lives.

εἰ μὴ ὁ Πατήρ

It is best to translate “Father” with the same word that your language naturally uses to refer to a human father. Also, this is an ellipsis, stating that the Father knows when the Son will return. Alternate translation: “but only the Father knows” (See: Ellipsis)

Mark 13:33

πότε ὁ καιρός ἐστιν

It can be stated clearly what “time” refers to here. Alternate translation: “when all these events will happen” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Mark 13:34

ἑκάστῳ τὸ ἔργον αὐτοῦ

“telling each one what work he should do”

Mark 13:35

ἢ ὀψὲ

“he could return in the evening”

ἀλεκτοροφωνίας

The rooster is a bird that “crows” very early in the morning by making a loud call.

Mark 13:36

εὕρῃ ὑμᾶς καθεύδοντας

Here Jesus speaks of not being ready as “sleeping.” Alternate translation: “find you not ready for his return” (See: Metaphor)

Mark 14

Mark 14 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 14:27, 62, which are words from the Old Testament.

Special concepts in this chapter

The eating of the body and blood

Mark 14:22-25 describes Jesus’ last meal with his followers. At this time, Jesus told them that what they were eating and drinking were his body and his blood. Nearly all Christian churches celebrate “the Lord’s Supper,” the “Eucharist”, or “Holy Communion” to remember this meal.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Abba, Father

“Abba” is an Aramaic word that the Jews used to speak to their fathers. Mark writes it as it sounds and then translates it. (See: Copy or Borrow Words)

“Son of Man”

Jesus refers to himself as the “Son of Man” in this chapter (Mark 14:20). Your language may not allow people to speak of themselves as if they were speaking about someone else. (See: Son of Man, son of man and First, Second or Third Person)

Mark 14:1

Just two days before the Passover, the chief priests and scribes are secretly plotting to kill Jesus.

ἐν δόλῳ

without people noticing

Mark 14:2

ἔλεγον γάρ

The word “they” refers to the chief priests and the scribes.

μὴ ἐν τῇ ἑορτῇ

This refers to them not arresting Jesus during the feast. Alternate translation: “We must not do it during the feast” (See: Ellipsis)

Mark 14:3

Though some were angry that the oil was used to anoint Jesus, Jesus says that the woman has anointed his body for burial before he will die.

Σίμωνος τοῦ λεπροῦ

This man previously had leprosy but was no longer ill. This is a different man than Simon Peter and Simon the Zealot. (See: How to Translate Names)

κατακειμένου αὐτοῦ

In Jesus’ culture, when people gathered to eat, they reclined on their sides, propping themselves up on pillows beside a low table.

ἀλάβαστρον

This is a jar made from alabaster. Alabaster was a very expensive yellow-white stone. Alternate translation: “beautiful white stone jar” (See: Translate Unknowns)

ἀλάβαστρον μύρου, νάρδου πιστικῆς πολυτελοῦς

“that contained expensive, fragrant perfume called nard.” Nard was a very expensive, sweet-smelling oil used to make perfume. (See: Translate Unknowns)

αὐτοῦ τῆς κεφαλῆς

“on Jesus’ head”

Mark 14:4

εἰς τί ἡ ἀπώλεια αὕτη τοῦ μύρου γέγονεν?

They asked this question to show that they disapproved of the woman pouring the perfume on Jesus. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: “It is terrible that she wasted that perfume!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Mark 14:5

ἠδύνατο…τοῦτο τὸ μύρον πραθῆναι

Mark wants to show his readers that those present were more concerned about money. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “We could have sold this perfume” or “She could have sold this perfume” (See: Active or Passive)

δηναρίων τριακοσίων

“300 denarii.” Denarii are Roman silver coins. (See: Biblical Money and Numbers)

δοθῆναι τοῖς πτωχοῖς

The phrase “the poor” refers to poor people. This refers to giving the money from the sale of the perfume to the poor. Alternate translation: “the money given to poor people” (See: Ellipsis and Nominal Adjectives)

Mark 14:6

τί αὐτῇ κόπους παρέχετε?

Jesus rebukes the guests for questioning this woman’s action. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: “You should not trouble her!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Mark 14:7

τοὺς πτωχοὺς

This refers to poor people. Alternate translation: “poor people” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

Mark 14:9

ἀμὴν…λέγω ὑμῖν

This indicates that the statement that follows is especially true and important. See how you translated this in Mark 3:28.

ὅπου ἐὰν κηρυχθῇ τὸ εὐαγγέλιον

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “wherever my followers preach the gospel” (See: Active or Passive)

ὃ ἐποίησεν αὕτη, λαληθήσεται

“what this woman has done will also be spoken of”

Mark 14:10

After the woman anoints Jesus with perfume, Judas promises to deliver Jesus to the chief priests.

ἵνα αὐτὸν παραδοῖ αὐτοῖς

Judas did not deliver Jesus over to them yet, rather he went to make arrangements with them. Alternate translation: “in order to arrange with them that he would deliver Jesus over to them” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

αὐτὸν παραδοῖ

“bring Jesus to them so they could capture him”

Mark 14:11

οἱ δὲ ἀκούσαντες

It may be helpful to state clearly what the chief priests heard. Alternate translation: “When the chief priests heard what he was willing to do for them” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Mark 14:12

Jesus sends two of the disciples to prepare the Passover meal.

