Mark wrote about what Jesus did during his last three years on earth. Mark called Jesus “God’s servant” (see: Mark 10:45). In this book, Jesus always served God and other people. According to Mark, Jesus travelled to different places, taught people, and did many miracles. Jesus did these miracles to prove that he taught true things from God. Mark wrote about the miracles of Jesus more than any other gospel writer.
Mark wrote that Jesus was both God and man. The things Jesus said and did allowed people to know how to do things and say things that honor God.
See: Miracle; Gospel; Jesus is God
In the gospel, the author does not write who the author was. Also, the author did not say that he saw everything that he wrote about.
Two of the first Christian leaders, wrote letters writing the author was Mark. These letters are not in the Bible.
In the Bible, Mark was also called John (see: Acts 12:12, 25; 15:37). His mother was a woman named Mary and she lived in Jerusalem (see: Acts 12:12). Mark’s cousin was Barnabas (see: Colossians 4:10).
Mark traveled with Barnabas and Paul on the first missionary trip (see: Acts 13:5).
Mark was a friend to the apostle Peter, (see: 1 Peter 5:13). Mark learned most of the things he wrote about from Peter.
See: Gospel; Paul's Missionary Journeys;Apostle
In the gospel, the author did not speak about the people to whom he wrote. Mark wrote in the Greek language. He explained Aramaic words. So it is thought the readers did not know Aramaic (see:Mar k3:17, 5:41, 7:11, 7:34, 10:46, 14:36, 15:22, and 15:34).
Mark did not explain the different names for Jesus such as Messiah, Son of God, Son of David, Lord, and the “Son of Man.” He also did not explain the words gospel, King Herod, Pilate, and many of the towns in his book. Because he did not explain these words, the audience probably knew these words and believed in Jesus.
Mark wrote fourteen Latin words that were spoken by the people in Rome. One example was when he explained the value of the two coins the widow gave (see: Mark 12:42). He wrote the Latin name for the coin. Because of these Latin words, scholars think Mark wrote to people in Rome.
See: Gospel;Languages in the New Testament; Messiah (Christ); Son of God;Son of Man
See Map: Rome
In the first part of Mark’s gospel Jesus did not tell people that he was the messiah. In the second part of Mark’s gospel, he told his disciples that he was the messiah. However, Jesus told them not to tell anybody.
See: Messiah (Christ); Gospel;Messianic Secret; Disciple
The “suffering servant” was a certain person who serves God and suffers for doing it. Isaiah prophesied about this person (see: Isaiah 53). This person is Jesus. Mark said, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (see: Mark 10:45)
Jesus not only came to serve God and man, he commanded Christians to do the same.
See: Prophecy (Prophesy) ; Son of Man
Jesus often called himself the “Son of Man.” He did this because he was a man who served God and would die.
However, the “Son of Man” had a different meaning in the book of Daniel (see: Daniel 7:13-14). In those verses, the Son of Man was a specific person who would have all power and judge all people. When Jesus called himself the Son of Man, he wanted to say that he was not just a man who served God. He would also rule the world and judge everyone.
See: Ezekiel 2:1
See: Son of Man
#### Son of God
Jesus is sometimes called the “Son of God.” In Mark, other people often call Jesus the “Son of God.”
See: Son of God
Mark often wrote about the kingdom of God.
See: Kingdom of God
Mark wanted to tell people about the gospel of Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God (see: Mark 1:1). Jesus was both the “Son of God” and the “Son of Man.” He was a humble man who served other people. He rescued people and got them to worship God. Jesus tells everyone to trust him and to follow him.
See: Gospel; Messiah (Christ); Son of God; Son of Man
1 This is the beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
2 As it is written in Isaiah the prophet,
"Look, I am sending my messenger before your face,
the one who will prepare your way.
3 The voice of one crying out in the wilderness,
'Make ready the way of the Lord;
make his paths straight.'"
4 John came, baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 The whole country of Judea and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. They were baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins. 6 John wore a coat of camel's hair and a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey.
7 He was preaching, saying, "One will come after me who is more powerful than I; the strap of his sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8 I baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."
9 It happened in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee, and he was baptized by John in the Jordan River. 10 As Jesus came up out of the water, he saw the heavens split open and the Spirit coming down on him like a dove. 11 A voice came out of the heavens, "You are my beloved Son. I am very pleased with you."
12 Then the Spirit compelled him to go out into the wilderness. 13 He was in the wilderness forty days being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and the angels served him.
14 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God. 15 He said, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the gospel."
16 When he was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net in the sea, for they were fishermen. 17 Jesus said to them, "Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." 18 Then immediately they left the nets and followed him. 19 As Jesus was walking on a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and John his brother; they were in the boat mending the nets. 20 He called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants, and they followed him.
21 Then they came into Capernaum, and on the Sabbath, Jesus went into the synagogue and taught. 22 They were astonished at his teaching, for he was teaching them as someone who has authority and not as the scribes. 23 Just then a man in their synagogue who had an unclean spirit cried out, 24 saying, "What do we have to do with you, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are. You are the Holy One of God!"
25 Jesus rebuked the demon and said, "Be quiet and come out of him!" 26 The unclean spirit threw him down and went out from him while crying out with a loud voice. 27 All the people were amazed, so they asked each other, "What is this? A new teaching with authority! He even commands the unclean spirits and they obey him!" 28 The news about him went out everywhere into the whole region of Galilee.
29 After coming out of the synagogue, they came into the house of Simon and Andrew, along with James and John. 30 Now Simon's mother-in-law was lying sick with a fever, and they told Jesus about her. 31 So he came, took her by the hand, and raised her up; the fever left her, and she started serving them.
32 That evening after the sun had set, they brought to him all who were sick or possessed by demons. 33 The whole city gathered together at the door. 34 He healed many who were sick with various diseases and cast out many demons, but he did not allow the demons to speak because they knew him.
35 He got up very early, while it was still dark; he left and went out into a solitary place and there he prayed. 36 Simon and those who were with him searched for him. 37 They found him and they said to him, "Everyone is looking for you."
38 He said, "Let us go elsewhere, out into the surrounding towns, so that I may preach there also. That is why I came out here." 39 He went throughout all of Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and casting out demons.
40 A leper came to him. He was begging him; he knelt down and said to him, "If you are willing, you can make me clean."
41 Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched him, saying to him, "I am willing. Be clean." 42 Immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean. 43 Jesus strictly warned him and sent him away. 44 He said to him, "Be sure to say nothing to anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, as a testimony to them." 45 But he went out and began to declare it freely and spread the word, so much so that Jesus could no longer enter a town openly but he stayed out in remote places. Yet people were still coming to him from everywhere.
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in 1:2-3, which is a quotation from the Old Testament.
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)
Mark begins this book about Jesus Christ with the words that the prophet Isaiah wrote long before that time. Then he tells how John the Baptist and Jesus Christ fulfilled that prophecy.
Repent means stop sinning. John the Baptist taught people to repent so that God would forgive their sins. Jesus taught people to repent and to believe the good news about the kingdom of God.
Jesus went around preaching the good news of God, casting demons out of people, and healing people who were sick.
[1:1]
See: Gospel
[1:1]
See: Son of God
[1:4]
Mark wrote about John the Baptist fulfilling a prophecy from the Old Testament. Three different prophets spoke about this prophecy (see: Exodus 23:20; Isaiah 40:3; Malachi 3:1). Mark wanted people to know that God promised to do something, and it happened. God promised that a prophet would come before the messiah to tell people that the messiah was coming. John the Baptist was this promised prophet.
See: Messiah (Christ); Prophecy (Prophesy) ; Prophet; Messiah (Christ)
[1:4, 1:5]
John the Baptist served God by telling people that they needed to repent. They needed to worship and obey God. They were unclean because they disobeyed God. They needed to be made clean. John also served God by baptizing people who believed in God and repented of their sins.
See: Confess (Confession); Sin; Clean and Unclean; Baptize (Baptism); Gentile; Confess (Confession)
[1:4, 1:5]
John’s baptism was not like other baptisms. John’s baptism helped people get ready for the messiah. People wanted to follow the messiah, so they confessed their sins. They were at peace with God for a time. This helped them to know the messiah when they heard him speak. In ancient Israel, other leaders might have baptized and preached repentance. However, only John prepared the people in Judea and in Jerusalem for Jesus.
See: Clean and Unclean; Preach (Preacher); Repent (Repentance); Clean and Unclean
See Map: Jerusalem; Judea
[1:5]
See Map: Judea; Jerusalem
[1:6]
The Jews thought the prophet Elijah would come back to earth before the messiah (see: Malachi 4:5). Elijah was a prophet who wore a coat made of hair and a leather belt around his waist (see:2 Kings 1:8). John dressed in the same way as Elijah.
Both Elijah and John lived in the wilderness. People who lived in the wilderness ate locusts and honey.
Mark wrote these things so everyone would know that John was the prophet who God promised to send before the messiah came. John told people that the messiah would be there soon.
See: Wilderness; Messiah (Christ); Locust; Wilderness
[1:7]
In ancient Israel, people thought that feet were very dirty. Because of this, only servants or slaves would touch someone’s feet. It dishonored someone to touch dirty feet. However, John thought that even touching Jesus’ feet was a greater honor than John deserved.
Advice to translators: A sandal is a certain type of shoe. It does not cover the entire foot.
See: Clean and Unclean
[1:8]
John’s baptism was a way for people to show other people that they wanted to obey and honor God. They wanted to stop sinning. Jesus baptizes people with the Holy Spirit. That is, he did not just wash their body with water. They were baptized because they believed in Jesus.
See: Matthew 3:11; Luke 3:3-16; John 1:19-34; Acts 2
See: Spirit (Spiritual); Holy Spirit;Spirit (Spiritual)
[1:10]
Mark wrote that the heavens were “split open” or tore and opened when Jesus came out of the water. Mark wrote the same word to write about God tearing the curtain of the temple from top to bottom when Jesus died on the cross (see: Mark 15:38). This was at the beginning and the end of Mark’s gospel. Mark wanted people to know that Jesus is the Son of God. Mark wrote about the heavens opening because he wanted to say that God was allowing people to know more about God.
See: Heaven; Cross; Gospel; Son of God; God;Heaven
[1:11]
The voice saying “You are my beloved Son” was saying that the messiah had come to earth. After this, Jesus began to do certain things to serve God and tell people that he was the messiah. God sent the Holy Spirit as a dove so people would know that God had anointed Jesus for ministry.
The words spoken by God the father made the readers think about Isaiah 42:1.
See: Psalms 2:7; Matthew 3:13-17; Luke 3:21-23
See: Anoint (Anointing); God the Father; Holy Spirit; Messiah (Christ); Minister (Ministry); Anoint (Anointing)
[1:12]
Jesus went to the wilderness because the Holy Spirit wanted him to go there. Jesus completely obeyed the Holy Spirit and went to the wilderness.
See: Baptize (Baptism); Holy Spirit; Baptize (Baptism)
[1:13]
God sent Jesus into the wilderness. This is because Satan was going to tempt him. Jesus was given choices to follow God or not. Jesus obeyed God because he trusted God. Jesus did not sin when he was tempted. He did not follow Satan. After the temptations, angels served Jesus because his body was weak.
See: Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-13
See: Angel; Tempt (Temptation); Angel
[1:14]
John was put in prison because he told Herod that he could not marry his brother’s wife, Herodias. John said that Herod broke the law by marrying Herodias.
[1:14]
See Map: Galilee
[1:15]
Jesus said that the kingdom of God was near. Some scholars think Jesus’ kingdom was on the earth. He was the king of the earthly kingdom.
Other scholars think Jesus wanted to say the “kingdom of God” has started so that people did not have to sin any more. God rules the things someone thinks and the things they do when they believe in Jesus and do the things he said to do. Before, people could only do evil before Jesus came to earth. Now people can return to God and do the things that honor him.
Other scholars think Jesus was coming to offer to his kingdom to Israel. His kingdom was going to begin if they believed in him. Because they rejected him, his kingdom did not begin.
See: Matthew 4:12-17; Luke
See: Proclaim (Proclamation); Messiah (Christ); Proclaim (Proclamation)
[1:17]
Jesus used a metaphor when he said they would be “fishers of men.” Peter, Andrew, John and James were all fishermen. They fished to earn money. Jesus said this to say that they were no longer going to catch fish for money. Instead, they would bring men to God by telling them about the gospel. Jesus wanted to tell them they would serve God in a different way.
[1:18]
Andrew heard what John the Baptist said about Jesus (see: John 1:40). Andrew was ready to follow Jesus because of John. Andrew found his brother Peter. Peter was also ready to follow Jesus (see: John 1:41-42).
[1:20]
The disciples left their family, their work, and their homes to follow Jesus. They left everything that they had. Mark wrote that they did not leave their father to fish without help. He had hired men who would help him. They honored their father by making sure he was not alone.
See: Matthew 4:18-22; John 1:40-42
See: Disciple
See Map: Sea of Galilee
[1:21]
See Map: Capernaum
[1:21]
See: Sabbath
[1:21]
See: Synagogue
[1:22]
In ancient Israel, teachers said what other teachers that came before them said. Jesus’ teaching was different. He taught what God commanded. Jesus did not follow the things that other people taught because other people taught it. He only taught about what God said and the people were amazed.
[1:23]
The unclean spirits cried out. That is, they were afraid. They knew that Jesus is God and will one day judge them and punish them.
[1:24]
See Map: Nazareth
[1:24]
Jesus is the holy one of God. That is, he is the messiah.
See: Messiah (Christ)
[1:25]
Jesus made others know that he had power over the demons when he told them to be quiet. They needed Jesus’ permission to speak.
See: Demon
[1:27]
The people were amazed because even the demons did what Jesus told them to do. He had power that they had never seen before.
See: Luke 4:31-37
[1:31]
Mark wrote that Peter’s mother-in-law served Jesus so everyone would know that Jesus had completely healed her.
See: Matthew 8:14-15; Luke 4:38-39
How was someone possessed by a demon?
See: Demon Possession (Casting Out Demons)
[1:32]
Mark wrote that people came to Jesus after sunset. The people wanted to follow the Law of Moses and not do any work on the Sabbath. The Jewish leaders taught that carrying a person who could not walk was work. Therefore, it was against the Law of Moses. The people waited until after the Sabbath was over at sunset to come to Jesus for healing.
### Why did Mark write Jesus woke up early and prayed in a quiet place alone?
[1:35]
Mark wrote about Jesus getting up early in the morning and praying. For Jesus, prayer was the most significant part of his day. He was able to talk and listen to God the father. God the father told Jesus what he needed to do while he prayed. This is the beginning of Jesus’ preaching and healing in Galilee.
See: Preach (Preacher); Preach (Preacher)
See Map: Galilee
[1:40]
See: Leprosy (Leper)
[1:41]
A person became unclean if they touched a leper. This is what is written in the Law of Moses. Mark wanted people to know that Jesus touched the leper. Jesus did not worry about being unclean because he leper was made clean and was healed of his leprosy when Jesus touched him.
See: Leprosy (Leper); Law of Moses; Leprosy (Leper)
[1:44]
The Law of Moses required a leper to show himself to the priest. The priest would pronounce that he was clean. In this way, Jesus was following the Law of Moses. Mark wrote that Jesus healed three different people. He told each of them not to tell anyone (see: 1:44; 5:43; and 7:36). The leper who was cured did not obey Jesus. He told everyone. Crowds then came to be healed by Jesus instead of coming to hear Jesus teach. Because of the crowds, Jesus could no longer teach in the synagogues. He began to teach outside of the towns where no one lived.
See: Matthew 8:1-4; Luke 5:12-16
See: Synagogue;Leprosy (Leper); Priest (Priesthood); Clean and Unclean;Synagogue
The author of this book is Mark, also called John Mark. He was the son of one of the women named Mary mentioned in the four Gospels. He was also the nephew of Barnabas. This whole book is about Jesus Christ.
This is an important title for Jesus.
Mark begins this book with the words that the prophet Isaiah wrote long ago about a messenger who would come and tell the people to get ready for the Lord's coming. Verses 4-15 show how this prophecy was fulfilled by John the Baptist and Jesus Christ.
This is an idiom that means "ahead of you."
Here the word "your" refers to the Lord and is singular.
This refers to the messenger.
Doing this represents preparing the people for the Lord's arrival. Alternate translation: "will prepare the people for your arrival"
This verse tells how the messenger in verse 2 would prepare the Lord's way.
This phrase can be expressed as a sentence. Alternate translation: "The voice of one crying out in the wilderness is heard" or "They hear the sound of someone crying out in the wilderness"
These two phrases mean the same thing.
"Get the road ready for the Lord." Doing this represents being prepared to hear the Lord's message when he comes. Alternate translation: "Prepare yourselves for the Lord to come" or "Be ready for the Lord when he comes"
The events in Mark 1:4-15 are a fulfillment of what Isaiah had prophesied. John was the "messenger" of verse 2 and "the one calling out in the wilderness" of verse 3.
Translators can make it explicit that John's coming was a fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy. Alternate translation: "So John came" or "In fulfillment of that prophecy, John came"
The words "The whole country" are a metonym 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"
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"
Locusts and wild honey were foods that John could find in the wilderness. Wild honey is honey that wild bees make.
"John was preaching"
John was comparing himself to a servant to show how great the one to come would be. Alternate translation: "I am not even worthy to do the lowly task of removing his shoes"
People often wore sandals that were made of leather and were tied to their feet with leather straps.
"bend down"
John was contrasting how he was purifying people with water with how the one to come would purify people with the Holy Spirit. To baptize with the Holy Spirit is a metaphor meaning that that person would send the Holy Spirit to purify people. The Holy Spirit would then live in them and empower them to stop sinning and to obey God. If possible, use the same word for "baptize" here as you used for John's baptism.
This marks the beginning of a new event in the story.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "John baptized him"
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.
This represents God speaking. Sometimes people avoid referring directly to God because they respect him. Alternate translation: "God spoke from the heavens"
This is an important title for Jesus. The Father calls Jesus his "beloved Son" because of his eternal love for him.
After Jesus's baptism, he is in the wilderness for 40 days and then goes to Galilee to teach and call his disciples.
"forced Jesus to go out"
"He stayed in the wilderness"
"40 days"
"He was among"
"after John was placed in prison." Mark is referring to when King Herod had John arrested. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "after King Herod had John arrested" or "after soldiers arrested John"
"telling many people about the good news"
"It is now time"
Possible meanings are 1) God was beginning to rule. Alternate translation: "God is beginning to rule over all" or 2) God would soon rule over all. Alternate translation: "God is about to rule over all"
"Jesus saw Simon and Andrew"
The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "throwing a net into the water to catch fish"
"Follow me" or "Come with me"
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"
human beings, persons, people, not specifically males
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This was probably James and John's boat.
"repairing the nets"
It may be helpful to state clearly why Jesus called to James and John. Alternate translation: "called them to come with him"
"servants who worked for them"
James and John went with Jesus.
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.
"arrived at Capernaum"
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"
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The demon asked this rhetorical question meaning that there was no reason for Jesus to interfere with him or any other demon. Alternate translation: "Jesus of Nazareth, leave us alone! There is no reason for you to interfere with us."
These pronouns are exclusive. They refer to the demon inside the man and all other demons, but do not include the listener.
The demon asked this rhetorical question to urge Jesus not to harm him or any other demon. Alternate translation: "Do not destroy us!"
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Here the word "him" refers to the demon-possessed man.
"and cried out with a loud voice as it went out from him"
The people used a question to show how amazed they were. It can be expressed as an exclamation. Alternate translation: "so they said to each other, 'This is amazing! ... they obey him!'"
The people used this exclamation to express their amazement at Jesus' teaching. It can also be expressed as a full sentence. Alternate translation: "He gives a new teaching, and he speaks with authority!" or "He teaches something new, and he has authority!"
This was evidence of Jesus' authority.
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The word "Now" marks a pause in the story. In this sentence, Mark introduces Simon's mother-in-law to the story and gives background information about her.
"caused her to stand" or "made her able to get out of bed"
You may want to make explicit who healed her. Alternate translation: "Jesus healed her of the fever"
You may want to make explicit that she served food. Alternate translation: "she provided them with food and drinks"
"the people brought to Jesus"
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"
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"
"Jesus healed"
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.
"Jesus got up"
"a place where he could be alone"
Here "him" refers to Simon. Also, those with him include Andrew, James, John, and possibly other people.
The word "Everyone" is an exaggeration to emphasize that many people were looking for Jesus. Alternate translation: "Many people are looking for you"
Here the words "he" and "I" refer to Jesus.
"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.
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"
"A leper came to Jesus. He knelt down and was begging Jesus and said"
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"
"want" or "desire"
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"
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"
It may be helpful to state what Jesus is willing to do. Alternate translation: "I am willing to make you clean"
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The word "him" used here refers to the leper whom Jesus healed.
"Be sure to not say anything to anyone"
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.
The word "yourself" here represents the skin of the leper. Alternate translation: "show your skin"
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."
The word "he" refers to the man Jesus healed.
Here "declare it freely" 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"
The man spread the news so much that
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"
"lonely places" or "places where no one lived"
The word "everywhere" is a hyperbole used to emphasize how very many places the people came from. Alternate translation: "from all over the region"
Isaiah predicted that God would send a messenger, a voice of someone calling out in the wilderness, to prepare the way of the Lord.
Isaiah predicted that God would send a messenger, a voice of someone calling out in the wilderness, to prepare the way of the Lord.
John came preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
The people confessed their sins as they were baptized by John.
John ate locusts and wild honey.
John said the one coming after him would baptize with the Holy Spirit.
After being baptized, Jesus saw the heavens split open and the Spirit descend on him as a dove.
The voice from heaven said, "You are my beloved Son; I am very pleased with you".
The Spirit drove Jesus out into the wilderness.
Jesus was in the wilderness forty days, and he was tempted by Satan there.
Jesus preached that the kingdom of God was near, and that people must repent and believe in the gospel.
Simon and Andrew were fishermen.
Jesus said he would make Simon and Andrew fishers of men.
James and John were fishermen.
Jesus' teaching astonished the people because Jesus taught as one with authority.
The unclean spirit in the synagogue gave Jesus the title of the Holy One of God.
The news about Jesus went out everywhere.
When they went into Simon's house, Jesus healed Simon's mother-in-law.
When it was evening, the people brought all who were sick or possessed by demons, and Jesus healed them.
When it was evening, the people brought all who were sick or possessed by demons, and Jesus healed them.
When it was evening, the people brought all who were sick or possessed by demons, and Jesus healed them.
Before the sun rose, Jesus went out to a solitary place and prayed there.
Jesus said that he had come to preach in the surrounding towns.
Jesus said that he had come to preach in the surrounding towns.
Jesus had pity on the leper and healed him.
Jesus had pity on the leper and healed him.
Jesus had pity on the leper and healed him.
Jesus told the leper to go offer the sacrifices according to what Moses commanded as a testimony.
1 When Jesus came back to Capernaum after a few days, it was heard that he was at home. 2 So many gathered there that there was no more space, not even at the door, and he spoke the word to them. 3 Then some men came to him who were bringing a paralyzed man; four people were carrying him. 4 When they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof that was above Jesus, and after they made an opening, they lowered the mat the paralyzed man was lying on. 5 Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, "Son, your sins are forgiven."
6 Now some of the scribes were sitting there, and they reasoned in their hearts, 7 "How can this man speak this way? He blasphemes! Who can forgive sins but God alone?"
8 Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit what they were thinking within themselves. He said to them, "Why are you thinking this in your hearts? 9 Which is easier, to say to the paralyzed man, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up, take up your mat and walk'? 10 But in order that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins," he said to the paralytic, 11 "I say to you, get up, take up your mat, and go to your house."
12 He got up and immediately took up the mat, and went out of the house in front of everyone, so that they were all amazed and they gave glory to God, and they said, "We never saw anything like this."
13 He went out again by the lake, and all the crowd came to him, and he taught them. 14 As he passed by, he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax collector's tent and he said to him, "Follow me." He got up and followed him.
15 Jesus was having a meal in Levi's house and many tax collectors and sinners were dining with him and his disciples, for there were many and they followed him. 16 When the scribes, who were Pharisees, saw that Jesus was eating with sinners and tax collectors, they said to his disciples, "Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?"
17 When Jesus heard this he said to them, "People who are strong in body do not need a physician; only people who are sick need one. I did not come to call righteous people, but sinners."
18 Now John's disciples and the Pharisees were fasting. Some people came and said to him, "Why do John's disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?"
19 Jesus said to them, "Can the wedding attendants fast while the bridegroom is still with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast. 20 But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and in those days, they will fast. 21 No one sews a piece of new cloth on an old garment. Otherwise the patch tears away from it, the new from the old, and there is a worse tear. 22 No one puts new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise the wine will burst the skins and both the wine and the wineskins are lost. Instead, new wine is put into fresh wineskins."
23 On the Sabbath day Jesus went through some grainfields, and his disciples began picking heads of grain as they made their way. 24 The Pharisees said to him, "Look, why are they doing something that is not lawful on the Sabbath day?"
25 He said to them, "Have you never read what David did when he was in need and hungry—he and the men who were with him— 26 how he went into the house of God when Abiathar was high priest, and ate the bread of the presence, which is unlawful for anyone to eat except the priests, and he even gave some to those who were with him?" 27 Jesus said, "The Sabbath was made for mankind, not mankind for the Sabbath. 28 Therefore, the Son of Man is Lord, even of the Sabbath."
When the people of Jesus's 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)
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)
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
[2:1]
Mark wrote that Jesus was “at home.” He did not return to the place where his family lived. He went to Capernaum. Jesus left and returned there many times. Scholars think this was Simon and Andrew’s home (see: Mark 1:29).
See Map: Capernaum
[2:2]
Mark wrote that Jesus “spoke the word.” This was a metaphor. He wanted to write that Jesus taught things about God. People needed to do the things he taught because they were the things God wanted them to do.
See: Metaphor
[2:4]
Mark wanted people to know that these people were going to get their sick friend to Jesus no matter how hard it might be. In ancient Israel, homes usually had an outside stairway or ladder that went up to a flat roof. The roofs were made of slabs of burnt or dried clay. This was placed on supporting beams that stretched from one wall to another wall. The friends removed some of these slabs to make a hole in the roof. They then lowered the sick man into the room with Jesus.
Advice to translators: A slab is something that is large and flat. It may be 1 to 3 meters long and wide, but only a few centimeters thick. A beam is a long piece of wood that is very strong.
Jesus saw these four friends trusted Jesus to heal the paralyzed man. These men worked very hard to bring the paralyzed man to Jesus so Jesus could heal him. Because they trusted Jesus, he rewarded them by healing the man and forgiving his sins.
Advice to translators: Someone who is paralyzed cannot walk.
See: Sin
[2:5]
The teachers of the Law of Moses thought Jesus had insulted God when he said, “your sins are forgiven.” This is because only God can forgive sins. They believed God alone could forgive sins.
[2:8, 2:9]
Jesus knew what the teachers of the Law of Moses were thinking. He gave them something new to think about. Jesus asked them a question. He did not want them to answer. Anyone could say that a person’s sins were forgiven. This is because people would not know if this happened. However, if someone told someone to get up and walk but they did not get up and walk, then everyone could see this. People would know the person lied if the could not to heal the other person. However, Jesus healed this man by telling him to “Get up and walk.” People saw that the man got up and walked. Therefore, Jesus healed him. So when Jesus said that, “Your sins are forgiven,” he showed them that he had the power to forgive sins by healing the man.
See: Matthew 9:1-8; Luke 5:17-26
[2:10]
See: Son of Man
[2:13]
Mark wrote about the Sea of Galilee
See Map: Sea of Galilee
[2:14]
Mark called the tax collector Levi, son of Alphaeus. In the gospel of Matthew, Levi was named Matthew (see: Matthew 9:9-11).
Matthew was a tax collector. People in Israel hated the tax collectors. Tax collectors were Jews who worked for the Roman government. They paid the Romans so they could collect taxes from other people. If they collected more taxes than they paid the Roman government, then they were allowed to keep it. Because of this, many tax collectors became rich. The Jews thought a Jewish tax collector betrayed the Jewish people because they took money from the Jews and gave it to the Romans. They thought tax collectors were evil because they took money from people who honored God and gave it to people who rejected God.
[2:15]
The twelve disciples were certain people who believed in Jesus and followed him. In 2:15, Mark wrote about other people who followed Jesus. Some of them believed in Jesus and followed him. Others did not believe in Jesus, but they still followed him. They wanted to see the great miracles he did. However, they did not believe Jesus was the messiah.
See: Disciple; Messiah (Christ); Disciple
[2:16]
Pharisees wanted to follow the Law of Moses. They thought that eating with unclean people would make them unclean. This is not what the Law of Moses said. It is what the Pharisees taught. Because of this, they did not know why Jesus wanted to be near people who sinned. They were saying that Jesus had broken the Law of Moses. However, he was not breaking the Law of Moses.
See: Sin; Clean and Unclean; Law of Moses; Sin
[2:17]
Jesus told the Pharisees that he was a type of doctor. This was a metaphor. Doctors needed to be near sick people so that they could help them. Certain people knew they sinned and were not at peace with God. They knew they needed God to forgive them.
Jesus called the Pharisees “righteous.” This is because they were the teachers of the Law of Moses. They thought they did not sin and were at peace with God. They did not think they needed God to forgive them. However, everyone needs to be forgiven by God because everyone has sinned.
See: Matthew 9:9-13; Luke 5:27-32
See: Sin; Righteous (Righteousness); Sin
[2:18]
The people argued because they did not see the disciples of Jesus fasting. In ancient Israel, people fasted often. They fasted when bad things happened (see: Ezra 8:23). They fasted when people died (see: 1 Samuel 31:13; 2 Samuel 1:12). They fasted when people were sick (see:2 Samuel 1:16). They fasted when they repented (see: 1 Kings 21:27). Many Jews fasted two days every week when Jesus was on the earth (see: Luke 18:9-14).
See: Repent (Repentance); Fasting; Repent (Repentance)
[2:19]
The Pharisees asked Jesus a question about fasting. Jesus answered the question by asking a question. He asked if people needed to fast when good things happened. Jesus said that people did not fast when good things happened. People should have been very happy while Jesus was on earth. Therefore, they should not fast. Jesus prophesied that he would be killed. When this happens, people will be very sad. Then they will fast.
Jesus also used two metaphors. One metaphor was about clothes and the other was about wineskins. He wanted to say that people do things differently after something new happens. The disciples did something different because they were with Jesus, the messiah.
Advice to translators: A wineskin is a bag that holds wine. It was made of leather, that is, the skin of an animal.
See: Matthew 9:14-17; Luke 5:33-39
See: Messiah (Christ); Fasting; Wedding;Marriage; Bride of Christ; Lamb of God; Prophecy (Prophesy) ; Metaphor; Wine (Winepress); Messiah (Christ)
[2:24]
According to the Law of Moses, one could work on the Sabbath. However, it does not say what people needed to stop doing. The Pharisees made many rules about what someone could and could not do on the Sabbath. However, this was not in the Law of Moses. The disciples picked small pieces of grain and rubbed them together so they could eat them. In the Law of Moses, people were allowed to do this when they went from one place to another place (see: Deuteronomy 23:25). However, the Pharisees taught that this was wrong. Jesus knew it was not wrong to break the Pharisees’ rule.
See: Law of Moses; Sabbath; Law of Moses
[2:25, 2:26, 2:27, 2:28]
Jesus told the Pharisees that eating was not breaking the Law of Moses. The Law of Moses had certain rules about the Sabbath. Jesus told them a story about David (see: 1 Samuel 21:2-6). David broke the Law of Moses. However, this was not evil. It was not evil to help people or to eat if you needed to eat. Jesus created the Sabbath. Therefore, if Jesus said they were not doing something evil, then they were not doing something evil.
Jesus wanted people to know that God cared more about people than the rules about the Sabbath. God made the Sabbath for people and it was a gift he gave to people.
See: Matthew 12:1-8; Luke 6:1-5
See: Sabbath; Law of Moses; Sabbath
After preaching and healing people throughout Galilee, Jesus returns to Capernaum, where he heals and forgives the sin of a paralyzed man.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the people there heard that he was staying at his home"
The word "there" refers to the house that Jesus stayed at in Capernaum. Alternate translation: "So many people gathered there" or "So many people came to the house"
This refers to there being no space inside the house. Alternate translation: "there was no more room for them inside"
"Jesus spoke his message to them"
"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.
"were bringing a man who was unable to walk or use his arms"
"could not get close to where Jesus was"
Houses where Jesus lived had flat roofs made of clay and covered with tiles. 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 the mat the paralzyed man was lying on" or "they made a hole in the roof above Jesus, and then they lowered the paralyzed man on the mat"
"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.
The word "Son" here shows Jesus cared for the man as a father cares for a son. Alternate translation: "My son"
Jesus did not clearly say who was forgiving 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"
Here "their hearts" is a metonym for the people's thoughts. Alternate translation: "were thinking to themselves"
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!"
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!"
"in his inner being" or "in himself"
Each of the scribes was thinking to himself; they were not talking to each other.
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."
The word "hearts" is a metonym for their inner thoughts and desires. Alternate translation: "this inside yourselves" or "these things"
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 mat 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 mat and walk.'"
"But so that you may know." The word "you" refers to the scribes and the crowd.
Jesus refers to himself as the "Son of Man." Alternate translation: "that I am the Son of Man and I have authority"
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"while all the people there were watching"
Jesus is teaching the crowd beside the Sea of Galilee, and he calls Levi to follow him.
This is the Sea of Galilee, which is also known as the Lake of Gennesaret.
"the people went where he was"
Alpheus was Levi's father.
We do not know what kind of a structure this was or what it was made of. It may have been a tent or booth. It probably included a table and some kind of protection from sun and rain.
It is now later in the day, and Jesus is at Levi's house for a meal.
"the home of Levi"
In this verse, the word "sinners" refers to people who did not obey the law of Moses but committed what others thought were very bad sins
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."
The scribes and Pharisees asked this question to show they disapproved of Jesus's hospitality. This can be worded as a statement. Alternate translation: "He should not eat with tax collectors and sinners!"
Jesus responds to what the scribes had said to his disciples about his eating with tax collectors and sinful people.
"he said to the scribes"
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.
"healthy"
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"
The words "I came to call" are understood from the phrase before this. Alternate translation: "but I came to call sinners"
Jesus tells parables to show why his disciples should not fast while he is with them.
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"
"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.
"came and said to Jesus"
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."
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the bridegroom will go away"
The words "them" and "they" refer to the wedding attendants.
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.
Jesus begins to tell another parable. This one is about putting new wine into old wineskins rather than into new wineskins.
"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.
This refers to wineskins that have been used many times.
These were bags made out of animal skins. They could also be called "wine bags" or "skin bags."
New wine expands as it ferments. If it is put in new wineskins, the wineskins will stretch. But old wineskins are brittle and cannot stretch. If new wine is poured into old wineskins, the wineskins will tear open.
"will be ruined"
"new wineskins" or "new wine bags." This refers to wineskins that have never been used.
Jesus gives the Pharisees an example from scripture to show why the disciples were not wrong to pick grain on the Sabbath.
The disciples were picking heads of grain to eat the kernels, or seeds, in them while they were walking. They were not harvesting the grain to take it home. 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 "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.
"as they walked along"
The Pharisees ask a question about what the disciples were doing (verse 23).
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.
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."
"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.
Jesus begins to scold the Pharisees by asking them a question.
"Jesus said to the Pharisees"
This question ends in 2:26. Jesus is reminding the scribes and Pharisees of something David did on the Sabbath. If this rhetorical question is translated as a statement or a command, then the question mark in 2:26 should become a period. Alternate translation: "You have read what David did" or "Remember what you read about what David did"
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 did"
Jesus finishes asking the question he began in verse 25.
This question began in 2:25. If you translated the rhetorical question as a statement or command in verse 25, then the question mark here should become a period. Alternate translation: "how he went into the house of God ... to those who were with him."
This can be expressed as a statement separate from verse 25. If so, verse 25 should end with a period instead of a dash. Alternate translation: "He went into the house of God ... to those who were with him"
The word "he" refers to David.
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.
Jesus makes clear why God established the Sabbath. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God made the Sabbath for mankind"
"man" or "people" or "the needs of people." This word refers to both men and women.
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"
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The men removed the roof of the house and lowered the paralyzed man to Jesus.
Jesus said, "Child, your sins are forgiven".
Some of the scribes reasoned that Jesus had blasphemed because only God can forgive sins.
Some of the scribes reasoned that Jesus had blasphemed because only God can forgive sins.
Jesus told the paralyzed man to take up his bed and go to his house, and the man did.
Jesus told the paralyzed man to take up his bed and go to his house, and the man did.
Jesus told the paralyzed man to take up his bed and go to his house, and the man did.
Levi was sitting at the tax-collecting place when Jesus called him.
Levi was sitting at the tax-collecting place when Jesus called him.
Jesus was dining with the sinful people and tax collectors.
Jesus was dining with the sinful people and tax collectors.
Jesus said he had come to call sinful people.
They asked Jesus why his disciples did not fast when John's disciples and the Pharisees' disciples did fast.
Jesus said that while the bridegroom is still with the wedding attendants they cannot fast.
Jesus' disciples picked heads of grain and ate them on the Sabbath.
Jesus' disciples picked heads of grain and ate them on the Sabbath.
Jesus gave the example of David who out of need ate the bread of the presence normally reserved for the priests.
Jesus gave the example of David who out of need ate the bread of the presence normally reserved for the priests.
Jesus said the Sabbath was made for people.
Jesus said that he was Lord also of the Sabbath.
1 Again Jesus walked into the synagogue, and there was a man with a withered hand. 2 Some people watched him closely to see if he would heal him on the Sabbath so that they could accuse him. 3 Jesus said to the man with the withered hand, "Get up and stand here in the middle of everyone." 4 Then he said to the people, "Is it lawful to do good on the Sabbath day or to do harm; to save a life or to kill?" But they were silent. 5 He looked around at them with anger, and he was grieved by their hardness of heart, and he said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." He stretched it out, and his hand was restored. 6 The Pharisees went out and immediately began to plot with the Herodians as to how they might put him to death.
7 Then Jesus, with his disciples, went to the sea, and a great crowd of people followed from Galilee and from Judea 8 and from Jerusalem and from Idumea and beyond the Jordan and around Tyre and Sidon. When they heard about the things he was doing, a great crowd came to him. 9 He told his disciples to have a small boat ready for him because of the crowd, so that they would not press against him. 10 For he healed many, so that everyone who had afflictions eagerly approached him in order to touch him. 11 Whenever the unclean spirits saw him, they fell down before him and cried out, and they said, "You are the Son of God." 12 He strictly ordered them not to make him known.
13 He went up on the mountain, and he called for those he wanted, and they came to him. 14 He appointed the twelve (whom he named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them to proclaim the message, 15 and to have authority to cast out demons. 16 He appointed the twelve: Simon, to whom he gave the name Peter; 17 James son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James, to whom he gave the name Boanerges, that is, sons of thunder; 18 and Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot, 19 and Judas Iscariot, who would betray him.
20 Then he went home, and the crowd came together again, so that they could not even eat bread. 21 When his family heard about it, they went out to seize him, for they said, "He is out of his mind."
22 The scribes who came down from Jerusalem said, "He is possessed by Beelzebul" and "By the ruler of the demons he drives out demons."
23 Jesus called them to himself and said to them in parables, "How can Satan cast out Satan? 24 If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. 25 If a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. 26 If Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he is not able to stand, but has come to an end. 27 But no one can enter into the house of a strong man and steal his belongings without tying up the strong man first, and then he will plunder his house. 28 Truly I say to you, all sins of the sons of men will be forgiven, even all the blasphemies which they utter, 29 but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never have forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin."
30 Jesus said this because they were saying, "He has an unclean spirit."
31 Then his mother and his brothers came and stood outside. They sent for him, summoning him. 32 A crowd was sitting around him and they said to him, "Your mother and your brothers and your sisters are outside, and they are looking for you."
33 He answered them, "Who are my mother and my brothers?" 34 He looked around at those who were sitting in a circle around him and said, "See, here are my mother and my brothers! 35 For whoever does the will of God, that person is my brother, and sister, and mother."
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: lawofmoses)
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 and holyspirit)
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.
[3:1]
Jesus returned to a synagogue. Scholars think Jesus returned to the synagogue in Capernaum. (see: Mark 1:21).
See: Synagogue
See Map: Capernaum
[3:1]
Mark wrote about a man with a withered hand. That is, his hand was damaged or deformed. However, he was born with a normal hand. Scholars think the man got sick and the sickness damaged his hand.
[3:2]
The Pharisees taught that it was wrong to heal someone on the Sabbath unless the person could die. If they were not going to die, then the Pharisees said you must wait to heal them. They thought that healing was a kind of work. The Law of Moses taught that people are not to work on the Sabbath. Certain people wanted to say Jesus did something evil by healing this man. However, it was not wrong for Jesus to heal this man. It was wrong for them to want to say Jesus did something evil. This was why Jesus was angry.
See: Mark 2:24
See: Law of Moses; Sabbath;Law of Moses
[3:6]
The Herodians were Jewish teachers. They liked King Herod and the people that would rule after he did. The Roman government gave these men permission to rule Israel. They liked things and ideas that were from Greece and Rome. They did not think there was going to be a Jewish messiah and they did not like Jesus’ teaching. The Pharisees needed help from these leaders so they could kill Jesus.
See: Matthew 12:9-14; Luke 6:6-11
See: Messiah (Christ)
See Map: Greece; Rome
[3:7]
See Map: Galilee
[3:8]
Idumea was an area south of Israel. It was also called Edom. Tyre and Sidon were Gentile cities north of Israel.
See Map: Jerusalem; Edom; Jordan; Tyre; Sidon; Israel
[3:11]
See: Demon
[3:12]
The unclean spirits knew Jesus. They fell down to worship him. However, Jesus did not want them to tell people that he was the Son of God. Scholars think Jesus wanted people to tell other people that He was the Son of God and not the demons.
See: Mark 1:24-25, 34; Acts 16:17-18
See: Son of God; Son of God
[3:14]
See: Matthew 10:1-4; Luke 6:13-16
See: Apostle
[3:14]
The apostles were going to tell other people a message. That message was the gospel.
[3:21]
Mark wrote that Jesus’ family thought Jesus was “out of his mind.” That is, they thought he was no longer able to think in a right way. Some scholars think that because Jesus was too busy to even eat, his family thought he was no longer thinking rightly. Other scholars think Mark wrote that the crowd thought Jesus was “out of his mind.”
[3:22]
Beelzebul was a name for Satan.
See: Matthew 12:24-32; Luke 11:17-23
See: Satan (The Devil)
[3:22]
The scribes said that Satan gave Jesus permission to remove demons from people.
See: Satan (The Devil);Demon Possession (Casting Out Demons); Demon; Satan (The Devil)
[3:23]
See: Parable
[3:23, 3:24]
Jesus spoke against what the Scribes said. Jesus said that he fought against Satan by casting out demons. If Jesus wanted to help Satan, then he would not fight against Satan. Jesus also fought against the things Satan ruled on earth. God allowed Satan to rule these things for a period of time. Jesus proved that he was stronger than Satan and could defeat Satan by casting out demons.
See: Satan (The Devil); Demon Possession (Casting Out Demons); Demon; Satan (The Devil)
[3:29]
Jesus said that every sin could be forgiven except one. That was blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. Scholars disagree about how someone blasphemes the Holy Spirit.
See: Miracle; Blaspheme (Blasphemy); Holy Spirit; Miracle
[3:30]
An unclean spirit was a demon.
See: Clean and Unclean; Clean and Unclean
[3:32]
Mary was Jesus’ mother. The names of four of Jesus’ brothers were James, Joseph, Simon and Judas. Although Jesus had sisters, their names are not in the Bible.
See: Matthew 12:46-50; 13:55-56; Mark 6:3; Luke 8:19-21
See: Family of Jesus
[3:35]
Jesus talked about his family. But this was not his mother and brothers. He spoke about how Christians are children of God. Because of this, they are part of Jesus’ family.
See: Children of God
[3:35]
See: Will of God
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 planning to put Jesus to death.
"a man with a crippled hand"
"Some people watched Jesus closely to see if he would heal the man with the withered hand"
"Some of the Pharisees." Later, in Mark 3:6, these people are identified as Pharisees.
If Jesus were to heal the man that day, the Pharisees would accuse him of breaking the law by 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"
"in the middle of this crowd"
Jesus said this to challenge them. He wanted them to acknowledge that it is lawful to heal people on the Sabbath.
These two phrases are similar in meaning, except that the second is more extreme.
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"
"to save someone's life" or "to save someone from dying"
"But they refused to answer him"
"Jesus looked around"
"was deeply saddened"
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"
"Reach out with your hand"
This can be stated with an active form. Alternate translation: "Jesus restored his hand" or "Jesus made his hand the way it was before"
"began to make a plan"
This is the name of an informal political party that supported Herod Antipas.
"how they might kill Jesus"
A great crowd of people follows Jesus, and he heals many people.
This refers to the Sea of Galilee.
This is the region, previously known as Edom, which covered the southern half of the province of Judea.
