Mark 2:23-3:6

Mark 2:23-3:6
Proper 4B

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2:23 AOne SabbathB he was goingC through the grain fields,D

Notes on verse 2:23a

A {untranslated} = ginomai. This is to come into being, to happen, become, be born. It can be to emerge from one state or condition to another or is coming into being with the sense of movement or growth.
B “Sabbath” = sabbaton. From Hebrew shabbath (sabbath); from shabath (to rest, stop, repose, cease working; by implication, to celebrate). This is the sabbath. It can also be used as shorthand for a week i.e. the time between two sabbaths.
C “going” = paraporeuomai. 5x in NT. From para (from beside, by) + poreuomai (to go, travel, journey, or die; transporting things from one place to another and focuses on the personal significance of the destination)}. This is to pass long, journey near, go past.
D “grain fields” = sporimos. 3x in NT. From sporos (a sowing, the seed for planting); from speiro (to sow seed, spread, scatter); perhaps from spao (to pull, to draw a sword). This is a field that is sown, such as a grain field.

and as they madeE their wayF his disciplesG beganH to pluckI heads of grain.J 

Notes on verse 2:23b

E “made” = poieo. This is to make, do, act, construct, abide, or cause.
F “way’ = hodos. This is way, road, path, or journey. It can imply progress along a route.
G “disciples” = mathetes. From matheteuo (to make a disciple of); from manthano (to learn key facts, gain knowledge from experience; generally implies reflection as part of the learning process); from math– (thinking things through). This is a disciple, learner, or student. It is where we get “mathematics” from.
H “began” = archomai. From archo (to rule, begin, have first rank or have political power). This is to begin or rule.
I “pluck’ = tillo. 3x in NT – all in parallels of the same gospel story. This is to pluck off or pick.
J “heads of grain” = stachus. 5x in NT. Perhaps from histemi (to stand, place, set up, establish, stand ready, stand firm, be steadfast). This is a head of grain.

24 The PhariseesK saidL to him, “Look,M why are they doingN what is not lawfulO on the Sabbath?” 

Notes on verse 2:24

K “Pharisees” = pharisaios. From Aramaic peras (to divide, separate) and from Hebrew parash (to make distinct, separate, scatter). This is a Pharisee, a member of a Jewish sect active in the 1st century. Their name meant separate in the sense of wanting to live a life separated from sin. Whereas the Sadducees were part of the priestly line and inherited their religious position and responsibilities, Pharisees were regular people who studied the scriptures and offered guidance to regular folk. Sadducees were often wealthier and willing to sacrifice their identity to rub elbows with Roman society. Pharisees were often more concerned with what it meant to follow God without compromising what made them different as followers of God. Sadducees primarily believed in that which was written down (the first five books of the Bible) and Pharisees believed in the Bible and the traditions of the elders. Pharisees had a very wide range of interpretations and diversity of opinion. Their standard mode of religious engagement was lively debate with one another. To argue religion with another teacher was to recognize that they had something of value to offer.
L “said” = eiron. This is to speak say, answer, command.
M “look” = idou. From eido (to be aware, see, know, remember, appreciate). This is see! Lo! Behold! Look! Used to express surprise and or draw attention to the statement.
N “doing” = poieo. Same as “made” in v2:23. See note E above.
O “lawful” = exesti. From ek (out, out of) + eimi (to be, exist). This is what is permitted or what is allowed under the law. It can mean what is right, what holds moral authority, or, more broadly, something that is shown out in public.

25 And he saidP to them, “Have you never readQ what DavidR did when he

Notes on verse 2:25a

P “said” = lego. This is to speak, say, name, call, command. It is generally to convey verbally.
Q “read” = anaginosko. From ana (upwards, up, again, back, anew) + ginosko (know, recognize, learn from firsthand experience). This is literally to know again – to recognize, read, or discern.
R “David” = Dauid. From Hebrew David (David); from the same as dod (beloved, love, uncle); the root may mean to boil, which is used figuratively to describe love. So, this implies someone you love such as a friend, a lover, or a close family member like an uncle. David’s name likely means something like “beloved one.”

and his companions were hungryS and in needT of food, 26 how he enteredU the houseV