ὅτε τὸ Πάσχα ἔθυον

At the beginning of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, it was customary to sacrifice a lamb. Alternate translation: “when it was customary to sacrifice the Passover lamb” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

φάγῃς τὸ Πάσχα

Here the “Passover” refers to the Passover meal. Alternate translation: “eat the Passover meal” (See: Metonymy)

Mark 14:13

κεράμιον ὕδατος βαστάζων

“carrying a large jar full of water”

Mark 14:14

ὁ διδάσκαλος λέγει, ποῦ ἐστιν τὸ κατάλυμά μου…μετὰ τῶν μαθητῶν μου φάγω?

This can be written as an indirect quote. Translate this so that it is a polite request. Alternate translation: “Our Teacher would like to know where the guest room is where he may eat the Passover with his disciples.” (See: Direct and Indirect Quotations)

τὸ κατάλυμά

a room for visitors

Mark 14:15

ἐκεῖ ἑτοιμάσατε ἡμῖν

They were to prepare the meal for Jesus and his disciples to eat. Alternate translation: “Prepare the meal for us there” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Mark 14:16

ἐξῆλθον οἱ μαθηταὶ

“The two disciples left”

καθὼς εἶπεν

“as Jesus had said”

Mark 14:17

That evening as Jesus and the disciples eat the Passover meal, Jesus tells them that one of them will betray him.

ἔρχεται μετὰ τῶν δώδεκα

It may be helpful to state where they came to. Alternate translation: “he came with the twelve to the house” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Mark 14:18

ἀνακειμένων

In Jesus’ culture, when people gathered to eat, they lay down on their sides, propping themselves up on pillows beside a low table.

ἀμὴν, λέγω ὑμῖν

This indicates that the statement that follows is especially true and important. See how you translated this in Mark 3:28.

Mark 14:19

εἷς κατὰ εἷς

This means that “one at a time” each disciple asked him.

μήτι ἐγώ?

Possible meanings are (1) this was a question for which the disciples expected the answer to be no or (2) this was a rhetorical question that did not require a response. Alternate translation: “Surely I am not the one who will betray you!” (See: Rhetorical Question and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Mark 14:20

εἷς τῶν δώδεκα

“He is one of the twelve of you, the one now”

ἐμβαπτόμενος μετ’ ἐμοῦ εἰς τὸ τρύβλιον

In Jesus’ culture, people would often eat bread, dipping it in a shared bowl of sauce or of oil mixed with herbs.

Mark 14:21

ὅτι ὁ μὲν Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου ὑπάγει, καθὼς γέγραπται περὶ αὐτοῦ

Here Jesus refers to the scriptures prophesying about his death. If you have a polite way to talk about death in your language, use it here. Alternate translation: “For the Son of Man will die in the way that the scriptures say”

δι’ οὗ ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου παραδίδοται

This can be stated more directly. Alternate translation: “who betrays the Son of Man” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Mark 14:22

ἄρτον

This was a flat loaf of unleavened bread, which was eaten as part of the Passover meal.

ἔκλασεν

This means that he broke the bread into pieces for the people to eat. Alternate translation: “broke it into pieces” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

λάβετε, τοῦτό ἐστιν τὸ σῶμά μου

“Take this bread. It is my body.” Though most understand this to mean that the bread is a symbol of Jesus’ body and that it is not actual flesh, it is best to translate this statement literally. (See: Symbolic Language)

Mark 14:23

λαβὼν ποτήριον

Here “cup” is a metonym for wine. Alternate translation: “He took the cup of wine” (See: Synecdoche)

Mark 14:24

τοῦτό ἐστιν τὸ αἷμά μου τῆς διαθήκης, τὸ ἐκχυννόμενον ὑπὲρ πολλῶν

The covenant is for the forgiveness of sins. This can be written more explicitly. Alternate translation: “This is my blood that confirms the covenant, the blood that is poured out so that many may receive the forgiveness of sins” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τοῦτό ἐστιν τὸ αἷμά μου

“This wine is my blood.” Though most understand this to mean that the wine is a symbol of Jesus’ blood and that it is not actual blood, it is best to translate this statement literally. (See: Symbolic Language)

Mark 14:25

ἀμὴν, λέγω ὑμῖν

This indicates that the statement that follows is especially true and important. See how you translated this in Mark 3:28.

τοῦ γενήματος τῆς ἀμπέλου

“wine.” This is a descriptive way to refer to wine.

καινὸν

Possible meanings are (1) “again” or (2) “in a new way”

Mark 14:26

ὑμνήσαντες

A hymn is a type of song. It was traditional for them to sing an Old Testament psalm.

Mark 14:27

λέγει αὐτοῖς ὁ Ἰησοῦς

“Jesus said to his disciples”

σκανδαλισθήσεσθε

This is an idiom that means leave. Alternate translation: “will leave me” (See: Idiom)

πατάξω

“kill.” Here “I” refers to God.

τὰ πρόβατα διασκορπισθήσονται

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “I will scatter the sheep” (See: Active or Passive)

Mark 14:28

Jesus clearly tells Peter he will deny him. Peter and all of the disciples are certain they will not deny Jesus.