This refers to the miracles Jesus was performing. Alternate translation: "the great miracles that Jesus was performing"
"came to where Jesus was"
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 UDB.
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.
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"
The word "many" refers to the large number of people Jesus had already healed. Alternate translation: "For he healed many people"
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"
"saw Jesus"
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"
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.
Jesus has power over unclean spirits because he is the "Son of God."
This is an important title for Jesus.
"Jesus strictly ordered the unclean spirits"
"not to reveal who he was"
Jesus chooses the men he wants to be his apostles.
"so that they would be with him and he could send them to proclaim the message"
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The author begins to list the names of the twelve apostles. Simon is the first man listed.
The phrase "to whom" refers to both James son of Zebedee and his brother John.
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"
This is the name of a man.
"who would betray Jesus" The word "who" refers to Judas Iscariot.
"Then Jesus went to the house where he was staying."
The word "bread" represents food. Alternate translation: "Jesus and his disciples could not eat at all" or "they could not eat anything"
Members of his family went to the house so that they could take hold of him and force him to go home with them.
Possible meanings for the word "they" are 1) his relatives or 2) some people in the crowd.
This idiom describes how they thought he was acting. Alternate translation: "crazy" or "insane"
"By the power of Beelzebul, who is the ruler of the demons, Jesus drives out demons"
Jesus explains with a parable why it is foolish for people to think that Jesus is controlled by Satan.
"Jesus called the people to come to him"
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!"
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"
Here "stand" is a metaphor that means endure, or continue to exist. Alternate translation: "cannot endure" or "will end"
This is a metonym for the people who live in a house. Alternate translation: "family" or "household"
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"
Here "stand" is a metaphor that means endure, or stay strong. Alternate translation: "cannot endure" or "cannot stay strong"
to steal a person's valuables and possessions
This indicates that the statement that follows is especially true and important.
"those who have been born of man." This expression is used to emphasize peoples' humanity. Alternate translation: "people"
speak
The idea in the noun forgiveness can be expressed with a phrase. Alternate translation: "will never be forgiven"
"Eternal sin" is a metonym for "a sin that will be eternally punished." Alternate translation: "is guilty of a sin that will be punished eternally"
"the people were saying"
This is an idiom that means to be possessed by an unclean spirit. Alternate translation: "is possessed by an unclean spirit"
"Then Jesus's mother and brothers came"
"They sent someone inside to tell him that they were outside and to have him come out to them"
"are asking for you"
Jesus uses this question to teach the people. Alternate translation: "I will tell you who are really my mother and brothers."
This is a metaphor that means Jesus's disciples belong to Jesus's spiritual family. This is more important than belonging to his physical family.
"those who do ... they are"
This is a metaphor that means Jesus's disciples belong to Jesus's 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"
They were watching Jesus to see if he would heal on the Sabbath, so they could accuse him.
They were watching Jesus to see if he would heal on the Sabbath, so they could accuse him.
Jesus asked the people if it was lawful to do good or to do harm on the Sabbath.
The people were silent.
Jesus became angry with them.
The Pharisees went out and plotted to put Jesus to death.
A great crowd followed Jesus.
A great crowd followed Jesus.
The demons cried out that Jesus was the Son of God.
Jesus appointed twelve apostles who were to be with him, preach, and have authority to cast out demons.
Jesus appointed twelve apostles who were to be with him, preach, and have authority to cast out demons.
The apostle that would betray Jesus was Judas Iscariot.
Jesus' family thought that he was out of his mind.
The scribes accused Jesus of driving out demons by the ruler of demons.
Jesus responded that no kingdom divided against itself can stand.
Jesus responded that no kingdom divided against itself can stand.
Jesus responded that no kingdom divided against itself can stand.
Jesus said that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit cannot be forgiven.
Jesus said that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit cannot be forgiven.
Jesus said that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit cannot be forgiven.
Jesus said that his mother and brothers were those who do the will of God.
Jesus said that his mother and brothers were those who do the will of God.
Jesus said that his mother and brothers were those who do the will of God.
1 Again he began to teach beside the sea, and a large crowd gathered around him. He stepped into a boat that was on the sea, and he sat down in it. The whole crowd was on the shore beside the sea. 2 He taught them many things in parables, and in his teaching, this is what he said to them. 3 "Listen! A farmer went out to sow his seed. 4 As he sowed, some seed fell beside the road, and the birds came and devoured it. 5 Other seed fell on the rocky ground, where it did not have much soil. Immediately it sprang up, because it did not have deep soil. 6 But when the sun rose, the plants were scorched, and because they had no root, they dried up. 7 Other seed fell among the thorn plants. The thorn plants grew up and choked it, and it did not produce a crop. 8 Other seed fell into good soil and it produced a crop growing up and increasing and yielding thirty, sixty, and even a hundred times." 9 Then he said, "Whoever has ears to hear, let him hear!"
10 When Jesus was alone, those around him with the twelve asked him about the parables. 11 He said to them, "To you is given the mystery of the kingdom of God. But to those outside everything is in parables,
12 so that when they look,
yes they look,
but do not see,
and so that when they hear,
yes they hear,
but do not understand,
or else they would turn
and God would forgive them."
13 He said to them, "Do you not understand this parable? How then will you understand all the parables?" 14 The sower sows the word. 15 These are the ones beside the road, where the word is sown. When they hear, Satan immediately comes and takes away the word that is sown in them. 16 And these are the seed sown on the rocky ground; who, when they hear the word immediately receive it with joy. 17 But they do not have root in themselves, but they endure for a while. Afterward when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, they immediately fall away. 18 Still others are the ones sown among the thorns. They are those who hear the word, 19 but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, and it is unproductive. 20 Those that were sown on the good soil are the ones who hear the word, accept it and bear fruit, thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much.
21 Jesus said to them, "Do you bring a lamp inside the house to put it under a basket or under the bed? You bring it in and you put it on a lampstand. 22 For nothing is hidden that will not be known, and nothing is secret that will not come out into the open. 23 If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear!" 24 He said to them, "Pay attention to what you hear, for the measure you use will be measured to you, and more will be added to you. 25 Because whoever has, to him will be given more, and whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken."
26 He also said, "The kingdom of God is like a man who sows his seed on the ground. 27 He sleeps at night and gets up by day, and the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. 28 The earth bears grain by itself: First the blade, then the ear, then the mature grain in the ear. 29 When the crop is ripe, he immediately sends in the sickle because the harvest has come."
30 Again he said, "To what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable can we use to explain it? 31 It is like a mustard seed, which, when it is sown, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth. 32 Yet, when it is sown, it grows and becomes greater than all the garden plants, and it forms large branches, so that the birds of heaven can make their nests in its shade."
33 With many parables like this he spoke the word to them, as much as they were able to understand, 34 and he did not speak to them without a parable. But when he was alone, he explained everything to his own disciples.
35 On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, "Let us go over to the other side." 36 So they left the crowd, taking Jesus with them, just as he was, in the boat. There were other boats going along with him. 37 Just then a violent windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat so that the boat was almost full of water. 38 But Jesus himself was in the stern, asleep on a cushion. They woke him up, saying, "Teacher, do you not care that we are about to die?"
39 He got up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Peace! Be still!" Then the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. 40 Then he said to them, "Why are you afraid? Do you still not have faith?"
41 They were filled with great fear and said to one another, "Who then is this, because even the wind and the sea obey him?"
Mark 4:3-10 forms one parable. The parable is explained in 4:14-23.
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in 4:12, which is a quotation from the Old Testament.
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.
[4:1]
Jesus got into the boat near the shore. By doing this, people could not get too close to him. Therefore, everyone could see him and could hear him.
[4:2]
See: Parable
[4:3]
In this passage, Mark wrote about sowing seeds. This was a long metaphor. He wrote about the different types of people. However, scholars do not agree on who were the people about which Mark wrote.
See: Matthew 13:3-9; Luke 8:5-8
[3:7]
A thorny plant was a type of weed. Weeds are bad plants. They harm the good plants. These plants grew in places where people did not want them to grow. Farmers wanted to stop these plants from growing because they harmed the good plants that they wanted to grow.
[4:9]
When someone said “he who has ears to hear, let him hear,” they wanted someone to really listen to what they said because they needed to hear it.
[4:10]
Mark wrote about the twelve disciples when he wrote about the twelve.
See: Disciple
[4:11]
See: Mystery
[4:11]
Those who believed in Jesus were given the mystery of the kingdom of God. Anyone who rejected Jesus would not understand the things he taught. In 4:12, Jesus said that if they understood the things he taught, then they would have believed in him.
See: Kingdom of God; Kingdom of God
[4:14]
Jesus explained the metaphor about sowing seeds. He said the sower sowed the word. That is, the things about which Jesus taught. Some scholars think Jesus spoke about the gospel. Fewer scholars think Jesus spoke about the kingdom of God.
See: Kingdom of God;Metaphor; Word of God; Gospel; Kingdom of God
[4:15]
Jesus used a metaphor to talk about what happened to people when they heard the gospel. Jesus talked about certain people who were like seeds sown beside the road. This was a place where seeds could not grow. Those seeds died because the dirt was too hard. Some scholars think that Jesus spoke about Christians. These people say they were Christians, but they did not do things that honored God. Therefore, they were not at peace with God.
Other scholars think that Jesus spoke about people who were not Christians. These people did not believe in the things Jesus taught. They did not believe in Jesus.
See: ; Metaphor; Satan (The Devil); Metaphor
[4:16]
Jesus used a metaphor to talk about what happened to people when they heard the gospel. Jesus talked about certain people who were like seeds sown on rocky ground. On the rocky ground, the seed could begin to grow. But there was not enough dirt for it to grow very much, so it died.
Some scholars think that Jesus spoke about Christians. These people believed in Jesus, but they rejected Jesus when they were persecuted. Therefore, they are not at peace with God.
Other scholars think that Jesus spoke about people who were not Christians. These people said they were Christians, but rejected Jesus when they were persecuted. Therefore, they were not Christians.
See: Gospel ; Metaphor; Gospel
[4:18]
Jesus used a metaphor to talk about what happened to people when they heard the gospel. Jesus talked about certain people who were like seeds sown with the thorns. Thorn plants were bad plants. The thorn plants killed the good plants.
Some scholars think Jesus spoke about Christians. These people believed in Jesus, but they made other things more significant than Jesus in their life. They did not honor God as much as they should have honored him.
Other scholars think Jesus spoke about people who were not Christians. They said they were Christians, but they cared more for the things they owned than they cared for Jesus. They were not Christians.
Advice to translators: Here, “thorns” is a type of plant that grows among other plants and kills them. It is also not good to be used for anything.
[4:20]
Jesus used a metaphor to talk about what happened to people when they heard the gospel. Jesus talked about certain people who were like seeds sown on good soil. These people obeyed God and did things that honored God. They made fruit when they did this. That is, they did not live in the way they used to live. They helped others to believe in Jesus and did the things that honored Jesus.
[4:20]
See: Fruit (Metaphor)
[4:21]
A lamp lights the entire room. It allows everything to be seen. God is light, and the word of God is light (see: Psalm 119:105; 1 John 1:5). Light made things known that were not known before. Jesus used a metaphor about the light.
Some scholars think Jesus spoke about the kingdom of God. He wanted people to know they could now know about the kingdom of God.
Other scholars think Jesus spoke about himself. When people believe in Jesus, they should want to tell other people about him and the gospel.
See: Gospel; Kingdom of God; Metaphor;Gospel
[4:23]
When someone said “he who has ears to hear, let him hear,” they wanted someone to listen to what they said. This is why Jesus said it.
[4:24]
Jesus said, “for the measure you use will be measured to you, and more will be added.” He wanted to say that if the disciples listened to him and obeyed him, they would be rewarded. If they did not do this, they would be disciplined.
See: Discipline (To Disciple); Reward;Discipline (To Disciple)
[4:26]
Jesus said that the kingdom of God is like a man who sowed his seed on the ground. This was a metaphor. The seeds were the gospel. Christians sowed the seeds. That is, they spread the gospel by telling it to other people. However, they did not make the seeds grow. God made the seed grow. Jesus wanted to say that Christians could not make other people believe in Jesus.
[4:31]
Jesus said the kingdom of God was like a mustard seed. This was a metaphor. The mustard seed was very small seed. It was about 1 millimeter in size. A mustard tree was very large. Jesus wanted to say that the kingdom of God began very small, but became great.
[4:32]
The birds of heaven were birds. Heaven was the sky.
See: Heaven
[4:33]
See: Parable
[4:39]
Jesus told the wind to stop. This allowed others to know that he controlled the weather. Only God could do this. In ancient times, people thought the sea could not be controlled. They were afraid of the seas.
[4:41]
The disciples believed in Jesus, but they did not understand who Jesus was. They knew he was the messiah, but they did not understand that he is God.
See: Messiah (Christ); Messiah (Christ)
As Jesus teaches from a boat at the seaside, he tells them the parable of the soils.
This is the Sea of Galilee.
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"Pay attention!
This means that he tossed seeds onto the ground so they could grow.
"some seeds ... devoured them"
"Other seeds ... they did not have ... they sprang ... they did not have"
"the seed that landed on the rocky ground began to grow quickly"
This refers to the loose dirt on the ground in which you can plant seeds.
This may be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "it scorched the young plants"
"because the young plants had no roots, they dried up"
"Other seeds ... choked them ... they did not produce"
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"
"30 ... 60 ... 100." These may be written as numerals.
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" is a metonym for being willing to understand and obey. Alternate translation: "Whoever is willing to listen, listen" or "Whoever is willing to understand, let him understand and obey"
Since Jesus wanted his audience to pay attention, this can also be expressed with the word "you." Alternate translation: "If you have ears to hear, then hear" or "If you are willing to understand, then understand and obey"
This does not mean that Jesus was completely alone; rather, it means that the crowds were gone and Jesus was only with the twelve and some of his other close followers.
This can be stated in active form. "God has given you" or "I have given you"
"to those outside our group" or "to those who are not among us." This refers to all the other people who were not among the twelve or Jesus's other close followers.
It can be stated that Jesus gives the parables to the people. Alternate translation: "I have spoken everything in parables"
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"
Possible meanings are 1) the word "look" here refers to making an effort to see and "see" refers to actually being able to see what they have looked for and is a metaphor for "understand." Alternate translation: "they look, but they do not understand" Or 2) here the word translated "look" refers to seeing what one is looking at and the word translated "see" refers to understanding what they are seeing.
"they would turn to God." Here "turn" is a metaphor for "repent." Alternate translation: "they would repent"
"Then Jesus said to his disciples"
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."
Jesus begins to explain the parable he told in [Mark 4:3-8]
"The farmer who sows his seed"
Sowing God's word represents teaching it. Alternate translation: "teaches people God's word" or "represents one who teaches God's word"
The phrase "the word" represents God's message. Alternate translation: "God's message"
Here Jesus speaks about people. Alternate translation: "These people are the seeds that fall beside the road" or "These people are like seeds that fall beside a road"
"When they hear the word"
"These people are the seeds that fall on the rocky ground" or "These people are like seeds that fall on the rocky ground"
Having no root represents not fully understanding or believing God's word. Alternate translation: "they are like young plants that have no roots"
In this parable, "endure" means "continue to believe." Alternate translation: "continue in their belief"
The phrase "on account of the word" means "because they believe God's message. Alternate translation: "tribulation or persecution comes because they believe God's message"
In this parable, "fall away" means "stop believing God's message"
"Still other people are the seeds that fall among the thorns" or "And other people are like seeds that fall among the thorns"
The words "cares," "deceitfulness," and "desires" are spoken of as if they were weeds that wrap around plants and keep them from growing. Alternate translation: "the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke God's message in their lives like thorns that choke young plants"
"the worries in this life" or "the concerns about this present life"
"the lie that wealth will make them happy" or "the lie that having many possessions will make them happy"
"the word does not produce a crop in them." The word being unproductive means that it does not have an effect on the person's life.
"The seeds that fall on the good soil represent people who hear the word, accept it and bear fruit"
Fruit represents the results or effect of God's word in a person's life. The numbers tell how much fruit there might be, or how great the results might be. Alternate translation: "and produce good results, like plants that bear thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much fruit as what was sown"
"Jesus said to the crowd"
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!"
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"
"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.
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]
Since Jesus wanted his audience to pay attention, this can also be expressed with the word "you." See how you translated a similar phrase in [Mark 4:9]
"Jesus said to the crowd"
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."
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will measure that amount for you, and he will add it to you"
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"
Jesus tells the people parables to teach them about the kingdom of God. Later he explains the parables to his disciples.
When someone sows seed, he plants the seed by scattering it on the ground. Alternate translation: "like a farmer who plants his seed" or "like a farmer who scatters his seed"
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"
"is up during the day" or "is active during the day"
"though the man does not know how the seed sprouts and grows"
the stalk or sprout
the head on the stalk or the part of the plant that holds the fruit
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"
a curved blade or a sharp hook used to cut grain
Here the words "has come" are part of an idiom that means it is time for something. Alternative translation: "because it is time for harvesting the grain" or "because the grain is ready to be gathered"
Jesus asked this question to cause his hearers to think about what the kingdom of God is like. Alternate translation: "With this parable I can explain what the kingdom of God is like."
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "when someone sows it" or "when someone plants it"
The mustard tree is described as causing its branches to grow large. Alternate translation: "it has large branches"
"Word" here is a synecdoche for "the message of God." The word "them" refers to the crowds. Alternate translation: "he taught them the message of God"
"and if they were able to understand some, he kept telling them more"
This means that he was away from the crowds, but his disciples were still with him.
Here "everything" refers to all his parables. Alternate translation: "he explained all his parables"
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.
"Jesus said to his disciples"
"the other side of the Sea of Galilee" or "the other side of the sea"
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Here "arose" is an idiom for "began." Alternate translation: "a violent windstorm began"
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"
The stern is the back part of the boat.
The word "they" refers to the disciples.
The disciples asked this question to show that they were in great danger and that they were upset that Jesus was not helping them. 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!"
The word "we" includes the disciples and Jesus.
These two phrases are similar and used to emphasize what Jesus wanted the wind and the sea to do.
"a great stillness over the sea" or "a great calm over the sea"
"And Jesus said to his disciples"
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."
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!"
Jesus got into a boat to teach because a very large crowd had gathered around him.
The birds came and devoured them.
They withered away because they had no root.
The thorn plants choked them.
The seeds produced grain, yielding thirty, sixty, and some a hundred times what was planted.
Jesus said the mystery of the kingdom of God was given to the Twelve, but not to those outside.
The seed is the word of God.
It represents those who hear the word, but immediately Satan takes it away.
It represents those who hear the word with joy, but when persecution comes they stumble.
It represents those who hear the word with joy, but when persecution comes they stumble.
It represents those who hear the word, but the cares of the world choke the word.
It represents those who hear the word, but the cares of the world choke the word.
It represents those who hear the word, receive it, and produce fruit.
Jesus said that the hidden and secret things would be brought into the light.
The man casts the seed, and it grows, but he does not know how, then when the harvest is ripe he gathers it.
The man casts the seed, and it grows, but he does not know how, then when the harvest is ripe he gathers it.
The man casts the seed, and it grows, but he does not know how, then when the harvest is ripe he gathers it.
The man casts the seed, and it grows, but he does not know how, then when the harvest is ripe he gathers it.
The mustard seed begins as the smallest of seeds, yet grows into a great plant where many can make their nests.
The mustard seed begins as the smallest of seeds, yet grows into a great plant where many can make their nests.
The mustard seed begins as the smallest of seeds, yet grows into a great plant where many can make their nests.
A great storm began, threatening to fill the boat with water.
A great storm began, threatening to fill the boat with water.
A great storm began, threatening to fill the boat with water.
Jesus was sleeping.
The disciples asked Jesus if he cared that they were about to die.
Jesus rebuked the wind and calmed the sea.
The disciples were filled with great fear and wondered who Jesus was that the wind and sea obeyed him.
1 They came to the other side of the sea, to the region of the Gerasenes. 2 When Jesus was getting out of the boat, a man with an unclean spirit came up to him out of the tombs. 3 The man lived in the tombs. No one could restrain him anymore, not even with a chain. 4 He had been bound many times with shackles and with chains. He tore the chains apart and his shackles were shattered. No one had the strength to subdue him. 5 Every night and day in the tombs and in the mountains, he cried out and cut himself with sharp stones. 6 When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran to him and bowed down before him. 7 He cried out with a loud voice, "What do I have to do with you, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you by God himself, do not torment me." 8 For he had been saying to him, "Come out of the man, you unclean spirit."
9 He asked him, "What is your name?"
He answered him, "My name is Legion, for we are many." 10 He begged him again and again not to send them out of the region. 11 Now a great herd of pigs was there feeding on the hill, 12 and they begged him, saying, "Send us into the pigs; let us enter into them." 13 So he allowed them; the unclean spirits came out and entered into the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep hill into the sea, and about two thousand pigs drowned in the sea. 14 Then those who were feeding the pigs ran away and reported what had happened in the city and in the countryside, and so people went out to see what had happened. 15 Then they came to Jesus and they saw the demon-possessed man, the one who had been possessed by Legion, sitting there, clothed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. 16 Those who had seen what happened to the demon-possessed man told them about it in detail, and they also told them about the pigs. 17 Then they started to beg him to leave their region.
18 When he was getting into the boat, the demon-possessed man begged him that he might be with him. 19 But Jesus did not permit him, but said to him, "Go to your house and to your people and tell them what the Lord has done for you, and how he has shown you mercy." 20 So he went away and began to proclaim in the Decapolis the great things that Jesus had done for him, and everyone was amazed.
21 Now when Jesus had crossed over again to the other side in the boat, a great crowd gathered around him, as he was beside the sea. 22 Then one of the leaders of the synagogue named Jairus came, and when he saw him, fell at his feet. 23 He begged again and again, saying, "My little daughter is near death. I beg you, come and lay your hands on her that she may be made well and live." 24 So he went with him, and a great crowd followed him and pressed close around him.
25 Now a woman was there who had a flow of blood for twelve years. 26 She had suffered much from many doctors and had spent everything that she had, but instead of getting better she grew worse. 27 When she had heard the reports about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak. 28 For she said, "If I touch just his clothes, I will be healed." 29 When she touched him, the bleeding stopped, and she felt in her body that she was healed from her affliction.
30 Jesus immediately realized in himself that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and said, "Who touched my clothes?"
31 His disciples said to him, "You see this crowd pressed around you, and you say, 'Who touched me?'"
32 But Jesus looked around to see who had done it. 33 The woman, knowing what had happened to her, feared and trembled. She came and fell down before him and told him the whole truth. 34 He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace and be healed from your affliction."
35 While he was speaking, some people came from the leader of the synagogue, saying, "Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the teacher any longer?"
36 But when Jesus overheard the message that was spoken, he said to the leader of the synagogue, "Do not be afraid. Just believe." 37 He did not permit anyone to accompany him except Peter, James, and John, the brother of James. 38 They came to the house of the leader of the synagogue and he saw there people making a lot of noise; they were weeping and wailing loudly. 39 When he entered the house, he said to them, "Why are you upset and why do you weep? The child is not dead but sleeps." 40 They began to mock him. But he put them all outside and took the father of the child and the mother and those who were with him, and he went in where the child was. 41 He took the hand of the child and said to her, "Talitha, koum!" which is translated, "Little girl, I say to you, get up." 42 Immediately the child got up and walked (for she was twelve years of age). They were immediately astonished with overwhelming amazement. 43 He strictly ordered them that no one should know about this. Then he told them to give her something to eat.
The words "Talitha, koum"
[5:1]
See Map: Gerasenes
[5:2]
A tomb was a place where dead people were buried. These were caves at the bottom of mountains. At that time, people possessed with demons lived in those tombs. The tombs were unclean.
See: Clean and Unclean; Demon Possession (Casting Out Demons); Clean and Unclean
[5:2]
Mark wrote about an unclean spirit. Here, he wrote about many demons who were in this man.
See: Demon Possession (Casting Out Demons); Clean and Unclean;Demon Possession (Casting Out Demons)
[5:4]
When someone was restrained, they could not go from one place to another place or doing other things. This man could not be restrained. This is because the unclean spirit was very strong in the man.
See: Demon Possession (Casting Out Demons); Clean and Unclean; Demon Possession (Casting Out Demons)
[5:5]
The man was in so much pain that he cut himself. He did not want to live anymore. He would rather die than to live with this demon inside of him.
See: Demon Possession (Casting Out Demons);Demon Possession (Casting Out Demons)
[5:6]
The unclean spirit knew Jesus is God. He knew Jesus was greater than he was. In ancient times, someone kneeled before someone who was greater. Or perhaps the unclean spirit was worshiping Jesus.
See: Son of God; Clean and Unclean; Son of God
[5:7]
The man did not want Jesus to torment him. That is, he did not want Jesus to harm him in a severe way. He did not want Jesus to punish him and send him to hell to be punished forever. Some scholars think the man was talking here, not the demon living in the man. Other scholars think the demon was talking.
[5:9]
The demon said his name was Legion. A legion was a Roman military word. It was a group of 6000 soldiers. So the demon said his name was legion because there were many demons in the man. However, it was possible to speak of this as one demon because they were all in one man.
See: Demon
[5:12]
The demons did not want Jesus to make them leave the area. They wanted Jesus to allow them to go into the group of pigs. Some scholars think they wanted to remain in the same area where they could hurt more people. Other scholars think that they did not want Jesus to punish them and send them to hell.
[5:13]
The pigs ran off the cliffs after the demons entered into them. Some scholars think the demons chose pigs because they were unclean according to the Law of Moses. Other scholars think they wanted to destroy the man, but when they were not able to do this, they wanted to destroy the pigs. Other scholars think the pigs were overwhelmed by the demons and the demons made the pigs run over the cliff and into the sea.
See: Law of Moses; Clean and Unclean; Law of Moses
[5:15]
The people in that region were afraid after seeing the things Jesus did.
See: Demon
[5:18]
The man wanted to be with Jesus. Some scholars think the man wanted to become a disciple of Jesus. However, Jesus wanted him to stay with the man’s own people. This is because the man was a Gentile and lived in a Gentile area. He wanted this man to tell the Gentiles in Decapolis about Jesus.
See Map: Decapolis
[5:19]
See: Lord
[5:22]
The leader of the synagogue was someone who helped lead people in worshipping God in the synagogue. He was not necessarily a pharisee or sadducee.
See: Sadducees; Pharisees; Sadducees
5:22
Jairus fell at Jesus’ feet to ask him for help. He was begging. He was desperate for help. He was not worshipping Jesus.
[5:23]
This man thought that Jesus could heal his daughter by touching her. He did not know that Jesus could heal her without touching her. He also did not know that he could heal her after she died.
[5:25]
Women bleed for a few days every month if they are not pregnant. However, this woman bled continuously for 12 years. This would have made her unclean.
See: Clean and Unclean
[5:26]
Mark wrote that the woman “suffered much from many doctors” because many doctors had tried to help her. However, instead of helping her, they actually harmed her more.
[5:31]
The disciples were surprised that Jesus asked who touched him. That was because many people were touching him. They did not think he could know when someone specific touched him.
[5:29]
This woman was healed because she believed in Jesus.
[5:34]
Jesus told the woman to go in peace and be healed from her suffering. He wanted her to live in a way that honored God. He also wanted her to know that he completely healed her. She was now clean and did not need to be separated from other people.
See: Clean and Unclean
[5:38]
The people at the house were crying because the little girl died.
[5:40]
The people laughed at Jesus. The people did not know that Jesus had the power to make someone alive again.
[5:43]
Jesus did not want this girl’s family to tell other people about Jesus healing her. Her father was a Jewish leader and many Jewish leaders rejected Jesus as the messiah. It was not time for them to fight against Jesus. So he did not want them to know what he was doing. Some scholars also think Jesus did not want people to begin bringing dead people to him to be made alive again.
See: Messianic Secret; Messianic Secret
[5:43]
The girl needed to eat because she was alive again in the same way she was alive before she died. She was not resurrected. When someone is resurrected, they do not need to eat.
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.
The word "They" refers to Jesus and his disciples.
This refers to the Sea of Galilee.
This name refers to the people who live in Gerasa.
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"
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This can be written in active form. Alternate translation: "People had bound him many times"
This can be written in active form. Alternate translation: "he shattered his shackles"
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
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"
"control him"
Often when a person is possessed by a demon, the demon will cause the person to do self-destructive things, such as cutting himself.
When the man first saw Jesus, Jesus would have been getting out of the boat.
This means that he knelt down before Jesus out of reverence and respect, not out of worship.
The information in verses 7 and 8 may be reordered to present the events in the order that they happened, as in the UDB.
"The unclean spirit cried out"
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."
Jesus has the power to torment unclean spirits.
This is an important title for Jesus.
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"
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"And Jesus asked the unclean spirit"
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.'"
"The unclean spirit begged Jesus"
"not to send him and the other unclean spirits"
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"the unclean spirits begged Jesus"
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"
You can make the words after the comma a separate sentence: "into the sea. There were about two thousand pigs, and they drowned in the sea"
"about 2,000 pigs"
"told people in the city and in the countryside what had happened"
This was the name of the many demons that had been in the man. See how you translated this in Mark 5:9.
This is an idiom meaning that he is thinking clearly. Alternate translation: "of a normal mind" or "thinking clearly"
The word "they" refers to the group of people who went out to see what had happened.
"The people who had witnessed what had happened"
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Though the man is no longer demon-possessed, he is still described in this way. Alternate translation: "the man who had been demon-possessed"
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"
This is the name of a region that means Ten Cities. It is located to the southeast of the Sea of Galilee.
It may be helpful to state why the people were amazed. Alternate translation: "all the people who heard what the man said were amazed"
After healing the demon-possessed man in region of the Gerasenes, Jesus and his disciples return across the lake to Capernaum where one of the leaders of the synagogue asks Jesus to heal his daughter.
This refers to the other side of the sea
"on the seashore" or "on the shore"
This is the Sea of Galilee.
This is the name of a man.
"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.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "and heal her and make her live"
"So Jesus went with Jairus." Jesus's disciples also went with him. Alternate translation: "So Jesus and the disciples went with Jairus"
This means they crowded around Jesus and pressed themselves together to be closer to Jesus.
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.
The word "Now" is used here to mark a pause in the story. Here the author starts to tell a new part of the story with a new person. Consider how new people are introduced into a story in your language.
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.
"for 12 years"
"her sickness got worse" or "her bleeding increased"
She had heard reports about Jesus of how he healed people. Alternate translation: "that Jesus healed people"
outer garment or coat
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "it will heal me" or "his power will heal me"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the sickness left her" or "she was no longer sick"
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 someone"
This means they crowded around Jesus and pressed themselves together to be closer to Jesus. See how you translated this in Mark 5:24.
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"knelt down before him." She knelt down before Jesus as an act of honor and submission.
The phrase "the whole truth" refers to how she had touched him and had became well. Alternate translation: "told him the whole truth about how she had touched him"
Jesus called the woman "Daughter." This was a kind way for a teacher to speak to a woman. Jesus showed that he cared about her.
"your faith in me"
"While Jesus was speaking"
"The leader of the synagogue" is a metonym for the synagogue leader's house or household. It is most likely that these were family members or servants and not some other people who happened to be in the house. Alternate translation: "some people came from the house of the leader of the synagogue" or "some people from the synagogue leader's household came"
This refers to Jairus (Mark 5:22).
"synagogue, saying to Jairus"
This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "It is useless to bother the teacher any longer" or "There is no need to bother the teacher any longer."
This refers to Jesus.
This can be stated as in active form. Alternate translation: "the message that they told Jairus"
If necessary, you can state what Jesus is commanding Jairus to believe. Alternate translation: "Just believe I can make you daughter live"
In verses 37 and 38, the author gives background information about the Pharisees' washing traditions in order to show why the Pharisees were bothered that Jesus's disciples did not wash their hands before eating. If you need to reorder the events in these verses, it may be helpful to use a verse bridge, as in the UDB.
This double negative emphasizes that Peter and the others were the only ones whom he permitted to accompany him. Alternate translation: "He only permitted Peter ... James to accompany him"
Jesus did not permit
"to come with him." It may be helpful to state where they were going. Alternate translation: "to accompany him to Jairus' house"
In verses 37 and 38, the author gives background information about the Pharisees' washing traditions in order to show why the Pharisees were bothered that Jesus's disciples did not wash their hands before eating. If you need to reorder the events in these verses, it may be helpful to use a verse bridge, as in the UDB.
Jesus saw
"Jesus said to the people who were weeping"
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."
Jesus uses the common word for sleep, and so should the translation.
Jesus used the common word for sleep (verse 39). The reader should understand that the people who hear Jesus speak are laughing at him because they truly do know the difference between a dead person and a sleeping person and they think he does not.
"sent all the other people outside the house"
This refers to Peter, James, and John.
It may be helpful to state where the child is. Alternate translation: "went into the room where the child was lying"
This is an Aramaic sentence that Jesus spoke to the little girl in her language. Write these words as they sound, using your alphabet.
"she was 12 years old"
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"
"He strongly commanded them"
This can be stated as a direct quote. Alternate translation: "And he told them, 'Give her something to eat.'"
A man with an unclean spirit met Jesus.
A man with an unclean spirit met Jesus.
When people tried to restrain this man with chains, he tore the chains apart.
The unclean spirit called Jesus the Son of the Most High God.
Jesus said to the man, "Come out of the man, you unclean spirit".
The unclean spirit's name was Army, because there were many.
The spirits came out and entered a herd of pigs, who ran down a steep hill and drowned in the lake.
The man was sitting with Jesus, clothed and in his right mind.
The people asked Jesus to leave their region.
Jesus told the man to tell his people what the Lord had done for him.
Jairus asked Jesus to come with him to lay hands on his daughter who was near death.
Jairus asked Jesus to come with him to lay hands on his daughter who was near death.
The woman had suffered with a discharge of blood for twelve years.
The woman thought that if she just touched Jesus' clothes, she would be healed.
Jesus knew that power had gone out from him and looked around to see who had touched him.
Jesus knew that power had gone out from him and looked around to see who had touched him.
Jesus told her that her faith had made her well, and to go in peace.
Jairus' daughter was dead.
Jesus told Jairus to not be afraid, but to just believe.
Peter, James, and John went with Jesus into the room.
The people laughed at Jesus when he said that Jairus' daughter was only sleeping.
The people were greatly overcome and astonished.
1 He went out from there and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. 2 When the Sabbath came, he taught in the synagogue. Many people heard him and they were amazed. They said, "Where did he get these teachings?" "What is this wisdom that has been given to him?" "What are these miracles that he does with his hands?" 3 "Is this not the carpenter, the son of Mary and the brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? Are his sisters not here with us?" They were offended by Jesus. [1]
4 Then Jesus said to them, "A prophet is not without honor, except in his hometown and among his own relatives and in his own household." 5 He could not do any mighty work, except to lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. 6 He was amazed at their unbelief. Then he went around the villages teaching.
7 Then he called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and he gave them authority over the unclean spirits, 8 and instructed them to take nothing for their journey, except a staff—no bread, no bag, and no money in their belts— 9 but to wear sandals, and not to wear two tunics. 10 He said to them, "Whenever you enter a house, remain until you go away from there. 11 If any town will not receive you or listen to you, when you leave that place, shake the dust off your feet as a testimony to them." 12 They went out and proclaimed that people should repent. 13 They cast out many demons, and anointed many sick people with oil and healed them.
14 King Herod heard this, for Jesus' name had become well known. Some were saying, "John the Baptist has been raised from the dead, and that is why these miraculous powers are at work in him." 15 Some others said, "He is Elijah." Still others said, "He is a prophet, like one of the prophets in ancient times."
16 But when Herod heard this he said, "John, whom I beheaded, has been raised."
17 For Herod sent to have John arrested and he had him bound in prison on account of Herodias (his brother Philip's wife), because he had married her. 18 For John told Herod, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife." 19 But Herodias held on to anger against him and wanted to kill him, but she could not, 20 for Herod feared John; he knew that he was a righteous and holy man, and he kept him safe. Listening to him made him greatly perplexed, yet he heard him gladly.
21 Then an opportunity came when Herod had his birthday and he made a dinner for his officials and for the commanders and leaders of Galilee. 22 The daughter of Herodias herself came in and danced for them, and she pleased Herod and his dinner guests. The king said to the girl, "Ask me for anything you want and I will give it to you." 23 He swore to her saying, "Whatever you ask of me, I will give you, up to half of my kingdom."
24 She went out and said to her mother, "What should I ask him for?"
She said, "The head of John the Baptist."
25 She immediately hurried back to the king, and she asked, saying, "I want you to give me, right now, the head of John the Baptist on a wooden platter." 26 Though this deeply grieved the king, he could not refuse her request because of the oath he had made and because of his dinner guests. 27 So the king sent a soldier from his guard and commanded him to bring him John's head. The guard went and beheaded him in the prison. 28 He brought his head on a platter and gave it to the girl, and the girl gave it to her mother. 29 When his disciples heard of this, they came and took his body and placed it in a tomb.
30 The apostles came together with Jesus and told him all that they had done and taught. 31 Then he said to them, "Come away by yourselves into a deserted place and rest a while." For many were coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat. 32 So they went away in the boat to a deserted place by themselves. 33 But they saw them leaving and many recognized them, and they ran there together on foot from all the towns, and they arrived there before them. 34 When they came ashore, he saw a great crowd and he had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began to teach them many things.
35 When the hour was late, his disciples came to him and said, "This is a deserted place and the hour is already late. 36 Send them away so that they may go into the nearby countryside and villages to buy something to eat for themselves."
37 But he answered and said to them, "You give them something to eat."
They said to him, "Can we go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread and give it to them to eat?"
38 He said to them, "How many loaves do you have? Go and see."
When they found out, they said, "Five loaves and two fish." 39 He commanded all the people to sit down in groups upon the green grass. 40 They sat down in groups of hundreds and fifties. 41 He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven he blessed and broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the people. He also divided the two fish among them all. 42 They all ate until they were satisfied. 43 They took up broken pieces of bread, twelve baskets full, and also pieces of the fish. 44 There were five thousand men who ate the loaves.
45 Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat and go ahead of him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he sent the crowd away. 46 After taking leave of them, he went up the mountain to pray. 47 Evening came, and the boat was now in the middle of the sea, and he was alone on land. 48 He saw that they were straining against the oars, for the wind was against them. About the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea, and he wanted to pass by them. 49 But when they saw him walking on the sea, they thought he was a ghost and cried out, 50 because they saw him and were troubled. Immediately he spoke to them and said to them, "Be courageous! It is I! Do not be afraid!" 51 He got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased blowing. They were completely amazed. 52 For they had not understood what the loaves meant. Instead, their hearts were hardened.
53 When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret and anchored the boat. 54 When they came out of the boat, the people recognized him immediately, 55 and they ran throughout the whole region and began to bring the sick on their mats to wherever they heard he was. 56 Wherever he entered into villages, or cities, or into the country, they would put the sick in the marketplaces. They begged him to let them touch the edge of his garment, and as many as touched him were healed.
In the ancient Near East, people would try to heal sick people by putting olive oil on them.
[6:1]
Jesus’ family lived in Nazareth.
See Map: Nazareth
[6:2]
See: Sabbath
[6:2]
In ancient Israel, many teachers learned from other teachers. They taught the same things their teachers taught. This is why they wanted to know who taught Jesus. He did not teach the same things any other teacher taught.
[6:2]
The people asked Jesus who gave Jesus the power to do miracles. They did not think God gave Jesus the power to do these miracles. They thought Satan gave him this power (see: Mark 3:22).
See: Satan (The Devil); Satan (The Devil)
[6:3]
Some scholars think that Mary and Joseph had other children after Jesus was born. These people were talking about Jesus’ brothers and sisters. Fewer scholars think that Mary and Joseph did not have any more children after Jesus. They think these were Jesus’ cousins.
See: Family of Jesus
[6:3]
The people did not like what Jesus said because the people knew Jesus was Mary’s son. They knew his brothers and sisters, they did not believe he was sent from God and was their messiah.
See: Messiah (Christ)
[6:4]
When Jesus said that a prophet was “not without honor,” he wanted to say that people respected or honored a prophet. The only place that a prophet is not honored is in the place where he lived when he was a child. Jesus was a prophet. Perhaps he was also thinking about how Israel would reject him as their messiah.
See: Messiah (Christ); Messiah (Christ)
[6:5]
Jesus was able to heal anyone in this place. Some scholars think Jesus was not free to heal people when the people did not believe in him. Jesus healed people so they would know that God sent him and that they will believe in him. The people in Nazareth did not believe in Jesus, even when they saw him heal people.
[6:7]
The twelve were the twelve disciples.
See: Disciple
[6:7]
Jesus sent the twelve disciples to tell other people about Jesus and to heal people who have unclean spirits living in them.
See: Demon Possession (Casting Out Demons); Demon; Clean and Unclean; Demon Possession (Casting Out Demons)
[6:8, 6:9]
Jesus did not want the disciples to take anything with them when they traveled. That was because they were to go quickly and to know that God would give them everything they needed. They took only a staff to help them walk.
They were also not to have two tunics. A tunic was the main piece of clothing they wore. They wore a second tunic at night when it was cold. They carried the other tunic during the day. However, God would make sure they were warm at night.
See: Disciple
[6:10]
The disciples were told to remain in one house. At this time it was a great honor to have someone stay in your home. Jesus did not want his disciples to dishonor a host by leaving that house.
See: Disciple
[6:11]
If the people in a town rejected the disciples, the disciples were told to shake the dust off their feet when they left the town. According to the Law of Moses, the Jews needed to welcome people who were travelling. If they did not welcome the disciples, they disobeyed God. At this time, certain Jews shook the dust off their feet when leaving a place where Gentiles lived. This is because they thought they were leaving an unclean area.
See: Gentile; Law of Moses; Clean and Unclean;Gentile
[6:12]
See: Repent (Repentance)
[6:13]
In ancient Israel, it was common to anoint someone with oil who was sick so that they might be healed. They poured oil on their head or where they were hurt. It was a way of asking God to help this person.
See: Anoint (Anointing)
[6:14]
See: King Herod
[6:14]
Scholars do not know why people thought Jesus was John the Baptist made alive again. These people did not know that these two men lived at the same time. Both Jesus and John were prophets who honored God.
[6:15]
In ancient Israel, people thought Elijah would return to the earth. This is because he never died. Instead, he went straight to heaven. The prophet Malachi wrote about Elijah returning (see: Malachi 4:5).
[6:15]
See: Prophet
[6:17]
John the Baptist spoke against King Herod. He said the things King Herod did were evil. He said it was wrong for Herod to marry Herodias because his brother Philip was still alive. This made Herod angry. Herod wanted to kill John. However, Herod worried about what people would do if he killed John. Therefore, he put him into prison.
See: Leviticus 20:21
[6:17]
Herodias was the wife of King Herod. Before Herod married her, Herodias was married to Herod’s brother Philip.
[6:20]
The people of Israel thought John the Baptist was a prophet. Therefore they thought it was very wrong to harm John. Herod feared what people would do if he killed a prophet. Some scholars also think he feared John because John was a man who honored God while Herod did not honor God.
See: Prophet
[6:21]
In this passage, it was Herod’s birthday. Many different leaders who served him went to the dinner feast he made for his birthday.
Advice to translators: A birthday is a celebration of the day someone was born. Every year on the same day someone was born people celebrate that person.
[6:22]
Herodias sent her daughter to dance for Herod. She danced in a way that made men have sexual thoughts about her. She was the daughter of Herodias and Philip. She was Herod’s niece and step-daughter.
[6:22]
See: Swear (Oath)
[6:26]
Herod did not want to kill John the Baptist. He knew John was a man who honored God. However, he did not want people to see him break his oath. Therefore, he had John killed. This made Herod very sad.
See: Swear (Oath)
[6:29]
According to the Law of Moses, a person needed to be buried before the end of the day. Therefore, the disciples buried John’s body to obey the Law of Moses.
See: Law of Moses; Law of Moses
[6:32]
The apostles and Jesus went away in the boat.
See: Apostle
[6:33]
The people saw Jesus and the apostles leaving. Many of the people knew who were Jesus and the apostles. The people ran there together on foot from all the towns. Many of them arrived there before Jesus and the apostles did.
See: Apostle
[6:34]
Jesus said that the people were like sheep without a shepherd. This was a metaphor. This meant the people did not have a leader to follow.
See: Metaphor
[6:35]
Mark wrote that it was late in the day and they needed to eat and find a place to sleep.
[6:38]
Bread is made in a loaf. In ancient times, a person needed at least one loaf a day to live. For a meal, five loaves and two fish fed 2 or 3 small families.
[6:41]
When Jesus blessed the bread, he thanked God for giving them the bread.
[6:44]
Mark wrote that 5000 men ate the bread and fish. There were also women and children who ate of the bread and fish. Therefore, more than 5000 people ate.
[6:45]
See Map: Bethsaida
[6:48]
Mark wrote that the disciples were “straining against the oars, for the wind was against them.” That is, they were working hard to row to keep their boat from sinking because of the bad weather.
See: Disciple
[6:48]
The fourth watch of the night was a time after midnight.