Notes on verses 2:25b-2:26a

S “were hungry” = peinao. From peina (hunger); related to penomai (working for a living; laborer, poor person; to work for daily bread); from peno (to toil to survive day by day). This is to hunger, be needy, or desire earnestly. It can be being famished in a definitive sense or in comparison to someone or something else. Figuratively, this means to crave.
T “need” = chreia + echo. Chreia is from chraomai (to use, make use of, give what is needed, act in a specific way, request); related to chre (what is proper, fitting, or necessary). This is the is task, business, or affair. It can also be need, want, or destitution. Echo is have, hold, possess.
U “entered” = eiserchomai. From eis (to, into, for, among) + erchomai (to come, go). This is to go in in a literal or figurative sense.
V “house” = oikos. This is house – the building, the household, the family, descendants, the temple.

of GodW when AbiatharX was high priestY

Notes on verse 2:26b

W “God” = Theos. From Proto-Indo-European origins, meaning do, put, place. This is God or a god in general.
X “Abiathar” = Abiathar. 1x in NT. From Hebrew Abyathar (Abiathar, a ame meaning “the great one is ather” or “father of abundance”); {from ab (father in a literal or figurative sense – grandfather, chief, ancestor) + yathar (to jut over, remain behind, preserve, to excel)}. This is Abiathar, a priest whose name means “father of a remnant,” “father of preeminence,” “father of plenty,” or “the great one is father.” See https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Abiathar.html
Y “high priest” = archiereus. Related to “began” in v2:23. From archo (see note H above) + hiereus (a priest literal or figurative – of any faith); {from hieros (sacred, something sacred, temple, holy, set apart; something consecrated to God or a god)} This is a high or chief priest.

and ateZ the breadAA of the Presence,BB which it is not lawful

Notes on verse 2:26c

Z “ate” = phago. This is to eat or figuratively to consume like rust does.
AA “bread” = artos. Perhaps from airo (raise, take up, lift, remove). This is bread or a loaf. It is a loaf as raised.
BB “Presence” = prothesis. 12x in NT. From protithemi (to set before, purpose, plan, determine, put in a public display); {from pro (before, earlier than, ahead, prior) + tithemi (to put, place, set, fix, establish in a literal or figurative sense; properly, this is placing something in a passive or horizontal position)}. This is a setting forth – a proposal, predetermination, purpose. It can also mean something that is sacred or consecrated so it can be used for the showbread or sacred bread.

for any but the priestsCC to eat, and he gaveDD some to his companions?”EE 

27 Then he saidFF to them, “The Sabbath was madeGG for humankindHH and not humankind for the Sabbath, 

Notes on verses 2:26d-2:27

CC “priests” = hiereus. Related to “high priest” in v2:26. See note Y above.
DD “gave” = didomi. To give, offer, place, bestow, deliver. This is give in a literal or figurative sense.
EE “companions” = ho + sun + autos + eimi. Literally, “those who were with him.” Eimi is related to “lawful” in v2:24. See note O above.
FF “said’ = eiron. Same as “said” in v2:24. See note L above.
GG “made” = ginomai. Same as {untranslated} in v2:23. See note A above.
HH “humankind” = anthropos. Probably from aner (man, male, husband) + ops (eye, face); {from optanomai (to appear, be seen); perhaps from horao (become, seem, appear)}. This is human, humankind. Used for all genders.

28 so the SonII of ManJJ isKK lordLL even of the Sabbath.”

Notes on verse 2:28

II “Son” = huios. This is son, descendant – a son whether natural born or adopted. It can be used figuratively for other forms of kinship.
JJ “Man” = anthropos. Same as “humankind” in v2:27. See note HH above.
KK “is” = eimi. Same as “companions” in v2:26. See note EE above.
LL “lord” = kurios. From kuros (authority, supremacy). This is a respectful address meaning master or sir. It refers to one who has control or power greater than one’s own. So, it was also applied to God and Jesus as Master or Lord.