ἐγερθῆναί με

This idiom means that God will cause Jesus to become alive again after he has died. This can be written in active form. Alternate translation: “God raises me from the dead” or “God makes me alive again” (See: Idiom and Active or Passive)

προάξω ὑμᾶς

“I will go before you”

Mark 14:29

εἰ καὶ πάντες σκανδαλισθήσονται, ἀλλ’ οὐκ ἐγώ

“I will not” can be fully expressed as “I will not fall away.” The phrase “not fall away” is a double negative and carries a positive meaning. This can be expressed in the positive if needed. Alternate translation: “Even if everyone else leaves you, I will stay with you” (See: Ellipsis and Double Negatives)

Mark 14:30

ἀμὴν, λέγω σοι

This indicates that the statement that follows is especially true and important. See how you translated this in Mark 3:28.

ἀλέκτορα φωνῆσαι

The rooster is a bird that calls out very early in the morning. The loud sound he makes is “crowing.”

ἢ δὶς

two times

σὺ…με ἀπαρνήσῃ

“you will say that you do not know me”

Mark 14:31

ἐὰν δέῃ με συναποθανεῖν

“Even if I must die”

ὡσαύτως…καὶ πάντες ἔλεγον

This means that all of the disciples said the same thing that Peter said.

Mark 14:32

When they go to Gethsemane on the Mount of Olives, Jesus encourages three of his disciples to stay awake while he prays. Twice he awakens them, and the third time he tells them to wake up because it is time for the betrayal.

ἔρχονται εἰς χωρίον

The word “they” refers to Jesus and his disciples.

Mark 14:33

ἐκθαμβεῖσθαι

overwhelmed with sorrow

ἀδημονεῖν

The word “deeply” refers to Jesus being greatly troubled in his soul. Alternate translation: “extremely troubled” (See: Metaphor)

Mark 14:34

ἐστιν ἡ ψυχή μου

Jesus speaks of himself as his “soul.” Alternate translation: “I am” (See: Synecdoche)

ἕως θανάτου

Jesus is exaggerating because he feels so much distress and sorrow that he feels like he is about to die, though he knows he will not die until after the sun rises. (See: Hyperbole)

γρηγορεῖτε

The disciples were to stay alert while Jesus prayed. This does not mean that they were supposed to watch Jesus pray.

Mark 14:35

εἰ δυνατόν ἐστιν

This means that if God would allow it to happen. Alternate translation: “if God would allow it” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

παρέλθῃ…ἡ ὥρα

Here “this hour” refers to Jesus’ time of suffering, both now in the garden and later. Alternate translation: “that he would not have to go through this time of suffering” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Mark 14:36

Ἀββά

a term used by Jewish children to address their father. Since it is followed by “Father,” it is best to transliterate this word. (See: Copy or Borrow Words)

ὁ Πατήρ

This is an important title for God. (See: Translating Son and Father)

παρένεγκε τὸ ποτήριον τοῦτο ἀπ’ ἐμοῦ

Jesus speaks of the suffering that he must endure as if it were a cup. (See: Metonymy)

ἀλλ’ οὐ τί ἐγὼ θέλω, ἀλλὰ τί σύ

Jesus is asking God to do what he wants to be done and not what Jesus wants. Alternate translation: “But do not do what I want, do what you want” (See: Ellipsis)

Mark 14:37

εὑρίσκει αὐτοὺς καθεύδοντας

The word “them” refers to Peter, James, and John.

Σίμων, καθεύδεις? οὐκ ἴσχυσας μίαν ὥραν γρηγορῆσαι?

Jesus rebukes Simon Peter for sleeping. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: “Simon, you are asleep when I told you to stay awake. You could not even stay awake for one hour.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Mark 14:38

ἵνα μὴ ἔλθητε εἰς πειρασμόν

Jesus speaks of being tempted as if it were entering into a physical place. Alternate translation: “that you are not tempted” (See: Metaphor)

τὸ μὲν πνεῦμα πρόθυμον, ἡ δὲ σὰρξ ἀσθενής

Jesus warns Simon Peter that he is not strong enough to do what he wants to do in his own strength. Alternate translation: “You are willing in your spirit, but you are too weak to do what you want to do” or “You want to do what I say, but you are weak”

τὸ…πνεῦμα…ἡ…σὰρξ

These refer to two different aspects of Peter. “The spirit” is his inmost desires. “The flesh” is his human ability and strength. (See: Metonymy)

Mark 14:39

τὸν αὐτὸν λόγον εἰπών

“prayed again what he prayed before”

Mark 14:40

εὗρεν αὐτοὺς καθεύδοντας

The word “them” refers to Peter, James, and John.

ἦσαν γὰρ αὐτῶν οἱ ὀφθαλμοὶ καταβαρυνόμενοι

Here the author speaks of a sleepy person having a hard time keeping his eyes open as having “heavy eyes.” Alternate translation: “for they were so sleepy they were having a hard time keeping their eyes open” (See: Metaphor)

Mark 14:41

ἔρχεται τὸ τρίτον

Jesus had gone and prayed again. Then he returned to them a third time. This can be made clear. Alternate translation: “Then he went and prayed again. He returned the third time” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

καθεύδετε τὸ λοιπὸν καὶ ἀναπαύεσθε.

Jesus rebukes his disciples for not staying awake and praying. You can translate this rhetorical question as a statement if needed. Alternate translation: “You are still sleeping and resting!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

ἦλθεν ἡ ὥρα

The time of Jesus’ suffering and betrayal is about to begin.

ἰδοὺ

“Listen!”