[6:49]
A ghost is the spirit of a dead person trapped on earth. Ghosts are not real because people must either go to heaven or hell after they die. Spirits do not get trapped on earth when a person dies.
[6:52]
Mark wrote about what the loaves meant. Mark wrote about Jesus walking on the water and feeding 5000 men. These were both miracles. He wanted people to know that Jesus could do miracles because he is God.
See: Miracle
[6:53]
See Map: Gennesaret
Jesus returns to his hometown, where he is not accepted.
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.
This question can be asked in active form. Alternate translation: "What is this wisdom that he has gained?"
This phrase emphasizes that Jesus himself does the miracles. Alternate translation: "that he himself works"
These questions can be written as statements. 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."
"to the crowd"
This sentence uses a double negative to emphasize the positive. Alternate translation: "A prophet is always honored, except" or "People always honor prophets, except those"
Prophets and teachers would put their hands on people in order to heal them or bless them. In this case, Jesus was healing people.
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Jesus sends his disciples out in sets of two to preach and to heal.
Here the word "called" means that he summoned the twelve to come to him.
"2 by 2" or "in pairs"
Jesus's 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 UDB.
This double negative emphasizes that a staff is the only thing that they were to take. Alternate translation: "to take only a staff for their journey"
Here "bread" is a synecdoche for food in general. Alternate translation: "no food"
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"Jesus said to the twelve"
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 area"
"as a testimony against them." The testimony can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "as a testimony that they did not welcome you" or "to show them that they did wrong when they did not welcome you"
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"
"stop sinning"
It may be helpful to state that they cast the demons out of people. Alternate translation: "They cast many demons out of people"
Before this time, Herod commanded that John the Baptist be killed. When Herod hears about Jesus's miracles, he worries, thinking that someone has raised John the Baptist from the dead.
The word "this" refers to everything that Jesus and his disciples had been doing in various towns, including casting out demons and healing people.
Some people thought that Jesus was John the Baptist. This can be stated more clearly. Alternate translation: "Some people were saying, 'He is John the Baptist, who has been raised"
"Raised from the dead" is an idiom that means "caused to live again." This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God has raised John the Baptist from the dead" or "John the Baptist has become alive again"
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.'"
Herod said "I beheaded" because he had commanded his soldier to behead John. Alternate translation: "whom I commanded my soldier to behead"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "has risen" or "has become alive again"
Here the author begins to give background information about Herod and why he beheaded John the Baptist.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Herod sent his soldiers to arrest John and to bind him in prison"
"because of Herodias"
"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's twelve disciples.
"because Herod had married her"
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"Herodias continued to be angry at John"
Herodias wanted someone to kill John. Alternate translation: "and she wanted someone to kill him"
What she could not do can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "but she could not kill him" or "but she could not have him killed"
These two clauses can be linked differently to show more clearly why Herod feared John. Alternate translation: "for Herod feared John because he knew"
"Herod knew that John was a righteous"
"Listening to John"
The author continues to give background information about Herod and the beheading of John the Baptist.
"a convenient day" or "there was an opportune time." This was a time when Herodias could finally do something so that John the Baptist would be killed.
This means that he invited those people to a special dinner to celebrate his birthday with him. Alternate translation: "he had a banquet for his officials ... of Galilee" or "he invited his officials ... of Galilee to eat and celebrate with him"
a formal meal or banquet
The word "herself" is a reflexive pronoun used to emphasize that it was significant that it was Herodias's own daughter who danced at the dinner.
"came into the room"
"I will give you whatever you ask me to give to you, even half of what I own and rule, if you ask for that"
"went out of the room"
"on a board" or "on a large wooden dish"
The oath was what Herod swore to the girl in verse 23. Alternate translation: "because of what he had sworn to the girl" or "because he had sworn to give the girl whatever she asked for"
This can be stated more clearly. Alternate translation: "and because his dinner guests had heard his oath"
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"on a tray"
"When John's disciples"
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.
a place where there are no people
This means that people were continually coming to the apostles and then going away from them.
The word "they" refers to the apostles.
Here the word "they" includes both the apostles and Jesus.
The people saw Jesus and the apostles leaving, and many of the people recognized Jesus and the apostles, and the people ran there together on foot from all the towns, and the people arrived there before Jesus and the apostles did.
The people are going on foot by land, which contrasts with how the disciples went by boat.
When Jesus and the disciples came ... on the people in the crowd because the people in the crowd were like ... to teach the people in the crowd
Jesus compares the people to sheep who are confused when they do not have their shepherd to lead them.
This means it was late in the day. Alternate translation: "When it was getting late" or "Late in the afternoon"
This refers to a place where there are no people. See how you translated this in Mark 6:31.
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"But Jesus answered and said to his disciples"
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!"
"200 denarii." The singular form of the word "denarii" is "denarius." A denarius was a Roman silver coin worth one day's wages.
lumps of bread dough that have been shaped and baked
Describe the grass with the color word used in your language for healthy grass, which may or may not be the color green.
This refers to the number of people in each of the groups. Alternate translation: "with about fifty people in some groups and about a hundred people in other groups"
This means that he looked up toward the sky, which is associated with the place where God lives.
"he spoke a blessing" or "he gave thanks"
"he divided the two fish so that everyone could have some"
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Possible meaning are 1) "The disciples took up" or 2) "The people took up."
"twelve baskets full of broken pieces of bread"
"12 baskets"
Telling the number of men in the crowd hints at how large the crowd was. The women and children also ate. Alternate translation: "So many people ate the loaves of bread; the number of just the men was five thousand"
"5,000 men"
This refers to the Sea of Galilee. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "to the other side of the Sea of Galilee"
This is a town on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee.
"After saying goodbye to them" or "After they had left." Use the common words your language uses for a time when friends leave each other and expect to see each other after a few hours or days.
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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.
This is the time between 3 a.m. and sunrise.
the spirit of a dead person or some other kind of spirit
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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"
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"
Having a hard heart represents being too stubborn to understand. Alternate translation: "they were too stubborn to understand"
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.
This is the name of the region to the northwest of the Sea of Galilee.
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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"
The word "they" refers to the people who recognized Jesus, not to the disciples.
This phrase refers to people. Alternate translation: "the sick people"
"Wherever Jesus entered"
Here "they" refers to the people. It does not refer to Jesus's disciples.
This phrase refers to people. Alternate translation: "the sick people"
Possible meanings are 1) "The sick begged him" or 2) "The people begged him."
The word "them" refers to the sick.
"the hem of his robe" or "the edge of his clothes"
"all those who"
The people did not know from where he got his teachings, his wisdom, and his miracles.
Jesus said a prophet is without honor in his home town, among his relatives, and in his own household.
Jesus was amazed by the unbelief of the people in his home town.
Jesus gave the Twelve authority over unclean spirits.
The Twelve took a staff, sandals, and one tunic.
The Twelve took a staff, sandals, and one tunic.
Jesus told the Twelve to shake off the dust under their feet as a testimony against them.
The people supposed that Jesus was John the Baptizer, or Elijah, or a prophet.
The people supposed that Jesus was John the Baptizer, or Elijah, or a prophet.
John had told Herod it was unlawful for Herod to marry his brother's wife.
Herod became upset when he heard John preach, but he was still glad to hear him.
Herod swore that she could have whatever she asked of him, up to half of his kingdom.
Herodias asked for the head of John the Baptizer on a platter.
Herod became very sorry, but did not refuse her request because of the oaths he had made in front of his guests.
Many people recognized them and ran to arrive there before Jesus and the apostles.
Jesus had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd.
The disciples thought they would have to go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread.
The disciples already had five loaves and two fish with them.
As he took the loaves and fish, Jesus looked up to heaven, blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to his disciples.
There were twelve baskets of bread, and pieces of fish left after everyone ate.
There were five thousand men that had been fed.
Jesus came to the disciples walking on the lake.
Jesus told the disciples to be brave and to not be afraid.
The disciples did not understand about the miracle of the loaves because their minds were slow to understand.
The people brought the sick on stretchers to Jesus wherever they heard he was coming.
Those who just touched the fringe of Jesus' garment were healed.
1 The Pharisees and some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem gathered around him. 2 They saw that some of his disciples ate bread with hands that were unclean, that is, unwashed. 3 (For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they wash their hands carefully, because they hold to the tradition of the elders. 4 When the Pharisees come from the marketplace, they do not eat unless they bathe themselves, and they hold to many other things they have received, such as the washing of cups, pots, copper vessels, and the couches upon which they eat.) 5 The Pharisees and the scribes asked Jesus, "Why do your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat their bread with unclean hands?"
6 But he said to them, "Isaiah prophesied well about you hypocrites. As it is written,
'This people honors me with their lips,
but their heart is far from me.
7 In vain they worship me,
teaching the commands of men as their doctrines.'
8 You abandon the commandment of God and hold on to the tradition of men." 9 He also said to them, "How well you reject the commandment of God so you may keep your tradition! 10 For Moses said, 'Honor your father and your mother,' and, 'He who speaks evil of his father or mother will surely be put to death.' 11 But you say, 'If a man says to his father or mother, "Whatever help you would have received from me is Corban"' (that is to say, 'a Gift'), 12 then you no longer permit him to do anything for his father or his mother. 13 You are making the word of God void by your tradition which you have handed down. And many similar things you do." 14 He called the crowd again and said to them, "Listen to me, all of you, and understand. 15 There is nothing from outside of a person that can defile him when it enters into him. It is what comes out of the person that defiles him." 16[1]17 Now when Jesus left the crowd and entered the house, his disciples asked him about the parable. 18 Jesus said, "Are you also still without understanding? Do you not know that whatever enters into a person from outside cannot defile him, 19 because it cannot go into his heart, but it goes into his stomach and then passes out into the latrine?" With this statement Jesus declared all foods clean. 20 He said, "It is that which comes out of the person that defiles him. 21 For from within a person, out of the heart, proceed evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, 22 adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, folly. 23 All these evils come from within, and they are what defile a person."
24 He got up from there and went away to the region of Tyre and Sidon. There he went into a house, and he wanted no one to know where he was, yet he could not be hidden. 25 But immediately [2] a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit heard about him and came and fell down at his feet. 26 Now the woman was a Greek, a Syrophoenician by descent. She begged him to cast out the demon from her daughter. 27 He said to her, "Let the children first be fed. For it is not proper to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs."
28 But she answered and said to him, "Yes, Lord, even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs."
29 He said to her, "Because of what you have said, you are free to go. The demon has gone out of your daughter." 30 She went back to her house and found the child lying on the bed, and the demon was gone.
31 Then he went out again from the region of Tyre, and went through Sidon to the Sea of Galilee up into the region of the Decapolis. 32 They brought to him someone who was deaf and had difficulty speaking, and they begged him to lay his hand on him. 33 Then taking him aside away from the crowd privately, he put his fingers into his ears, and then he spit and touched his tongue. 34 Then he looked up to heaven, sighed, and said to him, "Ephphatha," that is to say, "Open!" 35 At once his ears were opened, the bond of his tongue was released, and he began to speak plainly.
36 Jesus ordered them to tell no one. But the more he ordered them, the more abundantly they proclaimed it. 37 They were extremely astonished, saying, "He has done all things well. He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak."
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in 7:6-7, which is from the Old Testament.
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, 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: lawofmoses and clean)
This is an Aramaic word. Mark wrote it the way it sounds using Greek letters and then explained what it means.
[7:1]
The Pharisees and scribes came from Jerusalem to see what Jesus and the disciples were doing. Scholars think the Pharisees and Scribes were searching for ways to accuse Jesus of not following the Law of Moses.
See: Law of Moses;Scribe; Disciple;Law of Moses
See Map: Galilee
[7:2]
In ancient Israel, the Jews did not eat unless they washed their hands in a certain way. The Jews washed their hands in the way the religious leaders taught. Mark called the rules made by the religious leaders the “traditions of the elders.” They taught that Jews needed to wash their hands after they went to the marketplace. They needed to wash because they were around Gentiles. Gentiles were unclean. These rules were not in the Law of Moses.
Advice to Translators: A marketplace is a place where people go to get food, clothing, and other things they need to live.
See: Gentile; Clean and Unclean; Gentile
[7:4]
The Pharisees bathed themselves after they went to the marketplace. The religious teachers taught that people needed to wash their hands after they went to the marketplace. However, the Pharisees washed their whole body. They did this because they were near Gentiles and Gentiles were unclean. None of this was in the Law of Moses.
Advice to Translators: A marketplace is a place where people go to get food, clothing, and other things they need to live.
See: Clean and Unclean; Gentile; Law of Moses; Clean and Unclean
[7:4]
The Law of Moses taught that certain things were unclean and needed to be washed. The religious teachers and the Pharisees thought that even more things needed to be washed then what the Law of Moses said to wash. Mark wanted to write that the Pharisees and other religious teachers taught certain things were sins. However, those things were not taught in the Law of Moses. These were rules made by men, not God.
See: Sin; Pharisees; Clean and Unclean; Sin
[7:6, 7:7]
Jesus said that the Pharisees were hypocrites. The Pharisees said they were honoring God. They did things so that other people would think they were honoring God. However, they really did not want to honor God. Instead, they only wanted people to think they honored God.
The Pharisees were like the people Isaiah prophesied about. They obeyed men and the rules made by men. However, they did not obey God and the rules he made.
See: Hypocrisy (Hypocirte); Prophecy (Prophesy) ; Hypocrisy (Hypocirte)
[7:10, 7:11, 7:12]
In the Law of Moses, children were to honor their father and mother. However, the religious teachers in Israel taught something different. Children could promise something to God that normally would be given to their parents. If they did this, they did not need to give it to help their parents. Neither did they need to use it in a certain way or to give it to a priest. Jesus said this did not obey the Law of Moses about honoring your father and mother.
[7:15]
Jesus said that things going into a person did not make them unclean. Instead, it was things that came out of people that made them unclean. That is, the wrong things a person thought and did made them unclean.
See: Clean and Unclean
Advice to translators: Something that is defiled has been made unclean.
[7:16]
Most of the ancient copies of the New Testament in Greek do not have the words in verse 16. Therefore, scholars think Mark did not write these words. However, the person who made separated the passages into verses did this with a copy of the New Testament in Greek that had those words.
See: Differences in the Ancient Copies of the Bible)
[7:17]
The disciples asked about a parable. The parable was about what Jesus said in verse 15.
[7:18, 7:19, 7:20, 7:21, 7:22, 7:23]
The disciples did not understand what Jesus wanted to teach them when Jesus used this parable. He wanted them to know that God cared more about what people did than what people ate.
Some scholars think Jesus changed the Law of Moses. He could do this because he made the Law of Moses. Christians were now able to eat any food. Food was no longer clean or unclean. Other scholars do not think Jesus changed the Law of Moses. Instead, Jesus wanted people to know that the Law of Moses was going to be fulfilled in Jesus. Believing in Jesus would now be how Christians could now follow the Law of Moses.
See: Matthew 5:21-48; Acts 10; Acts 15
See: Law of Moses; Parable;Clean and Unclean; Law of Moses
[7:24]
Tyre and Sidon were cities outside of Israel.
See Map: Tyre and Sidon
[7:24]
Scholars think Jesus was searching for a place to rest. He wanted to have time alone with his disciples.
See: Disciple
[7:25]
See: Demon Possession (Casting Out Demons); Clean and Unclean; Demon Possession (Casting Out Demons)
[7:25]
The women begged Jesus to do something when she fell down at his feet. She did not do this to worship him.
[7:26]
See Map: Syrophoenicia
[7:27]
Jesus talked about a dog who ate food that fell off the table. This was a metaphor.
Some scholars think he talked about the disciples when he talked about the children. He talked about the Gentiles when he talked about the dogs. He talked about something he gave them when he talked about the bread. He wanted to say that he needed to teach the disciples before he taught her.
Other scholars think that he talked about Israel when he talked about the children. He was talking about the Gentiles when he talked about the dogs. He talked about the gospel message and the blessings of Jesus’ miracles when he talked about bread. He wanted to say that he taught the gospel to the Jews before he taught the gospel to the Gentiles.
See: Miracle; Disciple; Gentile; Gospel;Miracle
[7:29]
The woman made it known that she believed in Jesus by her reply to Jesus. Jesus healed her daughter because the woman believed in Jesus.
[7:31]
See Map: Sea of Galilee
[7:31]
See Map: Decapolis
[7:32]
See: Laying on of Hands
[7:33]
Jesus spit and touched the man’s tongue. This was a symbol. However, he did not say what was the meaning of the symbol.
Some scholars think Jesus spat onto the ground.
Other scholars think Jesus spat into his hand and then touched the man’s tongue.
See: Symbol
[7:35]
Jesus healed a man that was not able to hear or speak. Mark said that the man’s “tongue was released.” That is, the man was now able to speak. The man was healed instantly.
[7:36]
See: Messianic Secret
Jesus rebukes the Pharisees and scribes.
"gathered around Jesus"
"The Pharisees and the scribes saw"
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, they had not washed their hands"
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's disciples did not wash their hands before eating. If you need to reorder the events in these verses, it may be helpful to use a verse bridge, as in the UDB.
The words "do not" and "unless" are a double negative. This can be stated in a positive way. Alternate translation: "For the Pharisees and all the Jews eat only after they wash their hands carefully"
This kind of hand washing was an important ceremonial or religious act, not just an act of making ones hands clean physically. The Jews washed their hands carefully to obey all religious traditions and rules about cleanness. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "unless they make their hands ceremonially clean"
Jewish elders were leaders in their communities and were also judges for the people.
The words "things they have received" refers to traditions that they learned from their elders. Alternate translation: "they follow many other traditions" or "they do many other things that they were taught to do"
"copper kettles" or "metal containers"
"benches" or "beds." At that time, the Jews would recline when eating.
Here "walk according to" is a metaphor for "obey." The Pharisees and scribes asked this question to challenge Jesus's authority. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "Your disciples should not disobey the traditions of our elders by eating their bread with unclean hands."
The hands were ritually unclean because the disciples had not performed the ceremonial washing. The Pharisees were not accusing them of eating with physical dirt on their hands.
This is a synecdoche, representing food in general. Alternate translation: "food"
Here Jesus quotes the prophet Isaiah, who had written scripture many years earlier.
Here "lips" is a metonym for speaking. Alternate translation: "by what they say"
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"
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Jesus continues to rebuke the scribes and Pharisees.
"You refuse to obey the commandment of God"
This phrase is a metaphor for strictly obeying. Alternate translation: "strictly obey"
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"
"How skillfully you reject"
This may be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The authorities must execute a person who speaks evil about his father or mother"
"who curses"
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 affects what people do for their parents.
"Corban" 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"
A person might say this so that he would not have to give anything to help his parents. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "I will not help you, because whatever help you would have received from me is Corban"
This phrase explains the meaning of the Hebrew word "Corban." Mark explained the meaning so that his non-Jewish readers could understand what Jesus said. This seems to have been the proper name of a sacrifice. You may need to make explicit who the gift was given to. Alternate translation: "a Gift to God"
Possible meanings are that by telling people that they could say that their possessions are Corban, 1) the Pharisees did not allow people to help their parents, or 2) the Pharisees allowed people to refuse to help their parents. Alternate translation: "then you permit him to do nothing for his father or his mother"
Here "do anything" refers to helping his parents by giving to them. This can be translated as "then you no longer permit him to give anything to his father or his mother" or "then you permit him to give nothing to his father or his mother"
Jesus is speaking specifically of the command to love father and mother. Alternate translation: "God's command"
canceled or done away with
"you are doing many other things similar to this"
Jesus tells a parable to the crowd to help them understand what he has been saying to the scribes and Pharisees.
"Jesus called"
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.
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"
Jesus is speaking about what a person eats. This is in contrast to "what comes out of the person." Alternate translation: "nothing from outside a person that he can eat"
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"
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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.
This word is used here to mark a new part of the story. Jesus is now away from the crowd, in a house with his disciples.
Jesus begins to teach his disciples by asking a question.
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."
Jesus finishes asking the question he is using to teach his disciples.
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."
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"
Here "it" refers to what goes into a person; that is, what a person eats.
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"
"Jesus said"
"What defiles a person is what comes out of him"
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"
not controlling one's lustful desires
or blasphemy
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"
When Jesus goes away to Tyre, he heals the daughter of a Gentile woman who has extraordinary faith.
This is an idiom meaning that she was possessed by the unclean spirit. Alternate translation: "was possessed by an unclean spirit"
"knelt." This is an act of honor and submission.
The word "Now" is used here to mark a pause in the story, as the author gives us background information about the woman.
This is the name of the woman's nationality. She was born in the Phoenician region in Syria.
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "We must first feed the children of Israel"
morally right
This refers to food in general. Alternate translation: "food"
This refers to small dogs kept as pets.
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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"
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"
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After healing people in Tyre, Jesus goes to the Sea of Galilee. There he heals a deaf man, which amazes the people.
"left the region of Tyre"
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.
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]
"And people brought"
"who was not able to hear"
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"
"Then Jesus took the man ... privately, and he"
Jesus is putting his own fingers in the man's ears.
It may be helpful to state that Jesus spit on his fingers. Alternate translation: "then he spit on his fingers and touched the man's tongue with them"
This means that he looked up toward the sky, which is associated with the place where God lives.
This means that Jesus groaned or that he let out a long deep breath that could be heard.
"said to the man"
This is an Aramaic word. It should be copied into your language using your alphabet.
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"
This metaphor speaks of the man's tongue as if it were bound by a rope or chain that kept the man from speaking and that Jesus broke or loosened so the man could speak. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Jesus released the bond of his tongue" or "Jesus set his tongue free" or "Jesus enabled the man to speak"
The refers to him ordering them not to tell anyone about what he had done. Alternate translation: "But though he continually ordered them not to tell anyone, they continually proclaimed it"
"the more widely" or "the more"
"were utterly amazed" or "were exceedingly astonished" or "were astonished beyond all measure"
These refer to people. Alternate translation: "the deaf people hear and the mute people speak" or "people who cannot hear, hear, and people who cannot speak, speak"
Some of the disciples were eating with unwashed hands.
It was the tradition of the elders that hands, cups, pots, copper vessels, and dining couches be washed before eating.
It was the tradition of the elders that hands, cups, pots, copper vessels, and dining couches be washed before eating.
Jesus said that the Pharisees and scribes taught the rules of men while abandoning the commandment of God.
Jesus said that the Pharisees and scribes taught the rules of men while abandoning the commandment of God.
They voided God's commandment by telling people to give to them as Corban the money that would have helped their father and mother.
They voided God's commandment by telling people to give to them as Corban the money that would have helped their father and mother.
They voided God's commandment by telling people to give to them as Corban the money that would have helped their father and mother.
Jesus said that nothing from outside of a person can defile him when it enters into him.
Jesus said that what comes out of a person defiles him.
Jesus said that nothing from outside of a person can defile him when it enters into him.
Jesus said that nothing from outside of a person can defile him when it enters into him.
Jesus declared all foods to be clean.
Jesus said that what comes out of a person defiles him.
Jesus said that what comes out of a person defiles him.
Jesus said that evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, and folly can come out of a person to defile him.
Jesus said that what comes out of a person defiles him.
Jesus said that evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, and folly can come out of a person to defile him.
Jesus said that what comes out of a person defiles him.
The woman whose daughter had an unclean spirit was a Greek.
The woman whose daughter had an unclean spirit was a Greek.
The woman said that even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs.
Jesus cast the demon out of the woman's daughter.
Jesus cast the demon out of the woman's daughter.
Jesus put his fingers in the man's ears, spit and touched his tongue, then looked to heaven and said, "Open!"
Jesus put his fingers in the man's ears, spit and touched his tongue, then looked to heaven and said, "Open!"
The more Jesus commanded them to be quiet, the more they talked about it.
1 In those days, there was again a great crowd, and they had nothing to eat. Jesus called his disciples and said to them, 2 "I have compassion on the crowd because they continue to be with me already for three days and have nothing to eat. 3 If I send them away to their home without eating, they may faint on the way. Some of them have come a long way."
4 His disciples answered him, "Where can we get enough loaves of bread in such a deserted place to satisfy these people?"
5 He asked them, "How many loaves do you have?"
They said, "Seven." 6 He commanded the crowd to sit down on the ground. He took the seven loaves, gave thanks, and broke them. He gave them to his disciples to set before them, and they set them before the crowd. 7 They also had a few small fish, and after he gave thanks for them, he commanded the disciples to serve these as well. 8 They ate and were satisfied, and they picked up the remaining broken pieces, seven large baskets. 9 There were about four thousand people. Then he sent them away. 10 Immediately he got into the boat with his disciples, and they went into the region of Dalmanutha.
11 Then the Pharisees came out and began to argue with him. They sought from him a sign from heaven, to test him. 12 He sighed deeply in his spirit and said, "Why does this generation seek for a sign? Truly I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation." 13 Then he left them, got into a boat again, and went away to the other side.
14 Now the disciples had forgotten to take bread with them. They had no more than one loaf of bread in the boat. 15 He instructed them, saying, "Keep watch and be on guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and the yeast of Herod."
16 The disciples were arguing with one another about having no bread.
17 When he understood this, he asked them, "Why are you arguing about having no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Do you have hardened hearts? 18 You have eyes, do you not see? You have ears, do you not hear? Do you not remember? 19 When I broke the five loaves among the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces of bread did you take up?"
They said to him, "Twelve."
20 "When I broke the seven loaves among the four thousand, how many basketfuls of broken pieces of bread did you take up?"
They said to him, "Seven."
21 He said, "Do you not yet understand?"
22 They came to Bethsaida. The people there brought to him a blind man and begged Jesus to touch him. 23 Jesus took hold of the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village. When he had spit on his eyes and laid his hands on him, he asked him, "Do you see anything?"
24 He looked up, and said, "I see men who look like walking trees."
25 Then he again laid his hands upon his eyes, and the man opened his eyes, his sight was restored, and he saw all things clearly. 26 Jesus sent him away to his home and said, "Do not enter the village."
27 Jesus went out with his disciples into the villages of Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked his disciples, "Who do the people say that I am?"
28 They answered him and said, "John the Baptist. Others say, 'Elijah,' and others, 'One of the prophets.'"
29 He asked them, "But who do you say that I am?"
Peter said to him, "You are the Christ." 30 Jesus warned them not to tell anyone about him.
31 He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things, and would be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes, and would be killed, and after three days rise up. 32 He spoke that message openly. Then Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. 33 But Jesus turned and looked at his disciples and then he rebuked Peter and said, "Get behind me, Satan! You are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of people." 34 Then he called the crowd and his disciples together, and he said to them, "If anyone wants to follow me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. 35 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake and for the gospel will save it. 36 What does it profit a person to gain the whole world and then forfeit his life? 37 What can a person give in exchange for his life? 38 Whoever is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels."
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.
When Jesus called the people an "adulterous generation," he was telling them that they were not faithful to God. (See: faithful and peopleofgod)
Jesus used many rhetorical questions as a way of both teaching the disciples
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).
[8:1]
Mark wrote about the time when Jesus was in Decapolis when he wrote about “those days.”
See Map: Decapolis
[8:2]
Mark does not write why the people did not have anything to eat.
[8:4]
The disciples spoke about being in a deserted place. That is they were in a place were they could not get any food. Perhaps they were in the wilderness or desert.
See: Disciple
[8:6]
Jesus gave thanks to God before they ate. He thanked God for giving them their food. This was common in ancient Israel.
[8:8]
Mark wrote there were 7 large baskets of uneaten food after everyone ate. There was more food that remained then the food with which they started. This was a miracle.
See: Miracle
[8:10]
See Map: Dalmanutha
[8:11]
The Pharisees wanted Jesus to give them a sign from heaven. They wanted Jesus to prove that God gave Jesus the power and permission to do these miracles. They thought that Satan gave Jesus the power and permission to do these things (see: Mark 3:22)
See: Satan (The Devil); Sign; Heaven; Miracle; Satan (The Devil)
[8:15]
Jesus used the metaphor of yeast. He did this to talk about people doing evil things. In the same way a small amount of yeast goes through the whole lump of dough, so evil things would make other people want to do more evil things.
[8:17, 8:18, 8:19, 8:20, 8:21]
Jesus asked his disciples many different questions. They did not understand what Jesus was saying about who he is and why he did these things. They knew Jesus fed 5000 people through a miracle. They forgot he could do this. They worried that the people would not have food to eat (see: Mark 8:4).
Some scholars think Jesus rebuked them. That is, he spoke to them in a way that they would know they did something wrong.
Other scholars think Jesus was trying to help them understand (see: Matthew 16:11-12).
[8:22]
See Map: Bethsaida
[8:22]
The people wanted Jesus to touch the blind man because they believed that this would heal the man.
[8:23]
Jesus took the man outside of the village because he did not want other people to see what he was doing.
See: Messianic Secret
[8:23]
It was a symbol when Jesus spat on the man’s eyes. However, Mark does not write about what was this symbol. Perhaps Jesus spat on the man’s eyes because then the man could feel what Jesus was doing.
See: Symbol
[8:24]
The man saw people and said they looked like walking trees. This is because his eyes were not yet completely healed. Jesus tried to teach the disciples something by not healing the man completely the first time. This was because seeing was a metaphor. People often spoke about understanding something as if they were seeing it. In the same way the man saw more clearly after Jesus touched his eyes again, so the disciples understood Jesus more clearly when he explained the things he taught.
[8:26]
Jesus told this man not to enter into the village. He did this because he did not want the man to tell other people about what Jesus did.
See: Messianic Secret
[8:27]
See Map: Caesarea Philippi
[8:27]
Jesus asked, “who do people say that I am.” Scholars think Jesus wanted his disciples to be prepared for the next question he asked. That is, he asked them “but who do you say that I am”?
See: Disciple
[8:30]
See: Messiah (Christ); Disciple; Messiah (Christ)
[8:31]
Jesus spoke about himself when he spoke about the Son of Man. He prophesied about things that would happen to him.
See: Prophecy (Prophesy); Prophecy (Prophesy)
[8:31]
Mark wrote about older men in Israel who lead the people in some way when he wrote about elders. Together the scribes, the chief priests, and the elders helped to lead Israel to worship and obey God.
[8:31]
Jesus said he would rise up after three days. That is he would be made alive again through his resurrection.
[8:32]
Peter rebuked Jesus. He said that what Jesus said must be wrong. Peter thought that the messiah would not suffer and die in the way Jesus said. However, Jesus rebuked Peter. He said Peter spoke wrongly. The things he said were the things that Satan wanted Peter to say. Peter did not yet understand the things Jesus was supposed to do on earth.
See: Messiah (Christ);Messiah (Christ)
[8:34]
The words “take up your cross” were a metaphor. Jesus died on a cross. He obeyed God even though he suffered for obeying God. He wanted people to do the same thing. He wanted them to obey God even if they suffered because they obeyed God.
[8:35]
Jesus talked about “life” in two ways in this passage. He spoke about the life a person has before they die and the life they have after they die. He said people needed to obey God before they die if they want to live with God forever. In the same way, people who die on Earth because they obeyed God will still live with God forever after they die.
See: Save (Salvation, Saved from Sins); Save (Salvation, Saved from Sins)
[8:38]
Jesus called the people living in Israel sinful and adulterous. This was a metaphor. Jesus meant the people were not faithful to God because they did not believe in Jesus.
[8:38]
Jesus talked about people being ashamed of him. That is, he talked about the people who rejected him. They did not believe in him. Jesus will reject everyone who rejected him when he returns. They will live in hell forever.
See: Matthew 24:30; Mark 13:26
See: Angel; Hell; Glory (Glorify); Angel
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.
This phrase is used to introduce a new event in the story.
"this is this third day these people have been with me, and they have nothing to eat"
Possible meanings are 1) literal, "they may lose consciousness temporarily" or 2) hyperbolic exaggeration, "they may become weak."
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!"
Loaves of bread are lumps of dough that have been shaped and baked.
"Jesus asked his disciples"
This can be written as a direct quote. "Jesus commanded the crowd, 'Sit down on the ground.'"
Use your language's word for how people customarily eat when there is no table, whether sitting or lying down.
Here the word "they" is used to refer to Jesus and his disciples.
"Jesus gave thanks for the fish"
"The people ate"
"the disciples picked up"
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"
It may be helpful to clarify when he sent them away. Alternate translation: "After they ate, Jesus sent them away"
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"
This is the name of a place on the northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee.
In Dalmanutha, Jesus refuses to give the Pharisees a sign before he and his disciples get in a boat and leave.
"They asked him for"
They wanted a sign that would prove that Jesus's 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"
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"
This means that he groaned or that he let out a long deep breath that could be heard. It probably shows Jesus's deep sadness that the Pharisees refused to believe him. See how you translated this in Mark 7:34.
"in himself"
Jesus is scolding them. This question may be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "This generation should not seek a sign."
When Jesus speaks of "this generation," he is referring to the people who lived at that time. The Pharisees are included in this group. Alternate translation: "you and the people of this generation"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I will not give a sign"
Jesus's disciples went with him. Some information can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "he left them, got into a boat again with his disciples"
This describes the Sea of Galilee, which can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "to the other side of the sea"
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.
This word is used here to mark a pause in the story. Here the author tells background information about the disciples forgetting to bring bread.
The negative phrase "no more" is used to emphasize how small an amount of bread they had. Alternate translation: "only one loaf"
These two terms have a common meaning and are repeated here for emphasis. They can be combined. Alternate translation: "Keep watch"
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.
The word "no" is an exaggeration. The disciples did have one loaf of bread
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."
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."
Here "hearts" is a metonym for a person's mind and "hardened" 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: "You are so slow to understand what I mean!" or "You are unwilling to understand what I mean!"
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."
This refers to the 5,000 people Jesus fed. Alternate translation: "the 5,000 people"
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"
This refers to the 4,000 people Jesus fed. Alternate translation: "the 4,000 people"
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"
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."
When Jesus and his disciples get out of their boat at Bethsaida, Jesus heals a blind man.
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]
It may be helpful to state why they wanted Jesus to touch the man. Alternate translation: "to touch him in order to heal him"
"When Jesus had spit on the man's eyes ... Jesus asked the man"
"The man looked up"
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"
"Then Jesus again"
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"
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Jesus and his disciples talk on their way to the villages of Caesarea Philippi about who Jesus is and what will happen to him.
"They answered him, saying,"
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"
The word "others" refers to other people. This refers to their responses to Jesus's question. Alternate translation: "Other people say you are ... other people say you are"
"Jesus asked his disciples"
Jesus did not want them to tell anyone that he was the Christ. This can be made more explicit. 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.'"
This is an important title for Jesus.
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"
Possible meanings are 1) "He said this so that people could hear him" or 2) "He said this in a way that was easy to understand."
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"
After rebuking Peter for his not wanting Jesus to die and rise, Jesus tells both his disciples and the crowd how to follow him.
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"
"Get away from me"
Following Jesus here represents being one of his disciples. Alternate translation: "be my disciple" or "be one of my disciples"
"must not give in to his own desires" or "must forsake his own desires"
"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"
Following Jesus here represents obeying him. Alternate translation: "obey me"
"For anyone who wants"
This refers to both physical life and spiritual life.
"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"
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."
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"
The words "the whole world" are an exaggeration for great riches. Alternate translation: "to gain everything he ever wanted"
To forfeit something is to lose it or to have another person take it away.
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."
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"
"ashamed of me and my message"
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"
Jesus speaks of himself in the third person. Alternate translation: "I, the Son of Man, will be ashamed"
"when he comes back"
When Jesus returns he will have the same glory as his Father.
"accompanied by the holy angels"
Jesus stated that he was concerned the great crowd had nothing to eat.
Jesus stated that he was concerned the great crowd had nothing to eat.
The disciples had seven loaves with them.
Jesus gave thanks, broke the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to serve.
There were seven baskets of food remaining after everyone had eaten.
There were about four thousand men who ate and were satisfied.
The Pharisees wanted Jesus to give them a sign from heaven.
Jesus warned his disciples to be on guard of the yeast of the Pharisees.
The disciples thought Jesus was talking about the fact that they had forgotten to bring bread.
Jesus reminded them that when he had broken five loaves, five thousand people had been fed and twelves baskets full of broken pieces had been taken up.
Jesus first spat on his eyes and laid his hands upon him.
Jesus laid his hands upon his eyes.
The people were saying that Jesus was John the Baptizer, Elijah, or one of the prophets.
Peter said that Jesus was the Christ.
Jesus taught his disciples that the Son of Man must suffer, be rejected, be killed, and be raised after three days.
Jesus said to Peter, "Get behind me Satan! You do not care for the things of God, but for the things of people".
Jesus said that anyone who wants to follow him must deny himself and take up his cross.
Jesus said, "What does it profit a person to gain the whole world, and then forfeit his life?"
Jesus said that at his coming he would be ashamed of those who were ashamed of him and his words.
1 He said to them, "Truly I say to you, there are some of you who are standing here who will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power."
2 Six days later, Jesus took Peter and James and John with him up a high mountain, alone by themselves. Then he was transfigured before them. 3 His garments became radiantly brilliant, extremely white, whiter than any bleacher on earth could bleach them. 4 Then Elijah with Moses appeared to them, and they were talking with Jesus. 5 Peter answered and said to Jesus, "Rabbi, it is good for us to be here, and so let us make three shelters, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." 6 (For he did not know what to say, for they were terrified.)
7 A cloud came and overshadowed them. Then a voice came out of the cloud, "This is my beloved Son. Listen to him." 8 Suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them, but only Jesus.
9 As they were coming down the mountain, he commanded them to tell no one what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. 10 So they kept the matter to themselves, but they discussed among themselves what "rising from the dead" could mean. 11 They asked him, "Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?"
12 He said to them, "Elijah does come first to restore all things. Why then is it written that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be despised? 13 But I say to you that Elijah has come, and they did whatever they wanted to him, just as it is written about him."
14 When they came to the disciples, they saw a great crowd around them, and scribes were arguing with them. 15 As soon as they saw Jesus, the whole crowd was amazed and as they ran up to him they greeted him. 16 He asked his disciples, "What are you arguing with them about?"
17 Someone in the crowd answered him, "Teacher, I brought my son to you. He has a spirit that makes him unable to speak. 18 It seizes him and it throws him down, and he foams at the mouth, grinds his teeth, and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive it out of him, but they could not."
19 He answered them, "Unbelieving generation, how long will I have to stay with you? How long will I bear with you? Bring him to me." 20 They brought the boy to him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw him into a convulsion. The boy fell on the ground and foamed at the mouth. 21 Jesus asked his father, "For how much time has he been like this?"
The father said, "Since childhood. 22 It has often thrown him into the fire or into the waters and tried to destroy him. If you are able to do anything, have pity on us and help us."
23 Jesus said to him, "'If you are able'? All things are possible for the one who believes."
24 Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, "I believe! Help my unbelief!"
25 When Jesus saw the crowd running to them, he rebuked the unclean spirit and said, "You mute and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him, and never enter into him again."
26 It cried out and convulsed the boy greatly and then came out. The boy looked like one who was dead, so that many said, "He is dead." 27 But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and the boy stood up.
28 When Jesus came into the house, his disciples asked him privately, "Why could we not cast it out?"
29 He said to them, "This kind cannot be cast out except by prayer."
30 They went out from there and passed through Galilee. He did not want anyone to know where they were, 31 for he was teaching his disciples. He said to them, "The Son of Man will be given over into the hands of men, and they will put him to death. When he has been put to death, after three days he will rise again." 32 But they did not understand this statement, and they were afraid to ask him.
33 Then they came to Capernaum. After he entered the house he asked them, "What were you discussing on the way?" 34 But they were silent. For they had been arguing with one with another on the way about who was the greatest. 35 Sitting down, he called the twelve together and he said to them, "If anyone wants to be first, he must be last of all and servant of all." 36 He took a little child and placed him in their midst. He took him in his arms and said to them, 37 "Whoever receives such a child in my name receives me; whoever receives me does not receive me but the one who sent me."
38 John said to him, "Teacher, we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we stopped him, because he does not follow us."
39 But Jesus said, "Do not stop him, for there is no one who will do a mighty work in my name and can soon afterwards say anything bad about me. 40 Whoever is not against us is for us. 41 Whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in my name because you belong to Christ, truly I say to you, he will not lose his reward. 42 Whoever causes one of these little ones who believes in me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a large millstone tied around his neck and be thrown into the sea. 43 If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed than to have two hands and to go into hell, into the unquenchable fire. 44[1]45 If your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life lame than to have your two feet and be thrown into hell. 46[2]47 If your eye causes you to stumble, tear it out. It is better for you to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and to be thrown into hell, 48 where their worm does not die, and the fire is not put out. 49 For everyone will be salted with fire. 50 Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt among yourselves, and be at peace with one another."
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's 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 and fear)
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.
Elijah and Moses suddenly appeared to Jesus, James, John, and Peter, and then they disappeared. 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.
Jesus referred to himself as the "Son of Man" in this chapter
A paradox is a true statement that appears to describe something impossible. Jesus used a paradox when he said, "If anyone wants to be first, he must be last of all and servant of all" (Mark 9:35).
[9:1]
Jesus said that certain people would not “taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power.” That is, they will not die before they saw this. However, scholars disagree about what they would see.
See: Transfigure (Transfiguration); Disciple; Resurrect (Resurrection) ; Indwelling of the Holy Spirit; Transfigure (Transfiguration)
[9:2]
Mark wrote that Jesus was transfigured. That is, Jesus was changed in some way. The disciples did not see Jesus as he was, they saw him as he will be when he returns to the earth.
See: Jesus' Return to Earth; Disciple; Jesus' Return to Earth
[9:4]
Peter, James, and John saw Elijah and Moses. Elijah and Moses were in heaven. Scholars think this was a symbol. It symbolized that Jesus was the messiah for whom people were waiting.
See: Messiah (Christ); Symbol; Messiah (Christ)
[9:5]
Peter called Jesus “rabbi.” Rabbi was the Hebrew word for teacher. Peter did not understand what was happening. If he did, then he would have called Jesus the messiah, not simply a teacher.
See: Messiah (Christ)
[9:5]
Peter wanted to make three shelters. One for Jesus, one for Elijah, and one for Moses. Scholars disagree about why he did this.
See: Messiah (Christ); Festival of Shelters; Messiah (Christ)
[9:6]
Peter was terrified because he thought the time was coming for God to judge the world. He did not understand that this was not what was happening. Some scholars think Peter, James, and John did not have fear, but had great awe in seeing Jesus, Elijah, and Moses together on the mountain.
See: Awe (Awesome)
[9:7]
God the Father spoke from the cloud. In the Bible, heaven is often spoken about as if it is in the clouds.
See: Heaven
[9:9]
Jesus spoke about the Son of Man rising from the dead. He spoke about himself. He would be resurrected. However, the disciples did not understand that Jesus would be resurrected. Some scholars think Jesus knew the disciples would understand after he was resurrected. Certain Jewish teachers even taught that no one would be made alive again after they died. This was why they talked about what Jesus said among themselves.
See: Disciple; Resurrect (Resurrection) ; Disciple
[9:11]
The scribes taught that Elijah must return to the earth before the messiah came. He would tell Israel to repent and be ready for the messiah. It is not known whether they taught that Elijah would come back to the earth or that there would be a prophet who was like Elijah.
See: Prophet;Messiah (Christ); Repent (Repentance); Prophet
[9:13]
Jesus told them that the scribes were right about Elijah. A prophet like Elijah did help Israel to be ready for the messiah. Jesus spoke about John the Baptist when he spoke about Elijah.
See: Malachi 3:1; 4:5
See: Sin; Prophet; Messiah (Christ); Repent (Repentance); Sin
[9:14]
The scribes were arguing with the disciples. However, Mark did not write what they were arguing about. Some scholars think the scribes were arguing with the disciples because the disciples could not make the demon leave the boy.
[9:18]
Scholars think the disciples were not able to make the demon leave the boy because they forgot to ask God for help. That is, they forgot to pray. They were not able to make the demon leave without God.
Some ancient copies of the Greek New Testament say that these demons could only come out through “prayer and fasting.” However, scholars think Mark did not write “and fasting.”
See: Fasting; Demon; Demon Possession (Casting Out Demons); Pray (Prayer);Fasting
[9:19]
Jesus rebuked the “unbelieving generation.” That is, he said that the people of Israel were evil for not believing in him. He did not speak about everyone in Israel. Some people believed in him. Jesus spoke about the people of Israel in general. Perhaps Jesus said this because he wanted the disciples to know that they did the same things that people who did not believe in him did.
[9:20]
The demon made the boy shake violently when it saw Jesus. Mark did not write why the demon did this.
See: Demon
[9:23]
Jesus said, “all things are possible for the one who believes.” He did not say that people who believe in him can do anything they wanted to do. Instead, he said that when someone obeys God, they can do things they did not think possible to do. God can make anything happen. He can use people to make anything happen that he wants to happen.
[9:30]
See Map: Galilee
[9:30]
Jesus did not want people to know where they were because he was teaching the disciples. He did not want people to interrupt them.
See: Disciple
[9:31]
Jesus taught the disciples about what must happen to the Son of Man. The Son of Man must die and be resurrected. The disciples did not understand that Jesus is the Son of Man. They did not want other people to know they did not understand this, so they did not say anything.
See: Resurrect (Resurrection); Son of Man; Resurrect (Resurrection)
[9:33]
See Map: Capernaum
[9:34]
The disciples were silent when Jesus asked them a question because they were ashamed of the things the spoke about to one another.
See: Disciple
[9:35, 9:36, 9:37]
Jesus said, “if anyone wants to be first, he must be last of all and “servant of all.” He wanted to say that the person who was the greatest was the one who obeyed God. A person who obeyed God served other people in the same way Jesus served other people. This person also did not think he was greater than he was really. He knew God gave him everything that he had.
Jesus helped the disciples to understand what he said by talking about a child. At this time, people did not think they should spend their time teaching and helping children. He wanted the disciples to help people who wanted to believe in Jesus and follow Jesus, even if they did not think they were significant enough to teach. They served Jesus by serving these people. They also honored God, who sent Jesus to the Earth.
[9:38]
In ancient Israel, people often followed someone who taught them. They called them “rabbi” or “teacher.” When he said this, it did not mean that John did not think Jesus was the messiah.
See: Messiah (Christ)
[9:38]
John said that someone was driving out demons in Jesus’ name. The disciples made this man stop because he was not one of Jesus’ followers. Some scholars think this man was not currently following Jesus, but they think he might have been one of the 70 people he sent out to preach the gospel (see: Luke:10:1). Jesus told the disciples that they did the wrong thing. This was because the man was honoring Jesus. Because Jesus knows everything, he also knew what the man was doing and gave him permission to do this. This man followed Jesus even though he was not with Jesus and the disciples.
See: Matthew 12:30
See: Disciple; Demon Possession (Casting Out Demons); Preach (Preacher); Gospel; Disciple
[9:41]
Jesus said that anyone who does something to honor Jesus will be rewarded. However, anyone who does something that caused someone to sin will be punished. That is, if they cause someone to want to do something that dishonored God or stops them from doing something that honored God, then they will be punished. In ancient times, people were punished by having a very large stone tied around their necks. They were thrown into the water which caused them to drown. He wanted to say that it was better to be punished while on earth than to lose your reward in heaven or to go to hell.
[9:42, 9:43, 9:45]
Jesus said that it would be better for people to harm themselves than to go to hell. Jesus did not want people to harm themselves. However, he wanted them to know that it would be much better to suffer on the earth than to be punished forever in hell.
See: Kingdom of God;Fire; Kingdom of God
[9:44]
Some ancient copies of the Greek New Testament have the words in verse 44. However, more of the ancient Greek copies do not have the words from verse 44. Mark probably did not write the words that are in verse 44.
See: Differences in the Ancient Copies of the Bible
[9:46]
Some ancient copies of the Greek New Testament have the words in verse 46. However, more of the ancient Greek copies do not have the words from verse 46. Mark probably did not write the words that are in verse 46.
See: Differences in the Ancient Copies of the Bible
[9:49]
Scholars do not know why Jesus said that someone was “salted with fire.” Perhaps he wanted to say that some people will be punished by going to hell, being burned with fire forever. Other people would be made clean by fire. This is a metaphor. They will be made clean so they can be with God forever.
See: Leviticus 2:13
See: Clean and Unclean; Fire;Metaphor; Clean and Unclean
[9:50]
Jesus spoke about salt as a metaphor. In the ancient world, salt was used to keep food from going bad. At this time, the salt could spoil or go bad. It was useless after this happened. Jesus wanted to say that the disciples needed to do things differently than other people. Then people would want to believe in Jesus and follow Jesus if they did this. However, if they do the same things that other people do, then people will not want to follow Jesus.
See: Disciple
"Jesus said to his disciples"
The kingdom of God coming represents God showing himself as king. Alternate translation: "God show himself with great power as king"
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.
"Transfigure" means for a person's outward appearance to change. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "his appearance had changed" or "he appeared very different"
"in front of them"
"shining" or "glowing." Jesus's garments were so white they were emitting or giving off light.
"very"
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"
It may be helpful to state who these men are. Alternate translation: "two prophets who had lived long ago, Elijah and Moses, appeared"
The word "they" refers to Elijah and Moses.
"Peter said to Jesus." Here the word "answered" is used to introduce Peter into the conversation. Peter was not answering a question.
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.
simple, temporary places in which to sit or sleep
This parenthetical sentence tells background information about Peter, James, and John.
"they were very frightened" or "they were very afraid"
"appeared and covered"
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"
God the Father expresses his love for his "beloved Son," the Son of God.
This is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God.
Here "they" refers to Peter, James, and John.
This implies that he was permitting them to tell people about what they had seen after he rose from being dead.
"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"
"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"
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"
Though Peter, James, and John wondered what Jesus might mean by "rising from the dead," they asked him instead about Elijah's coming.
The word "they" refers to Peter, James, and John.
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 before the Messiah comes?"
By saying this, Jesus affirms that Elijah would come first.
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."
This may be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people would hate him"
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"
When Peter, James, John, and Jesus came down from the mountain, they found the scribes arguing with the other disciples.
Jesus, Peter, James, and John returned to the other disciples who had not gone with them up the mountain.
"Jesus and those three disciples saw a great crowd around the other disciples"
The scribes were arguing with the disciples who had not gone with Jesus.
It may be helpful to state why they were amazed. Alternate translation: "was amazed that Jesus had come"
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This means the boy is possessed by an unclean spirit. "He has an unclean spirit" or "He is possessed by an unclean spirit"
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: "down, and bubbles come out of his mouth, and he grinds his teeth and becomes"
"becomes stiff" or "his body becomes rigid"
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"
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"
"You unbelieving generation." Jesus calls the crowd this as he begins to respond to them.
Jesus uses these questions to express his frustration. Both questions have the same meaning. They can be written as statements. Alternate translation: "Your unbelief tires me! I wonder how long I must bear with you."
"endure you" or "put up with you"
"Bring the boy to me"
This refers to the unclean spirit. See how you translated this in Mark 9:17.
This is the violent shaking of a person's body that can occur when that person has no control over his body.
"How long"
"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"
"have compassion"
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'?"
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."
"God can do anything for people who believe in him"
"for the person" or "for anyone"
This refers to belief in God. Alternate translation: "believes in God"
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"
This means that more people were running toward where Jesus was and that the crowd there was growing larger.
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"
"The unclean spirit cried out"
"shook the boy violently"
It is implied that the spirit came out of the boy. Alternate translation: "came out of the boy"
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"
"so that many people"
This means that Jesus grasped the boy's hand with his own hand. Alternate translation: "grasped the boy by the hand"
"helped him get up"
This means they were alone.
"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"
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"
This describes unclean spirits. Alternate translation: "This kind of unclean spirit"
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.
"Jesus and his disciples left that region"
"traveled through" or "passed by"
Jesus was teaching his disciples privately, away from the crowd. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "for he was teaching his disciples privately"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "Someone will give the Son of Man over"
Here Jesus refers to himself as the Son of Man. This is an important title for Jesus. "I, the Son of Man,"
Here "hands" is a metonym for control. Alternate translation: "into the control of men" or "so that men will be able to control him"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "After they have put him to death and three days have passed, he"
They were afraid to ask Jesus what his statement meant. Alternate translation: "they were afraid to ask him what it meant"
When they come to Capernaum, Jesus teaches his disciples about being humble servants.
"they arrived at." The word "they" refers to Jesus and his disciples.
"were you discussing with one another"
They were silent because they were ashamed to tell Jesus what they had been discussing. Alternate translation: "they were silent because they were ashamed"
Here "the greatest" refers to "the greatest" among the disciples. Alternate translation: "who was the greatest among them"
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"
"of all people ... of all people"
"among them." The word "their" refers to the crowd.
This means that he hugged the child or picked him up and placed him on his lap.
"a child like this"
This means to do something because of love for Jesus. Alternate translation: "because he loves me" or "for my sake"
This refers to God, who has sent him to earth. Alternate translation: "God, who has sent me"
"John said to Jesus"
"sending away demons." This refers to casting demons out of people. Alternate translation: "driving demons out of people"
Here "name" is associated with Jesus's authority and power. Alternate translation: "by the authority of your name" or "by the power of your name"
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"
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"is not opposing us"
It can be explained clearly what this means. Alternate translation: "is trying to achieve the same goals that we are"
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.
This negative sentence emphasizes the positive meaning. In some languages, it is more natural to use a positive statement. Alternate translation: "definitely receive"
a large, round stone used for grinding grain into flour
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"
"to be maimed and then to enter into life" or "to be maimed before entering into life"
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"
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"
"where the fire cannot be put out"
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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"
"to be lame and then to enter into life" or "to be lame before entering into life"
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"
"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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "for God to throw you into hell"
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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"
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"
This can be stated in the active form. Alternate translation: "for God to throw you into hell"
The meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "where worms that eat people there do not die"
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"
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"
"its salty taste"
This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "you cannot make it salty again."
"taste salty again"
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"
Jesus said that some standing there with him would not die before they saw the kingdom of God coming with power.
Jesus was transfigured and his garments became radiantly brilliant.
Jesus was transfigured and his garments became radiantly brilliant.
Elijah and Moses were talking with Jesus.
The voice said, "This is my beloved Son. Listen to him".
Jesus commanded them to tell no one what they had seen, until the Son of Man had risen from the dead.
Jesus said that Elijah does come first to restore all things, and that Elijah had already come.
Jesus said that Elijah does come first to restore all things, and that Elijah had already come.
Jesus said that Elijah does come first to restore all things, and that Elijah had already come.
The disciples were unable to drive out the evil spirit from the father's son.
The disciples were unable to drive out the evil spirit from the father's son.
The evil spirit threw the boy into the fire or into the waters to try to destroy him.
The father responded, "I believe! Help my unbelief!"
The father responded, "I believe! Help my unbelief!"
The disciples were unable to cast out the spirit because it could not be cast out except by prayer.
The disciples were unable to cast out the spirit because it could not be cast out except by prayer.
Jesus told them he would be put to death, then after three days he would rise again.
The disciples were arguing about who among them was the greatest.
The disciples were arguing about who among them was the greatest.
Jesus said that he is first who is servant of all.
When someone receives a little child in Jesus' name, they are also receiving Jesus and the one who sent Jesus.
When someone receives a little child in Jesus' name, they are also receiving Jesus and the one who sent Jesus.
It would be better for that one if a millstone were tied around his neck and he was thrown into the sea.
Jesus said to tear out your eye if it causes you to stumble.
Jesus said that in hell the worm does not die, and the fire is not put out.
1 Jesus left that place and went to the region of Judea and to the area beyond the Jordan River, and the crowds came to him again. He was teaching them again, as he was accustomed to do. 2 Then Pharisees came to him to test him and asked, "Is it lawful for a husband to divorce his wife?"
3 He answered, "What did Moses command you?"
4 They said, "Moses allowed a man to write a certificate of divorce and then to send her away."
5 "It was because of your hard hearts that he wrote you this law," Jesus said to them. 6 "But from the beginning of creation, 'God made them male and female.'
7 'For this reason
a man will leave his father and mother
and be united to his wife,
8 and the two will become one flesh.'
So they are no longer two, but one flesh. 9 Therefore what God has joined together, let no man tear apart."
10 When they were in the house, the disciples asked him again about this. 11 He said to them, "Whoever divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her. 12 If she divorces her husband and marries another man, she commits adultery."
13 Then they brought their little children to him so that he might touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. 14 But when Jesus noticed it, he was angry and said to them, "Permit the little children to come to me, and do not forbid them, for the kingdom of God belongs to those who are like them. 15 Truly I say to you, whoever will not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will definitely not enter it." 16 Then he took the children into his arms and blessed them as he placed his hands on them.
17 When he began his journey, a man ran up to him and knelt before him and asked, "Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"
18 Jesus said, "Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. 19 You know the commandments: 'Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not testify falsely, do not defraud, honor your father and mother.'"
20 The man said, "Teacher, all these things I have obeyed from the time I was a youth."
21 Jesus looked at him and loved him. He said to him, "One thing you lack. You must sell all that you have and give it to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." 22 But because of this statement he looked very sad and he went away sorrowful, because he had many possessions.
23 Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, "How difficult it is for those who are rich to enter the kingdom of God!" 24 The disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus said to them again, "Children, how hard it is to enter into the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God."
26 They were greatly astonished and said to each other, "Then who can be saved?"
27 Jesus looked at them and said, "With people it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God."
28 Peter began to speak to him, "Look, we have left everything and have followed you."
29 Jesus said, "Truly I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands for my sake and for the gospel 30 who will not receive a hundred times as much now in this age: houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the world to come, eternal life. 31 But many who are first will be last, and the last first."
32 They were on the road going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was going ahead of them. The disciples were amazed, and those who were following behind were afraid. Then Jesus took the twelve aside again and began to tell them what would soon happen to him. 33 "See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be given over to the chief priests and the scribes. They will condemn him to death and give him over to the Gentiles. 34 They will mock him, spit on him, whip him, and put him to death. But after three days he will rise."
35 James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came up to him and said, "Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask you."
36 He said to them, "What do you want me to do for you?"
37 They said, "Allow us to sit with you in your glory, one at your right hand and the other at your left."
38 But Jesus replied to them, "You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup which I will drink or be baptized with the baptism with which I will be baptized?"
39 They said to him, "We are able."
Jesus said to them, "The cup that I will drink, you will drink, and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you also will be baptized. 40 But who is to sit at my right hand or at my left hand is not mine to give, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared." 41 When the other ten disciples heard about this, they began to be very angry with James and John. 42 Jesus called them to himself and said, "You know those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles dominate them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 43 But it is not this way among you. Whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wishes to be first among you must be the slave of all. 45 For the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
46 They came to Jericho. As he left Jericho with his disciples and a great crowd, the son of Timaeus, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, sat by the road. 47 When he heard that it was Jesus the Nazarene, he began to shout and to say, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!"
48 Many rebuked the blind man, telling him to be quiet. But he cried out all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!"
49 Jesus stopped and commanded him to be called. They called the blind man, saying, "Be brave! Get up! He is calling for you." 50 He threw aside his coat, sprang up, and came to Jesus.
51 Jesus answered him and said, "What do you want me to do for you?"
The blind man said, "Rabboni, I want to receive my sight."
52 Then Jesus said to him, "Go. Your faith has healed you." Immediately he could see again, and he followed him on the road.
Some translations set quotations from the Old Testament farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text. The ULB does this with the quoted material in 10:7-8.
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.
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.
A paradox is a true statement that appears to describe something impossible. Jesus used a paradox when he said, "Whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant" (Mark 10:43).
[10:1]
Jesus left Capernaum to go to Judea. This was a place past the Jordan River. Judea was on the west side of the Jordan River. This was an area where Jews lived. Mark wrote about the area east of the Jordan river when he wrote about beyond the Jordan River. This was a place where Gentiles lived.
See: Gentile
See Map: Capernaum; Jordan River; Judea
[10:2]
Mark wrote that the Pharisees tested Jesus. That is, they wanted to get him to say something that made people angry. It would make certain people angry if he said people could not get divorced. It would make certain other people angry if he said that people could get divorced.
[10:3, 10:4]
Moses taught about divorce in the Law of Moses. The Pharisees thought that Moses said a man could divorce his wife. However, they did not think that a woman could divorce her husband. Some Pharisees taught that a man could only divorce his wife if she committed adultery or did evil things. Other Pharisees taught that any man could divorce his wife if he wanted to, even if she did not do anything wrong.
When a man wrote his wife a “certificate of divorce,” he divorced her and gave her something written that said she did not commit adultery. This would help her to marry another man.
See: Deuteronomy 24:1-4
See: Adultery; Pharisees; Law of Moses; Adultery
[10:5, 10:6, 10:7, 10:8, 10:9]
Jesus told the Pharisees what the Law of Moses actually said. Moses did not want people to get divorced because God did not want people to get divorced. Instead, Moses knew that some people had hard hearts. That is, they did not want to listen to God’s will about divorce. Moses allowed people to be divorced because of this. However, a certificate of divorce must be written.
Jesus told them about the marriage between Adam and Eve (see: Genesis 1:27; 2:24). A husband and wife became one flesh. That is, it was as if they shared one body. This could not be separated without hurting both the husband and the wife. Therefore, marriage was not simply a contract between two people. It was the joining together of two bodies.
Advice to translators: A contract is a written agreement between two people. They promised something to each other. If they did not do what they promised, they would promise to be punished in a certain way. When marriage is spoken about as a contract, it is written agreement they give to the government. They can easily end this agreement by giving the government another written agreement, that is, a divorce.
See: Will of God; Pharisees; Law of Moses; Sin; Will of God
[10:13]
The people brought their children to have Jesus touch them. They thought that if they did this, Jesus would bless the children. He did this by putting his hands on them and saying a blessing.
See: Bless (Blessing)
[10:13]
The disciples were angry with the people bringing their children to have Jesus touch them. Scholars think the disciples thought Jesus needed to be doing other things. Perhaps they thought that Jesus should be teaching adults instead.
See: Disciple
[10:14, 10:15]
Jesus told the disciples they were wrong for being angry with these people. Jesus wanted to have the little children come to him. This was because many adults rejected Jesus. They thought they knew more about the messiah than they did. However, the children were willing to learn and did not reject Jesus.
After this, Jesus taught the disciples about the kingdom of God. If people wanted to have the kingdom of God, they needed to believe in Jesus the same way children believed in Jesus. That was because children often trusted someone completely, but adults often only trusted someone who has earned it.
See: Kingdom of God; Messiah (Christ); Kingdom of God
[10:17]
This man spoke about having peace with God and living with him forever when he spoke about inheriting eternal life.
[10:17, 10:18]
Jesus spoke about someone who always did the right thing when he talked about someone who was “good.” Some scholars think because only God is good, that Jesus said that he is God also. The man did not understand what it meant to be “good” and to obey God perfectly.
[10:20]
Jesus talked about some of the 10 commandments in the Law of Moses.
See: Exodus 20; Deuteronomy 5
See: Law of Moses; Law of Moses
[10:21]
The man called Jesus teacher. He thought that Jesus was just a teacher. He did not believe that Jesus was the messiah or that he was God. Jesus knew that the man wanted money more than anything else. He did not trust in God. He trusted in the things he had. Because of this, he rejected Jesus.
All people do not need to sell everything they have to be Chrsitians. This was not a command for all people to follow. Jesus knew the man’s money kept him from believing in Jesus.
See: Messiah (Christ)
[10:21]
Jeus spoke about some rewards people will get after they die when he spoke about treasure in heaven.
[10:23]
In ancient Israel, people thought that God blessed people who obeyed him. Therefore, God also blessed rich people. This was not what Jesus said. When people put their trust in themselves and their money they will not be able to enter into God’s kingdom. Jesus used the metaphor of a camel. A camel would never fit through the eye of a needle, which is less than one millimeter. This made other people know how difficult it was for people to trust in Jesus when they had great riches and trusted in those riches instead of God.
See: Metaphor; Kingdom of God; Metaphor
Advice to translators: Someone who has a lot of money is rich. They have riches.
[10:23, 10:24, 10:25, 10:27]
Here, Jesus wanted to teach his disciples that there was only one way to have peace with God and to enter into his kingdom. That was to trust in Jesus. People should not trust in anything or anyone else.
See: Kingdom of God; Kingdom of God
[10:30]
Some scholars think Jesus spoke about the many homes that would be opened for the servants of God. The brothers and sisters were those who believed in Jesus and became brothers and sisters in Christ. Other scholars think Jesus spoke about spiritual blessings that replaced the homes and families that were left behind. The blessings might be considered “a hundred times” better than what they left behind.
See: Bless (Blessing); Children of God; Spirit (Spiritual); Bless (Blessing)
[10:32]
Jesus went to Jerusalem knowing that he would die in Jerusalem. He taught this to people. The people were afraid that what he said was true and that he would be killed in Jerusalem. So they were amazed that he still wanted to go to Jerusalem if he was going to die.
See: Disciple
See Map: Jerusalem
[10:33]
Jesus told the disciples that he was going to die and would be made alive again. That is, he will be resurrected.
See: Resurrect (Resurrection); Resurrect (Resurrection)
[10;33]
See: Son of Man
[10:33]
At this time, the Jews were not able to kill a criminal. Only their Roman leaders could do this. They were Gentiles. Jesus wanted to say that the Jewish leaders would get the Gentile leaders to kill Jesus.
[10:37]
James and John wanted to sit at Jesus’ right and left hand. That is, they wanted to sit next to him in heaven. To be seated at the right and left hand of the throne were places of honor. They wanted to be honored.
[10:38]
Jesus spoke about drinking the cup he was about to drink and enduring the baptism he was about to endure. These were metaphors. He was asking them if they would suffer and die to obey him. If they did this, it would be a type of offering to God. Eventually, James would be killed for believing in Jesus (see: Acts 12:2).
See: Offer (Offering); Metaphor; Offer (Offering)
[10:40]
Jesus will sit at God the Father’s right hand in heaven. Therefore, God is at Jesus’ left hand side in heaven. However, God the Father is the one who decides who will sit at the right hand of Jesus (see: Matthew 20:23).
[10:41]
Some scholars think the other disciples were angry with James and John because they asked Jesus to honor them in a special way. Other scholars think the other disciples were jealous or afraid James and John might be honored over them.
See: Disciple
[10:43]
Jesus taught the disciples that certain people will be honored in heaven. Just as Jesus came to serve, so Christians who serve other people will be honored in heaven.
[10:45]
Jesus gave his life as a ransom for many. That is, he died so that people would be at peace with God. Mark spoke about Jesus dying as a price to be paid for their sin. By dying, Jesus set them free from being slaves to their own sinful desires.
[10:46]
See Map: Jericho
[10:47]
Jesus was Jesus the Nazarene. He was Jesus from Nazareth.
See Map: Nazareth
[10:47]
The blind man called Jesus the “Son of David.” David was one of Jesus’ ancestors. He called him this because the messiah was to be one of David’s descendants. He was to fulfill the covenant God made with David.
See: Covenant with David; Messiah (Christ); Covenant with David
[10:48]
People told the blind man that he was wrong. Some scholars think the people wanted to get to Jerusalem quickly, so they did not want Jesus to stop when the blind man cried out. Other scholars think the people were not ready to hear that Jesus is the Son of David, that is, the Messiah.
See: Messiah (Christ)
[10:51]
In ancient Israel, people called certain teachers “rabbi.” People followed the teacher, obeyed the things he taught, and called him rabbi. The Greek word can also be used to call someone “master.”
[10:52]
Jesus healed this man because he believed in Jesus.
After Jesus and his disciples leave Capernaum, Jesus reminds the Pharisees, as well as his disciples, what God really expects in marriage and divorce.
Jesus's disciples were traveling with him. They were leaving Capernaum. Alternate translation: "Jesus and his disciples left Capernaum"
"and to the land on the other side of the Jordan River" or "and to the area east of the Jordan River"
The word "them" refers to the crowds.
"was his custom" or "he usually did"
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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"
This was a paper saying that the woman was no longer his wife.
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."
Long before this time, Moses wrote this law for the Jews and their descendants because they had hard hearts. The Jews of Jesus's time also had hard hearts, so Jesus included them by using the words "your" and "you." Alternate translation: "because your ancestors had hard hearts like yours that he wrote this law"
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"
"God made people"
Jesus continues to quote what God said in the book of Genesis.
"Therefore" or "Because of this"
"join with his wife"
Jesus finishes quoting what God said in the book of Genesis.
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"
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"
"When Jesus and his disciples were"
Jesus's disciples were speaking to him privately. Alternate translation: were alone in the house"
The word "this" refers to the conversation that Jesus had just had with the Pharisees about divorce.
"Anyone who"
Here "her" refers to the first woman he was married to.
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"
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.
"Now people were bringing." This is the next event in the story.
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"
"rebuked the people"
The word "it" refers to the disciples rebuking the people who were bringing the children to Jesus.
Jesus was angry with the disciples.
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"
"allow"
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"
"if anyone will not recieve ... child, he will definitely not enter it"
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 little child would"
"will not accept God as their king"
The word "it" refers to the kingdom of God.
"he hugged the children"
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"
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."
This double negative emphasizes that God is the only one who is good. Alternate translation: "The only one who is good is God"
"do not testify falsely against anyone" or "do not lie about someone in court"
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"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
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"
This refers to poor people. Alternate translation: "poor people"
wealth, valuable things
"owned many things"
"It is very difficult"
"Jesus said to his disciples again"
"My children, how." Jesus is teaching them as a father would teach his children. Alternate translation: "My friends, how"
"it is very hard"
It is impossible for a camel to go through the eye of a needle. Jesus uses an exaggeration to emphasize how very difficult it is for rich people to get into the kingdom of God.
This speaks of an impossible situation. If you cannot state this in this way in your language, you can use the word "would." Alternate translation: "It would be easier for a camel"
Here "the eye" refers to the small hole in one end of a sewing needle. The thread goes through this hole and ties to the needle. Alternate translation: "the hole of a needle"
"The disciples were"
This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "If that is so, then no one will be saved!"
The understood information may be supplied. Alternate translation: "It is impossible for people to save themselves, but God can save them"
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"
"have left everything behind"
This sentence ends in verse 30. It can be stated in positive form. If so, in verse 30, "who will not receive" would become "will receive." Alternate translation: "Truly I say to you, everyone"
"or plots of ground" or "or the land that he owns"
"for my cause" or "for me"
"to proclaim the gospel"
This sentence began in verse 29. If you the sentence was stated in positive form in verse 29, verse 30 would be changed to positive form also. Alternate translation: "will receive"
"the world as you know it" or "this present age"
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.
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"
"in the future world" or "in the future
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"
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"
"Jesus and his disciples were walking on the road ... and Jesus was in front of his disciples"
"those who were following behind them." Some people were walking behind Jesus and his disciples.
"Look" or "Listen" or "Pay attention to what I am about to tell you"
Jesus is speaking about himself. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "I, the Son of Man, will"
The words "given over" mean "betrayed" or "put into the power of." This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "someone will hand the Son of Man to" or "they will hand the Son of Man over to"
The word "They" refers to the chief priests and the scribes.
"betray him to the Gentiles" or "put him under the control of the Gentiles"
"People will mock"
"kill him"
This refers to rising from the dead. Alternate translation: "he will rise from being dead"
These words refer only to James and John.
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"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"
"You do not understand"
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"
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"
They respond this way, meaning that they are able to drink the same cup and endure the same baptism.
"you will drink as well"
"But I am not the one who allows people to sit at my right hand or my left hand"
"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.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God has prepared it" or "God has prepared them"
The word "this" refers to James and John asking to sit at Jesus's right and left hands.
"Jesus called his disciples"
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"
have control or power over
"flaunt their authority." This means that they show or use their authority in an overbearing way.
This refers back to the previous verse about the Gentile rulers. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "But do not be like them"
"be highly respected"
This is a metaphor for being the most important. Alternate translation: "to be the most important"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "For the Son of Man did not come to have people serve him"
"to be served by people, but to serve people"
"for many people"
As Jesus and his disciples continue walking toward Jerusalem, Jesus heals blind Bartimaeus, who then walks with them.
"a blind beggar named Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus." Bartimaeus is the name of a man. Timaeus is his father's name.
Bartimaeus heard people saying that it was Jesus. Alternate translation: "When he heard people saying that it was Jesus"
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"
"Many people rebuked"
"even more"
This can be translated in active form or as as a direct quote. Alternate translation: "commanded others to call him." or "commanded them, 'Call him to come over here.'"
The word "They" refers to the crowd.
"Have courage" or "Do not be afraid"
"Jesus is calling for you"
"jumped up"
"answered the blind man"
"to be able to see"
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 have believed in me"
"he followed Jesus"
The Pharisees asked Jesus if it was lawful for a husband to divorce his wife.
Moses had allowed a man to write a certificate of divorce and then send his wife away.
Moses had given this commandment to the Jews because of their hard hearts.
Jesus referred to the creation of male and female at the beginning when telling about God's original design for marriage.
Jesus said that the two become one flesh.
Jesus said that the two become one flesh.
Jesus said that what God joins together, let no man tear apart.
Jesus was angry with the disciples and told them to permit the little children to come to him.
Jesus was angry with the disciples and told them to permit the little children to come to him.
Jesus said the kingdom of God must be received as a little child in order to enter it.
Jesus told the man he must not kill, not commit adultery, not steal, not testify falsely, not defraud, and must honor his father and mother.
Jesus then commanded the man to sell all that he had and to follow him.
The man was sorrowful and walked away, for he had many possessions.
Jesus said that the rich had great difficulty entering the kingdom of God.
Jesus said that the rich had great difficulty entering the kingdom of God.
Jesus said that the rich had great difficulty entering the kingdom of God.
Jesus said that with people it is impossible, but with God all things are possible.
Jesus said that with people it is impossible, but with God all things are possible.
Jesus said they would receive a hundred times as much in this world, with persecutions, and eternal life in the world to come.
Jesus said they would receive a hundred times as much in this world, with persecutions, and eternal life in the world to come.
Jesus and the disciples were traveling on the road going up to Jerusalem.
Jesus told his disciples that he would be condemned to death, and after three days he would rise.
Jesus told his disciples that he would be condemned to death, and after three days he would rise.
James and John requested to sit on Jesus' right and left hand with him in glory.
James and John requested to sit on Jesus' right and left hand with him in glory.
James and John requested to sit on Jesus' right and left hand with him in glory.
Jesus said that James and John would endure the cup Jesus would drink, and the baptism with which Jesus would be baptized.
No, Jesus said that the seats at his right and left hand were not his to give.
Jesus said that the rulers of the Gentiles dominate their subjects.
Jesus said those who wish to be great among the disciples must be servant of all.
Jesus said those who wish to be great among the disciples must be servant of all.
Bartimaeus cried out all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!"
Jesus said that Bartimaeus' faith had healed him.
1 Now as they came to Jerusalem, they were close to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, and Jesus sent out two of his disciples 2 and said to them, "Go into the village opposite us. As soon as you enter it, you will find a colt that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it to me. 3 If anyone says to you, 'Why are you doing this?' you should say, 'The Lord has need of it and will immediately send it back here.'"
4 They went away and found a colt tied at a door outside in the street, and they untied it. 5 Some people were standing there and said to them, "What are you doing, untying that colt?" 6 They spoke to them as Jesus told them, and the people let them go their way. 7 They brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it, and he sat on it. 8 Many people spread their garments on the road, and others spread branches they had cut from the fields. 9 Those who went before him and those who followed shouted,
"Hosanna! Blessed is the one
who comes in the name of the Lord.
10 Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!
Hosanna in the highest!"
11 Then Jesus entered into Jerusalem and went into the temple and looked around at everything. Now the time being late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve. 12 The next day while they were going out from Bethany, he was hungry. 13 Seeing from far away a fig tree that had leaves, he went to see if he could find any fruit on it, and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. 14 He spoke to it, "No one will ever eat fruit from you again." And his disciples heard it.
15 They came to Jerusalem, and he entered the temple and began to cast out the sellers and the buyers in the temple. He turned over the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons. 16 He did not allow anyone to carry anything through the temple that could be sold. 17 He taught them and said, "Is it not written,
'My house will be called
a house of prayer for all the nations'?
But you have made it a den of robbers."
18 The chief priests and the scribes heard what he had said, and they looked for a way to destroy him. For they feared him because the entire crowd was amazed at his teaching. 19 When evening came, they left the city.
20 As they walked by in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered away to its roots. 21 Peter remembered and said, "Rabbi, look! The fig tree you cursed has withered away."
22 Jesus answered them, "Have faith in God. 23 Truly I say to you that if anyone says to this mountain, 'Get up and cast yourself into the sea,' and if he does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he said will happen, that is what God will do. 24 Therefore I say to you: Everything you pray and ask for, believe that you received it, and it will be yours. 25 When you stand and pray, you must forgive whatever you have against anyone, so that your Father who is in heaven will also forgive you your trespasses." 26[1]
27 They came to Jerusalem again. As Jesus was walking in the temple, the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders came to him. 28 They said to him, "By what authority do you do these things, and who gave you the authority to do them?"
29 Jesus said to them, "I will ask you one question. Tell me and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. 30 The baptism of John, was it from heaven or from men? Answer me." 31 They discussed between themselves and argued and said, "If we say, 'From heaven,' he will say, 'Why then did you not believe him?' 32 But if we say, 'From men,' ... ." They were afraid of the people, for everyone was convinced that John was a prophet. 33 Then they answered Jesus and said, "We do not know."
Then Jesus said to them, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things."
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in 11:9-10, 17, which is from the Old Testament.
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 ULB 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)
[11:1]
See Map: Bethany; Bethpage; Mount of Olives
[11:2]
Jesus entered Jerusalem in the same way a king returned home after a great victory in a war. Often, they rode on horses or in a chariot. Jesus entered Jerusalem on a colt because he told people that he was the messiah and the king of the Jews (see: Zechariah 9:9). He also had a great victory. He lived the perfect life and was about to die so that people could have peace with God.
See: Matthew 21:1-11; Luke 19:28-44; John 12:12-19
See: Chariot; Atone (Atonement); Chariot
[11:2]
A colt was a young donkey. This colt was with its mother, a donkey (see: Matthew 21:2). No one had ever ridden this colt. In the Old Testament, an animal that had never been used had special value for religious purposes (see: Numbers 19:2; Deuteronomy 21:3; 1 Samuel 6:7).
[11:3]
Some scholars think that Jesus said, “the Lord has need of it” to say that God needed it for God’s purpose. Other scholars think Jesus said this because he was calling himself Lord. That is, he was calling himself God. Still other scholars think the owner of the colt was traveling with Jesus, and Jesus said the owner had need of the colt.
See: Jesus is God
[11:7]
The disciples put their cloaks on the colt to make it easier for Jesus to ride on it. A cloak was a coat. It was a piece of clothing used to make someone warm. It was put on over other clothes. This coat covered the whole body with a single piece of thick cloth.
See: Disciple
[11:8]
The road on which Jesus rode the colt was dirty. The people honored Jesus by putting things on the road so that he would not get dirty. In ancient times, people did this to welcome a new king (see: 2 Kings 9:13).
[11:9]
The people shouted “Hosanna” because they wanted God to save them. They said that Jesus came “in the name of the Lord.” That is, God gave Jesus power and permission to serve him. They believed Jesus was the messiah who came to begin the kingdom promised to David.
See: Covenant with David; Heaven; Bless (Blessing); Messiah (Christ); Covenant with David
[11:11]
Jesus went to Jerusalem. He walked around the temple. Scholars think Jesus looked at the things happening in the temple. Many forbidden things were happening. They think Jesus planned what he would do the next day.
See: Temple
See Map: Jerusalem
[11:13, 11:14]
Jesus saw a fig tree. It did not have fruit. He cursed it. He did not do this because he was hungry or angry. It was a metaphor. In the same way a fig tree produced figs, so God wanted Israel to produce fruit. That is, he wanted Israel to serve and obey him. However, they did not do this. Therefore, they made themselves useless to God.
See: Metaphor; Fruit (Metaphor); Metaphor
[11:15]
Jesus made certain people leave the temple. He made people who sold things in the temple leave. He made people who bought things in the temple leave. He did not want people there to make money. He only wanted people to go to the temple to worship God. People from every nation were to go to the temple to pray (see: Isaiah 56:7). However, the Jews did not want other people to go to the temple to worship God. Instead, they used the area God made for the Gentiles worship God as a market to make money.
Jesus said the temple was made into a “den of robbers.” That is, a place where people who robbed other people lived (see: Jeremiah 7:11). Some scholars think Jesus quoted Jeremiah so everyone would know that the people did not honor the temple.
Before, Jesus also made people leave the temple earlier (see: John 2:13-22).
[11:18]
The chief priests and scribes wanted to kill Jesus because of what he did. Some scholars think the chief priests and the scribes made money from the things sold in the temple. Jesus stopped them from making money in the temple. Other scholars think Jesus made others know that he was greater than the high priest and he ruled the temple by doing the things he did there.
See: Scribe; High Priest; Chief Priest; Scribe
[11:21]
See: Mark 9:5
[11:23]
Jesus spoke about a mountain to teach his disciples. This was a metaphor. He wanted to say they could do great things if they trusted in God. They were not actually going to move a mountain. This was hyperbole. However, God did many miracles through these disciples after Jesus was made alive again. God would do things that no person could ever do if they asked God for something in prayer that God wanted to happen. Jesus wanted them to trust in God when they prayed.
Jesus also wanted the disciples to forgive other people. God forgave their sins. So they should forgive other people. Some scholars think Jesus told the disciples to forgive others because God heard their prayers. They think there is a kind of separation between God and the person praying when they do not forgive other people.
See: Disciple; Sin; Miracle; Hyperbole; Will of God; Sin
[11:26]
Some ancient copies of the Greek New Testament do not have the words in 11:26. Fewer ancient copies of the Greek New Testament have the words in 11:26. Some English Bibles were translated from a copy of the Greek New Testament that had 11:26. However, scholars think Mark did not write these words.
[11:27]
The elders were the Jewish leaders who were older men. Why did the leaders want to know who gave Jesus permission to do the things he did?
The Jewish leaders asked Jesus who gave him permission to do the things he did. They did not think God gave him permission to do the things he did. They thought Satan gave him permission to do these things. Some scholars think the leaders really wanted to have Jesus say that God sent him. They thought that the Law of Moses said they could kill him if he did this. However, God sent Jesus.
See: Law of Moses; Law of Moses
[11:29, 11:30]
Jesus asked the leaders about who gave John the Baptist permission to do the things he did. The people in Israel loved John the Baptist. They thought God sent him. John the Baptist said that Jesus was the messiah. The leaders were afraid of saying that God sent John because they would also have to say that God sent Jesus.However, the people would be angry with these leaders and reject them if they said that God did not send John.
See: Messiah (Christ); Messiah (Christ)
"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.
This is the name of a village.
"ahead of us"
This refers to a young donkey that is large enough to carry a man.
This can be written in active form. Alternate translation: "that no one has ever ridden"
It can be written clearly what the word "this" refers to. Alternate translation: "Why are you untying and taking the colt"
"needs it"
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"
"The two disciples went"
This refers to a young donkey that is large enough to carry a man. See how you translated this in Mark 11:2.
The people wanted to know why the two men were untying the colt. They may have been concerned that the two men were doing something they should not have been doing. Alternate translation: "Why are you untying that colt?"
"They responded"
"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.
This means that they allowed them to continue doing what they were doing. Alternate translation: "let them take the donkey with them"
The word "They" refers to the two disciples.
"laid their cloaks on its back and Jesus sat on 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 put their cloaks on it.
"coats" or "robes"
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"
It was a tradition to lay palm branches on the road in front of important people to honor them. Alternate translation: "others spread on the road branches that they had cut from the fields to honor him"
"who followed him"
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"
This is referring to Jesus. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "Blessed are you, the one"
This is a metonym for the Lord's authority. Alternate translation: "with the authority of the Lord"
"May God bless"
"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"
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"
Possible meanings are 1) "Praise God who is in heaven" or 2) "Let those who are in heaven shout 'Hosanna'."
Here heaven is spoken of as "the highest." Alternate translation: "the highest heaven" or "heaven"
"because it was late in the day"
"he and his twelve disciples left Jerusalem and went to Bethany"
"Jesus was hungry"
This happens while Jesus and his disciples are walking to Jerusalem.
"if there was any fruit on it"
This means that he did not find any figs. Alternate translation: "he found only leaves and no figs on the tree"
"the time of year"
Jesus speaks to the fig tree and curses it. He speaks to it so that his disciples hear him.
"He spoke to the tree"
The word "it" refers to Jesus speaking to the fig tree.
"Jesus and his disciples came"
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"
"the people who were buying and selling"
"to carry anything that could be sold through the temple"
God had said earlier in his word, through the prophet Isaiah, that his temple would be a house of prayer for all the nations.
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.'"
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"
"a cave where robbers hide"
"they sought a way" or "they tried to find a way"
"to kill him"
"In the evening"
"Jesus and his disciples left the city"
Jesus uses the example of the fig tree to remind the disciples to have faith in God.
"were walking along the road"
Translate this statement to clarify that the tree died. Alternate translation: "they saw that the fig tree had withered away down to its roots and died"
"dried up"
It may be helpful to state what Peter remembered. Alternate translation: "Peter remembered what Jesus had said to the fig tree"
"Jesus replied to his disciples"
"I tell you the truth." This phrase adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.
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"
"God will make happen"
"So I tell you"
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"
It is common in Hebrew culture to stand when praying to God. Alternate translation: "When you pray"
"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.
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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 a question that they were not willing to answer.
"Jesus and his disciples came to"
This means that Jesus was walking around inside of the temple; he was not walking into the temple.
The word "They" refers to the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders.
Possible meanings: 1) Both of these questions have the same meaning and are asked together to strongly question Jesus's 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.
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"
"Answer me"
"The baptism that John performed"
"was it authorized by heaven or by men"
Here "heaven" refers to God. Alternate translation: "from God"
"from people"
This refers to the source of the baptism of John. Alternate translation: "If we say, 'It was from heaven,'"
Here "heaven" refers to God. See how you translated this in [Mark 11:30]
The word "him" refers to John the Baptist.
The religious leaders imply that they will suffer from the people if they give this answer. This refers to the source of the baptism of John. Alternate translation: "But if we say, 'The baptism of John was from men,'" or "But if we say, 'From men,' that would not be good." or "But we do not want to say that it was from men."
"It came from a person"
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"
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"
Jesus sent them to bring a colt to him that had never been ridden.
Some people asked the disciples what they were doing, so they spoke to the people as Jesus told them, and the people let them go their way.
Some people asked the disciples what they were doing, so they spoke to the people as Jesus told them, and the people let them go their way.
The people spread their garments, and branches they had cut from the fields.
The people were shouting that the kingdom of their father David was coming.
Jesus looked around and then went out to Bethany.
Jesus said to the fig tree, "No one will ever eat fruit from you".
Jesus cast out the sellers and purchasers, and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple.
Jesus cast out the sellers and purchasers, and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple.
Jesus said that the temple was supposed to be a house of prayer for all the nations.
Jesus said they had made the temple a den of robbers.
The chief priests and scribes were trying to kill Jesus.
The fig tree to which Jesus had spoken withered away to its roots.
Jesus said that everything we ask for in prayer, believe that we have received it, and it will be ours.
Jesus said we must forgive whatever we have against anyone, so that the Father will also forgive us.
They wanted to know by what authority he did the things he was doing.
They wanted to know by what authority he did the things he was doing.
Jesus asked them if John's baptism was from heaven or from men.
They did not want to give this answer because Jesus would ask why they didn't believe John.
They did not want to give this answer because they feared the people, who all believed that John was a prophet.
1 Then Jesus began to teach them in parables. He said, "A man planted a vineyard, put a hedge around it, and dug a pit for a winepress. He built a watchtower and then leased the vineyard to vine growers. Then he went away on a journey. 2 At the right time, he sent a servant to the vine growers to receive from them some of the fruit of the vineyard. 3 But they took him, beat him, and sent him away empty-handed. 4 Again he sent to them another servant, and they wounded him in the head and treated him shamefully. 5 He sent yet another, and this one they killed. They treated many others in the same way, beating some and killing others. 6 He had still one more person to send, a beloved son. He was the last one he sent to them. He said, 'They will respect my son.'
7 "But the vine growers said to one another, 'This is the heir. Come, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.' 8 They seized him, killed him, and threw him out of the vineyard. 9 Therefore, what will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the vine growers and will give the vineyard to others. 10 Have you not read this scripture?
'The stone which the builders rejected
has been made the cornerstone.
11 This was from the Lord,
and it is marvelous in our eyes.'"
12 After this the Jewish leaders sought a way to arrest Jesus because they understood that he spoke the parable against them. But they were afraid of the crowd. So they left him and went away.
13 Then they sent some of the Pharisees and the Herodians to him to trap him with words. 14 When they came, they said to him, "Teacher, what people think is not a concern to you because you do not show partiality to anyone. You truly teach the way of God. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not? Should we pay or not?"
15 But Jesus knew their hypocrisy and said to them, "Why do you test me? Bring me a denarius so I can look at it." 16 They brought one to Jesus. He said to them, "Whose likeness and inscription is this?"
They said, "Caesar's."
17 Jesus said, "Give to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." They marveled at him.
18 Then Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to him. They asked him, saying, 19 "Teacher, Moses wrote for us, 'If a man's brother dies and leaves a wife behind him, but had no child, the man should take the brother's wife, and raise up children for his brother.' 20 There were seven brothers; the first took a wife and then died, having no children. 21 Then the second took her and died, leaving no child, and the third in the same way. 22 The seven left no children. Last of all, the woman also died. 23 In the resurrection, when they rise again, whose wife will she be? For all seven brothers had her as their wife."
24 Jesus said, "Is this not the reason you are mistaken, because you do not know the scriptures nor the power of God? 25 For when they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but they are like angels in heaven. 26 But concerning the dead that are raised, have you not read in the book of Moses, in the account about the bush, how God spoke to him and said, 'I am the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob'? 27 He is not the God of the dead, but of the living. You are quite mistaken."
28 One of the scribes came and heard their discussion; he saw that Jesus answered them well. He asked him, "What commandment is the most important of all?"