παραδίδοται ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου

Jesus warns his disciples that his betrayer is approaching them. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “I, the Son of Man, am being betrayed” (See: Active or Passive)

Mark 14:43

Verse 44 gives background information about how Judas had arranged with the Jewish leaders to betray Jesus. (See: Background Information)

Judas betrays Jesus with a kiss, and the disciples all flee.

Mark 14:44

δὲ ὁ παραδιδοὺς αὐτὸν

This refers to Judas.

αὐτός ἐστιν

Here “the one” refers to the man that Judas was going to identify. Alternate translation: “he is the one you want” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Mark 14:45

κατεφίλησεν αὐτόν

“Judas kissed him”

Mark 14:46

ἐπέβαλαν τὰς χεῖρας αὐτῶν καὶ ἐκράτησαν αὐτόν

These two phrases have the same meaning to emphasize that they seized Jesus. Alternate translation: “grabbed Jesus and seized him” or “seized him” (See: Parallelism)

Mark 14:47

τῶν παρεστηκότων

“who was standing nearby”

Mark 14:48

ἀποκριθεὶς ὁ Ἰησοῦς εἶπεν αὐτοῖς

“Jesus said to the crowd”

ὡς ἐπὶ λῃστὴν ἐξήλθατε μετὰ μαχαιρῶν καὶ ξύλων συνλαβεῖν με?

Jesus is rebuking the crowd. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: “It is ridiculous that you come here to seize me with swords and clubs, as if I were a robber!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Mark 14:49

ἀλλ’ ἵνα

“But this has happened so that”

Mark 14:50

ἀφέντες αὐτὸν…πάντες

This refers to the disciples.

Mark 14:51

σινδόνα

cloth made from the fibers of a flax plant

κρατοῦσιν αὐτόν

“When the men seized that man”

Mark 14:52

ὁ δὲ καταλιπὼν τὴν σινδόνα

As the man was trying to run away, the others would have grabbed at his clothing, trying to stop him.

Mark 14:53

After the crowd of the chief priests, scribes, and elders lead Jesus to the high priest, Peter watches nearby while some stand to give false testimony against Jesus.

συνέρχονται πάντες οἱ ἀρχιερεῖς, καὶ οἱ πρεσβύτεροι, καὶ οἱ γραμματεῖς

This can be reordered so that it is easier to understand. “All of the chief priests, the elders, and the scribes had gathered there together”

Mark 14:54

καὶ

This word is used here to mark a shift in the story line as the author begins telling us about Peter.

ἕως ἔσω εἰς τὴν αὐλὴν τοῦ ἀρχιερέως

As Peter followed Jesus, he stopped at the high priest’s courtyard. This can be written clearly. Alternate translation: “and he went as far as the courtyard of the high priest” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἦν συνκαθήμενος μετὰ τῶν ὑπηρετῶν

Peter sat with the guards who were working at the courtyard. Alternate translation: “He sat in the courtyard among the guards” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Mark 14:55

δὲ

This word is used here to mark a shift in the story line as the author continues telling us about Jesus being put on trial.

εἰς τὸ θανατῶσαι αὐτόν

They were not the ones who would execute Jesus; rather, they would order someone else to do it. Alternate translation: “they might have Jesus executed” or “they might have someone execute Jesus” (See: Metonymy)

οὐχ ηὕρισκον

They did not find testimony against Jesus with which they could convict him and have him put to death. Alternate translation: “But they did not find any testimony with which to convict him” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Mark 14:56

ἐψευδομαρτύρουν κατ’ αὐτοῦ

Here speaking false testimony is described as if it were a physical object that someone can carry. Alternate translation: “accused him by speaking false testimony against him” (See: Metaphor)

ἴσαι αἱ μαρτυρίαι οὐκ ἦσαν

This can be written in positive form. “but their testimony contradicted each other”

Mark 14:57

ἐψευδομαρτύρουν κατ’ αὐτοῦ

Here speaking false testimony is described as if it were a physical object that someone can carry. Alternate translation: “accused him by speaking false testimony against him” (See: Metaphor)

Mark 14:58

ἡμεῖς ἠκούσαμεν αὐτοῦ λέγοντος

“We heard Jesus say.” The word “we” refers to the people who brought false testimony against Jesus and does not include the people to whom they are speaking. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

τὸν χειροποίητον

Here “hands” refers to men. Alternate translation: “made by men…without man’s help” or “built by men…without man’s help” (See: Synecdoche)

διὰ τριῶν ἡμερῶν

“within three days.” This means that the temple would be built within a three-day period.

ἄλλον…οἰκοδομήσω

The word “temple” is understood from the previous phrase. It may be repeated. Alternate translation: “will build another temple” (See: Ellipsis)

Mark 14:59

οὐδὲ…ἴση ἦν

“contradicted each other.” This can be written in positive form.

Mark 14:60

When Jesus answers that he is the Christ, the high priest and all of the leaders there condemn him as one who deserves to die.

ἀναστὰς…εἰς μέσον

Jesus stands up in the middle of the angry crowd to speak to them. Translate this to show who was present when Jesus stood up to speak. Alternate translation: “stood up among the chief priests, scribes, and elders” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

οὐκ ἀποκρίνῃ οὐδέν? τί οὗτοί σου καταμαρτυροῦσιν?

The chief priest is not asking Jesus for information about what the witnesses said. He is asking Jesus to prove what the witnesses said is wrong. Alternate translation: “Are you not going to reply? What do you say in response to the testimony these men are speaking against you?” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Mark 14:61

ὁ…Υἱὸς τοῦ Εὐλογητοῦ

Here God is called “the Blessed.” It is best to translate “Son” with the same word your language would naturally use to refer to a “son” of a human father. Alternate translation: “the Son of the Blessed One” or “the Son of God” (See: Nominal Adjectives and Translating Son and Father)

Mark 14:62

ἐγώ εἰμι

This likely has a double meaning: (1) to respond to the high priest’s question and (2) to call himself “I Am,” which is what God called himself in the Old Testament.

ἐκ δεξιῶν καθήμενον τῆς δυνάμεως

Here “power” is a metonnymm that represents God. To sit at the “right hand of God” is a symbolic action of receiving great honor and authority from God. Alternate translation: “he sits in the place of honor beside the all-powerful God” (See: Metonymy and Symbolic Action)

ἐρχόμενον μετὰ τῶν νεφελῶν τοῦ οὐρανοῦ

Here the clouds are described as accompanying Jesus when he returns. Alternate translation: “when he comes down through the clouds in the sky” (See: Metaphor)

Mark 14:63

διαρρήξας τοὺς χιτῶνας αὐτοῦ

The high priest tore his clothes purposefully to show his outrage and horror at what Jesus has said. Alternate translation: “tore his garments in outrage”

τί ἔτι χρείαν ἔχομεν μαρτύρων?

This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: “We certainly do not need any more people who will testify against this man!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Mark 14:64

ἠκούσατε τῆς βλασφημίας

This refers to what Jesus said, which the high priest called blasphemy. Alternate translation: “You have heard the blasphemy he has spoken” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

οἱ…πάντες

all the people in the room

Mark 14:65

ἤρξαντό τινες ἐμπτύειν

some of the people in the room

περικαλύπτειν αὐτοῦ τὸ πρόσωπον

They covered his face with a cloth or blindfold, so he could not see. Alternate translation: “to cover his face with a blindfold” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

προφήτευσον

They mocked him, asking him to prophesy who was hitting him. Alternate translation: “Prophesy who hit you” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

οἱ ὑπηρέται

men who guarded the governor’s house

Mark 14:66

As Jesus had predicted, Peter denies Jesus three times before the rooster crows.

κάτω ἐν τῇ αὐλῇ

“outside in the courtyard”

μία τῶν παιδισκῶν τοῦ ἀρχιερέως

The servant girls worked for the high priest. Alternate translation: “one of the servant girls who worked for the high priest” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Mark 14:68

ἠρνήσατο

This means to claim that something is not true. In this case, Peter was saying that what the servant girl said about him was not true.

οὔτε οἶδα, οὔτε ἐπίσταμαι σὺ τί λέγεις

Both “know” and “understand” have the same meaning here. The meaning is repeated to add emphasis to what Peter is saying. Alternate translation: “I really do not understand what you are talking about” (See: Doublet)

Mark 14:69

ἡ παιδίσκη

This is the same servant girl who identified Peter previously.

ἐξ αὐτῶν

The people were identifying Peter as one of Jesus’ disciples. This can be made more clear. Alternate translation: “one of Jesus’ disciples” or “one of those who have been with that man they arrested” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Mark 14:71

ἀναθεματίζειν

If in your language you have to name the person who curses someone, state God. Alternate translation: “to say for God to curse him” (See: Idiom)

Mark 14:72

εὐθὺς…ἀλέκτωρ ἐφώνησεν

The rooster is a bird that calls out very early in the morning. The loud sound he makes is “crowing.”

ἐκ δευτέρου

“Second” here is an ordinal number. (See: Ordinal Numbers)

ἐπιβαλὼν

This idiom means that he was overwhelmed with grief and lost control of his emotions. Alternate translation: “he was overwhelmed with grief” or “he lost control of his emotions” (See: Idiom)

Mark 15

Mark 15 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

“The curtain of the temple was split in two”

The curtain in the temple was an important symbol that showed that people needed to have someone speak to God for them. They could not speak to God directly because all people are sinful and God hates sin. God split the curtain to show that Jesus’ people can now speak to God directly because Jesus has paid for their sins.

The tomb

The tomb in which Jesus was buried (Mark 15:46) was the kind of tomb in which wealthy Jewish families buried their dead. It was an actual room cut into a rock. It had a flat place on one side where they could place the body after they had put oil and spices on it and wrapped it in cloth. Then they would roll a large rock in front of the tomb so no one could see inside or enter.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Sarcasm

Both by pretending to worship Jesus (Mark 15:19) and by pretending to speak to a king (Mark 15:18), the soldiers and the Jews showed that they hated Jesus and did not believe that he was the Son of God. (See: Irony and mock, mocker, mockery, ridicule, scoff at, laughingstock)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?

This is a phrase in Aramaic. Mark transliterates its sounds by writing them using Greek letters. He then explains its meaning. (See: Copy or Borrow Words)

Mark 15:1

When the chief priests, the elders, the scribes, and the council gave Jesus over to Pilate, they accused Jesus of doing many bad things. When Pilate asked if what they said was true, Jesus did not answer him.