29 Jesus answered, "The most important is, 'Hear, Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.' 31 The second commandment is this, 'You must love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other greater commandment than these."
32 The scribe said, "Good, Teacher! You have truly said that God is one, and that there is no other besides him. 33 To love him with all the heart and with all the understanding and with all the strength, and to love one's neighbor as oneself is even more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices."
34 When Jesus saw that he had given a wise answer, he said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." After that, no one dared to ask Jesus any more questions.
35 While Jesus was teaching in the temple courts, he said, "How is it that the scribes say the Christ is the son of David? 36 David himself, in the Holy Spirit, said,
'The Lord said to my Lord,
"Sit at my right hand
until I put your enemies under your feet."'
37 David himself calls him 'Lord,' so how can the Christ be David's son?" The large crowd gladly listened to him.
38 In his teaching Jesus said, "Beware of the scribes, who like to walk in long robes and be greeted in the marketplaces, 39 and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at feasts. 40 They also devour widows' houses, and they pray long prayers for people to see. These men will receive greater condemnation."
41 Then Jesus sat down across from an offering box in the temple area; he was watching people as they dropped their money into the box. Many rich people put in large amounts of money. 42 Then a poor widow came and put in two mites, worth about a penny. 43 He called his disciples and said to them, "Truly I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them who contributed to the offering box. 44 For all of them gave out of their abundance. But this widow, out of her poverty, put in all of the money which she had to live on."
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in 12:10-11, 36, which is from the Old Testament.
[12:1]
Jesus used a parable about a vineyard. He did this to talk about Israel. In the same way a farmer makes and protects a vineyard, so God made and protects the nation of Israel. God gave certain leaders permission to care for Israel. He sent prophets to Israel to help the Israelites obey God. However, they did not do what these prophets said to do. Finally, God sent Jesus. That is, he sent his son. Then the Jewish leaders had him killed.
See: Son of God; Prophet; Son of God
[12:1]
A vineyard was a place where people grew grapes. The man put up plants around the field to protect it from animals. He also built a watchtower. This is a tall tower were people could see far away.
At this time, scholars think the vineyard was owned by a Gentile who did not live in this area. Instead, he had made people pay him money to use his land.
See: Isaiah 5:1-2
[12:2]
The owner of the vineyard sent his servants to get what they promised to the owner for using his land. They promised him a certain part of what they grew.
[12:3]
These men did not want to give the servant what they promised to give to the owner of the land. Therefore, they beat the servants. They wanted the owner to know they were not going to give him anything and that he should not send any more servants.
[12:7]
See: Inherit (Inheritance, Heir)
[12:10]
See: Psalm 118:22-23
[12:12]
The Jewish leaders wanted to arrest Jesus after they heard what he said. That is, they wanted to catch him so they could kill him. This is because they knew he was speaking about them. Jesus knew the Jewish leaders wanted to kill him.
[12:12]
Mark wrote that the Jewish leaders did not try to arrest Jesus. They feared all the people there. Many people thought Jesus was a great man. However, Mark wanted people to know that the Jewish leaders feared the people more than they feared God. They thought they were obeying God by killing Jesus. However, they were not obeying God.
[12:13]
See: Pharisees
[12:13]
A Herodian was someone who served King Herod. He was the leader of the Jews and served the Romans.
[12:13]
The Jewish leaders tried to trap Jesus. That is, they tried to get Jesus to say something that would cause someone to be angry with him. They wanted Jesus to speak against the leader of the Roman Empire. Or they wanted Jesus to say something that made the Jew.
The Jewish leaders said several things to Jesus.
Because of this, Jesus said the Jewish leaders were hypocrites. That is, they said one thing, but they did not believe it. Or they said something and did not do it.
The Jewish leaders asked Jesus about paying taxes. The Romans made the Jews pay taxes to them every year. The Jews had to pay the Romans to rule them. The Jews did not like having to pay this tax. The Jews would have been angry if Jesus said that the Jews should pay this tax to the Romans. The Romans would be angry if Jesus said that the Jews should not pay this tax to the Romans.
[12:15]
Jesus told the Jewish leaders to give him a Roman coin. This coin had the face of the Roman emperor on it. This man was called Caesar. The coin also had certain words on it. These words said that Caesar was God.
Jesus said that the Jews needed to obey Caesar, but they also needed to obey God more. Jesus wanted people to know that Caesar was not God and that God gave permission to Caesar to rule. He also wanted people to know that he did not think that Caesar was God.
See: Romans 13:1-7
[12:15]
See: Denarius
[12:18]
The Sadducees did not think that people would be resurrected. That is, they did not think people would go to heaven or hell when they died. They did not believe in many things taught in the Bible.
See: Hell; Resurrect (Resurrection) ; Heaven; Hell
[12:19, 12:20, 12:21, 12:22, 12:23]
The Law of Moses taught the people of Israel how to care for a woman whose husband died. In ancient Israel, a woman became very poor when her husband died and she had no children. Therefore, the Law of Moses said that the husband’s brother would marry her. He would care for her. They had children who would inherit the dead husband’s land.
The Sadducees tried to trap Jesus by asking this question. They wanted Jesus to say something that would make people angry. They thought their question proved that no one would be resurrected.
See: Resurrect (Resurrection); Sadducees; Inherit (Inheritance, Heir); Resurrect (Resurrection)
[12:24, 12:25]
Jesus told the Sadducees that they thought the wrong things. They did not know the Scriptures because they only believed God gave Israel the first five books of the Old Testament. They did not understand many things about God. Jesus told them that people were married on the earth. God wanted them to do this. They had children and helped each other. However, in heaven, people will worship God. They do not need to be married. Therefore, people will be like the angels who do not get married.
See: Angel; Heaven; Worship; Angel
[12:26]
The Sadducees believed that God only gave Israel the first five books of the Old Testament. Here, Jesus said the same thing God said to Moses. When God said these words, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were dead. However, God spoke about them in the same way he would speak about someone who is alive. The Sadducees did not understand the parts of the Bible in which they believed.
See: Exodus 3:6
[12:28]
The scribe heard what Jesus said to the Sadducees. Therefore, he wanted to know how Jesus would answer his question. At this time, scholars asked each other about which of the commandments was the greatest. However, they did not agree which was the greatest.
See: Sadducees; Command (Commandment); Sadducees
[12:29, 12:30]
Jesus told the scribes that the two greatest commandments were to love God and to love other people. A person will be doing all of the other things God commands people to do if they do these two things.
See: Command (Commandment); Command (Commandment)
[12:32]
In ancient Israel, many people called Jesus “teacher.” They believed that he was a teacher. However, they would know that Jesus was much more than a teacher if they believed in him.
[12:32]
God is one because there is only one God. There is nothing or no one else like him.
See: Trinity
[12:33]
[12:34]
Jesus said this man “was not far from the kingdom of God.” That is, he was close to believing in Jesus and becoming part of God’s kingdom.
See: Kingdom of God; Kingdom of God
[12:34]
Mark wrote that people stopped asking Jesus questions. People tried to trap Jesus by asking him questions. They wanted Jesus to say something that made people angry. However, they knew they could not trap Jesus by asking him questions because of the way Jesus answered them.
[12:35]
See: Temple Courts
[12:35]
Jesus asked people about something the scribes said while he was in the temple. The messiah was the “son of David.” That is, he would be a descendant of King David (see: 2 Samuel 7). However, David said that the messiah was his master (see: Psalm 110). He knew people would not know how this would happen.
See: Covenant with David; Scribe; Messiah (Christ); Covenant with David
[12:36]
David said, “the Lord said to my lord.” That is, God said to the one who ruled David. He will sit at God’s right hand. That is, God will honor him. God will also make the messiah’s enemies his footstool. That is, one day God will defeat all of the messiah’s enemies.
[12:38]
Jesus warned people about the scribes. They only did things so that people honored them. However, they did not honor God. God gave them permission to care for the Jewish people. However, they did not do this. Therefore, God will punish them more severely than those people who are not leaders.
See: Scribe
[12:41]
An offering box was a place in the temple where people put money. The people serving in the temple used this money. People worshipped God by giving money in this way.
[12:43, 12:44]
Giving money to the temple was an offering to God. Jesus told them that God did not care who gave the most money. The woman gave more to God because she gave everything she had to God. The rich people only gave a part of what they had to God. They kept most of what they had for themselves. However, the woman gave all she had for her to live.
See: Offer (Offering); Offer (Offering)
Jesus speaks this parable against the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders.
The word "them" here refers to the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders to whom Jesus had been talking in the previous chapter.
He put a barrier around the vineyard. It could have been a row of shrubs, a fence, or a stone wall.
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"
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.
This refers to the time of harvest. This can be made clear. Alternate translation: "When the time came to harvest the grapes"
"But the vine growers took the servant"
This means that they did not give him any of the fruit. Alternate translation: "without any grapes"
"the owner of the vineyard sent to the vine growers"
This can be written more clearly. Alternate translation: "they beat that one on the head, and they hurt him terribly"
These phrases refer to other servants. Alternate translation: "yet another servant ... many other servants"
This refers to servants that the owner sent. The phrase "in the same way" refers to them being mistreated. This can be written clearly. Alternate translation: "They also mistreated many other servants whom he sent"
It is implied that this is the owner's son. Alternate translation: "his beloved son"
This is the owner's heir, who would inherit the vineyard after his father died. Alternate translation: "the owner's heir"
The tenants are referring to the vineyard as "the inheritance." Alternate translation: "this vineyard"
"The vine growers seized the son"
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."
Jesus has finished telling the parable and is now asking the people what they think will happen next.
kill
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"
This scripture was written long before in God's word.
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."
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the Lord made into the cornerstone"
"The Lord has done this"
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"
"wanted to find a way"
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"
"to accuse them"
In an effort to trap Jesus, some of the Pharisees and Herodians, and then the Sadducees, come to Jesus with questions.
"Then the Jewish leaders sent"
This was the name of an informal political party that supported Herod Antipas.
Here the author describes tricking Jesus as trying to "trap him." Alternate translation: "to trick him"
Here "they" refers to those sent from among the Pharisees and the Herodians.
The abstract noun "concern" may be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: "you are not concerned about what people think of you" or "you do not try to win people's favor"
"you do not judge people by how they look" or "you judge people by what is in their hearts"
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"
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."
This coin was worth a day's wages.
"The Pharisees and the Herodians brought a denarius"
"picture and name"
Here "Caesar's" refers to his likeness and inscription. Alternate translation: "They said, 'They are Caesar's likeness and inscription"
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"
The understood verb may be supplied. Alternate translation: "and give to God"
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"
This phrase explains who the Sadducees were. This can be written more clearly. Alternate translation: "who say there is no resurrection from the dead"
The Sadducees are quoting what Moses had written in the law. Moses's quote can be expressed as an indirect quote. Alternate translation: "Moses wrote for us that if a man's brother dies ... brother."
"wrote for us Jews." The Sadducees were a group of Jews. Here they use the word "us" to refer to themselves and all Jews.
"the man should marry his brother's wife"
"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"
The Sadducees tell Jesus a story because they want to ask him a question about it to test him. The story is not about things that really happened. Alternate translation: "Suppose there were seven brothers"
the first brother
"the first brother married a woman." Here marrying a woman is spoken of as "taking" her.
These numbers refer to each of the brothers and can be expressed as such. Alternate translation: "the second brother ... the third brother"
"the second married her." Here marrying a woman is spoken of as "taking" her.
"the third brother married her as his other bothers had done, and he also died leaving no children"
This refers to all the brothers. Alternate translation: "The seven brothers"
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"
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."
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."
This means that they do not understand what is written in the Old Testament scriptures.
"how powerful God is"
Here the word "they" refers to the brothers and the woman from the example.
Waking and getting up from sleep is a metaphor for becoming alive after having been dead.
The expression "the dead" describes all dead people together in the underworld. To rise from among them speaks of becoming alive again. Alternate translation: "from among all those who have died"
"they do not marry, and they are not given in marriage"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "and no one gives them in marriage"
This refers to the place where God lives.
This can be expressed with an active verb. Alternate translation: "who rise" or "who rise to live again"
"the book that Moses wrote"
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"
This refers to a shrub, a woody plant that is smaller than a tree.
"about when God spoke to Moses"
This means that Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob worship God. These men have died physically, but they are still alive spiritually and still worship God.
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"
This includes people who are alive physically and spiritually.
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"
"completely mistaken" or "very wrong"
"The scribe asked Jesus"
"The most important" refers to the most important commandment. Alternate translation: "The most important commandment is"
"Listen, O Israel! The Lord our God is one Lord"
Here "heart" and "soul" are metonyms for a person's inner being. These four phrases are used together to mean "completely" or "earnestly."
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"
Here the word "these" refers to the two commandments that Jesus had just told the people.
"Good answer, Teacher" or "Well said, Teacher"
This means that there is only one God. Alternate translation: "there is only one God"
The word "God" is understood from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: "that there is no other God"
Here "heart" is a metonym for person's thoughts, feelings, or inner being. These three phrases are used together to mean "completely" or "earnestly."
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"
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"
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"
This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "everyone was afraid"
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"
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."
"a descendant of David"
This word "himself" refers to David and is used to place emphasis on him and what he said. Alternate translation: "It was David who"
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"
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"
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"
In this quote, God speaks of defeating enemies as putting them under the feet of the victor. Alternate translation: "until I completely defeat your enemies"
Here the word "him" refers to the Christ.
This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "so consider how the Christ can be a descendant of David"
This can be expressed with an active form. These greetings showed that the people respected the scribes. Alternate translation: "to have people greet them respectfully in the marketplaces"
You may want to make explicit that the scribes liked to sit in these places. Alternate translation: "to sit in the most important seats ... to have people seat them in the places of honor"
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"
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will certainly punish them with greater condemnation" or "God will certainly punish them severely"
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"
Still in the temple area, Jesus comments on the value of the widow's offering.
This box, which everyone could use, held temple offerings.
"two small copper coins." These were the least valuable coins available.
"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.
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 UDB.
"Jesus called"
This indicates that the statement that follows is especially true and important. See how you translated this in Mark 3:28.
"all the other people who put money into"
much wealth, many valuable things
"lack" or "the little she had"
"to survive on"
After building and leasing the vineyard, the owner went away on a journey.
The vine dressers beat some and killed some of the many servants.
The owner sent his beloved son last.
The vine dressers seized him, killed him, and threw him out of the vineyard.
The owner of the vineyard will come and destroy the vine dressers and give the vineyard to others.
The stone which the builders rejected has been made the cornerstone.
They asked him if it was lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not.
Jesus said they should give to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God, the things that are God's.
The Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection.
The woman had seven husbands.
They asked which of the men would be the woman's husband in the resurrection.
Jesus said that the Sadducees did not know the scriptures nor the power of God.
Jesus said that in the resurrection, men and women will not marry, but will be like angels.
Jesus quoted from the book of Moses, where God says that he is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob–all who must then be still alive.
Jesus quoted from the book of Moses, where God says that he is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob–all who must then be still alive.
Jesus said that to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength is the most important commandment.
Jesus said that to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength is the most important commandment.
Jesus said that to love your neighbor as yourself is the second commandment.
Jesus asked how David could call the Christ Lord when the Christ is the son of David.
Jesus asked how David could call the Christ Lord when the Christ is the son of David.
Jesus asked how David could call the Christ Lord when the Christ is the son of David.
Jesus said that the scribes desire to be honored by men, but they devour widows' houses, and make long prayers for people to see.
Jesus said that the scribes desire to be honored by men, but they devour widows' houses, and make long prayers for people to see.
Jesus said that the scribes desire to be honored by men, but they devour widows' houses, and make long prayers for people to see.
Jesus said she had contributed more because she gave out of her poverty while the others gave out of their abundance.
1 As Jesus was walking away from the temple, one of his disciples said to him, "Teacher, look at the wonderful stones and wonderful buildings!"
2 Jesus said to him, "Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left on another which will not be torn down."
3 As he sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked him privately, 4 "Tell us, when will these things happen? What will be the sign when all these things are about to happen?"
5 Jesus began to say to them, "Be careful that no one leads you astray. 6 Many will come in my name and say, 'I am he,' and they will lead many astray. 7 When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be frightened; these things must happen, but the end is not yet. 8 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in many places, and famines. These are the beginnings of birth pains.
9 "Be on your guard. They will give you over to councils, and you will be beaten in synagogues. You will stand before both governors and kings for my sake, as a testimony to them. 10 But the gospel must first be proclaimed to all the nations. 11 When they arrest you and hand you over, do not worry about what you should say. For in that hour, what you should say will be given to you; it will not be you who speak, but the Holy Spirit. 12 Brother will deliver up brother to death, and a father his child. Children will rise up against their parents and cause them to be put to death. 13 You will be hated by everyone because of my name. But whoever endures to the end, that person will be saved.
14 "When you see the abomination of desolation standing where it should not be standing," (let the reader understand) "let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, 15 let him who is on the housetop not go down into the house or take anything out of it, 16 and let him who is in the field not return to take his cloak. 17 But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing infants in those days! 18 Pray that it might not occur in the winter. 19 For those will be days of great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of creation, which God created, until now, no, nor ever will be again. 20 Unless the Lord had shortened the days, no flesh would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, those whom he chose, he cut short the days. 21 Then if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or 'Look, there he is!' do not believe it. 22 For false Christs and false prophets will appear and will give signs and wonders so as to deceive, if possible, even the elect. 23 Be on guard! I have told you all these things ahead of time.
24 "But after the tribulation of those days,
'the sun will be darkened,
the moon will not give its light,
25 the stars will fall from the sky,
and the powers that are in the heavens
will be shaken.'
26 Then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. 27 Then he will send his angels and he will gather together his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the sky.
28 Learn a lesson from the fig tree. As soon as the branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. 29 So also, when you see these things happening, recognize that he is near, close to the gates. 30 Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all of these things occur. 31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. 32 But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but the Father.
33 "Be alert! Watch, because you do not know what time it is. [1]34 It is like a man who goes on a journey—he leaves his house and puts his servants in charge of the house, each one with his work, and he commands the doorkeeper to stay alert. 35 Therefore stay alert because you do not know when the master of the house will come home; it could be in the evening, at midnight, when the rooster crows, or in the morning. 36 If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. 37 What I say to you I say to everyone: Watch!"
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in 13:24-25, which is from the Old Testament.
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.
[13:1]
The disciples were amazed by the buildings that made the temple in Jerusalem. Jesus saw that the people used the temple to make money. He also saw that the Jewish leaders rejected Jesus. Therefore, he prophesied about the temple being destroyed. The destruction of the temple happened about 40 years after Jesus returned to heaven. However, it was not completely destroyed. There is one wall that still remains from the temple in Jerusalem.
See: Heaven; Temple; Prophecy (Prophesy) ; Heaven
See Map: Jerusalem; Mount of Olives
[13:4]
See: Sign
[13:5, 13:6, 13:7, 13:8]
Jesus told his disciples about things that would happen when he returned to the earth. However, the disciples did not know that he would die. They did not know it would be a long period of time before these things happened. Therefore, Jesus warned them. Many people will say that they are Jesus. Many people will believe these people who say that they are Jesus. However, Jesus talked about certain things that must happen before he returns to the earth.
See: Gospel; Jesus' Return to Earth; Messiah (Christ); Metaphor; Persecute (Persecution); Gospel
[13:9]
Jesus warned the disciples that Chrsitians will be persecuted before he returns to the earth. The Holy Spirit will help Christians when they are persecuted. He will tell them what to say to leaders and those who persecute them.
See: Holy Spirit; Persecute (Persecution) ; Jesus' Return to Earth; Holy Spirit
[13:13]
Jesus said that the person who endures to the end when persecuted will be saved. Scholars think Jesus was talking about different things when he said these words.
Some Christians reject Jesus when they are persecuted. Some scholars think when they do this, they are no longer at peace with God and will not live with him forever. Some Christians reject Jesus when they are persecuted. Other scholars think when they do this, God will save them. That is, God will rescue them from persecution and they will go to be with God. Some people say they are Chrsitians, but they reject Jesus when persecuted. Other scholars think when they do this, they prove they were never truly Christians.
See: Heaven; Save (Salvation, Saved from Sins); Heaven
[13:14]
Jesus talked about an “abomination of desolation.” This was when someone who rejected God did something that greatly dishonored God. Daniel also wrote about this (see: Daniel 7:27; 11:31; 12:11). Some scholars think Daniel wrote about a Gentile leader who sacrificed an unclean animal on the altar in the temple. Some scholars think Jesus talked about a time when the antichrist would sacrifice something in the temple or claim to be God in the temple. Other scholars think Jesus spoke about a time when people would no longer go to the temple. Other scholars think it is some type of idolatry.
Some scholars think Jesus spoke about a time 40 years after he returned to heaven. Other scholars think Jesus spoke about a time near to his return to the earth (see: Revelation 4-19).
See: Heaven; Sacrifice; Clean and Unclean; Altar; Temple; Antichrist; Idolatry (Idol); Heaven
[13:14, 13:15, 13:16]
Jesus wanted people to flee and go away from Jerusalem when people saw the abomination of desolation. Jesus warned them. He wanted them to know that he will judge people at this time. He warned people by telling them that they will not want to be alive when these things happen.
See: Tribulation; Tribulation
[13:20]
Jesus warned people about a time of great tribulation. That is a time when there will be great trouble because God will judge people. At this time, if God did not stop punishing people, no one would be saved. That is, everyone would die. When he said this, he was not talking about being separated from God forever. He was talking about someone dying on the earth, both Christians and non-Christians.
See: Tribulation; Tribulation
[13:21]
Jesus warned about a time when many people would say they are the messiah or that they are Jesus who returned to earth. However, everyone will know that Jesus has returned to earth when he returns (see: Matthew 24:23-27). Therefore, people should not believe other people who say this even if they do miracles and signs. However, many Christians will believe these false messiahs and false prophets.
See: Miracle; Jesus' Return to Earth; Prophet; Sign; Miracle
[13:24]
Jesus spoke about certain days of tribulation or trouble. Some scholars think he spoke about the difficult times that happened soon after he returned to earth. Other scholars think he spoke about the time near his return to the earth.
See: Jesus' Return to Earth; Jesus' Return to Earth
[13:24, 13:25]
Jesus spoke about certain things people could see in the sky. Some scholars think these things will actually happen just before Jesus returns to the earth. Other scholars think this was a metaphor. Just as the stars will fall from the sky, so the rulers of the world will be destroyed. Jesus said these things to warn people.
See: Joel 2:10; 3:15; Ezekiel 32:7-8)
See: Metaphor
[13:26]
The people will see the Son of Man coming to the earth with glory. Jesus would return to the earth and everyone would know that he is God.
See: Jesus' Return to Earth; Glory (Glorify); Jesus is God; Jesus' Return to Earth
[13:27]
When Jesus returns to the earth, he will bring angels who serve him. He will gather all Christians from all over the world and bring them to himself.
[13:28]
Jesus talked about a fig tree to help people understand the things he said. This was a metaphor. When a fig tree does certain things, people know that the seasons are changing. He wanted people to know that he was going to return to the earth soon when the things he spoke about happened.
See: Hebrew Calendar (Seasons in Israel); Hebrew Calendar (Seasons in Israel)
[13:30]
Jesus prophesied that these things happened before the people listening to him died. Some scholars think that these things happened 40 years after he said these things. Other scholars think Jesus spoke about people in the future who lived when they saw the things he spoke about in this passage. Once these things happened, Jesus would return to the earth in a few years.
Jesus said that heaven and earth will end, but his words will not change. The apostle spoke about heaven and earth ending (see: Revelation 21). However, these things must happen.
Jesus said that he did not know when these things would happen. Only God the Father knew these things will happen.
See: Apostle ; Jesus' Return to Earth; Heaven; God the Father; Apostle
[13:33]
In some ancient copies of the Greek New Testament, Jesus told people to “watch.” In fewer ancient copies of the Greek New Testament, Jesus told people to “watch and pray.”
[13:34]
Jesus spoke about a man going on a journey. This was a metaphor. He wanted people to be ready for him to return to the earth. When he returns, Jesus’ followers will need to tell Jesus about the things they did while they were waiting for him to return. Jesus wanted Christians to serve him. He wanted them to tell other people about Jesus and the gospel. He wanted Christians to do things that honor God.
As they leave the temple area, Jesus tells his disciples what will happen to the wonderful temple that Herod the Great has built.
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"
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"
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"
In answer to the disciples' questions about the temple's destruction and what is going to happen, Jesus tells them what was going to take place in the future.
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"
when they were alone
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"
"that all these things"
"to his disciples"
Here "leads you astray" is a metaphor for "persuades you to believe what is not true." Alternate translation: "deceives you"
Here "lead many astray" is a metaphor "persuades many to believe what is not true." Alternate translation: "deceive many people"
This is metonym. Possible meanings are 1) Alternate translation: "claiming my authority" or 2) Alternate translation: "claiming that God sent them."
"I am the Christ"
"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"
"but it is not yet the end" or "but the end will not happen until later" or "but the end will be later"
This probably refers to the end of the world.
This idiom means to fight against one another. Alternate translation: "will fight against"
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"
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"
"Be ready for what people will do to you"
"take you and put you under the control of councils"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people will beat you"
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"
"because of me" or "on account of me"
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"
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"
Here this means to put people under the control of the authorities. Alternate translation: "give you over to the authorities"
The words "who will speak" are understood from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: "but the Holy Spirit, who will speak through you"
"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.
This refers to both brothers and sisters. Alternate translation: "People ... their siblings"
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"
This means that children will oppose their parents and betray them. Alternate translation: "Children will oppose their parents"
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Everyone will hate you"
Jesus uses the metonym "my name" to refer to himself. Alternate translation: "because of me" or "because you believe in me"
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"
Here "endures" represents continuing to be faithful to God even while suffering. Alternate translation: "whoever suffers and stays faithful to God to the end"
Possible meanings are 1) "to the end of his life" or 2) "to the end of that time of trouble"
This phrase is from the book of Daniel. Jesus's 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"
Jesus's 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"
Mark added this to get the readers' attention, so that they would think about what Jesus meant when he spoke about the abomination of desolation standing where it should not be standing. Alternate translation: "may everyone who reads this understand what it means"
Housetops where Jesus lived were flat, and people could stand on them.
This refers to returning to his house. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "not return to his house"
"to get his cloak"
women who give babies breast milk
"Pray that these times" or "Pray that these things"
"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.
"greater than there has ever been since the beginning of the world." This describes how great and terrible the tribulation will be. There has never been a tribulation as terrible as this one will be.
the beginning of creation, when God created the world
"and greater than there will ever be again" or "and after that tribulation, there will never again be a tribulation like it"
The writer uses past tense to describe a future event. Alternate translation: "If the Lord had not decided that he would shorten those days"
"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"
The word "flesh" refers to people, and "saved" refers to physical salvation. Alternate translation: "no one would be saved" or "everyone would die"
"in order to help the elect"
The phrase "those whom he chose" means the same thing as "the elect." Together, they emphasize that God chose these people.
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 UDB.
"people who claim they are Christ"
"in order to deceive" or "hoping to deceive" or "trying to deceive"
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"
"the people whom God has chosen"
"Be watchful" or "Be alert"
Jesus told them these things to warn them. Alternate translation: "I have told you all these things ahead of time to warn you"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the sun will become dark"
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"
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"
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"
"the powerful things in the heavens." These words could refer to 1) the sun, moon, and stars or 2) powerful spiritual beings
"in the sky"
"Then people will see"
"powerfully and gloriously"
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"
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"
These two extremes are given to emphasize that the elect will be gathered from the entire earth. Alternate translation: "from every place on earth"
Jesus gives two short parables here to remind people to be aware when the things that he has been explaining happen.
The phrase "the branch" refers to the branches of the fig tree. Alternate translation: "its branches become tender and put out their leaves"
"green and soft"
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"
the warm part of the year or the growing season
This refers to the days of tribulation. Alternate translation: "these things I have just described"
Many modern translations read, "you recognize" or "you know." It is not clear whether Jesus is stating a fact or issuing a command.
"the Son of Man is near"
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"
This indicates that the statement that follows is especially important. See how you translated this in Mark 3:28.
"Pass away" is a polite way of saying "die." Alternate translation: "will not die" or "will not end"
The phrase "these things" refers to the days of tribulation.
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"
"will cease to exist." Here this phrase refers to the world ending.
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"
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"
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"
Here "heaven" refers to the place where God lives.
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"
It can be stated clearly what "time" refers to here. Alternate translation: "when all these events will happen"
"telling each one what work he should do"
"he could return in the evening"
The rooster is a bird that "crows" very early in the morning by making a loud call.
Here Jesus speaks of not being ready as "sleeping." Alternate translation: "find you not ready for his return"
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Jesus said that not one stone would be left on another which would not be torn down.
The disciples asked Jesus when these things would happen and what would be the sign.
Jesus said the disciples must be careful that no one lead them astray.
Jesus said the disciples must be careful that no one lead them astray.
Jesus said the beginning of birth pains would be wars, rumors of wars, earthquakes, and famines.
Jesus said the beginning of birth pains would be wars, rumors of wars, earthquakes, and famines.
Jesus said that the disciples would be delivered to councils, beaten in synagogues, and would stand before governors and kings as a testimony.
Jesus said the gospel must be preached to all the nations first.
Jesus said that one family member would deliver up another family member to death.
Jesus said that whoever endures to the end would be saved.
Jesus said that those in Judea should flee to the mountains when they see the abomination of desolation.
Jesus said the Lord would shorten the days of tribulation for the sake of the elect.
Jesus said that false Christs and false prophets would arise to deceive people.
The sun and moon will be darkened, the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.
The sun and moon will be darkened, the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.
They will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.
The Son of Man will gather his elect from the ends of the earth and the sky.
Jesus said that this generation would not pass away until all of these things occurred.
Jesus said that his words would never pass away.
Jesus said that no one knows the day or hour, except the Father.
Jesus told his disciples to be alert and watch.
Jesus told his disciples to be alert and watch.
Jesus told his disciples to be alert and watch.
1 It was now two days before the Passover and the Festival of Unleavened Bread. The chief priests and the scribes were seeking ways to stealthily arrest Jesus and then kill him. 2 For they were saying, "Not during the festival, so that a riot does not arise among the people."
3 While Jesus was in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he was reclining at the table, a woman came to him having an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which was pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the nard on his head. 4 But there were some who were angry. They spoke among themselves and said, "What is the reason for the waste of this perfume? 5 This perfume could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii, and given to the poor." Then they scolded her.
6 But Jesus said, "Leave her alone. Why are you troubling her? She has done a beautiful thing for me. 7 You always have the poor with you, and whenever you desire you can do good to them, but you will not always have me. 8 She has done what she could. She has anointed my body for burial. 9 Truly I say to you, wherever the gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will be spoken of, in memory of her."
10 Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went away to the chief priests so that he might give him over to them. 11 When the chief priests heard it, they were glad and promised to give him money. He began looking for an opportunity to give him over to them.
12 On the first day of unleavened bread, when they sacrificed the Passover lamb, his disciples said to him, "Where do you want us to go to prepare, so you may eat the Passover meal?"
13 He sent two of his disciples and said to them, "Go into the city, and a man bearing a pitcher of water will meet you. Follow him. 14 Where he enters a house, follow him in and say to the owner of that house, 'The Teacher says, "Where is my guest room where I will eat the Passover with my disciples?"' 15 He will show you a large furnished upper room that is ready. Make the preparations for us there." 16 The disciples left and went to the city. They found everything as he had said to them, and they prepared the Passover meal.
17 When it was evening, he came with the twelve. 18 As they were lying down at the table and eating, Jesus said, "Truly I say to you, one of you eating with me will betray me."
19 They were all very sorrowful, and one by one they said to him, "Surely not I?"
20 Jesus answered and said to them, "It is one of the twelve, the one now dipping bread with me in the bowl. 21 For the Son of Man will go as it is written about him. But woe to that man through whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for him if he had not been born."
22 As they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed it, and broke it. He gave it to them and said, "Take this. This is my body." 23 He took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, and they all drank from it. 24 He said to them, "This is my blood of the covenant, the blood that is poured out for many. 25 Truly I say to you, I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God."
26 When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. 27 Jesus said to them, "All of you will fall away, for it is written,
'I will strike the shepherd
and the sheep will be scattered.'
28 But after I am raised up, I will go ahead of you into Galilee."
29 Peter said to him, "Even if all fall away, I will not."
30 Jesus said to him, "Truly I say to you, today—yes, this very night—before the rooster crows twice you will deny me three times."
31 But Peter said emphatically, "If I must die with you, I will not deny you." They all made the same promise.
32 They came to the place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, "Sit here while I pray." 33 He took Peter, James, and John with him and began to be distressed and deeply troubled. 34 He said to them, "My soul is deeply grieved, even to the point of death. Remain here and watch." 35 Going a little farther, Jesus fell to the ground and prayed that if it were possible the hour might pass from him. 36 He said, "Abba, Father, all things are possible with you. Remove this cup from me. But not my will, but yours." 37 He came back and found them sleeping, and he said to Peter, "Simon, are you asleep? Could you not watch for one hour? 38 Watch and pray that you do not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." 39 Again he went away and prayed, and he used the same words. 40 When he came back again, he found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. They did not know what to say to him. 41 He came the third time and said to them, "Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? Enough! The hour has come. Look! The Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42 Get up; let us go. Look, the one who is betraying me is near."
43 While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, arrived, and a large crowd was with him with swords and clubs, from the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders. 44 Now his betrayer had given them a sign, saying, "The one I kiss is the man. Seize him and lead him away under guard." 45 When Judas arrived, immediately he came up to Jesus and said, "Rabbi," and he kissed him. 46 Then they laid hands on him and seized him. 47 But one of them who stood by drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear.
48 Jesus said to them, "Do you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs, to arrest me? 49 When I was daily with you and I was teaching in the temple, you did not arrest me. But this was done that the scriptures might be fulfilled." 50 All those with Jesus left him and ran away.
51 A young man, wearing only a linen garment that was wrapped around him, was following Jesus. When the men seized him, 52 he left the linen garment and ran away naked.
53 They led Jesus to the high priest. There were gathered with him all the chief priests, the elders, and the scribes. 54 Now Peter followed him from a distance, as far as the courtyard of the high priest. He sat among the officers, warming himself near the fire. 55 Now the chief priests and the entire Jewish council were seeking testimony against Jesus so they might put him to death. But they did not find any. 56 For many brought false testimony against him, but even their testimony did not agree. 57 Some stood up and brought false testimony against him; they said, 58 "We heard him say, 'I will destroy this temple made with hands, and in three days I will build another made without hands.'" 59 Yet even their testimony did not agree.
60 The high priest stood up among them and asked Jesus, "Have you no answer? What is it these men testify against you?" 61 But he was silent and answered nothing. Again the high priest questioned him and said, "Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?"
62 Jesus said, "I am;
and you will see the Son of Man
when he sits at the right hand of power
and comes with the clouds of heaven."
63 The high priest tore his garments and said, "Do we still need witnesses? 64 You have heard the blasphemy. What is your decision?" They all condemned him as one who deserved death.
65 Some began to spit on him and to cover his face and strike him with their fists and say to him, "Prophesy!" The officers took him and beat him.
66 While Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came to him. 67 She saw Peter warming himself, and she looked closely at him and said, "You were also with the Nazarene, Jesus."
68 But he denied it, saying, "I neither know nor understand what you are talking about." Then he went out into the gateway. And the rooster crowed. [1]
69 But the servant girl saw him and began to say again to those who stood there, "This man is one of them!"
70 But he denied it again. After a little while those who stood there were saying to Peter, "Surely you are one of them, for you also are a Galilean."
71 But he began to put himself under curses and to swear, "I do not know this man you are talking about."
72 The rooster immediately crowed a second time. Then Peter remembered the words that Jesus had said to him: "Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times," and he broke down and wept.
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in 14:27, 62, which is from the Old Testament.
Mark 14:22-25 describes Jesus's 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.
"Abba" is an Aramaic word that the Jews used to speak to their fathers. Mark writes it as it sounds and then translates it.
Jesus refers to himself as the "Son of Man" in this chapter
[14:1]
See: Passover
[14:1]
See: Festival of Unleavened Bread
[14:1]
The chief priests and scribes wanted to “stealthily” arrest Jesus. That is, they wanted to arrest Jesus when no one would know that they were doing it. They did not want to make people angry with them.
[14:3]
See Map: Bethany
[14:3]
See: Leprosy (Leper)
[14:3]
In ancient Israel, people ate by laying down sideways at a table. Jesus did this because he had eaten.
[14:3]
The woman had a jar with a certain oil that smelled very good. Some people called this perfume. She opened this jar and poured it on Jesus head and feet to honor him. Jesus also said that she anointed him. This prepared his body to be buried. In ancient Israel, people poured these types of oils on a dead person before they buried them.
See: John 12:3
See: Anoint (Anointing)
[14:4]
The disciples did not want this woman to pour this expensive oil on Jesus. This was because it would only smell good for a short time. However, it could be sold for the same amount of money that someone could make from working for one year. This could be used to help many poor people. Jesus said they were wrong. This was because what she did was a metaphor. That is, she anointed Jesus as a way to prepare him to die for people’s sins so they could be at peace with God. This was greater than helping poor people.
See: Anoint (Anointing); Anoint (Anointing)
[14:10]
Judas went to the chief priests to help them arrest Jesus. Scholars do not agree why he did this. The priests gave Judas a large amount of money to help them.
See: Matthew 26:15; Exodus 21:32; Zechariah 11:12
See: Chief Priest
[14:12]
The first day of unleavened bread was also the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread. This was the day they sacrificed a lamb for the passover.
See: Passover; Sacrifice; Passover
[14:12]
The disciples needed to prepare for the passover meal. This was because they needed to become clean so they could eat this meal. They also needed to get certain foods ready to eat for this meal.
See: Clean and Unclean; Passover; Clean and Unclean
[14:18]
After travelling with these twelve disciples for three years, Jesus had one last meal with them. During this meal, he told them that one of the disciples would betray him. This was to fulfill a prophecy spoken about the messiah (see: Psalm 41:9).
The man that betrayed Jesus would be punished for what he did. He would live forever in hell and be punished there forever. That was why Jesus said it would be better for that man to have not been born than to be punished forever in hell.
See: Prophecy (Prophesy); Hell; Son of Man; Woe; Prophecy (Prophesy)
[14:22]
Jesus told the disciples about the eating of bread and drinking of wine during this last meal. Some scholars called this the last supper or the Lord’s supper. From that time on, Chrsitians ate bread and drank wine at certain times in order to remember that Jesus died for Christians (see: 1 Corinthians 11:23-25).
See: Atone (Atonement); Lord's Supper; Covenant; Kingdom of God; Passover; Atone (Atonement)
[14:26]
A hymn was a song that was sung to worship God.
[14:26]
See Map: Mount of Olives
[14:27]
Jesus said that the disciples would “fall away.” That is, they would fall away from Jesus. He said this would fulfill what Zecariah prophesied (see: Zechariah 13:7). This was a metaphor. Jesus was the shepherd and the disciples were the sheep. The disciples would not want people to know they followed Jesus when Jesus died. However, this did not last for very long.
Peter said that he would never do this. However, he said that he did not know Jesus three times that night.
See: Metaphor; Fall (Fall Away, Stand); Prophecy (Prophesy) ; Metaphor
[14:32]
See Map: Gethsemane
[14:33]
See: Soul
[14:33]
Jesus was distressed when he prayed. That is he had a feeling of great sadness and pain in his soul while he prayed. He knew he was about to die. He was not afraid to die because he knew why he had to die. However, he was distressed because he knew that he was about to be separated from God the Father in some way. He knew separation from God was part of the punishment from God for the sins of all people.
See: Soul; Sin; God the Father; Soul
[14:36]
Jesus asked God the Father if it was possible for the hour to pass. That is, he asked God the Father not to make him die. He wanted God to remove the cup. This is a metaphor. He wanted to not have to be punished for all people. However, he was willing to die to obey God.
See: Will of God; Will of God
[14:38]
Jesus wanted Peter to pray. However, Peter could not pray for one hour without falling asleep. Jesus told Peter to pray and ask not to enter into temptation. That is, that he would not be tempted. Peter was about to be tempted to say that he did not know Jesus.
See: Tempt (Temptation)
[14:38]
Jesus said that the spirit was willing but the flesh was weak. That is, the disciples wanted to stay awake and pray, but their bodies were too tired to remain awake. They could only do these things with the help of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit wanted to help Peter. Peter just needed to ask for help (see: Psalm 51:12).
[14:41]
Jesus said the hour has come. That is, the things he talked about things that were about to happen.
[14:41]
Jesus said that he was betrayed to sinners. That is, someone would give him to the people who wanted to kill him. These sinners were the Jewish leaders. They were supposed to help people worship God. Instead, they did evil. He knew Judas was about to betray him.
See: Sin
[143:43]
[14:44, 14:45]
Judas kissed Jesus on the cheek. In ancient Israel, people often greeted each other in this way.
[14:45]
See: Rabbi
[14:47]
Peter tried to stop the Jewish leaders from arresting Jesus (see: John 18:10-11). He did this by cutting off someone’s ear with a sword or knife.
See: High Priest
[14:49]
Jesus said that certain prophecies were fulfilled when the Jewish leaders arrested him. These were prophecies spoken by Isaiah (see: Isaiah 53) and Zechariah (see: Zechariah 13:7).
See: Fulfill (Fulfillment) ; Fulfill (Fulfillment)
[14:51, 14:52]
Scholars think Mark wrote about this young man running away naked because Mark was this young man. He was there when Jesus was arrested. Other scholars think the young man symbolises all people who ran after Jesus’ arrest. This was a fulfillment of prophecy (see: Amos 2:16).
See: Fulfill (Fulfillment) ; Symbol; Fulfill (Fulfillment)
[14:54]
The Jewish leaders took Jesus to the high priest. They wanted the high priest to say Jesus had done something wrong so Jesus could be killed. They took him to the courtyard of the high priest. This was outside of where the high priest lived.
See: High Priest
[14:55]
The Jewish leaders wanted testimony against Jesus. They wanted people to say Jesus had done something wrong. They wanted them to say that he broke the Law of Moses in a way that he needed to be put to death.
See: Testify (Testimony); Testify (Testimony)
[14:56]
People said that Jesus said things or did things that were wrong in the Law of Moses. However, Mark wrote that what the people said about Jesus did not agree with one another. Mark wrote this because someone could not be punished for something they did wrong unless two people had seen this person doing this wrong thing.
See: Numbers 35:30; Deuteronomy 17:6
See: Testify (Testimony); Testify (Testimony)
[14:60]
The high priest asked Jesus two questions. He asked Jesus if Jesus was going to say anything. The high priest wanted Jesus to say something because he wanted Jesus to say the wrong thing. He also asked Jesus if he was going to say something about what people said about Jesus. The high priest thought Jesus did something written in the Law of Moses that people should not do. However, the high priest did something written in the law of Moses that he should not do. He said that Jesus did something wrong without the testimony of two people agreeing with one another.
See: Testify (Testimony); Law of Moses; Testify (Testimony)
[14:61]
The high priest asked Jesus if he was the messiah, the son of the blessed one. He wanted Jesus to say that this was true. The high priest would them say that Jesus blasphemed.
See: Blaspheme (Blasphemy); Messiah (Christ); Blaspheme (Blasphemy)
[14:62]
Jesus told the high priest, “I am.” He said that he is God when he said this. He then told the high priest that the high priest will see Jesus again when he is next to God in heaven when Jesus returns to the earth to judge the world.
The high priest tore his clothes because he thought Jesus blasphemed God. This was what the high priest did when someone blasphemed. According to the Law of Moses, blasphemy was punished by killing the person who blasphemed.
See: Law of Moses; Jesus is God; Yahweh (I am); Right Hand; Blaspheme (Blasphemy); Heaven; Law of Moses
[14:65]
Many people hit Jesus at the same time. They mocked Jesus. That is, they insulted him. So they asked him to prophesy and tell them which person hit Jesus.
See: Prophecy (Prophesy)
[14:68]
Peter followed the soldiers who arrested Jesus. However, he did not go near Jesus. He did not want anyone to know he was a disciple of Jesus. He feared being arrested. This is why he said he did not know Jesus.
See: Disciple
[14:68]
Some ancient copies of the Greek New Testament have the words, “then the rooster crowed.” Other, older ancient copies of the Greek New Testament do not have these words. However, Matthew, Luke, and John said that the rooster crowed (see: Matthew 26:74; Luke 22:60; John 18:27). Therefore, the rooster crowed whether or not Mark wrote these words.
See: Differences in the Ancient Copies of the Bible
[14:70]
The people in Jerusalem spoke in a different way than the people in Galilee. Because of this, the girl knew Peter lived in Galilee. This was the same place where Jesus and his disciples lived.
See: Disciple
See Map: Galilee
[14:71]
Peter wanted this girl to think he was not a disciple of Jesus. He then swore and cursed himself. That is, he said that God needed to curse him if Peter was lying. He swore to her in the same way someone swears an oath to a judge.