δήσαντες τὸν Ἰησοῦν, ἀπήνεγκαν

They commanded for Jesus to be bound, but it would have been the guards who actually bound him and led him away. Alternate translation: “they commanded for Jesus to be bound and then he was led away” or “they commanded the guards to bind Jesus and then they led him away” (See: Metonymy)

παρέδωκαν Πειλάτῳ

They had Jesus led to Pilate and transferred control of Jesus over to him.

Mark 15:2

σὺ λέγεις

Possible meanings are (1) by saying this, Jesus was saying that Pilate, not Jesus, was the one calling him the King of the Jews. Alternate translation: “You yourself have said so” or (2) by saying this, Jesus implied that he is the King of the Jews. Alternate translation: “Yes, as you said, I am” or “Yes. It is as you said” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Mark 15:3

κατηγόρουν αὐτοῦ…πολλά

“were accusing Jesus of many things” or “were saying that Jesus had done many bad things”

Mark 15:4

ὁ δὲ Πειλᾶτος πάλιν ἐπηρώτα αὐτὸν

“Pilate asked Jesus again”

οὐκ ἀποκρίνῃ οὐδέν?

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “Do you have an answer”

ἴδε

“Look” or “Listen” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you”

Mark 15:5

ὥστε θαυμάζειν τὸν Πειλᾶτον

It surprised Pilate that Jesus did not reply and defend himself.

Mark 15:6

Pilate, hoping the crowd will choose Jesus, offers to release a prisoner, but the crowd asks for Barabbas instead.

δὲ

This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line as the author shifts to telling background information about Pilate’s tradition of releasing a prisoner at feasts and about Barabbas. (See: Background Information)

Mark 15:7

ἦν δὲ ὁ λεγόμενος Βαραββᾶς, μετὰ τῶν στασιαστῶν δεδεμένος

“At that time there was a man called Barabbas, who was in prison with some other men. They had committed murder when they rebelled against the Roman government”

Mark 15:8

αἰτεῖσθαι καθὼς ἐποίει αὐτοῖς

This refers to Pilate releasing a prisoner at feasts. This can be made clear. Alternate translation: “to release a prisoner to them as he had done in the past” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Mark 15:10

ἐγίνωσκεν γὰρ ὅτι διὰ φθόνον παραδεδώκεισαν αὐτὸν οἱ ἀρχιερεῖς

This is background information about why Jesus was handed over to Pilate. (See: Background Information)

διὰ φθόνον…οἱ ἀρχιερεῖς

They envied Jesus, probably because so many people were following him and becoming his disciples. Alternate translation: “the chief priests were envious of Jesus. This is why they” or “the chief priests were envious of Jesus’ popularity among the people. This is why they” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Mark 15:11

ἀνέσεισαν τὸν ὄχλον

The author speaks of the chief priests rousing or urging the crowd as if the crowd were a bowl of something that they were stirring. Alternate translation: “roused the crowd” or “urged the crowd” (See: Metaphor)

μᾶλλον…ἀπολύσῃ

They requested Barabbas to be released instead of Jesus. Alternate translation: “released instead of Jesus” (See: Ellipsis)

Mark 15:12

The crowd asks for Jesus’ death, so Pilate turns him over to the soldiers, who mock him, crown him with thorns, strike him, and lead him out to crucify him.

τί οὖν ποιήσω λέγετε τὸν Βασιλέα τῶν Ἰουδαίων?

Pilate asks what he should do with Jesus if he releases Barabbas to them. This can be written clearly. Alternate translation: “If I release Barabbas, what then should I do with the King of the Jews” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Mark 15:14

ὁ δὲ Πειλᾶτος ἔλεγεν αὐτοῖς

“Pilate said to the crowd”

Mark 15:15

τῷ ὄχλῳ τὸ ἱκανὸν ποιῆσαι

“make the crowd happy by doing what they wanted him to do”

τὸν Ἰησοῦν φραγελλώσας

Pilate did not actually scourge Jesus but rather his soldiers did.

φραγελλώσας

“flogged.” To “scourge” is to beat with an especially painful whip.

καὶ παρέδωκεν…ἵνα σταυρωθῇ

Pilate told his soliders to take Jesus away to crucify him. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “told his soldiers to take him away and crucify him” (See: Active or Passive)

Mark 15:16

τῆς αὐλῆς, ὅ ἐστιν πραιτώριον

This was where the Roman soldiers in Jerusalem lived, and where the governor stayed when he was in Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “the courtyard of the soldiers’ barracks” or “the courtyard of the governor’s residence”

ὅλην τὴν σπεῖραν

“the whole unit of soldiers”

Mark 15:17

ἐνδιδύσκουσιν αὐτὸν πορφύραν

Purple was a color worn by royalty. The soldiers did not believe that Jesus was king. They clothed him this way to mock him because others said that he was the King of the Jews.

ἀκάνθινον στέφανον

“a crown made of thorny branches”

Mark 15:18

Χαῖρε, Βασιλεῦ τῶν Ἰουδαίων

The greeting “Hail” with a raised hand was only used to greet the Roman emperor. The soldiers did not believe that Jesus was the king of the Jews. Rather they said this to mock him. (See: Irony)

Mark 15:19

καλάμῳ

“a stick” or “a staff”

τιθέντες τὰ γόνατα

A person who kneels bends his knees, so those who kneel are sometimes said to “bend their knees.” Alternate translation: “kneeled” or “knelt” (See: Metaphor)

Mark 15:21

ἀγγαρεύουσιν…ἵνα ἄρῃ τὸν σταυρὸν αὐτοῦ

According to Roman law, a solider could force a man he came upon along the road to carry a load. In this case, they forced Simon to carry Jesus’ cross.