See: Curse; Swear (Oath); Curse
Just two days before the Passover, the chief priests and scribes are secretly plotting to kill Jesus.
without people noticing
The word "they" refers to the chief priests and the scribes.
This refers to them not arresting Jesus during the festival. Alternate translation: "We must not do it during the festival"
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.
This man previously had leprosy but was no longer ill. This is a different man than Simon Peter and Simon the Zealot.
In Jesus's culture, when people gathered to eat, they reclined on their sides, propping themselves up on pillows beside a low table.
This is a jar made from alabaster. Alabaster is a very expensive yellow-white stone. Alternate translation: "beautiful white stone jar"
"that contained expensive, fragrant perfume called nard." Nard is a very expensive, sweet-smelling oil used to make perfume.
"on Jesus's head"
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!"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "We could have sold this perfume" or "She could have sold this perfume"
"300 denarii." Denarius is the singular form of denarii. A denarius is a roman silver coin and it is worth one day's wage.
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"
Jesus rebukes the guests for questioning this woman's action. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "You should not trouble her!"
This refers to poor people. Alternate translation: "poor people"
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This indicates that the statement that follows is especially true and important. See how you translated this in Mark 3:28.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "wherever my followers preach the gospel"
"what this woman has done will also be spoken of"
After the woman anoints Jesus with perfume, Judas promises to deliver Jesus to the chief priests.
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 give Jesus over to them"
"bring him to them so they could capture him" or "put him in their power" or "betray him"
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"
"to give him silver coins"
"put them in their power" or "betray him to them"
Jesus sends two of the disciples to prepare the Passover meal.
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"
Here the "Passover" refers to the Passover meal. Alternate translation: "eat the Passover meal"
"carrying a large jar full of water"
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."
a room for visitors
They were to prepare the meal for Jesus and his disciples to eat. Alternate translation: "Prepare the meal for us there"
"The two disciples left"
"as Jesus had said"
That evening as Jesus and the disciples eat the Passover meal, Jesus tells them that one of them will betray him.
It may be helpful to state where they came to. Alternate translation: "he came with the twelve to the house"
In Jesus's culture, when people gathered to eat, they lay down on their sides, propping themselves up on pillows beside a low table.
This indicates that the statement that follows is especially true and important. See how you translated this in Mark 3:28.
This means that "one at a time" each disciple asked him.
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!"
"He is one of the twelve of you, the one now"
In Jesus's culture, people would often eat bread, dipping it in a shared bowl of sauce or of oil mixed with herbs.
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"
"the scripture says" or "as they wrote in the scripture"
This can be stated more directly. Alternate translation: "who betrays the Son of Man"
This was a flat loaf of unleavened bread, which was eaten as part of the Passover meal.
This means that he broke the bread into pieces for the people to eat. Alternate translation: "broke it into pieces"
"Take this bread. It is my body." Though most understand this to mean that the bread is a symbol of Jesus's body and that it is not actual flesh, it is best to translate this statement literally.
Here "cup" is a metonym for wine. Alternate translation: "He took the cup of wine"
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"
"This wine is my blood." Though most understand this to mean that the wine is a symbol of Jesus's blood and that it is not actual blood, it is best to translate this statement literally.
This indicates that the statement that follows is especially true and important. See how you translated this in Mark 3:28.
"wine." This is a descriptive way to refer to wine.
Possible meanings are 1) "again" or 2) "in a new way"
A hymn is a type of song. It was traditional for them to sing an Old Testament psalm.
"Jesus said to his disciples"
This is an idiom that means leave. Alternate translation: "will leave me"
"kill." Here "I" refers to God.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I will scatter the sheep"
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"
"I will go before you"
"everyone else falls away" or "everyone else leaves you"
This indicates that the statement that follows is especially true and important. See how you translated this in Mark 3:28.
The rooster is a male bird that calls out loudly very early in the morning. When he makes that sound he "crows."
two times
"you will say that you do not know me"
"said insistently" or "said strongly"
"Even if I must die"
This means that all of the disciples said the same thing that Peter said.
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.
The word "they" refers to Jesus and his disciples.
overwhelmed with sorrow
The word "deeply" refers to Jesus being greatly troubled in his soul. Alternate translation: "extremely troubled"
Jesus speaks of himself as his "soul." Alternate translation: "I am"
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.
The disciples were to stay alert while Jesus prayed. This does not mean that they were supposed to watch Jesus pray.
This means that if God would allow it to happen. Alternate translation: "if God would allow it"
Here "this hour" refers to Jesus's time of suffering, both now in the garden and later. Alternate translation: "that he would not have to go through this time of suffering"
a term used by Jewish children to address their father. Since it is followed by "Father," it is best to transliterate this word.
This is an important title for God.
Jesus speaks of the suffering that he must endure as if it were a cup.
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"
The word "them" refers to Peter, James, and John.
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."
Jesus speaks of being tempted as if it were entering into a physical place. Alternate translation: "that you are not tempted"
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"
These refer to two different aspects of Peter. "The spirit" is his inmost desires. "The flesh" is his human ability and strength.
"prayed again what he prayed before"
The word "them" refers to Peter, James, and John.
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"
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"
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!"
The time of Jesus's suffering and betrayal is about to begin.
"Listen!"
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"
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"one of the twelve disciples"
Here Mark gives background information about how Judas had arranged with the Jewish leaders to betray Jesus.
This refers to Judas.
Here "the man" refers to the man that Judas was going to identify. Alternate translation: "The man I kiss is the one you want"
"Judas kissed him"
These two phrases have the same meaning to emphasize that they seized Jesus. Alternate translation: "grabbed Jesus and seized him" or "seized him"
"who was standing nearby"
"Jesus said to the crowd"
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!"
"But this has happened so that"
This refers to the disciples.
cloth made from the fibers of a flax plant
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that he had wrapped around himself"
"When the men seized that man"
Because the man was trying to run away, the others would have grabbed at his clothing, trying to stop him.
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.
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"
This word is used here to mark a change in the story as the author tells us about Peter.
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"
Peter sat with the officers who were working at the courtyard. Alternate translation: "He sat in the courtyard among the officers"
These were probably the servants of the "the chief priests, the elders, and the scribes" (Mark 14:54).
This word is used here to mark a change in the story as the author returns to telling us about Jesus being put on trial.
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"
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"
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"
"they contradicted each other"
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"
"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.
Here "hands" refers to men. Alternate translation: "made by men ... without man's help" or "built by men ... without man's help"
"within three days." This means that the temple would be built within a three-day period.
The word "temple" is understood from the previous phrase. It may be repeated. Alternate translation: "will build another temple"
"these witnesses contradicted each other"
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.
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"
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?"
Here God is called "the Blessed One." 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 God"
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.
Here "power" is a metonym 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"
Here the clouds are described as accompanying Jesus when he returns. Alternate translation: "when he comes down through the clouds in the sky"
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"
This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "We certainly do not need any more people who will testify against this man!"
This refers to what Jesus said, which the high priest called blasphemy. Alternate translation: "You have heard the blasphemy he has spoken"
all the people in the room
some of the people in the room
They covered his face with a cloth or blindfold, so he could not see. Alternate translation: "to cover his face with a blindfold"
They mocked him, asking him to prophesy who was hitting him. Alternate translation: "Prophesy who hit you"
men who guarded the governor's house
As Jesus had predicted, Peter denies Jesus three times before the rooster crows.
"outside in the courtyard"
The servant girls worked for the high priest. Alternate translation: "one of the servant girls who worked for the high priest"
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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.
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"
This is the same servant girl who identified Peter previously.
The people were identifying Peter as one of Jesus's disciples. This can be made clearer. Alternate translation: "one of Jesus's disciples" or "one of those who have been with that man they arrested"
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If in your language you have to name the person who curses someone, state God. Alternate translation: "to say for God to curse him"
The rooster is a male bird that calls out loudly very early in the morning. If he has made that sound he has "crowed."
"Second" here is an ordinal number.
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"
They were considering how to stealthily arrest Jesus and then kill him.
They were worried that a riot would arise among the people.
A woman broke a vial of costly liquid and poured it on Jesus' head.
Some were rebuking the woman for not selling the perfume and giving the money to the poor.
Jesus said the woman had anointed his body for burial.
Jesus promised that wherever the gospel was preached in the whole world, what the woman had done would be spoken of in memory of her.
Judas Iscariot went away to the chief priests so that he might deliver Jesus to them.
Jesus told them to go into the city and follow a man carrying a pitcher of water, and then ask him where the guest room was that they would use to eat the Passover.
Jesus told them to go into the city and follow a man carrying a pitcher of water, and then ask him where the guest room was that they would use to eat the Passover.
Jesus told them to go into the city and follow a man carrying a pitcher of water, and then ask him where the guest room was that they would use to eat the Passover.
Jesus said that one of the disciples eating with him would betray him.
Jesus said that the disciple dipping bread with him in the bowl would betray him.
Jesus said that it would have been better for him if he had not been born.
Jesus said, "Take this. This is my body".
Jesus said, "This is my blood of the covenant, the blood that is poured out for many".
Jesus said he would again drink of this fruit of the vine on the day when he drank it anew in the kingdom of God.
Jesus predicted that his disciples would all fall away because of him.
Jesus told Peter that before the rooster crowed twice, Peter would deny Jesus three times.
Jesus told them to remain there and watch.
Jesus told them to remain there and watch.
Jesus told them to remain there and watch.
Jesus prayed that this hour might pass from him.
Jesus was willing to accept whatever the Father's will was for him.
Jesus found the three disciples sleeping.
Jesus found the three disciples sleeping.
Jesus found the three disciples sleeping.
Judas kissed Jesus to show which person was Jesus.
Judas kissed Jesus to show which person was Jesus.
Jesus said that scripture was being fulfilled because they came to arrest him like a robber, with swords and clubs.
Jesus said that scripture was being fulfilled because they came to arrest him like a robber, with swords and clubs.
Those with Jesus left him and fled.
The young man left his linen garment there and ran away naked.
The young man left his linen garment there and ran away naked.
Peter sat among the guards, near a fire to keep warm.
Peter sat among the guards, near a fire to keep warm.
The testimony against Jesus was false and did not agree.
The testimony against Jesus was false and did not agree.
The high priest asked Jesus if he was the Christ, the son of the Blessed.
Jesus answered that he was the Christ, the son of the Blessed.
The high priest said that Jesus was guilty of blasphemy.
They spit on him, struck him, and beat him.
Peter answered that he did not know or understand about what the girl was talking.
Peter answered that he did not know or understand about what the girl was talking.
Peter answered that he did not know or understand about what the girl was talking.
Peter swore and put himself under curses that he did not know Jesus.
After Peter answered the third time, the rooster crowed a second time.
After he heard the rooster, Peter broke down and wept.
1 Early in the morning, the chief priests, with the elders and scribes and the entire Jewish council consulted together. Then they bound Jesus and led him away. They handed him over to Pilate. 2 Pilate asked him, "Are you the King of the Jews?"
He answered him, "You say so." 3 The chief priests were accusing him of many things.
4 Pilate again asked him, "Do you give no answer? See how many things they are accusing you of!" 5 But Jesus no longer answered Pilate, and that amazed him.
6 Now at the time of the festival, Pilate usually released to them one prisoner, a prisoner they requested. 7 There was a man called Barabbas in prison with the rebels who had committed murder during the rebellion. 8 The crowd came to Pilate and began to ask him to do for them as he had done in the past. 9 Pilate answered them and said, "Do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?" 10 For he knew that it was because of envy that the chief priests had handed Jesus over to him. 11 But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to cry out that Barabbas should be released instead. 12 Pilate answered them again and said, "What then should I do with the King of the Jews?"
13 They shouted again, "Crucify him!"
14 Pilate said to them, "What evil has he done?"
But they shouted more and more, "Crucify him." 15 Pilate wanted to satisfy the crowd, so he released Barabbas to them. He scourged Jesus and then handed him over to be crucified.
16 The soldiers led him inside the courtyard (which is the government headquarters), and they called together the whole company of soldiers. 17 They put a purple robe on Jesus, and they twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on him. 18 They began to salute him and say, "Hail, King of the Jews!" 19 They were striking his head with a reed staff and spitting on him. They went to their knees and they bowed down before him. 20 When they had mocked him, they took off of him the purple robe and put his own garments on him, and then led him out to crucify him. 21 A certain man, Simon of Cyrene, was coming in from the country (he was the father of Alexander and Rufus), and they forced him to carry his cross.
22 The soldiers brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which is translated "Place of a Skull"). 23 They offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not drink it. 24 They crucified him and divided up his garments by casting lots to determine what piece each soldier would take. 25 It was the third hour when they crucified him. 26 On a sign they wrote the charge against him, "The king of the Jews." 27 With him they crucified two robbers, one on the right of him and one on his left. 28[1]29 Those who passed by insulted him, shaking their heads and saying, "Aha! You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, 30 save yourself and come down from the cross!"
31 In the same way the chief priests were mocking him with each other, along with the scribes, and said, "He saved others, but he cannot save himself. 32 Let the Christ, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe." Those who were crucified with him also insulted him.
33 At the sixth hour, darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour. 34 At the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?" which is interpreted, "My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?" 35 Some of those standing by heard his words and said, "Look, he is calling for Elijah."
36 Someone ran, put sour wine on a sponge, put it on a reed staff, and gave it to him to drink. The man said, "Let us see if Elijah comes to take him down." 37 Then Jesus cried out with a loud voice and died.
38 The curtain of the temple was split in two from the top to the bottom. 39 When the centurion who stood and faced Jesus saw that he had died in this way, he said, "Truly this man was the Son of God." 40 There were also women who looked on from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary (the mother of James the younger and of Joses), [2] and Salome. 41 When he was in Galilee they followed him and served him. Many other women also came up with him to Jerusalem.
42 When evening had come, because it was the Day of Preparation, that is, the day before the Sabbath, 43 Joseph of Arimathea came there. He was a respected member of the council who was waiting for the kingdom of God. He boldly went in to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. 44 Pilate was amazed that Jesus was already dead; he called the centurion and asked him if Jesus was dead. 45 When Pilate learned from the centurion that Jesus was dead, he gave the body to Joseph. 46 Joseph had bought a linen cloth. He took him down from the cross, wrapped him in the linen cloth, and laid him in a tomb that had been cut out of a rock. Then he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb. 47 Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw the place where Jesus was buried.
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's people can now speak to God directly because Jesus has paid for their sins.
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.
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: and mock)
This is a phrase in Aramaic. Mark transliterates its sounds by writing them using Greek letters. He then explains its meaning.
[15:1]
See: Jewish Council (sanhedrin); Scribe; Elder; Scribe
[15:1]
Pilate was a Roman leader of Jerusalem. At this time, the Jews were not allowed to kill someone if the person was guilty of a crime. Therefore, the Jewish leaders needed permission from Pilate to have Jesus killed.
[15:2]
The Jewish leaders wanted to kill Jesus because they said he spoke blasphemy against God (see: Matthew 27:1-2; Luke 22:66-71). However, the Jewish leaders did not tell Pilate that Jesus was blaspheming God. Instead, they said that Jesus said he was the king of the Jews. Blasphemy of God was not wrong for the Romans. However, they killed people who rebelled against the Romans.
[15:5]
Jesus did not answer Pilate because he did not do anything wrong. He also knew he needed to die for people’s sins. This also fulfilled a prophecy of Isaiah (see: Isaiah 53:7). This made Pilate think that Jesus was not guilty of the things the Jewish leaders said he did.
See: Fulfill (Fulfillment); Atone (Atonement); Fulfill (Fulfillment)
[15:6]
Mark wrote about a feast. This was the passover festival.
See: Passover
[15:6]
In ancient Israel, the Roman leader released a prisoner during the Jewish passover festival. This helped make peace between the Romans and the Jews.
See: Passover
[15:9]
Pilate did not think Jesus was guilty. However, he did not want to make the Jewish leaders angry. Therefore, he tried to get the people to free Jesus. However, they did not want Jesus to live. They told Pilate to kill Jesus.
[15:13]
[15:15]
Pilate told soldiers scourge Jesus. That is, they beat him very badly. Some scholars think that scourging a person made them die faster after they were crucified. Other scholars think Pilate had Jesus scourged so the Jewish leaders would have pity for Jesus. He hoped the Jews would not want Jesus crucified after this (see: John 19:1-15).
[15:16]
The soldiers took Jesus to the courtyard where a Roman leader lived. The courtyard was a large area outside of a home where many people gathered.
[15:16]
There were about 600 soldiers in a cohort.
[15:20]
The soldiers placed a purple robe on Jesus. They did this to mock Jesus. In ancient times, kings wore purple clothes. This was because it was very expensive to make purple clothes. They also put a crown on Jesus. They also did this to mock Jesus. Kings wore crowns. However, this crown had large thorns, so it hurt Jesus. The soldiers also mocked Jesus by saluting him in the way they saluted a king. They also hit Jesus with a staff. Kings held a special staff. They also bowed to Jesus in the same way they would have bowed to their king.
[15:21]
See Map: Cyrene
[15:22]
Golgotha was a place outside of the wall of the city of Jerusalem. In English, this place is often called “calvary.” It was a hill that looked like a person’s skull.
[15:23]
The soldiers gave Jesus something to drink. People thought that this would stop pain. However, Jesus did not want to drink the mixed wine.
[15:24]
See: Cast Lots
[15:26]
The soldiers made a sign. This sign told people that Jesus was killed for saying that he was the king of the Jews.
[15:28]
Some ancient copies of the Greek New Testament have the words found in 15:28. A greater number of older copies of the Greek New Testament do not have these words. Therefore, most translations do not have these words.
[15:29]
The people insulted Jesus while he died. They mocked him because they did not know what he said when he said that he would destroy and rebuild the temple. They thought he spoke about the temple building. However, it was a metaphor. He wanted people to know that he would die and be resurrected in three days. They also mocked Jesus and told him to come off the cross if he was God. They spoke against Jesus because they did not believe he was the Son of God.
See: Son of God; Temple; Resurrect (Resurrection) ; Cross; Son of God
[15:31]
The Jewish leaders mocked Jesus in the same way people mocked him. They wanted Jesus to do something so they would know that he was the messiah. However, he did not listen to them. Jesus knew that his death on the cross was part of the work that God the Father sent him to do.
See: Atone (Atonement); Cross; Atone (Atonement)
[15:33]
The sixth hour was about 12pm.
The ninth hour was about 3pm.
[15:34]
As Jesus died, people’s sins were placed on him in some way. He was separated from God in some way for the first time. Jesus fulfilled prophecy with these words. In Psalm 22, David cried out to God. Jesus quoted the beginning of this Psalm so the people would know that he was the fulfillment of this prophecy.
See: Prophecy (Prophesy); Atone (Atonement); Fulfill (Fulfillment); Prophecy (Prophesy)
[15:35]
When Jesus said, “Eli,” the people thought they heard Jesus calling to Elijah to help him.
[15:38]
In the temple, there was a curtain that separated the most holy place from everything else. It was the place where the high priest went once a year to give a sacrifice to God. God was in this place in a certain way. The curtain was so big and thick that it could not be torn. When Jesus died, it tore. This was a metaphor. It allowed everyone to know that nothing separated people from God anymore after Jesus died.
See: Atone (Atonement); Most Holy Place (Holy of Holies); High Priest; Sacrifice; Metaphor; Atone (Atonement)
[15:39]
The Roman soldier thought Jesus was the son of God. Some scholars think the soldier believed that Jesus was God. More scholars think that he said that Jesus was a very great man whom God blessed. Mark wanted people to think about how the roman soldier believed the truth about Jesus even though the Jewish leaders did not.
See: Bless (Blessing); Jesus is God; Bless (Blessing)
[15:41]
See Map: Galilee
[15:42]
According to the Law of Moses, a dead body needed to be buried before the sun set.
See: Deuteronomy 21:23
See: Law of Moses
[15:43]
Joseph of Arimathea was a pharisee, but he believed in Jesus (see: John 19:38). He believed what Jesus taught about the kingdom of God.
See: Kingdom of God; Kingdom of God
[15:44]
Pilate was amazed that Jesus was dead because he died very fast. Jesus was beaten and very weak when he was placed on the cross. When most people were put on a cross it took a long time for them to die, sometimes two or three days.
See: Cross
[15:46]
Joseph of Arimathea wrapped Jesus’ body in linen cloth to prepare him to be buried. At that time, people wrapped a body in linen cloths with strong smelling spices. When Jesus’ body was ready to be buried, it was put into a tomb. This honored the person who had died.
[15:46]
Joseph placed a very large stone in front of the entrance to the tomb. This kept people and animals out of the tomb.
When the chief priests, the elders, the scribes, and the council give Jesus over to Pilate, they accuse Jesus of doing many bad things. When Pilate asks if what they had said is true, Jesus does not answer him.
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"
They had Jesus led to Pilate and transferred control of Jesus over to him.
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"
"were saying that Jesus had done many bad things"
"Pilate asked Jesus again"
This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "Do you have an answer"
"Look" or "Listen" or "Pay attention to what I am about to tell you"
It surprised Pilate that Jesus did not reply and defend himself.
Pilate, hoping the crowd will choose Jesus, offers to release a prisoner, but the crowd asks for Barabbas instead.
This word is used here to mark a pause in the story as the author tells background information about Pilate's tradition of releasing a prisoner at feasts and about Barabbas.
The writer continues giving background information that will enable the reader to understand the part of the story that follows.
The writer writes as though he believes that the readers know which rebels and which rebellion he is talking about, not as though he is introducing new participants to the story.
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"
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This is background information about why Jesus was handed over to Pilate.
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's popularity among the people. This is why they"
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"
They requested Barabbas to be released instead of Jesus. Alternate translation: "released instead of Jesus"
The crowd asks for Jesus's 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.
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"
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"Pilate said to the crowd"
"make the crowd happy by doing what they wanted him to do"
Pilate did not actually scourge Jesus but rather his soldiers did.
"flogged." To "scourge" is to beat with an especially painful whip.
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"
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"
"the whole unit of soldiers" "the whole cohort of soldiers"
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.
"a crown made of thorny branches"
The reader should understsnd that they were mocking Jesus by pretending to salute him.
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.
"a stick" or "a staff"
"kneeled" or "knelt" or "got on their knees"
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These are names of men.
This is the name of a place.
"from outside the city"
This is background information about the man whom the soldiers forced to carry Jesus's cross.
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's cross.
The soldiers bring Jesus to Golgotha, where they crucify him with two others. Many people mock him.
"Skull Place" or "Place of the Skull." This the name of a place. It does not mean that there are lots of skulls there.
A skull is the head bones, or a head without any flesh on it.
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"
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"Third" here is a ordinal number. This refers to nine o'clock in the morning. Alternate translation: "nine o'clock in the morning"
The soldiers attached this sign to the cross above Jesus. Alternate translation: "They attached to the cross above Jesus's head a sign on which"
"the crime they were accusing him of doing"
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"
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This action showed that the people disapproved of Jesus.
This is a exclamation of mockery. Use the appropriate exclamation in your language.
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"
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This refers to the way that the people who were walking by Jesus were mocking him.
"were saying mocking things about Jesus among themselves"
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"
The means to believe in Jesus. Alternate translation: "believe in him"
mocked, slandered
This refers to noon or 12 p.m.
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"
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"
These are Aramaic words that should be copied as is into your language with similar sounds.
"means"
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"
"vinegar"
"stick." This was a staff made from a reed.
"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"
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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"
This is the centurion who supervised the soldiers who crucified Jesus.
Here "faced" is an idiom that means to look towards someone. Alternate translation: "who stood in front of Jesus"
"how Jesus had died" or "the way Jesus had died"
This is an important title for Jesus.
"watched from far away"
"who was the mother of James ... and of Joses." This can be written without the parentheses.
"the younger James." This man was referred to as "the younger" probably to distinguish him from another man named James.
This Joses was not that same person as the younger brother of Jesus. See how you translated the same name in [Mark 6:3]
Salome is the name of a woman.
"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.
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.
Joseph of Arimathea asks Pilate for the body of Jesus, which he wraps in linen and puts in a tomb.
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"
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"
"Joseph from Arimathea." Joseph is the name of a man, and Arimathea is the name of the place his is from.
This is background information about Joseph.
"went to Pilate" or "went in to where Pilate was"
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"
When Pilate heard that Jesus was dead, he was surprised, 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"
"he permitted Joseph to take Jesus's body"
Linen is cloth made from the fibers of a flax plant. See how you translated this in Mark 14:51.
You may need to make explicit that Joseph probably had help from other people when he took Jesus's 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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "a tomb that someone had previously cut out of solid rock"
"a huge flat stone in front of"
This Joses was not that same person as the younger brother of Jesus. See how you translated the same name in [Mark 6:3]
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the place where Joseph and the others buried Jesus's body"
Early in the morning, they bound Jesus and handed him over to Pilate.
Pilate was amazed that Jesus no longer answered him.
Pilate usually released to the crowd one prisoner they requested at the time of the feast.
Pilate knew that it was because of envy that the chief priests had handed Jesus over to him.
The crowd cried out for Barabbas to be released.
The crowd said that the King of the Jews should be crucified.
The crowd said that the King of the Jews should be crucified.
The soldiers put a purple robe on Jesus and put on him a twisted crown of thorns.
A passerby, Simon of Cyrene, was forced to carry Jesus' cross.
The name of the place was Golgotha, which means Place of a Skull.
The soldiers cast lots for Jesus' garments.
The soldiers wrote "The King of the Jews" on the sign.
Those who passed by challenged Jesus to save himself and get down from the cross.
Those who passed by challenged Jesus to save himself and get down from the cross.
The chief priests said that Jesus should come down from the cross so they would believe.
The chief priests said that Jesus should come down from the cross so they would believe.
The chief priests called Jesus the Christ and the King of Israel.
At the sixth hour, darkness came over the whole land.
Jesus cried out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"
Jesus cried out with a loud voice before he died.
The curtain of the temple was split in two from top to bottom when Jesus died.
The centurion testified that truly this man was the Son of God.
Jesus died on the day before the Sabbath.
Joseph of Arimathea took Jesus down from the cross, wrapped him in linen cloth, and laid him in a tomb, rolling a stone against the entrance of the tomb.
1 When the Sabbath day was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices that they might come and anoint Jesus' body. 2 Very early on the first day of the week, they went to the tomb when the sun had come up. 3 They were saying to one another, "Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?" 4 When they looked up, they saw that the stone had been rolled away, for it was very large. 5 They entered the tomb and saw a young man dressed in a white robe, sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed.
6 He said to them, "Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus, the Nazarene, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. Look at the place where they had laid him. 7 But go, tell his disciples and Peter, 'He is going ahead of you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.'"
8 They went out and ran from the tomb; they were trembling and amazed. They said nothing to anyone because they were so afraid. 9[1] [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. 10 She went and told those who were with him, while they were mourning and weeping. 11 They heard that he was alive and that he had been seen by her, but they did not believe.
12 After these things he appeared in a different form to two of them as they were walking out into the country. 13 They went back and told the rest, but they did not believe them.
14 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. 15 He said to them, "Go into all the world, and preach the gospel to the entire creation. 16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved, and he who does not believe will be condemned. 17 These signs will go with those who believe: In my name they will cast out demons. They will speak in new languages. 18 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."
19 After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God. 20 The disciples left and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the word by the signs that went with them.] [2]
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.
Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John all wrote about angels in white clothing with the women at Jesus's 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 ULB 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)
[16:1]
See: Sabbath
[16:1]
The women brought spices to anoint Jesus’ body. In ancient Israel, people did this to someone after they died. They did not think Jesus would be made alive again. The spices were used to stop the body from smelling bad. People did this for people they loved when the person died.
See: Anoint (Anointing)
[16:2]
The Sabbath began on Friday at sunset and ended Saturday at sunset. The day after the sabbath was the first day of the week. This day began on Saturday at sunset and ended on Sunday at sunset.
See: Sabbath
[16:3]
The stone in front of Jesus’ tomb was very large. It was so large three women could not move it. Therefore, they needed several men to move it.
[16:5]
The man in the tomb was an angel.
See: White (symbol); White (symbol)
[16:6]
See Map: Nazareth
[16:6]
[16:6]
The man in the tomb said that Jesus was risen. That is, Jesus was resurrected and was alive again.
[16:7]
See Map: Galilee
[16:7]
The man said that Jesus was resurrected, “just as he told you.” Jesus told people that he was going to be resurrected after he died. He also said he would go to Galilee (see: 14:28). They did not understand what he said. Or perhaps they did not believe it when he said it.
See Map: Galilee
[16:9]
The oldest copies of the Greek New Testament do not have the words written in Mark 16:9-20. Other ancient copies of the Greek New Testament do have these words. Therefore, some scholars do not think Mark wrote these words. They think some ancient scholars added these words to the ending of Mark’s gospel. Perhaps they did this to make the gospel end in a different way. That is, so the gospel would tell people about Jesus’ resurrection. Other scholars think Mark wrote these words. Perhaps an early copy of Mark’s gospel lost its last page and people made copies of this without the last page.
See: Differences in the Ancient Copies of the Bible; Resurrect (Resurrection) ; Differences in the Ancient Copies of the Bible
[16:9]
See: Demon Possession (Casting Out Demons)
[16:10]
People were mourning and weeping because they were sad. They were sad that Jesus died. They did not know that he promised to be resurrected. They also did not know that he was resurrected. When they heard that Jesus was alive, they did not believe the women. They thought the women lied because people did not become alive after they died.
[16:12]
Jesus joined two people walking. Scholars think these people saw Jesus before he died. However, Jesus looked different from the first time they saw him. So they did not know it was Jesus (see: Luke 24:13-32).
[16:14]
People called the disciples the eleven. This is because Judas Iscariot was not a disciple anymore.
See: Disciple
[16:14]
The disciples reclined at the table because they were eating.
See: Disciple
[16:15]
Jesus wanted the disciples to go tell everyone they could that Jesus was made alive again. He wanted them to tell everyone about the gospel. When Jesus said “the entire creation,” he wanted everyone in the world to know these things.
See: Gospel; Resurrect (Resurrection) ; Gospel
[16:16]
Jesus said that whoever believes in him and is baptized will be saved. When someone believes in Jesus, they are at peace with God and will live with him forever. Some scholars think Jesus spoke about being baptized by the Holy Spirit. Other scholars think Jesus spoke about being baptized with water.
See: Heaven; Save (Salvation, Saved from Sins); Heaven
[16:16]
People who do not believe in Jesus are condemned. That is, they are punished and will live forever in hell.
See: Hell
[16;17]
See: Demon Possession (Casting Out Demons)
[16:17]
See: Speaking in Tongues
[16:18]
Jesus talked about Christians being poisoned. He said that Christians will be poisoned or bitten by poisonous snakes, but they will not die. The apostles did many miracles. These were signs so that other people would know that what they said came from God. Jesus did not talk about all Christians at all times.
[16:19]
[16:20]
The disciples went many places and told people about Jesus. Jesus helped them through the Holy Spirit. He also gave them the power to do miracles. These were signs that the things they taught were from God.
On the first day of the week, women come early because they expect to use spices to anoint Jesus's body. They are surprised to see a young man who tells them Jesus is alive, but they are afraid and do not tell anyone.
That is, after the Sabbath, the seventh day of the week, had ended and the first day of the week had begun.
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This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "someone had rolled away the stone"
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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!"
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Jesus appears first to Mary Magdalene, who tells the disciples, then he appears to two others as they walk in the country, and later he appears to the eleven disciples.
"on Sunday"
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"They heard Mary Magdalene say"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Mary Magdalene had seen him" or "she had seen him"
The "two of them" saw Jesus, but he looked different from how he had looked previously.
"two of his disciples"
The rest of the disciples did not believe what the two who had been walking in the country said.
When Jesus meets with the eleven, he rebukes them for their unbelief and tells them to go out into all the world to preach the gospel.
These are the eleven apostles who remain after Judas has left them.
This is a metonym for eating, which was the usual way people in that day ate meals. Alternate translation: "they were eating a meal"
In Jesus's culture, when people gathered to eat, they lay down on their sides, propping themselves up on pillows beside a low table.
Jesus is rebuking his disciples because they would not believe in him. Translate this idiom so it is understood that the disciples were not believing Jesus. Alternate translation: "refusal to believe"
Here "the world" is a metonym for the people in the world. Alternate translation: "Go everywhere there are people"
This is an exaggeration and a metonym for people everywhere. Alternate translation: "absolutely everybody"
The word "He" refers to anyone. This sentence can be made active. Alternate translation: "God will save all people who believe and allow you to baptize them"
The word "he" refers to anyone. This clause can be made active. Alternate translation: "God will condemn all people who do not believe"
Mark speaks of miracles as though they were people going along with the believers. Alternate translation: "People watching those who believe will see these things happen and know that I am with the believers"
Possible meanings are 1) Jesus is giving a general list: "In my name they will do things like these: They" or 2) Jesus is giving an exact list: "These are the things they will do in my name: They."
Here "name" is associated with Jesus's authority and power. See how "in your name" is translated in [Mark 9:38]
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This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God took him up into heaven, and he sat"
To sit at the "right hand of God" is a symbolic action of receiving great honor and authority from God. Alternate translation: "sat in the place of honor beside God"
worked together with them, helped them as they worked
This idiom means they proved that their message was true. Alternate translation: "showed that his message, which they were speaking, was true"
"by enabling them wherever they went to do miracles that showed that they truly were his disciples"
The women went to the tomb on the first day of the week when the sun came up.
Someone had rolled away the very large stone from the entrance.
The women saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side.
The young man said that Jesus was risen and was not there.
The young man said the disciples would meet Jesus in Galilee.
Jesus first appeared to Mary Magdalene.
The disciples did not believe.
The disciples did not believe.
Jesus rebuked the disciples for their unbelief.
Jesus commanded the disciples to go into all the world and preach the gospel.
Jesus said those who believed and were baptized would be saved.
Jesus said those who did not believe would be condemned.
Jesus said those who believed would cast out demons, would speak in new languages, would not be hurt by anything deadly, and would heal others.
Jesus said those who believed would cast out demons, would speak in new languages, would not be hurt by anything deadly, and would heal others.
After he spoke to the disciples, Jesus was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God.
The disciples then left and preached everywhere.
The Lord then worked with the disciples and confirmed the word with miraculous signs.
Abiathar was a high priest for the nation of Israel during the time of King David.
(See also: Zadok, Saul (OT), David, Solomon, Adonijah)
Abiathar, Abiathar's
Abram
Abram was a Chaldean man from the city of Ur who was chosen by God to be the forefather of the Israelites. God changed his name to "Abraham."
(See also: Canaan, Chaldeans, Sarah, Isaac)
Abraham, Abraham's, Abram
Andrew was one of twelve men whom Jesus chose to be his closest disciples (later called apostles).
(See also: apostle, disciple, the twelve)
Andrew, Andrew's
Barabbas was a prisoner in Jerusalem at the time when Jesus was arrested.
Barabbas, Barabbas'
Bartholomew was one of Jesus' twelve apostles.
(See also: apostle, good news, Holy Spirit, miracle, Pentecost, the twelve)
Bartholomew, Bartholomew's
Beelzebul is another name for Satan, or the devil. It is also sometimes spelled, "Beelzebub."
(See also: demon, Ekron, Satan)
Beelzebul, Beelzebul's
The town of Bethany was located at the base of the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives, about 2 miles east of Jerusalem.
(See also: Jericho, Jerusalem, Lazarus, Martha, Mary (sister of Martha), Mount of Olives)
Bethany
the emperor
The term "Caesar" was the name or title used by many of the rulers of the Roman Empire. In the Bible, this name refers to three different Roman rulers.
Caesar, Caesar's, the emperor
Caesarea Philippi
Caesarea was an important city on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, about 39 km south of Mount Carmel. Caesarea Philippi was a city located in the northeastern part of Israel, near Mount Hermon.
(See also: Caesar, Gentile, the sea, Carmel, Hermon, Rome, Tarsus)
Caesarea, Caesarea Philippi
Capernaum was a fishing village on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee.
(See also: Galilee, Sea of Galilee)
Capernaum
Christ Jesus, Jesus Christ, Messiah
The terms "Messiah" and "Christ" mean "Anointed One" and refer to Jesus, God's Son.
(See also: Son of God, David, Jesus, anoint)
Christ, Christ Jesus, Jesus Christ, Messiah
Cyrenian
Cyrene was a Greek city on the north coast of Africa on the Mediterranean Sea, directly south of the island of Crete.
(See also: Crete)
Cyrene, Cyrenians
David was the second king of Israel and he loved and served God. He was the main writer of the book of Psalms.
(See also: Goliath, Philistines, Saul (OT))
David, David's
Elijah was one of the most important prophets of Yahweh. Elijah prophesied during the reigns of several kings of Israel and Judah, including King Ahab.
(See also: miracle, prophet, Yahweh)
Elijah, Elijah's
This was the name of the first woman. Her name means "life" or "living."
Eve, Eve's
Galilean
Galilee was the most northern region of Israel, just north of Samaria. A "Galilean" was a person who lived in Galilee or who lived in Galilee.
(See also: Nazareth, Samaria, Sea of Galilee)
Galilee, Galilean, Galileans
The term "Gentile" refers to anyone who is not a Jew. Gentiles are people who are not descendants of Jacob.
(See also: Israel, Jacob, Jew)
Gentile, Gentiles
Gethsemane was a garden of olive trees east of Jerusalem beyond the Kidron valley and near the Mount of Olives.
(See also: Judas Iscariot, Kidron Valley, Mount of Olives)
Gethsemane
the living God
In the Bible, the term "God" refers to the eternal being who created the universe out of nothing. God exists as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. God's personal name is "Yahweh."
(See also: create, god, God the Father, Holy Spirit, god, Son of God, Yahweh)
God, God's, the living God
"Golgotha" was the name of the place where Jesus was crucified. Its name comes from an Aramaic word that means "Skull" or "Place of the Skull."
(See also: Aram, Mount of Olives)
Golgotha
Grecian
The term "Greek" refers to the language spoken in the country of Greece. It is also a person from the country of Greece. Greek was also spoken throughout the Roman Empire. The term "Grecian" means "Greek-speaking."
(See also: Aram, Gentile, Greece, Hebrew, Rome)
Greek, Greeks, Grecian
Herodias was the wife of Herod Antipas in Judea during the time of John the Baptist.
(See also: Herod Antipas, John (the Baptist))
Herodias, Herodias'
holy one
The term "Holy One" is a title in the Bible that almost always refers to God.
Holy One, holy ones
Spirit, Spirit of God, Spirit of the Lord, Spirit of the Lord Yahweh
These terms all refer to the Holy Spirit, who is God. The one true God exists eternally as the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
(See also: holy, spirit, God, lord, God the Father, Son of God, gift)
Holy Spirit, Spirit, Spirit of God, Spirit of the Lord, Spirit of the Lord Yahweh
Isaac was the only son of Abraham and Sarah. God had promised to give them a son even though they were very old.
(See also: Abraham, descendant, eternity, fulfill, Jacob, Sarah, twelve tribes of Israel)
Isaac, Isaac's
Isaiah was a prophet of God who prophesied during the reigns of four kings of Judah: Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah.
(See also: Ahaz, Assyria, Christ, Hezekiah, Jotham, Judah, prophet, Uzziah)
Isaiah, Isaiah's
Israelite
The term "Israel" is the name that God gave to Jacob. It means "he struggles with God."
(See also: Jacob, kingdom of Israel, Judah, nation, twelve tribes of Israel)
Israel, Israel's, Israelite, Israelite's, Israelites, Israelites'
Jacob was the younger twin son of Isaac and Rebekah.
(See also: Canaan, deceive, Esau, Isaac, Israel, Rebekah, twelve tribes of Israel)
Jacob, Jacob's
James, the son of Alphaeus, was one of Jesus' twelve disciples. Jesus also called these men apostles.
(See also: apostle, disciple, James (brother of Jesus), James (son of Zebedee), the twelve)
James son of Alphaeus
James, a son of Zebedee, was one of Jesus' twelve apostles. He had a younger brother named John who was also one of Jesus' apostles.
(See also: apostle, Elijah, James (brother of Jesus), James (son of Alphaeus), Moses)
James son of Zebedee, James
Jericho was a powerful city in the land of Canaan. It was located just west of the Jordan River and just north of the Salt Sea.
(See also: Canaan, Jordan River, Joshua, miracle, Salt Sea)
Jericho, Jericho's
Jerusalem was originally an ancient Canaanite city that later became the most important city in Israel. It is located about 34 kilometers west of the Salt Sea and just north of Bethlehem. It is still the capital city of Israel today.
(See also: Babylon, Christ, David, Jebus, Jesus, Solomon, temple, Zion)
Jerusalem, Jerusalem's
the Lord Jesus
Jesus is God's Son. The name "Jesus" means "Yahweh saves."
(See also: Christ, God, God the Father, high priest, kingdom of God, Mary, Savior, Son of God)
Jesus, the Lord Jesus
Jewish, person of Judah
Jews are people who are descendants of Abraham's grandson Jacob. The word "Jew" comes from the word "Judah."
(See also: Abraham, Jacob, Israel, Babylon, Jewish authorities)
Jew, Jewish, Jews, Jews', a person of Judah, the language of Judah, the people of Judah
John was the son of Zechariah and Elizabeth. Since "John" was a common name, he is often called "John the Baptist" to distinguish him from the other people named John, such as the Apostle John.
(See also: baptize, Zechariah (NT))
John the Baptist, Baptist, John the Baptist, John's
The Jordan River is a river that flows from north to south, and forms the eastern boundary of the land that was called Canaan.
(See also: Canaan, Salt Sea, Sea of Galilee)
Jordan River, Jordan
Judas son of Simon Iscariot
Judas Iscariot was one of Jesus' apostles. He was the one who betrayed Jesus to the Jewish leaders.
(See also: apostle, betray, Jewish authorities, Judas son of James)
Judas ... Iscariot
The term "Judea" refers to an area of land in ancient Israel. It is sometimes used in a narrow sense and other times in a broad sense.
(See also: Galilee, Edom, Judah, Judah, Samaria)
Judea
The term "King of the Jews" is a title that refers to Jesus, the Messiah.
(See also: descendant, Jew, Jesus, king, kingdom, kingdom of God, wise men)
King of the Jews, king of the Jews
Levi was one of the twelve sons of Jacob, or Israel. The term "Levite" refers to a person who is a member of the Israelite tribe whose ancestor was Levi.
(See also: Matthew, priest, sacrifice, temple, twelve tribes of Israel)
Levi, Levite, Levites, Levitical, Levi's, Levite's, Levites'
Mary was a young woman living in the city of Nazareth who was pledged to be married to a man named Joseph. God chose Mary to be the mother of Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God.
(See also: Cana, Egypt, Herod the Great, Jesus, Joseph (NT), Son of God, virgin)
Mary, the mother of Jesus
Mary Magdalene was one of several women who believed in Jesus and followed him in his ministry. She was known as the one whom Jesus had healed from seven demons who had controlled her.
(See also: demon, demon-possessed)
Mary ... Magdalene
Matthew was one of the twelve men that Jesus chose to be his apostles. He was also known as Levi son of Alphaeus.
(See also: apostle, Levi, tax)
Matthew, Levi
Moses was a prophet and leader of the Israelite people for over 40 years.
(See also: Miriam, Promised Land, Ten Commandments)
Moses, Moses'
The term "Most High" is a title for God. It refers to his greatness or authority.
(See also: God)
Most High
The Mount of Olives is a mountain or large hill located near the east side of the city of Jerusalem. It is about 787 meters high.
(See also: Gethsemane, olive)
Mount of Olives, mountain that is called Olives
Nazareth is a town in the region of Galilee in northern Israel. It is about 100 kilometers north of Jerusalem, and it took about three to five days to travel on foot.
(See also: Christ, Galilee, Joseph (NT), Mary)
Nazareth, Nazarene
The "Passover" is the name of a religious festival that the Jews celebrate every year, to remember how God rescued their ancestors, the Israelites, from slavery in Egypt.
Passover
Cephas, Simon
Peter was one of Jesus' twelve apostles. He was an important leader of the early Church.
Peter, Simon Peter, Cephas, Simon son of Jonah, Simon, Simon's
The Pharisees were an important, powerful group of Jewish religious leaders in Jesus' time.
(See also: council, Jewish authorities, law of Moses, Sadducee)
Pharisee, Pharisees
In the early Christian church in Jerusalem, Philip was one of seven leaders chosen to care for the poor and needy Christians, especially the widows.
(See also: Philip)
Philip, Philip the evangelist
Philip the apostle was one of the original twelve disciples of Jesus. He was from the town of Bethsaida.
(See also: Philip)
Philip, Philip the apostle, the apostle Philip
Philippians
Philippi was a major city and Roman colony located in Macedonia in the northern part of ancient Greece. The people of Philippi were called "Philippians."
(See also: Caesarea, Christian, church, Macedonia, Paul, Silas)
Philippi, Philippians
Pilate was the governor of the Roman province of Judea who sentenced Jesus to death.
(See also: crucify, governor, guilt, Judea, Rome)
Pilate, Pontius Pilate
Rabboni
The term "Rabbi" literally means "my master" or "my teacher."
See:
(See also: teacher)
Rabbi, Rabboni
The term "Sabbath" refers to the seventh day of the week, which God commanded the Israelites to set apart as a day of rest and doing no work.