ἀπ’ ἀγροῦ

“from outside the city”

καὶ ἀγγαρεύουσιν, παράγοντά…τὸν πατέρα Ἀλεξάνδρου καὶ Ῥούφου

This is background information about the man whom the soldiers forced to carry Jesus’ cross. (See: Background Information)

Σίμωνα…Ἀλεξάνδρου…Ῥούφου

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

Κυρηναῖον

This is the name of a place. (See: How to Translate Names)

Mark 15:22

The soldiers bring Jesus to Golgotha, where they crucify him with two others. Many people mock him.

Κρανίου Τόπος

“Skull Place” or “Place of the Skull.” This the name of a place. It does not mean that there are lots of skulls there. (See: How to Translate Names)

Κρανίου

A skull is the head bones, or a head without any flesh on it.

Mark 15:23

ἐσμυρνισμένον οἶνον

It may be helpful to explain that myrrh is a pain-relieving medicine. Alternate translation: “wine mixed with a medicine called myrrh” or “wine mixed with a pain-relieving medicine called myrrh” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Mark 15:25

ὥρα τρίτη

“Third” here is a ordinal number. This refers to nine o’clock in the morning. Alternate translation: “nine o’clock in the morning” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

Mark 15:26

τῆς αἰτίας αὐτοῦ

“the crime they were accusing him of doing”

Mark 15:27

ἕνα ἐκ δεξιῶν καὶ ἕνα ἐξ εὐωνύμων αὐτοῦ

This can be written more clearly. Alternate translation: “one on a cross on the right side of him and one on a cross on the left side of him” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Mark 15:29

κινοῦντες τὰς κεφαλὰς αὐτῶν

This is an action people do to show that they disapproved of Jesus.

οὐὰ

This is a exclamation of mockery. Use the appropriate exclamation in your language. (See: Exclamations)

ὁ καταλύων τὸν ναὸν καὶ οἰκοδομῶν ἐν τρισὶν ἡμέραις

The people refer to Jesus by what he earlier prophesied that he would do. Alternate translation: “You who said you would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Mark 15:31

ὁμοίως

This refers to the way that the people who were walking by Jesus were mocking him.

ἐμπαίζοντες πρὸς ἀλλήλους

“were saying mocking things about Jesus among themselves”

Mark 15:32

ὁ Χριστὸς, ὁ Βασιλεὺς Ἰσραὴλ καταβάτω

The leaders did not believe that Jesus is the Christ, the King of Israel. Alternate translation: “He calls himself the Christ and the King of Israel. So let him come down” or “If he is really the Christ and the King of Israel, he should come down” (See: Irony)

πιστεύσωμεν

The means to believe in Jesus. Alternate translation: “believe in him” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ὠνείδιζον

mocked, insulted

Mark 15:33

At noon darkness covers the whole land until three o’clock, when Jesus cries out with a loud voice and dies. When Jesus dies, the temple curtain rips from the top to the bottom.

ὥρας ἕκτης

This refers to noon or 12 p.m.

σκότος ἐγένετο ἐφ’ ὅλην τὴν γῆν

Here the author describes it becoming dark outside as if the darkness were a wave that moved over the land. Alternate translation: “the whole land became dark” (See: Metaphor)

Mark 15:34

τῇ ἐνάτῃ ὥρᾳ

This refers to three o’clock in the afternoon. Alternate translation: “At three o’clock in the afternoon” or “In the middle of the afternoon”

Ἐλωῒ, Ἐλωῒ, λεμὰ σαβαχθάνει

These are Aramaic words that should be copied as is into your language with similar sounds. (See: Copy or Borrow Words)

ἐστιν μεθερμηνευόμενον

“means”

Mark 15:35

καί τινες τῶν παρεστηκότων, ἀκούσαντες ἔλεγον

It can be stated clearly that they misunderstood what Jesus said. Alternate translation: “When some of those standing there heard his words, they misunderstood and said” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Mark 15:36

ὄξους

“vinegar”

καλάμῳ

“stick.” This was a staff made from a reed.

ἐπότιζεν αὐτόν

“gave it to Jesus.” The man held up the staff so that Jesus could drink wine from the sponge. Alternate translation: “held it up to Jesus” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Mark 15:38

τὸ καταπέτασμα τοῦ ναοῦ ἐσχίσθη εἰς δύο

Mark is showing that God himself split the temple curtain. This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “God split the curtain of the temple in two” (See: Active or Passive)

Mark 15:39

ὁ κεντυρίων

This is the centurion who supervised the soldiers who crucified Jesus.

ὁ παρεστηκὼς ἐξ ἐναντίας αὐτοῦ

Here “faced” is an idiom that means to look towards someone. Alternate translation: “who stood in front of Jesus” (See: Idiom)

ὅτι οὕτως ἐξέπνευσεν

“how Jesus had died” or “the way Jesus had died”

Υἱὸς Θεοῦ

This is an important title for Jesus. (See: Translating Son and Father)

Mark 15:40

ἀπὸ μακρόθεν θεωροῦσαι

“watched from far away”

ἡ Ἰακώβου τοῦ μικροῦ καὶ Ἰωσῆ μήτηρ

“who was the mother of James…and of Joses.” This can be written without the parentheses.