(See also: rest)
Sabbath, Sabbaths
The Sadducees were a political group of Jewish priests during the time of Jesus Christ. They supported Roman rule and did not believe in the resurrection.
(See also: chief priests, council, high priest, hypocrite, Jewish authorities, Pharisee, priest)
Sadducee, Sadducees
devil, evil one
Although the devil is a spirit being that God created, he rebelled against God and became God's enemy. The devil is also called "Satan" and "the evil one."
(See also: demon, evil, kingdom of God, tempt)
Satan, devil, devil's, evil one
The "Sea of Galilee" is a lake in eastern Israel. It was also referred to as the "Sea of Tiberias" and the "lake of Gennesaret." In the Old Testament it was called the "Sea of Kinnereth."
(See also: Capernaum, Galilee, Jordan River, Salt Sea)
Sea of Galilee, Sea of Kinnereth, lake of Gennesaret, Sea of Tiberias, Kinnereth
Sidon was the oldest son of Canaan. There is also a Canaanite city called Sidon, probably named after Canaan's son.
(See also: Canaan, Noah, Phoenicia, the sea, Tyre)
Sidon, Sidonians
Simon the Zealot was one of Jesus' twelve disciples.
(See also: apostle, disciple, the twelve)
Simon the Zealot, Simon ... Zealot
the Son
The term "Son of God" refers to Jesus, the Word of God, who came into the world as a human being. He is also often referred to as "the Son."
Because Jesus is God's Son, he loves and obeys his Father, and his Father loves him.
(See also: Christ, father, God, God the Father, Holy Spirit, Jesus, son, sons of God)
Son of God, the Son
mankind, son of man
The title "Son of Man" was used by Jesus to refer to himself. He often used this term instead of saying "I" or "me."
(See also: heaven, son, Son of God, Yahweh)
Son of Man, mankind, son of man
Thomas was one of twelve men whom Jesus chose to be his disciples and later, apostles. He was also known as "Didymus," which means "twin."
(See also: apostle, disciple, God the Father, the twelve)
Thomas, Thomas'
Tyre was an ancient Canaanite city located on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea in a region that is now part of the modern-day country of Lebanon. Its people were called "Tyrians."
(See also: Canaan, cedar, Israel, the sea, Phoenicia, Sidon)
Tyre, Tyrians
Zebedee was a fisherman from Galilee who is known because of his sons, James and John, who were Jesus' disciples. They are often identified in the New Testament as the "sons of Zebedee."
(See also: disciple, fishermen, James (son of Zebedee), John (the apostle))
Zebedee, Zebedee's
abominable, abominably, disgusting, foul
The term "abomination" is used to refer to something that causes disgust or extreme dislike.
(See also: adultery, desecrate, desolate, god, sacrifice)
abominable, abomination, abominations, committed ... abominably, disgusting practices, disgusting thing, disgusting things, foul, foul thing
accusation, accuser
The terms "accuse" and "accusation" refer to blaming someone for doing something wrong. A person who accuses others is an "accuser."
accusation, accusations, accuse, accused, accuser, accusers, accuses, accusing
adulterer, adulteress, adulterous, immoral woman
The term "adultery" refers to a sin that occurs when a married person has sexual relations with someone who is not that person's spouse. Both of them are guilty of adultery. The term "adulterous" describes this kind of behavior or any person who commits this sin.
(See also: commit, covenant, sexual immorality, faithful)
adulterer, adulterers, adulteress, adulteresses, adulteries, adulterous, adultery, immoral woman
affliction, difficulty
The term "afflict" means to cause someone distress or suffering. An "affliction" is the disease, emotional grief, or other disaster that results from this.
(See also: leper, plague, suffer)
afflict, afflicted, afflicting, affliction, afflictions, difficulties
aged, from ancient times, old age
The term "age" refers to the length of time a person has lived. The term "aged" describes a person who is very old. The term "age" is also used to refer generally to a time period.
age, aged, ages, from ancient times, old age
sound an alarm
An alarm is something that warns people about something that could harm them. To "be alarmed" is to be very worried and frightened about something dangerous or threatening.
(See also: Jehoshaphat, Moab)
alarm, alarms, sound ... alarm
amazement, appalled, astonished, astounded, incomprehensible, marvel, marvelous, perplexed, remarkable, surprised, wonder, wonderful
Some of these terms mean to be very surprised because of something very unusual that happened. Many of these terms are positive and express that the people were happy about what had happened. Usually the event that caused the wonder and amazement was a miracle, something only God could do.
Some of these terms describe things that are very unusual and surprise people. * The words "amazing", "astonishing," "marvelous," "remarkable," and "wonderful" describe things that are very unusual and surprise people. * The word "appalling" describes something that is very bad and causes people to be amazed or horrified. * The word "incomprehensible" describes something that is so great that people cannot ever understand it. * A "wonder" is an extraordinary and surprising thing that happens.
amazed, amazement, amazing events, amazing things, appalled, appalling, astonish, astonished, astonishing, astounded, incomprehensible, marvel, marveled, marveling, marvelous, marvelous things, perplexed, remarkable, surprised, wonder, wonderful, wondering, wonders
archangel
An angel is a powerful spirit being whom God created. Angels exist to serve God by doing whatever he tells them to do. The term "archangel" refers to the angel who rules or leads all the other angels.
(See also: chief, head, messenger, Michael, ruler, servant)
angel, angels, archangel
angry, indignant, indignation, quick-tempered
To "be angry" or to "have anger" means to be very displeased, irritated, and upset about something or against someone.
(See also: wrath)
anger, anger burned, angered, angry, burning anger, indignant, indignation, quick-tempered
perfume, sons of fresh olive oil
The term "anoint" means to rub or pour oil on a person or object. Sometimes the oil was mixed with spices, giving it a sweet, perfumed smell. The term is also used figuratively to refer to the Holy Spirit choosing and empowering someone.
(See also: Christ, consecrate, high priest, King of the Jews, priest, prophet )
anoint, anointed, anointing, perfume, sons of fresh olive oil
apostleship
The "apostles" were men sent by Jesus to preach about God and his kingdom. The term "apostleship" refers to the position and authority of those who were chosen as apostles.
(See also: authority, disciple, James (son of Zebedee), Paul, the twelve)
apostle, apostles, apostles', apostleship
appointment, direct, predetermine, put in place, reserve, select, set in place, set over, set up, set under
The terms "appoint" and "appointed" refer to choosing someone to fulfill a specific task or role.
appoint, appointed, appointed by lot, appointment, appoints, area ... reserved, directed, predetermined, put ... in place, reserved, selected, selects, set ... in place, set ... over, set ... up, set under
chest
The term "ark" literally refers to a rectangular wooden box that is made to hold or protect something. An ark can be large or small, depending on what it is being used for.
(See also: ark of the covenant, basket)
ark, chest
powder
The term "ash" or "ashes" refers to the grey powdery substance that is left behind after wood is burned. It is sometimes used figuratively to refer to something that is worthless or useless.
ash, ashes, powder
sleep, sleeper
These terms can have figurative meanings relating to death.
The phrases "lie with" and "sleep with," when referring to what a man and a woman do together, is a euphemism for them having sexual relations.
asleep, fallen asleep, fell asleep, sleep, lay down, lies down, sleeper, sleeping, sleeps, slept
draw away, make a mistake, mislead, mistaken, wander
The terms "stray" and "go astray" mean to disobey God's will. People who are "led astray" have allowed other people or circumstances to influence them to disobey God.
astray, drawn away, go astray, goes astray, gone astray, lead ... astray, leads ... astray, led ... astray, made ... mistake, mislead, misleading, misleads, misled, mistaken, stray, strayed, straying, strays, wander, went astray
authority to judge, place in charge, put in charge, right
The term "authority" refers to the power of influence and control that someone has over someone else.
(See also: citizen, command, obey, power, ruler)
authorities, authority, authority to judge, places ... in charge, put ... in charge, puts ... in charge, right, was ... in charge, were ... in charge
An ax is tool used for cutting or chopping trees or wood.
ax, axes
baptism
In the New Testament, the terms "baptize" and "baptism" usually refer to ritually bathing a Christian with water to show that he has been cleansed from sin and has been united with Christ.
(See also: John (the Baptist), repent, Holy Spirit)
baptism, baptize, baptized, baptizing
basketful, cage
The term "basket" refers to a container made of woven material.
(See also: ark, Moses, Nile River, Noah)
basket, basketfuls, baskets, cage
bearer, bear with, birth, carry, childbirth, support, sustain, tolerate
The term "bear" literally means "carry" something. There are also many figurative uses of this term.
(See also: burden, Elisha, endure, fruit, iniquity, report, sheep, strength, testimony, testimony)
bear, bearer, bearing, bearing with, bears, birth, bore, born, borne, carried, carry, carrying, childbirth, gave birth, give birth, given birth, gives birth, has ... borne, have ... borne, support, supported, supports, sustain, sustains, tolerate
A bear is a large, four-legged furry animal with dark brown or black hair, with sharp teeth and claws. Bears were common in Israel during Bible times.
bear, bears
ask, beggar, needy
The term "beg" means to urgently ask someone for something. It often refers to asking for money, but it is also commonly used to refer to pleading for something.
(See also: plead)
ask, asking, asks, beg, beggar, begged, begging, needy
be persuaded, belief, believer, have faith, persuade, persuasive
The terms "believe" and "believe in" are closely related, but have slightly different meanings:
In the Bible, the term "believer" refers to someone who believes in and relies on Jesus Christ as Savior.
The term "unbelief" refers to not believing something or someone.
Translating "believe" and "believe in":
* To "believe" could be translated as to "know to be true" or "know to be right."
* To "believe in" could be translated as "trust completely" or "trust and obey" or "completely rely on and follow."
Translating "believer":
* Some translations may prefer to say "believer in Jesus" or "believer in Christ."
* This term could also be translated by a word or phrase that means "person who trusts in Jesus" or "someone who knows Jesus and lives for him."
* Other ways to translate "believer" could be "follower of Jesus" or "person who knows and obeys Jesus."
* The term "believer" is a general term for any believer in Christ, while "disciple" and "apostle" were used more specifically for people who knew Jesus while he was alive. It is best to translate these terms in different ways, in order to keep them distinct.
Translating "unbelief" and "unbeliever": * Other ways to translate "unbelief" could include "lack of faith" or "not believing." * The term "unbeliever" could be translated as "person who does not believe in Jesus" or "someone who does not trust in Jesus as Savior."
(See also: believe, apostle, Christian, disciple, faith, trust)
am persuaded, belief, believe, believed, believer, believers, believes, believing, has faith, persuade, persuaded, persuading, persuasiveness, were persuaded
dear, lovely, treasured
The term "beloved" is an expression of affection that describes someone who is loved and dear to someone else.
(See also: love)
beloved, dear, lovely, treasured
betrayal, betrayer, give over, hand over, traitor, treacherous, treacherously, treachery, turn over
The term "betray" means to act in a way that deceives a person and allows other people to harm that person. A "betrayer" is a person who betrays a friend who was trusting him.
(See also: Judas Iscariot, Jewish authorities, apostle)
betray, betrayal, betrayed, betrayer, betrayers, betraying, betrays, give ... over, given ... over, hand ... over, handed ... over, traitor, traitors, treacherous, treacherously, treachery, turn ... over
blaspheme, blasphemer, blasphemous, insult, revile, taunt
In the Bible, the term "blasphemy" refers to speaking in a way that shows a deep disrespect for God or people. To "blaspheme" or "insult" or "revile" someone is to speak against that person so that others think something false or bad about him.
blaspheme, blasphemed, blasphemer, blasphemers, blasphemes, blasphemies, blaspheming, blasphemous, blasphemy, insult, insulted, insulting, insults, revile, reviled, reviling
happier, happy
To "bless" someone or something means to cause good and beneficial things to happen to the person or thing that is being blessed.
(See also: praise)
bless, blessed, blesses, blessing, blessings, happier, happy
bleeding
The term "blood" refers to the red liquid that comes out of a person's skin when there is an injury or wound. Blood brings life-giving nutrients to a person's entire body.
(See also: flesh)
bleeding, blood
bodily, body of Christ, carcass, corpse
The term "body" literally refers to the physical body of a person or animal. This term is also used figuratively to refer to an object or whole group that has individual members.
bodies, bodily, body, carcass, carcasses, corpse, corpses
boldly, boldness, emboldened
These terms all refer to having courage and confidence to speak the truth and do the right thing even when it is difficult or dangerous.
(See also: confidence, good news, redeem)
bold, boldly, boldness, emboldened
bend, bend the knee, bow down, fall down before, kneel
For the weapon called a bow, click here.
To bow means to bend over to humbly express respect and honor toward someone. To "bow down" means to bend over or kneel down very low, often with face and hands toward the ground.
are bent, bend, bend the knee, bow, bow down, bowed, bowed ... down, bowed ... down ... before, bowing, bowing down, bows, bows down, fall down, fell, fell down, has ... bent, have ... bent, kneel, kneeling, knelt, will bend
food, loaf of bread
Bread is a food made from flour mixed with water and oil to form a dough. The dough is then shaped into a loaf and baked.
(See also: Passover, tabernacle, temple, unleavened bread, yeast)
bread, food, loaf of ... bread, loaves, loaves of ... bread
bridal
A bride is the woman in a wedding ceremony who is getting married to her husband, the bridegroom.
(See also: bridegroom, church)
bridal, bride, brides
In a marriage ceremony, the bridegroom is the man who will marry the bride.
(See also: bride)
bridegroom, bridegrooms
brotherhood
The term "brother" usually refers to a male person who shares at least one biological parent with another person.
(See also: apostle, God the Father, sister, spirit)
brother, brother's, brotherhood, brothers, brothers'
offering by fire
A "burnt offering" was a type of sacrifice to God that was burnt up by fire on an altar. It was offered to make atonement for the sins of the people. This was also called an "offering by fire."
(See also: altar, atonement, cow, priest, sacrifice)
burnt offering, burnt offerings, offering by fire, offering made by fire
appeal to, invite, summon
The terms "call to" and "call out" mean to say something loudly to someone who is not nearby. To "call" someone means to summon that person. There are also some other meanings.
(See also: pray)
appeal to, appealed to, appealing to, call, called, called on, called out, calling, calling out, calls, calls out, invite, invited, summon, summoned, summoning
A camel is a large, four legged animal with one or two humps on its back.
camel, camel's, camels, camels'
banish, cast off, compel to go, drive out, force out, outcast, put outside, throw out
To "cast out" or "drive out" someone or something means to force that person or thing to go away.
(See also: demon, demon-possessed, lots)
banish, banished, cast ... off, cast ... out, casting out, compelled ... to go, drive, drive ... away, drive ... out, driven, driven ... away, driven ... out, drives ... away, drives ... out, driving ... out, drove ... out, force ... out, forced ... out, forcing ... out, outcast, outcasts, put ... outside, threw ... out, throw ... out, throwing out, thrown, thrown out
A centurion was a Roman army officer who had a group of 100 soldiers under his command.
(See also: Rome)
centurion, centurions
finest, first of all, important, prominent
The term "chief" refers to the most powerful or most important leader of a particular group.
(See also: chief priests, priest, tax)
chief, chiefs, finest, first of all, important, most important, prominent
The chief priests were important Jewish religious leaders during the time that Jesus lived on earth.
(See also: chief, high priest, Jewish authorities, priest)
chief priests
child, childhood, childless
In the Bible, the term "child" is often used to generally refer to someone who is young in age, including an infant. * The word "childhood" refers to the time that a person is a child. * The word "childless" describes a person who has no children. * The word "children" is the plural form of "child."
The words "child" and "children" also have several figurative uses.
(See also: descendant, promise, son, spirit, believe, beloved)
child, childhood, childless, children
cleanness, cleanse, unclean, uncleanness, wash
The term "clean" literally means to not have any dirt or stain. In the Bible, words like "clean" and "washed" are often used figuratively to mean, "pure," "holy," "free from sin," or "innocent".
In the Bible, the term "unclean" is used figuratively to refer to things that God declared to be unfit for his people to touch, eat, or sacrifice.
Translating "clean": * This term could be translated with the common word for "clean" or "pure" (in the sense of being not dirty). * Other ways to translate this could include, "ritually clean" or "acceptable to God." * "Cleanse" could be translated by "wash" or "purify." * Make sure that the words used for "clean" and "cleanse" can also be understood in a figurative sense.
Translating "unclean"" * The term "unclean" could also be translated as "not clean" or "unfit in God's eyes" or "physically unclean" or "defiled." * When referring to a demon as an unclean spirit, "unclean" could be translated as "evil" or "defiled." * The translation of this term should allow for spiritual uncleanness. It should be able to refer to anything that God declared as unfit for touching, eating, or sacrifice.
(See also: defile, demon, holy, sacrifice)
clean, cleaned, cleanness, cleans, cleanse, cleansed, cleanses, cleansing, purge, unclean, uncleanness, wash, washed, washes, washing
cloth, clothe, cover, dressed, garment, put on, unclothed, wardrobe, wear
When used figuratively in the Bible, "clothed with" means to be endowed or equipped with something. To "clothe" oneself with something means to seek to have a certain character quality.
cloth, clothe, clothed, clothes, clothing, cover, covered, coverings, coverings for their loins, covers, dressed, garment, garments, put ... on, putting ... on, unclothed, wardrobe, wear, wearing, worn
commandment, forbid, order, requirement, solemn command
The term to "command" means to order someone to do something. A "command" or "commandment" is what the person was ordered to do.
(See decree, statute, law, Ten Commandments)
command, commanded, commanding, commandment, commandments, commands, forbid, forbidden, forbidding, give ... solemn command, given ... solemn commands, given an order, given orders, order, ordered, orders, requirement, solemn commands
captain, leader, military officer, one who leads
The term "commander" refers to a leader of an army who is responsible for leading and commanding a certain group of soldiers.
(See also: command, ruler, centurion)
captain, captains, commander, commanders, leader, leaders, leading, military officers, one who leads
commitment
The terms "commit" and "commitment" refer to making a decision or promising to do something.
(See also: adultery, faithful, promise, sin)
commit, commitment, commits, committed, committing
compassionate, deal gently with, pity, sympathy
The term "compassion" refers to a feeling of concern for people, especially for those who are suffering. A "compassionate" person cares about other people and helps them.
compassion, compassionate, compassions, deal gently with, pitied, pity, sympathy
condemnation, denounce, sentence, sentence of condemnation, sentenced to death
The terms "condemn" and "condemnation" refer to judging someone for doing something wrong.
condemn, condemnation, condemned, condemning, condemns, denounce, sentence, sentence of condemnation, sentenced to death
confession, profess
To confess means to admit or assert that something is true. A "confession" is a statement or admission that something is true.
confess, confessed, confesses, confessing, confession, profess
carry out, cause someone to believe firmly, confirmation, guarantee
The terms "confirm" and "confirmation" refer to stating or assuring that something is true or sure or trustworthy.
(See also: covenant, oath, trust)
carry out, cause ... to believe firmly, confirm, confirmation, confirmed, confirms, guaranteed
The term "cornerstone" refers to a large stone that has been specially cut and placed in the corner of the foundation of a building.
cornerstone, cornerstones
A council is a group of people who meet to discuss, give advice, and make decisions about important matters.
(See also: assembly, counsel, Pharisee, law of Moses, priest, Sadducee, scribe)
council, councils
brave, courageous, discourage, discouragement, encourage, encouragement
The term "courage" refers to boldly facing or doing something that is difficult, frightening, or dangerous.
The terms "encourage" and encouragement" refer to saying and doing things to cause someone to have comfort, hope, confidence, and courage.
The term "discourage" refers to saying and doing things that cause people to lose hope, confidence, and courage and so to have less desire to keep working hard to do what they know they should do.
(See also: confidence, exhort, fear, strength)
brave, bravest, courage, courageous, dare, dared, discourage, discouraged, discouragement, discouraging, encourage, encouraged, encouragement, encouraging, take courage
courtyard
The terms "courtyard" and "court" refer to an enclosed area that is open to the sky and surrounded by walls. The term "court" also refers to a place where judges decide legal and criminal matters.
(See also: Gentile, judge, king, tabernacle, temple)
court, courts, courtyard, courtyards
agreed, contract, new covenant, will
A covenant is a formal, binding agreement between two parties that one or both parties must fulfill.
The term "new covenant" refers to the commitment or agreement God made with his people through the sacrifice of his Son, Jesus.
Make sure the translation of this term does not sound like people proposed the covenant. In all cases of covenants between God and people, it was God who initiated the covenant.
The term "new covenant" could be translated as "new formal agreement" or "new pact" or "new contract."
agreed, contract, covenant, covenants, new covenant, will
creation, creator, workmanship
The term "create" means to make something or to cause something to be. Whatever is created is called a "creation." God is called the "Creator" because he caused everything in the entire universe to come into existence.
(See also: God, good news, world)
create, created, created thing, creates, creation, creator, thing that has been created, workmanship
In Bible times, a cross was an upright wooden post stuck into the ground, with a horizontal wooden beam attached to it near the top.
cross
crest, garland, wreath
A crown is a decorative, circular headpiece worn on the head of rulers such as kings and queens. The term to "crown" means to put a crown on someone's head; figuratively it means to "honor."
Sometimes "crown" is used figuratively. * The figurative use of to "crown" means to honor someone. We honor God by obeying him and praising him to others. This is like putting a crown on him and acknowledging that he is King. * Pauls calls fellow believers his "joy and crown." In this expression, "crown" is used figuratively to mean that Paul has been greatly blessed and honored by how these believers have remained faithful in serving God.
(See also: glory, king, olive)
crest, crown, crowned, crowns, garland, wreath
nail him to a cross
The term "crucify" means to execute someone by attaching him to a cross and leaving him there to suffer and die in great pain.
crucified, crucify, nailing ... to a cross
outcry, raised his voice, scream, shout, speak out, speak loudly
The terms "cry" or "cry out" often mean to say something loudly and urgently. Someone can "cry out" in pain or in distress or in anger.
cried, cried for help, cried out, cries, cries of distress, cries out, cry, cry ... for help, cry aloud, cry of distress, cry out, crying, crying out, outcries, outcry, raised ... voice, scream, screams, shout, shout out loud, shouted, shouting, shouting out, shouts, speak out, spoke loudly
accursed, speak evil
The term "curse" means to cause negative things to happen to the person or thing that is being cursed.
(See also: bless)
accursed, curse, cursed, curses, cursing, speaks evil
covering, screen
In the Bible, the term "curtain" refers to a very thick, heavy piece of material used in the making of the tabernacle and the temple.
(See also: holy place, tabernacle, temple)
covering, curtain, curtains, screen, screening
chop down, cut down, cut in two, pluck out, shear, tear off
The expression "cut off" literally means to use a sharp instrument to remove a part of something. This can refer to, for example, removing a limb from a tree or an arm or leg from a person, or to chopping a tree completely down.
The expression "cut off" is also used to refer to God causing a river to stop flowing.
The metaphor "cut off" refers to people or God separating a person from his nation or community either by driving him away or by killing him.
To "shear" is to cut the hair off of an animal.
To "pluck" is to separate a part of something from the rest by pulling it off or out.
chop ... down, chopped ... down, cut ... down, cut ... off, cut ... out of, cut in two, cut off, cuts ... off, cutting ... off, eliminate, pluck ... out, shear, sheared, tear ... off
dark, darken, gloom
The terms "darkness" and "gloom" literally means an absence of light. There are also several figurative meanings of these terms:
(See also: corrupt, dominion, kingdom, light, redeem, righteous)
dark, darken, darkened, darker, darkness, gloom, thick darkness, turned dark
daily, daytime, morning, today
The term "day" literally refers to a period of time lasting 24 hours beginning at sundown. It is also used figuratively.
(See also: judgment day, last day)
daily, day, day's, days, days', daytime, morning, today
breathed their last, dead, deadly, deadness, deathly, die, lethal, mortal, stop breathing
This term is used to refer to both physical and spiritual death. Physically, it refers to when the physical body of a person stops living. Spiritually, it refers to sinners being separated from a holy God because of their sin.
(See also: believe, faith, life, spirit)
about to die, breathed ... last, causes ... death, dead, deadly, deadness, death, deathly, deaths, die, die with, died, dies, dying, fatal, lethal, mortal, stop breathing, stops breathing
lie, deal falsely, deceit, deception, deceptive, delusion, entice, error, false, falsehood, flatter, illusion, trick
The word "deceive" means to cause someone to believe something that is not true.
(See also: true)
a lie, deal falsely, deceit, deceitful, deceitfully, deceitfulness, deceive, deceived, deceiver, deceivers, deceives, deceiving, deception, deceptive, defraud, defrauded, delusion, entice, error, false, falsehood, falsely, flatter, flattering, flatters, flattery, illusions, liar, liars, lies, trick
announce, declaration, proclaim, proclamation, pronounce
The terms "declare" and "declaration" refer to making a formal or public statement, often to emphasize something. To "proclaim" means to announce or declare something publicly and boldly.
(See also: preach)
announce, announced, announces, declaration, declarations, declare, declared, declares, declaring, proclaim, proclaimed, proclaiming, proclaims, proclamation, proclamations, pronounces
pollute, pollution, stain
The terms "defile" and "be defiled" refer to becoming polluted or dirty. Something can be defiled in a physical, moral, or ritual sense.
are defiled, be defiled, defile, defiled, defiles, defiling, polluted, pollutes, pollution, stain, stained, was defiled, were defiled
defend, deliverance, deliverer, escape, relieve, rescue, rescuer
To "deliver" someone means to rescue that person. The term "deliverer" refers to someone who rescues or frees people from slavery, oppression, or other dangers. The term "deliverance" refers to what happens when someone rescues or frees people from slavery, oppression, or other dangers.
be rescued, defend, defended, deliver, deliverance, delivered, delivered ... over, deliverer, deliverers, delivering, delivers, escape, escaped, permit ... to escape, relieve, rescue, rescued, rescuer, rescues
demonic
All these terms refer to demons, which are spirit beings that oppose God's will.
(See also: demon-possessed, Satan, god, god, angel, evil, clean)
demon, demonic, demons
possessed by a demon
A person who is demon-possessed has a demon or evil spirit that controls what he does and thinks.
(See also: demon)
demon-possessed, possessed by a demon, possessed by demons
remote place, solitary place, wilderness
A desert, or wilderness, is a dry, barren place where very few plants and trees can grow.
desert, deserts, remote places, solitary place, wilderness, wildernesses
break down, bring ... to nothing, destruction, remove, cut to pieces, demolish, destroyer, destructive, downfall, overthrow, pass away, put an end to, shatter, spoil, throw down, waste away
To destroy something is to completely make an end to it, so that it no longer exists.
(See also: angel, Egypt, firstborn, Passover)
an end is put to, be destroyed, break ... down, breaking ... down, breaks ... down, bring ... to nothing, broke to pieces, broken, broken to pieces, brought ... down, brought ... to nothing, complete destruction, completely destroy, completely destroyed, crashing sound, cut ... to pieces, cut into pieces, cuts ... into pieces, demolish, destroy, destroy ... completely, destroyed, destroyer, destroyers, destroying, destroys, destruction, destructive, downfall, overthrew, overthrown, pass away, put an end to, shatter, shattered, shattering, spoil, throw down, throws ... down, thrown down, wasting away
The term "devour" means to eat or consume in an aggressive manner.
devour, devoured, devouring, devours
The term "disciple" refers to a person who spends much time with a teacher, learning from that teacher's character and teaching.
(See also: apostle, believe, Jesus, John (the Baptist), the twelve)
disciple, disciples
A divorce is the legal act of ending a marriage. The term to "divorce" means to formally and legally separate from one's spouse in order to end the marriage.
divorce, divorces
beliefs, learning
The word "doctrine" literally means "teaching." It usually refers to religious teaching.
(See also: teach)
beliefs, doctrine, doctrines, learning
pigeon
Doves and pigeons are two kinds of small, gray-brown birds that look similar. A dove is often thought of as being lighter in color, almost white.
(See also: olive, innocent, pure)
dove, dove's, doves, pigeon, pigeons
clay, dust, earthen, earthly, ground, land, soil
The term "earth" refers to the world that human beings live on, along with all other forms of life.
clay, dust, earth, earth's, earthen, earthly, ground, land, lands, soil
Elders are spiritually mature men who have responsibilities of spiritual and practical leadership among God's people.
elder, elders
Chosen One, choice, choose, election
The term "the elect" literally means "chosen ones" or "chosen people" and refers to those whom God has appointed or selected to be his people. "Chosen One" or "Chosen One of God" is a title that refers to Jesus, who is the chosen Messiah.
Chosen One, choice, choose, chooses, chose, chosen, chosen one, chosen ones, chosen people, elect, election
endurance, patient endurance, put up with, resist, stand
The term "endure" means to last a long time or to bear something difficult with patience.
(See also: persevere)
endurance, endure, endured, endures, enduring, patient endurance, put up with, resist, stand
covet, covetousness, envious, greed
The term "envy" refers to being jealous of someone because of what that person possesses or because of that person's admirable qualities.
(See also: jealous)
covet, coveted, coveting, covetousness, envied, envious, envy, envying, greed, greedy
deal violently, displeasing, evil actions, evil deeds, evil plans, fraudulent, harm, harmful, violate, violence, violent, wicked, wicked deeds, wickedly, wickedness, wretched, wretchedly
The terms "evil" and "wicked" both refer to anything that is opposed to God's holy character and will.
(See also: disobey, sin, good, righteous, demon)
deal violently, deal worse, displeasing, do ... evil, do ... violence, done ... violence, evil, evil actions, evil deeds, evil plans, evils, fraudulent, harm, harmful, violate, violated, violates, violence, violent, wicked, wicked deeds, wickedly, wickedness, wretched, wretchedly, wretches
before, facedown, facial, presence, surface
The word "face" literally refers to the front part of a person's head. This term also has several figurative meanings.
before, face, faced, facedown, faces, facial, facing, presence, surface
In general, the term "faith" refers to a belief, trust or confidence in someone or something.
faith
A false prophet is a person who wrongly claims that his message comes from God.
(See also: fulfill, prophet, true)
false prophet, false prophets
family line, genealogical record
The term "family" refers to a group of people who are related by blood and usually includes a father, mother, and their children. It often also includes other relatives such as grandparents, grandchildren, uncles and aunts.
(See also: clan, father, house)
families, family, family line, genealogical record, genealogical records, genealogies, genealogy, recorded in ... genealogies, recorded in ... genealogy
famished, hunger
The term "famine" refers to an extreme lack of food throughout a country or region, usually due to not enough rain. The term "famished" means extremely hungry. * Food crops can fail from natural causes such as lack of rain, crop disease, or insects. * Food shortages can also be caused by people, such as enemies who destroy crops. * In the Bible, God often caused famine as a way to punish nations when they sinned against him. * In Amos 8:11 the term "famine" is used figuratively to refer to a time when God punished his people by not speaking to them. This could be translated with the word for "famine" in your language, or with a phrase such as "extreme lack" or "severe deprivation."
famine, famines, famished, hunger
The term to "fast" means to stop eating food for a period of time, such as for a day or more. Sometimes it also includes not drinking.
(See also: Jewish authorities)
fast, fasted, fasting, fastings, fasts
ancestor, ancestral, beget, fatherless, forefather, grandfather, orphan
When used literally, the term "father" refers to a person's male parent. * A "grandfather" is someone's father's father or someone's mother's father. * A "forefather" is one of a person's male ancestors, such as his grandfather's grandfather. * An "ancestral household" is a social unit of those people who are descended from one ancestor. * A person who is "fatherless" does not have a father. * An "orphan" is a person who has no parents. In Bible times widows were often not able to care for their children, so a child with a mother but no father could also be thought of as an orphan. * To "beget" someone is to become that person's father.
There are also several figurative uses of the term "father."
(See also: God the Father, son, Son of God)
ancestor, ancestor's, ancestors, ancestors', ancestral, beget, begot, father, father's, fathered, fathering, fatherless, fathers, fathers', forefather, forefathers, grandfather, orphan, orphans
afraid, alarmed, anxiety, coward, dismay, dread, fainthearted, fearful, fearlessly, fearsome, frighten, timid, unafraid
The terms "fear" and "afraid" refer to the unpleasant feeling a person has when there is a threat of harm to himself or others.
(See also: amazed, awe, lord, power, Yahweh)
afraid, alarmed, anxiety, cowards, dismay, dismayed, dread, dreaded, fainthearted, fear, feared, fearful, fearful thing, fearlessly, fears, fearsome, frighten, frightened, timid, unafraid
dinner
The term "feast" refers to an event where a group of people eat a very large meal together, often for the purpose of celebrating something. The action to "feast" means to eat a large amount of food or to participate in eating a feast together.
(See also: festival)
dinner, feast, feasting, feasts
In general, a festival is a celebration held by a community of people.
There were several main festivals that the Israelites celebrated every year:
Passover
Festival of Shelters
The purpose of these festivals was to thank God and to remember the amazing things he had done to rescue, protect, and provide for his people.
(See also: feast)
festival, festivals
A fig is a small, soft, sweet fruit that grows on trees. When ripe, this fruit can be a variety of colors, including brown, yellow, or purple.
fig, figs
A fir tree is a kind of tree that stays green all year and has cones that contain seeds.
fir, firs
blazing, fiery, firebrands, inflame, kindle
Fire is the heat, light, and flames that are produced when something is burned.
The word "fire" and ideas related to fire are also used figuratively. * The term "fire" can refer to judgment or purification. * The phrase "baptize with fire" could also be translated as "cause to experience suffering in order to be purified." * Fire is used to refine gold and other metals. In the Bible, this process is used to explain how God refines people through difficult things that happen in their lives.
(See also: pure)
blazing, fiery, fire, firebrands, fires, flaming, kindle, kindled, kindles, set fire to, set ... on fire, sets ... on fire
fish, fisher
Fishermen are men who catch fish from the water as a means of earning money. In the New Testament, the fishermen used large nets to catch fish. The term "fishers" is another name for fishermen.
fish, fishermen, fishers
fleshly, human, living creatures, meat, physical
In the Bible, the term "flesh" literally refers to the soft tissue of the physical body of a human being or animal.
flesh, fleshly, human, humans, living creatures, meat, physical
forgiven, forgiveness, pardon
To forgive someone means to not hold a grudge against that person even though they did something hurtful. "Forgiveness" is the act of forgiving someone.
The term "pardon" means to forgive and not punish someone for his sin.
(See also: guilt)
forgave, forgive, forgiven, forgiveness, forgives, pardon, pardoned
establish, foundation, founder
The verb "found" means build, create, or lay a base for. The phrase "founded on" means supported by or based on. A "foundation" is the base of support on which something is built or created.
(See also: cornerstone, create)
established, establishes, found, foundation, foundations, founded, founder, founds, lay ... foundation, lay ... foundations
freedom, freeman, liberty, volunteer, without cost, without paying for it
The terms "free" or "freedom" refer to not being in slavery, or any other kind of bondage. Another word for "freedom" is "liberty."
(See also: bind, enslave, servant)
free, freed, freedom, freeing, freely, freely gave, freeman, frees, liberty, set ... free, volunteer, volunteered, without cost, without paying for it
bear fruit, crop, fruitful, produce, productive land, unfruitful
The term "fruit" literally refers to the part of a plant that can be eaten. * A "fruitful" plant is one that has a lot of good fruit. * The expression "fruit of the land" refers generally to everything that the land produces for people to eat. This includes not only fruits such as grapes or dates, but also vegetables, nuts, and grains. * The term "crop" can refer to what people have planted for for food. * The term "crop" can refer to the food that is harvested at one time.
Sometimes the term "fruit" and ideas related to it are used figuratively. * In general, the expression "fruit of" refers to anything that comes from or that is produced by something else. For example, the "fruit of wisdom" refers to the good things that come from being wise. * The expression "fruit of the womb" refers to "what the womb produces"—that is, children. * The Bible often uses "fruit" to refer to a person's actions. Just as fruit on a tree shows what kind of tree it is, in the same way a person's words and actions reveal what his character is like. * The expression "fruit of the Spirit" refers to godly qualities that the Holy Spirit produces in the lives of people who obey him. * The term "fruitful" can be used figuratively to mean "prosperous." This often refers to having many children and descendants, as well as having plenty of food and other wealth.
(See also: descendant, grain, grape, Holy Spirit, vine, womb)
bear fruit, crop, crops, fruit, fruitful, fruits, produce, productive land, unfruitful
carry out, fill to the limit, finish, fulfillment, in full, make something full
The term "fulfill" means to complete or accomplish something that was expected.
(See also: prophet, Christ, minister, call)
carried out, fill up ... to the limit, finishing, fulfill, fulfilled, fulfillment, fulfills, in full, make ... full
doorkeeper, entrance, gate bars, gatekeeper, gateposts, gateway
A "gate" is a hinged barrier at an access point in a fence or wall that surrounds a house or city.
entrance, gate, gate bars, gateposts, gates, gateway, gateways
The term "generation" refers to a group of people who were all born around the same time period.
(See also: descendant, evil, father)
generation, generations
beautiful, beauty, glorify, glorious, take pride
In general, the term "glory" means honor, splendor, and extreme greatness. Anything that has glory is said to be "glorious."
The term "glorify" means to show or tell how great and important something or someone is. It literally means to "give glory to."
The expression "glory in" could also be translated as "praise" or "take pride in" or "boast about" or "take pleasure in."
"Glorify" could also be translated as "give glory to" or "bring glory to" or "cause to appear great."
(See also: exalt, obey, praise)
beautiful, beauty, glories, glorified, glorifies, glorify, glorifying, glorious, glory, take pride
best, better, fair, good things, goodness, improved, prefer, proper, well
The word "good" has different meanings depending on the context. Many languages will use different words to translate these different meanings.
(See also: evil, holy, profit, righteous)
best, better, do ... good, fair, good, good things, goodness, goods, improved, made ... better, prefer, proper, seemed good, well
deputy, govern government, high officials, proconsul
A "governor" is a person who rules over a state, region, or territory. To "govern" means to guide, lead, or manage them.
(See also: authority, king, power, province, Rome, ruler)
deputy, govern, government, governments, governor, governors, high officials, proconsul, proconsuls, provincial governors
grainfields, standing grain
The term "grain" usually refers to the seed of a food plant such as wheat, barley, corn, millet, or rice. It can also refer to the whole plant.
grain, grainfields, grains, standing grain
guilty, accountable, reason for a penalty
The term "guilt" refers to the fact of having sinned or committed a crime.
(See also: innocent, iniquity, punish, sin)
cause ... to become guilty, find guilty, guilt, guilty, held accountable, reason for ... penalty
handbreadth, handful, lay a hand on
There are several figurative ways that "hand" is used in the Bible:
Some other figurative uses of "hand" include:
To "lay a hand on" means to "harm."
The expression "by the hand of" someone means "by" or "through" the action of that person. For example, "by the hand of the Lord" means that the Lord is the one who caused something to happen.
Placing hands on someone is often done while speaking a blessing over that person.
(See also: adversary, bless, captive, honor, power)
by the hand of, fist, from the hand of, hand, handbreadth, handed, handful, handfuls, handing, hands, lay a hand on, lays his hand on
The term "hang" means to suspend something or someone above the ground.
hang, hanged, hanging, hangings, hangs, hung
hardly, hardness, hardship
The term "hard" has several different meanings, depending on the context. It usually describes something that is difficult, persistent, or unyielding.
The term "hard" can be used figuratively * A person who has a "hard heart" is stubborn. He continues to disobey God and will not repent. * A person whose heart is hardened has become stubbornly disobedient.
(See also: disobey, evil, heart, labor pains, stiff-necked)
hard, harden, hardened, hardening, hardens, harder, hardest, hardly, hardness, hardship, hardships
harpist, lyre
A harp is a stringed musical instrument, that usually consists of a large open frame with vertical strings.
(See also: David, fir, psalm, Saul (OT))
harp, harpist, harpists, harps, lyre, lyres
harvester
The term "harvest" refers to the gathering in of ripe fruits or vegetables from the plants on which they were growing.
(See also: firstfruit, festival)
harvest, harvested, harvester, harvesters, harvesting, harvests
In the Bible, the word "head" is used with several figurative meanings.
(See also: grain)
head, heads
cure, healer, health, healthy, make fresh, make well, recover, unhealthy
The terms "heal" and "cure" both mean to cause a sick, wounded, or disabled person to be healthy again.
(See also: miracle)
cure, cured, heal, healed, healer, healers, healing, healings, heals, health, healthy, made ... fresh, made ... well, make ... fresh, recovered, unhealthy
kidneys
In the Bible, the term "heart" is often used figuratively to refer to a person's thoughts, emotions, desires, or will.
(See also: hard)
heart, hearts, kidneys
heavenly, in midair, overhead, sky
The term that is translated as "heaven" usually refers to where God lives. The same word can also mean "sky," depending on the context.
(See also: kingdom of God)
heaven, heavenly, heavens, in midair, overhead, skies, sky
An "heir" is a person who legally receives property or money that belonged to a person who has died.
(See also: firstborn, inherit)
heir, heirs
delivered to Tartarus, hell, lake of fire
Hell is the final place of unending pain and suffering where God will punish everyone who rebels against him and rejects his plan of saving them through Jesus' sacrifice. It is also referred to as the "lake of fire."
(See also: heaven, death, Hades, abyss)
delivered ... to Tartarus, hell, lake of fire
high priesthood
The term "high priest" refers to a special priest who was appointed to serve for one year as the leader of all the other Israelite priests.
(See also: Annas, Caiaphas, chief priests, priest, temple)
high priest, high priesthood, high priests
holiness, sacred, unholy
The terms "holy" and "holiness" refer to the character of God that is totally set apart and separated from everything that is sinful and imperfect.
Literally, the term "unholy" means "not holy." It describes someone or something that does not honor God.
The term "sacred" describes something that relates to worshiping God or to the pagan worship of false gods.
To "make holy" is often translated as "sanctify" in English. It could also be translated as "set apart (someone) for God's glory."
Ways to translate "unholy" could include "not holy" or "not belonging to God" or "not honoring to God" or "not godly."
(See also: Holy Spirit, consecrate, sanctify, set apart)
holier, holiest, holiness, holy, holy duties, honored as holy, makes ... holy, sacred, sacred gifts, sacred places, unholy
honeycomb
"Honey" is the sweet, sticky, edible substance that honeybees make out of flower nectar. Honeycomb is the waxy frame where the bees store honey.
(See also: John (the Baptist), Jonathan, Philistines, Samson)
honey, honeycomb
dignified, esteem, held in honor, highly regarded, honorable, of high standing, places of honor, recognition
The terms "honor" and to "honor" refer to giving someone respect, esteem, or reverence.
(See also: dishonor, glory, glory, praise)
dignified, esteem, held in honor, highly regarded, honor, honorable, honored, honoring, honors, of high standing, places of honor, recognition
ram's horn
Horns are permanent, hard, pointed growths on the heads of many types of animals, including cattle, sheep, goats, and deer.
(See also: authority, cow, deer, goat, power royal, sheep, trumpet)
horn, horned, horns, ram's horn, rams' horns
In addition to being used to refer to when or how long something took place, the term "hour" is also used in several figurative ways:
(See also: hour (biblical time))
appointed time, hour, hours, moment, time, while
home, residence
The term "house" is often used figuratively in the Bible.
(See also: David, descendant, house of God, household, kingdom of Israel, tabernacle, temple, Yahweh)
home, homes, house, house's, houses, residence
house of Yahweh
In the Bible, the phrases "house of God" (God's house) and "house of Yahweh (Yahweh's house) refer to a place where God is worshiped.
(See also: people of God, tabernacle, temple)
house of ... God, house of Yahweh
household members
The term "household" refers to all the people who live together in a house, including family members and all their servants.
(See also: house)
household, household members, households, members of household
hypocrisy
The term "hypocrite" refers to a person who does things to appear righteous, but who secretly is acting in evil ways. The term "hypocrisy" refers to the behavior that deceives people into thinking a person is righteous.
hypocrisy, hypocrite, hypocrites
heritage, inheritance,legacy
The term "inherit" refers to receiving something valuable from a parent or other person because of a special relationship with that person. The "inheritance" is what is received.
There are other figurative meanings for these terms:
The Bible says that wise people will "inherit glory" and righteous people will "inherit good things."
(See also: heir, Canaan, Promised Land)
heritage, inherit, inheritance, inheritances, inherited, legacy
instruction, instructor
The terms "instruct" and "instruction" refer to giving specific directions about what to do.
(See also: command, decree, teach)
gave ... instructions, instruct, instructed, instructing, instruction, instructions, instructor, instructors, instructs
interpretation, interpreter, translate
The terms "interpret" and "interpretation" refer to understanding and explaining the meaning of something.
(See also: Babylon, Daniel, dream, prophet, vision)
interpret, interpretation, interpretations, interpreted, interpreter, interpreting, interprets, translated
The phrase "as it is written" or "what is written" occurs frequently in the New Testament and usually refers to commands or prophecies that were written in the Hebrew scriptures.