Ἰακώβου τοῦ μικροῦ

“the younger James.” This man was referred to as “the younger” probably to distinguish him from another man named James.

Ἰωσῆ

This Joses was not that same person as the younger brother of Jesus. See how you translated the same name in Mark 6:3. (See: How to Translate Names)

Σαλώμη

Salome is the name of a woman. (See: How to Translate Names)

Mark 15:41

αἳ ὅτε ἦν ἐν τῇ Γαλιλαίᾳ ἠκολούθουν αὐτῷ…αὐτῷ εἰς Ἱεροσόλυμα

“When Jesus was in Galilee these women followed him…with him to Jerusalem.” This is background information about the women who watched the crucifixion from a distance. (See: Background Information)

συναναβᾶσαι αὐτῷ εἰς Ἱεροσόλυμα

Jerusalem was higher than almost any other place in Israel, so it was normal for people to speak of going up to Jerusalem and going down from it.

Mark 15:42

Joseph of Arimathea asks Pilate for the body of Jesus, which he wraps in linen and puts in a tomb.

ὀψίας γενομένης

Here evening is spoken of as if it were something that is able to “come” from one place to another. Alternate translation: “it had become evening” or “it was evening” (See: Metaphor)

Mark 15:43

ἐλθὼν Ἰωσὴφ ὁ ἀπὸ Ἁριμαθαίας, εὐσχήμων

The phrase “came there” refers to Joseph coming to Pilate, which is also described after the background information is given, but his coming is referenced before for emphasis and to help introduce him to the story. There may be a different way to do this in your language. Alternate translation: “Joseph of Arimathea was a respected” (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

Ἰωσὴφ ὁ ἀπὸ Ἁριμαθαίας

“Joseph from Arimathea.” Joseph is the name of a man, and Arimathea is the name of the place his is from. (See: How to Translate Names)

εὐσχήμων βουλευτής…τὴν Βασιλείαν τοῦ Θεοῦ

This is background information about Joseph. (See: Background Information)

εἰσῆλθεν πρὸς τὸν Πειλᾶτον

“went to Pilate” or “went in to where Pilate was”

ᾐτήσατο τὸ σῶμα τοῦ Ἰησοῦ

It can be stated clearly that he wanted to get the body so that he could bury it. Alternate translation: “asked for permission to get the body of Jesus in order to bury it” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Mark 15:44

ὁ δὲ Πειλᾶτος ἐθαύμασεν εἰ ἤδη τέθνηκεν; καὶ προσκαλεσάμενος τὸν κεντυρίωνα

Pilate heard people saying that Jesus was dead. This surprised him, so he asked the centurion if it was true. This can be made clear. Alternate translation: “Pilate was amazed when he heard that Jesus was already dead, so he called the centurion” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Mark 15:45

ἐδωρήσατο τὸ πτῶμα τῷ Ἰωσήφ

“he permitted Joseph to take Jesus’ body”

Mark 15:46

σινδόνα

Linen is cloth made from the fibers of a flax plant. See how you translated this in Mark 14:51.

καθελὼν αὐτὸν…καὶ προσεκύλισεν λίθον

You may need to make explicit that Joseph probably had help from other people when he took Jesus’ body down from the cross, prepared it for the tomb, and closed the tomb. Alternate translation: “He and others took him down…Then they rolled a stone” (See: Metonymy)

μνήματι ὃ ἦν λελατομημένον ἐκ πέτρας

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “a tomb that someone had previously cut out of solid rock” (See: Active or Passive)

λίθον ἐπὶ

“a huge flat stone in front of”

Mark 15:47

Ἰωσῆτος

This Joses was not that same person as the younger brother of Jesus. See how you translated the same name in Mark 6:3. (See: How to Translate Names)

ἐθεώρουν ποῦ τέθειται

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the place where Joseph and the others buried Jesus’ body” (See: Active or Passive)

Mark 16

Mark 16 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

The tomb

The tomb in which Jesus was buried (Mark 15:46) was the kind of tomb in which wealthy Jewish families buried their dead. It was an actual room cut into a rock. It had a flat place on one side where they could place the body after they had put oil and spices on it and wrapped it in cloth. Then they would roll a large rock in front of the tomb so no one could see inside or enter.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

A young man dressed in a white robe

Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John all wrote about angels in white clothing with the women at Jesus’ tomb. Two of the authors called them men, but that is only because the angels were in human form. Two of the authors wrote about two angels, but the other two authors wrote about only one of them. It is best to translate each of these passages as it appears in the ULT without trying to make the passages all say exactly the same thing. (See: Matthew 28:1-2 and Mark 16:5 and Luke 24:4 and John 20:12)

Mark 16:1

On the first day of the week, women come early because they expect to use spices to anoint Jesus’ body. They are surprised to see a young man who tells them Jesus is alive, but they are afraid and do not tell anyone.

καὶ διαγενομένου τοῦ Σαββάτου

That is, after the Sabbath, the seventh day of the week, had ended and the first day of the week had begun.

Mark 16:4

ἀποκεκύλισται ὁ λίθος

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “someone had rolled away the stone” (See: Active or Passive)

Mark 16:6

ἠγέρθη

The angel is emphatically stating that Jesus has risen from the dead. This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “He arose!” or “God raised him from the dead!” or “He raised himself from the dead!” (See: Active or Passive)