(See also: command, law of Moses, prophet, word of God)
are ... written, had ... been written, has ... been written, have ... been written, is ... written, is it ... written, it is written, it was written, Moses ... wrote, was written, were ... written
enjoy, enjoyment, glad, gladness, greet, joyful, joyfulness, jubilant, merry-hearted, rejoice, source of gladness
Joy is a feeling of delight or deep satisfaction that comes from God. The related term "joyful" describes a person who feels very glad and is full of deep happiness.
The term "rejoice" means to be full of joy and gladness.
be glad, be merry, enjoy, enjoyed, enjoying, enjoyment, enjoys, glad, gladness, greet, greeted, greeting, greetings, greets, joy, joyful, joyful shouting, joyfully, joyfulness, jubilant, make ... glad, makes ... glad, merry-hearted, rejoice, rejoiced, rejoiced greatly, rejoices, rejoices greatly, rejoicing, shout for joy, shout joyfully, shout of joy, shouts of joy, source of gladness, was merry
kindred, kinfolk, kinsman, relative
The term "kin" refers to a person's blood relatives, considered as a group. The word "kinsman" refers specifically to a male relative.
kin, kindred, kinfolk, kinsfolk, kinsman, kinsmen, relative, relatives
The terms "kind" and "kinds" refer to groups or classifications of things that are connected by shared characteristics.
kind, kinds
kingly, kingship
The term "king" refers to a man who is the supreme ruler of a city, state, or country.
(See also: authority, Herod Antipas, kingdom, kingdom of God)
king, king's, kingly, kings, kingship, made ... king, set up ... king, set up kings
power to rule
A kingdom is a group of people ruled by a king. It also refers to the realm or political regions over which a king or other ruler has control and authority.
(See also: authority, king, kingdom of God, kingdom of Israel, Judah, Judah, priest)
kingdom, kingdoms, power to rule, kingship
kingdom of Christ and God, kingdom of heaven
The terms "kingdom of God" and "kingdom of heaven" both refer to God's rule and authority over his people and over all creation.
(See also: God, heaven, king, kingdom, King of the Jews, reign)
kingdom of Christ and God, kingdom of God, kingdom of heaven
A kiss is an action in which one person puts his lips to another person's lips or face. This term can also be used figuratively.
kiss, kissed, kisses, kissing
knowledge, make known, unknowingly, unknown
To "know" means to understand something or to be aware of a fact. The expression "make known" is an expression that means to tell information.
(See also: law of Moses, reveal, understand, wise)
knew, know, know ... beforehand, knowing, knowledge, known, knows, made ... known, made known, make ... known, makes known, unknowingly, unknown
Lamb of God
The term "lamb" refers to a young sheep. Sheep are four-legged animals with thick, woolly hair, used for sacrifices to God. Jesus is called the "Lamb of God" because he was sacrificed to pay for people's sins.
Lamb, Lamb of God, lamb, lambs
torch
The term "lamp" generally refers to something that produces light. The lamps used in Bible times were usually oil lamps.
(See also: lampstand, life, light)
lamp, lamps, torch, torches
In the Bible, the term "lampstand" generally refers to a structure on which a lamp is placed in order to provide light to a room.
(See also: bronze, gold, lamp, light, silver, temple)
lampstand, lampstands
lawbreaker, lawgiver, lawyer, principle
A "law" is a legal rule that is usually written down and enforced by someone in authority. A "principle" is a guideline for decision-making and behavior.
(See also: law of Moses)
law, lawbreaker, lawbreakers, lawgiver, laws, lawyer, principle, principled, principles
lawfully, lawless, lawlessness, permitted, unlawful
The term "lawful" refers to something that is permitted to be done according to a law or other requirement. The opposite of this is "unlawful," which simply means "not lawful."
The terms "unlawful" and "not lawful" are used to describe actions that break a law.
The term "lawless" describes a person who does not obey laws or rules. When a country or group of people are in a state of "lawlessness," there is widespread disobedience, rebellion, or immorality.
(See also: law, law of Moses, Moses, Sabbath)
lawful, lawfully, lawless, lawlessness, not lawful, permitted, unlawful
leprosy, leprous
The term "leprosy" is used in the Bible to refer to several different skin diseases. A "leper" is a person who has leprosy. The term "leprous" describes a person or body part that is infected with leprosy.
(See also: Miriam, Naaman, clean)
leper, lepers, leprosy, leprous
alive, come to life, conduct, exist, fresh, life-giving, lifetime, live, revive, survive, survivor
All these terms refer to being physically alive, not dead. They are also used figuratively to refer to being alive spiritually. The following discusses what is meant by "physical life" and "spiritual life."
alive, come to life, conduct, conducted, existed, fresh, keep ... alive, life, life-giving, lifeless, lifetime, live, lived, lives, living, revive, revived, survive, survived, survivor, survivors
bright, brightness, enlighten, shine
There are several figurative uses of the term "light" in the Bible. It is often used as a metaphor for righteousness, holiness, and truth.
(See also: darkness, holy, righteous, true)
bright, brightness, enlighten, enlightened, light, lighting, lights, shining
according to, alike, as, as if, compare, in the same way, just as, liken, likeness, likewise, resemble, similar, similarly, unlike
The terms "like" and "likeness" refer to something being the same as, or similar to, something else.
(See also: beast, flesh, image of God, image, perish)
according to, alike, as, as if, be ... like, become ... like, compare, in the same way, is ... like, just as, like, liken, likeness, likenesses, likewise, resemble, resembled, similar to, similarly, the same, the same way, unlike
lioness
A lion is a large, cat-like, that has animal, with powerful teeth and claws for killing and tearing apart its prey.
(See also: David, leopard, Samson, sheep)
lion, lion's, lioness, lionesses, lions, lions'
grasshopper, locust swarms
The term "locust" refers to a type of large, flying grasshopper that sometimes flies with many others of its kind in a very destructive swarm that eats all vegetation.
(See also: captive, Egypt, Israel, John (the Baptist), plague)
grasshoppers, locust, locust swarms, locusts
allotted, allotted portion, cast lots, chosen by lot, divide up by lot
A "lot" is a marked object that is chosen from among other similar objects as a way of deciding something. "Casting lots" referred to tossing marked objects onto the ground or other surface.
allotted, allotted portion, cast lots, chosen by lot, divide up ... by lot, lot, lots
brotherly love
To love another person is to care for that person and do things that will benefit him. There are different meanings for "love" some languages may express using different words:
The kind of love that comes from God is focused on having good things happen to others even when those good things do not happen to the one who loves. This kind of love cares for others, no matter what they do. God himself is love and is the source of true love.
Jesus showed this kind of love by sacrificing his life in order to rescue us from sin and death. He also taught his followers to love others sacrificially.
In the ULB, the word "love" refers to this kind of sacrificial love, unless a Translation Note indicates a different meaning.
Another word in the New Testament refers to brotherly love, or love for a friend or family member.
This term refers to natural human love between friends or relatives.
The term can also be used in such contexts as, "They love to sit in the most important seats at a banquet." This means that they "like very much" or "greatly desire" to do that.
The word "love" can also refer to romantic love between a man and a woman.
In the figurative expression "Jacob I have loved, but Esau I have hated," the term "loved" refers to God's choosing of Jacob to be in a covenant relationship with him. This could also be translated as "chosen." Although Esau was also blessed by God, he wasn't given the privilege of being in the covenant. The term "hated" is used figuratively here to mean "rejected" or "not chosen."
(See also: covenant, death, sacrifice, save, sin)
brotherly love, love, loved, loves, loving
A lute is a small, stringed, musical instrument that the Israelites used when they worshiped God.
(See also: harp)
lute, lutes
The term "member" refers to one part of a complex body or group.
(See also: body, Pharisee, council)
member, members
kindness, merciful, spare
The terms "mercy" and "merciful" refer to helping people who are in need, especially when they are in a lowly or humbled condition.
(See also: compassion, forgive)
kindness, mercies, merciful, mercy, spare, spared, spares, tender mercy
courier, herald
The term "messenger" refers to someone who is given a message to tell others.
(See also: angel, apostle, John (the Baptist))
couriers, herald, messenger, messengers
Mighty One, mightily, mighty host, mighty men, mighty work
The terms "mighty" and "might" refer to having great strength or power.
(See also: Almighty, miracle, power, strength)
Mighty One, might, mightier, mightily, mighty, mighty host, mighty men, mighty one, mighty ones, mighty work, mighty works
expect, intention, likeminded, mindful, sober, think
The term "mind" refers to the part of a person that thinks and makes decisions.
(See also: believe, heart, soul)
expect, expected, intention, likeminded, mind, minded, mindful, minds, sober, think, think carefully about, thinks, thought, thoughts
miraculous
A "miracle" is something amazing that is not possible unless God causes it to happen.
(See also: power, prophet, apostle, sign)
miracle, miracles, miraculous
defy, laughingstock, mocker, mockery, ridicule, scoff at, taunt
The terms "mock," ridicule," "scoff at," and "taunt" all refer to making fun of someone, especially in a cruel way.
defied, defy, laugh in mockery, laughingstock, mock, mocked, mocker, mockers, mockery, mocking, mocks, ridicule, ridiculed, scoff at, scoffed at, scoffing, taunted, taunting song, taunts
funeral song, grief, grieve, howl, mourner, mournful, sorrow, sorrowful, tears, wail, weep, with tears
The terms "mourn" and "mourning" refer to expressing deep grief, usually in response to the death of someone.
bitter, cause ... grief, funeral song, grief, grieve, grieved, grieving, howl, howls, mourn, mourned, mourner, mourners, mourners', mournful, mournfully, mourning, mourns, sorrow, sorrowful, sorrows, tears, wail, wailing, wailings, wails, weep, weeping, weeps bitterly, wept, with tears
Myrrh is an oil or spice that is made from the resin of a myrrh tree that grows in Africa and Asia. It is related to frankincense.
(See also: frankincense, learned men)
myrrh
hidden meaning, hidden truth, secrets
In the Bible, the term "mystery" refers to something unknown or difficult to understand that God is now explaining.
(See also: Christ, Gentile, good news, Jew, true)
hidden meaning, hidden truth, hidden truths, mysteries, mystery, secrets
fame, nameless, notorious, reputation
In the Bible, the word "name" was used in several figurative ways.
(See also: call)
fame, name, name's, named, nameless, names, notorious, reputation
A nation is a large group of people ruled by some form of government. The people of a nation often have the same ancestors and share a common ethnicity.
(See also: Assyria, Babylon, Canaan, Gentile, Greek, people group, Philistines, Rome)
nation, nations
neighborhood, neighboring
The term "neighbor" usually refers to a person who lives nearby. It can also refer more generally to someone who lives in the same community or people group.
(See also: adversary, parable, people group, Samaria)
neighbor, neighborhood, neighboring, neighbors
terebinth
An oak, or oak tree, is a tall shade tree with a large trunk and wide spreading branches.
(See also: holy)
oak, oaks, terebinths
swear, swear by
In the Bible, an oath is a formal promise to do something. The person making the oath is required to fulfill that promise. A person who swears an oath commits himself to being faithful and truthful, and by doing so he is saying that God has the right to punish him if he breaks the oath.
(See also: Abimelek, covenant, vow)
oath, oath-taking, oaths, swear, swear by, swearing, swears, swears by, swore, swore an oath, sworn
follow, give ear, hear, hold securely, hold to, keep, listen, obedience, obedient
The term "obey" means to do what is required or commanded. The term "obedient" describes someone who obeys. "Obedience" is the characteristic that an obedient person has.
(See also: citizen, command, disobey, kingdom, law)
following, give ... ear, hear, heard, hold ... securely, hold to, keep, keeps, kept, listen, listened, listened to, obedience, obedient, obediently, obey, obeyed, obeying, obeys
officer
The terms "official" and "officer" refer to people who hold positions within a government or organization. Leaders within the government or organization give the official or officer certain authority and duties to perform as long as he remains in the position.
officer, officers, official, officials
ointment
Oil is a thick, clear liquid that can be taken from certain plants. In Bible times, oil usually came from olives.
oil, oils, ointment, ointments
hard question, lesson, riddle
The term "parable" usually refers to a short story or object lesson that is used to explain or teach a moral truth. It can also refer to a saying that is difficult to understand and about which the hearer will have to think carefully before he can understand what the speaker is teaching.
(See also: Samaria)
hard questions, lesson, parable, parables, riddle, riddles
partiality
The terms "be partial" and "show partiality" refer to making a choice to treat certain people as more important than other people.
(See also: favor)
be partial, partial, partiality, show partiality
peaceable, peaceful, peacemaker, quiet
The term "peace" refers to a state of being or a feeling of having no conflict, anxiety, or fearfulness. A person who is "peaceful" feels calm and assured of being safe and secure.
peace, peaceable, peaceably, peaceful, peacefully, peacemakers, quiet, quiets
boar, pork, swine
A pig is a type of four-legged, hoofed animal that is raised for meat. Its meat is called "pork." The general term for pigs and related animals is "swine."
(See also: clean)
boar, boars, pig, pigs, pork, swine, swine's
pitfall, quarry
A "pit" is a deep hole that has been dug in the ground. A "pitfall" is a trap made of a pit that is hidden with a cover. A "quarry" is a pit from which people take valuable stones.
(See also: abyss, hell, prison)
pit, pitfall, pits, quarry
belongings, dispossess, possession, property
The terms "possess" and "possession" usually refer to owning something. They can also mean to gain control over something or occupy an area of land.
belongings, dispossess, possess, possessed, possesses, possessing, possession, possessions, property, took possession, valuable possessions
ability, able, mastered, can, capable, could, impossible, incapable, powerful, won, unable
The term "power" refers to the ability to do things or make things happen, often using great strength. "Powers" refers to people or spirits who have great ability to cause things to happen.
(See also: Holy Spirit, Jesus, miracle)
ability, able, am ... able, are ... able, are ... possible, be ... unable, be able, be mastered, can, cannot, capable, could, could not, impossible, incapable, is ... able, may ... be able, miraculous powers, possible, power, powerful, powerfully, powers, was ... able, were ... able, will ... be able, won
prayer
The terms "pray" and "prayer" refer to talking with God. These terms are used to refer to people trying to talk to a false god.
(See also: god, forgive, praise)
heard ... prayer, pray, prayed, prayer, prayers, praying, prays, urgently pray
preacher
To "preach" means to speak to a group of people, teaching them about God and urging them to obey him.
(See also: good news, Jesus, kingdom of God)
preach, preached, preacher, preaching
priesthood, priestly office
In the Bible, a priest was someone who was chosen to offer sacrifices to God on behalf of God's people. The "priesthood" was the name for the office or condition of being a priest.
(See also: Aaron, chief priests, high priest, mediator, sacrifice)
priest, priest's, priesthood, priestly, priestly office, priests, priests', served as a priest
custody, dungeon, imprison, imprisonment, prisoner
The term "prison" refers to a place where criminals are kept as a punishment for their crimes. A "prisoner" is someone who has been put in the prison.
(See also: captive)
custody, dungeon, held ... in custody, hold ... in custody, holding ... in custody, imprison, imprisoned, imprisonment, imprisonments, imprisons, prison, prisoner, prisoners, prisons
profitable, unprofitable
In general, the terms "profit" and "profitable" refer to gaining something good through doing certain actions or behaviors.
Something is "profitable" to someone if it brings them good things or if it helps them bring about good things for other people.
The term "unprofitable" means to not be useful.
To "take advantage of" someone is to make extra profit from him because he is weak and unable to demand greater return.
(See also: worthy)
profit, profitable, profits, treated ... violently for profit, unprofitable
binding promise
A promise is a pledge to do a certain thing. When someone promises something, it means he is committing to do something.
(See also: covenant, oath, vow)
makes binding promises, promise, promised, promises
prophecy, prophesy, prophetic, seer
A "prophet" is a man who speaks God's messages to people. A woman who does this is called a "prophetess."
(See also: Baal, divination, god, false prophet, fulfill, law of Moses, vision)
give ... prophecies, prophecies, prophecy, prophesied, prophesies, prophesy, prophesying, prophet, prophet's, prophetess, prophetic, prophets, seer, seer's, seers, seers'
impure, purge, purification, purify, purity, refine
To be "pure" means to have no flaw or to have nothing mixed in that is not supposed to be there. To purify something is to cleanse it and remove anything that contaminates or pollutes it.
(See also: atonement, clean, spirit)
impure, impure thing, impurities, impurity, pure, purer, purge, purification, purified, purifies, purify, purity, refine, refined, refiner, refiner's, refining
The term "purple" is the name of a color that is a mixture of blue and red.
(See also: ephod, Philippi, royal, tabernacle, temple)
purple
put out, unquenchable
The term "quench" means to stop something that is demanding to be satisfied. The expression "put out" can also mean the same.
(See also: fruit, gift, Holy Spirit)
put out, quench, quenched, unquenchable
enrage
Rage is excessive anger what is out of control. When someone rages, it means that person is expressing anger in a destructive way.
"Rage" can also be used figuratively. * The term to "rage" can also mean to move powerfully, in descriptions such as a "raging" storm or ocean waves that "rage."
(See also: anger, self-control)
enrage, enraged, rage, raged, rages, raging, senseless rage
arise, rise, risen
raise, raise up
In general, the word "raise" means to "lift up" or "make higher."
rise, arise
To "rise" or "arise" means to "go up" or "get up." The terms "risen," "rose," and "arose" express past action.
(See also: resurrection, appoint, exalt)
arise, arisen, arises, raise, raise up, raised, raises, raising, raising up, rise, rise up, risen, rises, rising, rose
The term "ransom" refers to a sum of money or other payment that is demanded or paid for the release of a person who is held captive.
ransom, ransomed
rebellion, rebellious, rebelliousness
The term "rebel" means to refuse to submit to someone's authority. A "rebellious" person often disobeys and does evil things. This kind of person is called "a rebel."
(See also: authority, governor)
rebel, rebelled, rebelling, rebellion, rebellious, rebelliousness, rebels, revolt
correct, correction
To rebuke is to give someone a stern verbal correction, often in order to help that person turn away from sin. Such a correction is a rebuke.
correct, corrected, correction, corrections, corrects, give correction, rebuke, rebuked, rebukes
abstain, receiver
The term "receive" generally means to get or accept something that is given, offered, or presented.
(See also: Holy Spirit, Jesus, lord, save)
abstain, receive, receive back, received, received ... in full, receiver, receives, receiving
The term "reed" refers to a plant with a long stalk that grows in the water, usually along the edge of a river or stream.
(See also: Egypt, Moses, Nile River)
reed, reeds
deny, despise, refuse, rejection, scorn, set aside, stay away from, throw away
To "reject" someone or something means to refuse to accept that person or thing. The term "reject" can also mean to "refuse to believe in" something. To reject God or his laws means to refuse to obey him.
(See also: command, disobey, obey, stiff-necked)
denied, denies, deny, despise, despised, despises, refuse, refused, reject, rejected, rejecting, rejection, rejects, scorn, scorns, set ... aside, sets ... aside, stay away from, throw away, tossed aside
change his mind, hold back, regret, relent, repentance
The terms "repent" and "repentance" refer to turning away from sin and turning back to God.
(See also: forgive, sin, turn)
change ... mind, changed ... mind, hold back, regret, regretted, relent, relented, relenting, repent, repentance, repented, repents
account, bring news, give an account, news, rumor
The term to "report" means to tell people about something that happened, often giving details about that event. A "report" is what is told, and can be spoken or written.
account, accounts, bring ... report, brought ... news, brought ... report, gave ... a full account, give ... a full account, news, report, reported, reports, rumor, rumors, spread ... about
at ease, pause, refresh, relief, restless
The term to "rest" literally means to stop working. Usually it means to stop working in order to relax or regain strength. A "rest" is what someone has when he stops working. To "rest secure" is to feel safe. To "rest" an object on something means to "place" or "put" it there. An object that is "resting" somewhere is simply in that place. A boat that "comes to rest" somewhere has "stopped" or "landed" there. The phrase "the rest of" refers to the remainder of something.
at ease, be at rest, give ... rest, pause, refresh, refreshed, relief, rest, rest secure, rested, rested secure, resting, resting place, resting places, restless, rests
bring back, mend, recover, restoration, reverse
The terms "restore" and "restoration" refer to causing something to return to its original and better condition.
bring back, mending, recover, restoration, restore, restored, restorer, restores, restoring, reverse
The term "resurrection" refers to the act of becoming alive again after having died.
(See also: life, death, raise)
resurrection
The term "return" means to go back or to give something back.
(See also: turn)
return, return back, returned, returning, returns
pay, penalty, prize, recompense, retribution, rewarder, wage
The term "reward" refers to what a person receives or earns because of something he has done, either good or bad. To "reward" someone is to give someone something he deserves.
(See also: punish)
pay, pay ... back, pays ... back, payment, penalty, prize, recompense, repay, repayment, retribution, reward, rewarded, rewarder, rewarding, rewards, wage, wages
righthand side
The figurative expression "right hand" refers to the place of honor or strength on the right side of a ruler or other important individual.
(See also: accuse, evil, honor, mighty, punish, rebel)
right hand, right hands, righthand side
right, rightly, righteousness, rightful, upright
The term "righteousness" refers to God's absolute goodness, justice, faithfulness, and love. Having these qualities makes God "righteous." Because God is righteous, he must condemn sin.
The term "unrighteous" means to be sinful and morally corrupt. "Unrighteousness" can refer to sin or the condition of being sinful.
The terms "upright" and "uprightness" refer to acting in a way that follows God's laws.
Sometimes "the righteous" was used figuratively and referred to "people who think they are good" or "people who seem to be righteous."
The term "unrighteous" could simply be translated as "not righteous."
If possible, it is best to translate this in a way that shows its relationship to "righteous, righteousness."
Ways to translate "upright" could include "acting rightly" or "one who acts rightly" or "following God's laws" or "obedient to God" or "behaving in a way that is right."
(See also: evil, faithful, good, holy, integrity, justice, law, law of Moses, obey, pure, sin, lawful)
acts rightly, do right, does what is right, in the right, made ... appear ... righteous, right treatment, righteous, righteously, righteousness, rightful, that are right, that is right, unrighteous, unrighteously, unrighteousness, upright, uprightly, uprightness, what is ... right, what was right
cloak, coat, skirt, wings
A robe is an outer garment with long sleeves that can be worn by a man or a woman. It is similar to a coat.
cloak, cloaks, coat, fancy robes, robe, robed, robes, skirt, skirts, wings
measuring rod
The term "rod" refers to a narrow, solid, stick-like tool that was used in several different ways. It was probably at least a meter in length.
(See also: staff, sheep, shepherd)
measuring rod, rod, rods
overrule, rule
The term "ruler" is a general reference to a person who has authority over other people, such as a leader of a country, kingdom, or religious group. A ruler is one who "rules," and his authority is his "rule."
(See also: authority, governor, king, synagogue)
overruled, overrules, rule, ruled, ruler, rulers, rules, ruling, rulings
flee, flow, move swiftly, runner
Literally the term "run" means "move very quickly on foot," usually at a greater speed than can be accomplished by walking. To "run after" or "pursue" someone or something is to move as quickly as possible to try to catch that person or thing. To run away from someone or something is to "flee."
This main meaning of "run" is also used in figurative expressions such as the following:
The following figurative uses are about non-living things that are said to run.
(See also: god, persevere, refuge, turn)
caused ... to flee, fled, flee, fleeing, flees, flow, flows, moving swiftly, ran, run, runner, runners, running, runs
offering
In the Bible, the terms "sacrifice" and "offering" refer to special gifts given to God as an act of worshiping him. People also offered sacrifices to false gods.
(See also: altar, burnt offering, drink offering, god, fellowship offering, freewill offering peace offering, priest, sin offering, worship)
burn ... sacrifices, offer, offered, offering, offerings, sacrifice, sacrificed, sacrifices, sacrificing
A sandal is a simple flat-soled shoe held onto the foot by straps that go around the foot or ankle. Sandals are worn by both men and women.
sandal, sandals
make well, preserve, safe, salvation
The term "save" refers to keeping someone from experiencing something bad or harmful. To "be safe" means to be protected from harm or danger.
The term "salvation" refers to being saved or rescued from evil and danger.
The term "safe" could be translated as "protected from danger" or "in a place where nothing can harm."
The term "salvation" could also be translated using words related to "save" or "rescue," as in "God’s saving people (from being punished for their sins)" or "God’s rescuing his people (from their enemies)."
(See also: cross, deliver, punish, sin, Savior)
be made well, brought safely, brought safely through, place of safety, preserve, safe, safely, safety, salvation, save, saved, saves, saving
clerk, scholar
Scribes were officials who were responsible for writing or copying important government or religious documents by hand. Another name for a Jewish scribe was "expert in Jewish law."
(See also: law of Moses, Pharisee)
clerk, scholar, scribe, scribes
semen
A seed is the part of a plant that gets planted in the ground to reproduce more of the same kind of plant. It also has several figurative meanings.
(See also: descendant, offspring)
seed, seeds, semen
go to find, look out for, search, try
The term "seek" means to look for something or someone. The past tense is "sought." It can also mean "try hard" or "make an effort" to do something.
diligently seek, go to find, look out for, looked for, looking for, looks for, search, search carefully, search for, searched, searched for, searched out, searches ... out, searches for, searching, searching for, seek, seek ... out, seeking, seeks, sought, tried, try, trying
seizure
The term "seize" means to take or capture someone or something by force. It can also mean to overpower and control someone.
seize, seized, seizes, seizing, seizure
To "send" is to cause someone or something to go somewhere. To "send out" someone is to tell that person to go on an errand or a mission.
send, send ... away, send ... on ... way, send out, sending, sending out, sends, sends out, sent, sent ... away, sent out
assistant, attendant, hired worker, maidservant, office, serve, service
The word "servant" refers to a person who works for another person, either by choice or by force. Some servants were slaves, and the surrounding text usually makes it clear whether or not a particular servant was a slave. In Bible times, there was less of a difference between a servant and a slave than there is today. Both servants and slaves were an important part of their master's household and many were treated almost like members of the family. Sometimes a servant would choose to become a lifetime servant to his master.
The word "serve" means to do things to help other people. It can also mean to "worship."
The word "service" refers to the work that a servant does. It may also refer to worship.
The word "office" refers to the position or job that a servant has.
(See also: commit, enslave, household, lord, obey, righteous, covenant, law)
female servant, female servants, hired servant, hired servants, hired worker, maidservants, male servant, male servants, office, offices, one who serves, servant, servant girl, servant girls, servant's, servants, servants', serve, served, serves, service, services, serving
fornicate, fornication, immoral
The term "sexual immorality" refers to sexual activity that takes place outside the marriage relationship of a man and a woman. This is against God's plan. Older English Bible versions call this "fornication."
(See also: adultery, god, prostitute, faithful)
fornicate, fornicates, fornication, fornications, immoral, immorality, sexual immorality
overshadow, shade
The word "shadow" literally refers to the darkness that is caused by an object blocking the light. The shadow has a shape similar to the shape of the object that blocks the light.
The word "shadow" also has several figurative meanings.
overshadow, overshadowed, shade, shadow, shadows
ashamed, shameful, shameless, unashamed
The term "shame" refers to a painful feeling of being disgraced a person has because of something dishonorable or improper that he or someone else has done.
Sometimes the word "shame" is used figuratively to refer to a person's nakedness or private parts.
(See also: god, humble, humiliate, Isaiah, repent, sin, worship)
ashamed, make ... ashamed, put ... to shame, shame, shamed, shameful, shamefully, shameless, shamelessly, shames, unashamed
ewe, ram, sheepfold, sheepshearer, sheepskin
A "sheep" is a medium-sized animal with four legs that has wool all over its body. A male sheep is called a "ram." A female sheep is called a "ewe." The plural of "sheep" is also "sheep."
(See also: Israel, lamb, sacrifice, shepherd)
ewe, ewes, ram, ram's, rams, sheep, sheepfold, sheepfolds, sheepshearers, sheepskins
Shepherds watch over the sheep, leading them to places with good food and water. Shepherds also keep the sheep from getting lost and protect them from wild animals.
This term is often used metaphorically in the Bible to refer to taking care of people's spiritual needs. This includes teaching them what God has told them in the Bible and guiding them in the way they should live.
(See also: believe, Canaan, church, Moses, pastor, sheep, spirit)
chief shepherd, herdsman, herdsmen, keeper, shepherd, shepherd's, shepherded, shepherding, shepherds
demonstration, evidence, mark, marker, omen, proof, remind, reminder, signal
A sign is an object, event, or action that communicates a special meaning.
"Reminders" are signs that "remind" people by helping them remember something, often something that was promised:
The rainbows God creates in the sky are signs to remind people that he has promised he will never again destroy all life with a worldwide flood.
God commanded the Israelites to circumcise their sons as a sign of his covenant with them.
Signs can reveal or point to something:
An angel gave shepherds a sign that would help them know which baby in Bethlehem was the newborn Messiah.
Judas kissed Jesus as a sign to the religious leaders that Jesus was the one they should arrest.
Signs can prove that something is true:
The miracles that Jesus performed were signs that proved he was truly the Messiah.
A "signal flag" is a flag that a king would raise as a sign so that people could see it and come to him or go into battle.
(See also: miracle, apostle, Christ, covenant, circumcise)
demonstration, evidence, mark, marker, omen, omens, proof, remind, reminded, reminder, reminders, reminding, reminds, sign, signal, signal flag, signs
sinful, sinner
The term "sin" refers to actions, thoughts, and words that are against God's will and laws. Sin can also refer to not doing something that God wants us to do.
(See also: disobey, evil, flesh, tax)
sin, sinful, sinned, sinner, sinners, sinning, sins
A sister is a female person who shares at least one biological parent with another person. She is said to be that other person’s sister or the sister of that other person.
(See also: brother in Christ, spirit)
sister, sister's, sisters, sisters'
slanderer, slanderous, speak evil about
Slander consists of negative, defaming things spoken (not written) about another person. To say such things (not to write them) about someone is to slander that person. The person saying such things is a slanderer.
(See also: blasphemy)
slander, slandered, slanderer, slanderers, slandering, slanderous, slanders, speak evil about, spoken of as evil
The male offspring of a man and a woman is called their "son" for his entire life. He is also called a son of that man and a son of that woman. An "adopted son" is a male who has been legally placed into the position of being a son.
(See also: Azariah, descendant, father, firstborn, Son of God, sons of God)
son, son's, sons
person
The soul is the inner, invisible part of a person. It refers to the non-physical part of a person. It is the part of a person that continues living after the body dies.
(See also: spirit)
person, persons, soul, souls
plant, plantation, transplanted
A "plant" is generally something that grows and is attached to the ground. To "plant" something is to put it in the ground so that it can grow. To "sow" is to scatter seeds on the ground so they can go into the ground and grow. A "sower" is a person who sows seeds.
place ... planted, plant, plantation, planted, planting, plants, replanted, sow, sowed, sowing, sown, sows, transplanted
ghost, spiritual
The term "spirit" refers to the non-physical part of people which cannot be seen. When a person dies, his spirit leaves his body. "Spirit" can also refer to an attitude or emotional state.
(See also: angel, demon, Holy Spirit, soul, divination)
ghost, spirit, spirits, spiritual, spiritually
club, walking stick
A staff is a long wooden stick or rod, often used as a walking stick.
(See also: Pharaoh, power, sheep, shepherd)
clubs, staff, staffs, walking stick, walking sticks
A stone is a small rock. To "stone" someone is to throw stones and larger rocks at that person with the intention of killing him. A "stoning" is an event in which someone was stoned.
(See also: adultery, commit, crime, death, Lystra, testimony)
stone, stoned, stones, stoning
strengthen, strong, stronger, strongest
The term "strength" refers to physical, emotional, or spiritual power. To "strengthen" someone or something means to make that person or object stronger.
The following examples show the meaning of these terms in longer expressions and how they can be translated.
"puts strength on me like a belt" means "causes me to be completely strong, like a belt that completely surrounds my waist."
(See also: faithful, persevere, right hand, save)
become strong, made ... strong, made ... stronger, make ... strong, makes ... strong, strength, strengthen, strengthened, strengthening, strengthens, strong, stronger, strongest
reel
The term "stumble" means "almost fall" when walking or running. Usually it involves tripping over something.
(See also: believe, persecute, sin, stumbling block)
causes ... to stumble, reeling, stumble, stumbled, stumbles, stumbling
misery
The terms "suffer" and "suffering" refer to experiencing something very unpleasant, such as illness, pain, or other hardships.
miseries, suffer, suffered, suffering, sufferings, suffers
dagger, swordsmen
A sword is a flat-bladed metal weapon used to cut or stab. It has a handle and a long, pointed blade with a very sharp cutting edge.
(See also: James (brother of Jesus), John (the Baptist), tongue, word of God)
dagger, sword, swords, swordsmen
A synagogue is a building where Jewish people meet together to worship God.
(See also: heal, Jerusalem, Jew, pray, temple, word of God, worship)
synagogue, synagogues
tax collector, taxation, taxpayers, toll
The terms "tax" and "taxes" refer to money or goods that people pay to a government that is in authority over them. A "tax collector" was a government worker whose job was to receive money that people were required to pay the government in taxes.
tax, tax collector, tax collectors, taxation, taxed, taxes, taxing, taxpayers, toll, tolls
educated, teaching, untaught
To "teach" someone is to tell him something he doesn’t already know. It can also mean to "provide information" in general, with no reference to the person who is learning. Usually the information is given in a formal or systematic way. A person’s "teaching" is or his "teachings" are what he has taught.
(See also: instruct, teacher, word of God)
educated, taught, teach, teaches, teaching, teachings, untaught
A teacher is a person who gives other people new information. Teachers help others to obtain and use both knowledge and skills.
teacher, teachers
shrine
A temple is a special building in which people worship their god or gods. The most important temple in the Bible was where the Israelites worshiped the true God with prayers and sacrifices. It was located on Mount Moriah in the city of Jerusalem.
(See also: sacrifice, Solomon, Babylon, Holy Spirit, tabernacle, court, Zion, house)
shrine, shrines, temple, temples
temptation, tempter
To tempt someone is to try to get that person to do something wrong.
(See also: disobey, Satan, sin, test)
tempt, temptation, tempted, tempter, tempting
camp, encamp, tentmaker
A tent is a portable shelter made of sturdy fabric that is draped over a structure of poles and attached to them.
(See also: Abraham, Canaan, curtain, Paul, Sinai, tabernacle, tent of meeting)
camp, camped, camping, camps, encamp, encamped, encampments, encamps, tent, tentmakers, tents
put to the test
The term "test" refers to a difficult or painful experience that reveals a person's strengths and weaknesses.
(See also: tempt)
put ... to the test, test, tested, testing, tests
eyewitness, testify, witness
When a person gives "testimony" he makes a statement about something he knows, claiming that the statement is true. To "testify" is to give "testimony."
The term "witness" refers to a person who has personally experienced something that happened. Usually a witness is also someone who testifies about what they know is true. The term "eyewitness" emphasizes that the person was actually there and saw what happened.
Translating "testify" and "testimony": * The term "testify" or "give testimony" could also be translated as, "tell the facts" or "tell what was seen or heard" or "tell from personal experience" or "tell what happened." * Ways to translate "testimony" could include, "report of what happened" or "statement of what is true" or "what has been said." * The phrase, "as a testimony to them" could be translated as, to "show them what is true" or to "prove to them what is true." * The phrase, "as a testimony against them" could be translated as, "which will show them their sin" or "exposing their hypocrisy" or "which will prove that they are wrong." * To "give false testimony" could be translated as "say false things about" or "state things that are not true."
Translating "witness" and "eyewitness": * The term "witness" or "eyewitness" could be translated with a word or phrase that means "person seeing it" or "the one who saw it happen" or "those who saw and heard (those things)." * Something that is "a witness" could be translated as "guarantee" or "sign of our promise" or "something that testifies that this is true." * The phrase "you will be my witnesses" could also be translated as "you will tell other people about me" or "you will teach people the truth that I taught you" or "you will tell people what you have seen me do and heard me teach." * To "witness to" could be translated as to "tell what was seen" or to "testify" or to "state what happened." * To "witness" something could be translated as to "see something that happens" or to "experience something that happens."
(See also: ark of the covenant, guilt, judge, prophet, true)
eyewitness, eyewitnesses, testified, testifies, testify, testify against, testifying, testimony, witness, witnessed, witnesses
In the Bible, the "Great Sea" or "western sea" refers to what is now called the "Mediterranean Sea," which was the largest body of water known to the people of Bible times.
(See also: Israel, people group, prosper)
the sea, the Great Sea, the western sea, Mediterranean Sea
the eleven
The term "the twelve" refers to the twelve men that Jesus chose to be his closest disciples, or apostles. After Judas killed himself, they were called "the eleven."
the eleven, the twelve
thistle, thornbush
Thorn bushes and thistles are plants that have prickly branches or flowers. These plants do not produce fruit or anything else that is useful.
(See also: crown, fruit, spirit)
thistle, thistles, thorn, thorn hedge, thornbush, thornbushes, thorns
In the Bible the term "time" was often used to refer to a specific season or period of time when certain events took place. It has a meaning similar to "age" or "epoch" or "season."
(See also: age, tribulation)
time, times
burial place, grave, gravediggers
The terms "tomb" and "grave" refer to a place where people put the body of a person who has died. A "burial place" is a more general term that also refers to this.
burial place, grave, gravediggers, graves, tomb, tombs
language
There are several figurative meanings of "tongue" in the Bible.
(See also: gift, Holy Spirit, joy, praise, joy, spirit)
language, languages, tongue, tongues
tormentors, torture, torturer
The term "torment" refers to terrible suffering. To "torment" or "torture" someone means to cause that person to suffer, often in a cruel way.
(See also: beast, eternity, Job, Savior, spirit, suffer, worship)
torment, tormented, tormenting, tormentors, torture, torturers
The term "tradition" refers to a custom or practice that has been kept over time and which is passed down to people in later generations.
(See also: apostle, believe, Christian, father, generation, Jew, law of Moses, Moses)
tradition, traditions
shake
To "tremble" means to shake or quiver out of fear or extreme distress.
shake, shakes, shook, tremble, trembled, trembles, trembling
To "trespass" means to break a law or to violate the rights of another person. A "trespass" is the action of "trespassing."
(See also: disobey, iniquity, sin, transgress)
trespass, trespassed, trespasses
distress
The term "tribulation" refers to a time of hardship, suffering, and distress.
(See also: earth, teach, wrath)
distress, distressed, distresses, tribulation, tribulations
The term "tribute" refers to a gift from one ruler to another ruler, for the purpose of protection and for good relations between their nations.
(See also: gold, king, ruler, tax)
tribute
troublesome
A "trouble" is an experience in life that is very difficult and distressing. To "trouble" someone means to "bother" that person or to cause him distress. Something that is "troubling" causes people to feel distressed. Someone who is troublesome causes problems. To be "troubled" means to feel upset or anxious or distressed about something.
A "tumult" is a group of people making much noise because they are troubled or unhappy.
(See also: afflict, persecute)
trouble, troubled, troubles, troublesome, troubling
In the Bible, the term "tunic" referred to a garment that was worn next to the skin, under other clothing.
(See Also: robe)
tunic, tunics
apostasy, apostate
To "turn" means to physically change direction or to cause something else to change direction.
(See also: god, leper, worship)
acts of apostasy, apostasy, apostate, turn, turn ... away, turned, turned ... away, turned ... away ... in disgust, turned ... back, turning, turning ... away, turns, turns ... away, turns ... away from
argument, craftiness, insight, intelligent, realize, unintentionally, without understanding
The term "understand" means to hear or receive information and know what it means.
(See also: believe, know, wise)
arguments, craftiness, gain understanding, gives ... insight, insight, intelligent, realize, realized, understand, understanding, understands, understood, unintentionally, without understanding
The term "unleavened bread" refers to bread that is made without yeast or other leavening. This kind of bread is flat because it has no leaven to make it rise.
(See also: bread, Egypt, feast, Passover, servant, sin, yeast)
unleavened bread
for no reason, for nothing, futile, futility, meaningless, of no value, useless, vanity
The term "vain" describes things that are useless or have no purpose. Vain things are worthless.
for no reason, for nothing, futile, futility, meaningless, of no value, useless, uselessly, vain, vain plans, vanity, without meaning
grapevine
The term "vine" refers to a plant that grows by trailing along the ground or by climbing trees and other structures. The word "vine" in the Bible is used only of fruit-bearing vines and usually refers to grape vines.
grapevine, vine, vines
vine grower
A vineyard is a large garden area where grapevines are grown and grapes are cultivated.
(See also: grape, Israel, vine)
vine growers, vineyard, vineyards
rumbling, sound
The term “voice” refers to sound that a person makes when speaking or singing. The term "voice" is often used figuratively to refer to speaking or communicating something.
(See also: call, preach, splendor)
rumblings, sound, sounds, voice, voices
The term "walk" is often used in a figurative sense to mean "live."
(See also: Holy Spirit, honor)
walk, walk around, walked, walking, walking around, walks
lay waste, wasteland
To "waste" something means to carelessly throw it away or to use it unwisely.
laid waste, lays waste, waste, waste away, wasted, wasteland, wastelands, wastes, wastes away, wasting
keep watch, watch out, watchful, watchman
The term "watch" means to look at something very closely and carefully. It also has several figurative meanings.
These ideas can also be used figuratively.
keep ... watch, kept ... watch, watch, watch out, watched, watchful, watching, watchman, watchmen
tower
The term "watchtower" refers to a tall structure built as a place from which guards could look out for any danger. These towers were often made of stone.
tower, towers, watchtower, watchtowers
In addition to its primary meaning, "water" also often refers to a body of water, such as an ocean, sea, lake, or river.
(See also: life, spirit, Holy Spirit, power)
water, watered, watering, waters
sevens
The term "week" literally refers to a period of time lasting seven days.
(See also: Pentecost)
sevens, week, weeks
cistern
The terms "well" and "cistern" refer to two different kinds of sources for water in Bible times.
(See also: Jeremiah, prison, strife)
cistern, cisterns, well, wells
God's will, desire of God, he wishes, his will, will of my Father, will of our God and Father, will of the Lord
The "will of God" refers to God's desires and plans.
God's will, desires of God, he desires, he wishes, his will, will of God, will of my Father, will of our God and Father, will of the Lord, will of your Father, you are willing, your will
new wine, wineskin
In the Bible, the term "wine" refers to a kind of fermented drink made from the juice of a fruit called grapes. Wine was stored in "wineskins," which were containers made out of animal skin.
(See also: grape, vine, vineyard, winepress)
smashed
new wine, wine, wines, wineskin, wineskins
During Bible times, a "winepress" was a large container or open place where the juice of grapes was extracted in order to make wine.
winepress, winepresses
wisdom, wisely, wiser, wisest
The term "wise" describes someone who understands what is the right and moral thing to do and then does that. "Wisdom" is the understanding and practice of what is true and morally right.
sound wisdom, wisdom, wise, wisely, wiser, wisest
The term "woe" refers to a feeling of great distress. It also gives a warning that someone will experience severe trouble.
woe
A "word" refers to something that someone has said. In the Bible, it almost always refers to an entire message, not just one word.
(See also: word of God)
word, words, message, messages
God's word, his words, my word, scripture, word of Yahweh, word of the Lord, word of truth, writings
In the Bible, the term "word of God" refers to anything that God has communicated to people. This includes spoken and written messages. Jesus is also called "the Word of God."
The term "word of truth" is another way of referring to "God's word," which is his message or teaching. It does not refer to just one word.
When the Bible refers to Jesus as "the Word," this term could be translated as "the Message" or "the Truth."
"Word of truth" could be translated as "God's true message" or "God's word, which is true."
(See also: prophet, true, word, Yahweh)
God's word, God's words, his words, my word, scripture, scriptures, word of God, word of Yahweh, word of the Lord, word of truth, words of God, writings
act, deed, fellow worker
In the Bible, the terms "work," "deed," and "act" are used to refer generally to things that God or people do.
(See also: fruit, Holy Spirit, miracle)
act, action, actions, activities, acts, deed, deeds, fellow worker, fellow workers, work, works
universe, worldly
The term "world" usually refers to the part of the universe where people live: the earth. The term "worldly" describes the evil values and behaviors of people living in this world.
(See also: corrupt, heaven, Rome, godly)
universe, world, world's, worldly
worshiper
To "worship" means to honor, praise and obey someone, especially God.
(See also: sacrifice, praise, honor)
worship, worshiped, worshiper's, worshipers, worshiping, worships
deserve, nullify, unworthy, worth, worthily, worthless, worthlessness, worthy
The term "worthy" describes someone or something that deserves respect or honor. To "have worth" means to be valuable or important.
(See also: honor)
deserve, deserved, deserves, deserving, nullify, unworthy, worth, worthily, worthless, worthlessness, worthy
When used literally, the term "year" in the Bible refers to a period of time lasting 354 days. This is according to the lunar calendar system which is based on the time it takes for the moon to go around the earth.
(See also: month)
year, years
leaven, unleavened
"Leaven" is a general term for a substance that causes bread dough to expand and rise. "Yeast" is a specific kind of leaven.
The ideas of "leaven" and "yeast" can also be used in figurative ways.
(See also: Egypt, Passover, unleavened bread)
leaven, leavened, leavens, unleavened, yeast