3:1 Again he entered the synagogue,MM and a man was there who hadNN a witheredOO hand.PP 

Notes on verse 3:1

MM “synagogue” = sunagoge. From sun (with, together with, closely associated) + ago (to lead, bring, carry, guide, go, drive). Literally, this is a bringing together, a place of assembly. The term can be used for the people or for the place where they assemble. It is also sometimes used of Christian churches in the New Testament. So, this is synagogue, assembly, congregation, or church. This is where the word “synagogue” comes from.
NN “had” = echo. Same as “need” in v2:25. See note T above.
OO “withered” = xeraino. 15x in NT. From xeros (dry, arid, withered; can also refer to dry land or imply something that is shrunken). This is to dry up, wither, ripen, pine.
PP “hand” = cheir. Perhaps from cheimon (winter, storm – winter as the rainy season); related to the base of chasma (chasm, gap, gulf); from chasko (to yawn). This is the hand in a literal sense. Figuratively, the hand is the means a person uses to accomplish things so it can also mean power, means, or instrument.

They were watching him to seeQQ whether he would cureRR him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuseSS him. 

Notes on verse 3:2

QQ “watching…to see” = paratereo. 6x in NT. From para (beside, by, in the presence of) + tereo (to guard, observe, keep, maintain, or preserve; figuratively, spiritual watchfulness; guarding something from being lost or harmed; fulfilling commands, keeping in custody, or maintaining; figuratively can mean to remain unmarried.); { teros (a guard or a watch that guards keep); perhaps related to theoreo (gazing, beholding, experiencing, discerning; looking at something to analyze it and concentrate on what it means; the root of the word “theatre” in that people concentrate on the action of the play to understand its meaning); from theaomai (to behold, look upon, see, contemplate, visit); from thaomai (to gaze at a spectacle; to look at or contemplate as a spectator; to interpret something in efforts to grasp its significance); from theoros (a spectator or envoy)}. This is to watch or observe carefully due to personal interest.
RR “cure” = therapeuo. From therapon (servant, attendant, minister); perhaps from theros (properly heat and so used for summer); from thero (to heat). This is to serve, care, attend, heal, or cure. Since it means to attend to, it can be used for doctors, but also for those who serve God. So, it can mean worship. This is where the word “therapy” comes from.
SS “accuse” = kategoreo. From kategoros (prosecutor or accuser; used in legal context, but also of Satan); {from kata (down, against, throughout, among) + agoreuo (speaking in the assembly)} OR {from kata (see above) + agora (assembly, forum, marketplace, town square); {from ageiro (to gather)}}. This is to accuse, charge, or prosecute. This is where the word “category” comes from, but it is in the sense of applying logic and offering proof.

And he saidTT to the man who had the witheredUU hand, “ComeVV forward.”WW 

Notes on verse 3:3

TT “said” = lego. Same as “said” in v2:25. See note P above.
UU “withered” = xeros. Related to “withered” in v3:1. 8x in NT. See note OO above.
VV “come” = egeiro. This is to awake, raise up or lift up. It can be to get up from sitting or lying down, to get up from sleeping, to rise from a disease or from death. Figuratively, it can be rising from inactivity or from ruins.
WW “forward” = eis + ho + mesos. Mesos is perhaps from meta (with among, behind, beyond; implies a change following contact or action). This is middle, among, center, midst.

Then he saidXX to them, “Is it lawful to do goodYY or to do harmZZ on the Sabbath,

Notes on verse 3:4a

XX “said” = lego. Same as “said” in v2:25. See note P above.
YY “do good” = agathopoieo. Related to “made” in v2:23. 10x in NT. From agathopoios (a do-gooder or virtuous person; someone who does intrinsically good things); {from agathos (good, a benefit, or a good thing; good by its very nature, inherently good) + poieo (see note E above)}. This is to do good or to do right.
ZZ “do harm” = kakopoieo. Related to “made” in v2:23 & “do good” in v3:4. 4x in NT. From kakopoios (evil doer, troublemaker; one who is looking for the chance to do harm; a criminal); {from kakos (bad, evil, harm, ill; evil that is part of someone’s core character – intrinsic, rotted, worthless, depraved, causing harm; deep inner malice that comes from a rotten character) + poieo (see note E above)}. This is to do evil, to sin, to behave as an evil person or a criminal.

to saveAAA lifeBBB or to kill?”CCC But they were silent.DDD 

Notes on verse 3:4b

AAA “save” = sozo. From sos (safe, rescued, well). This is to save, heal, preserve, or rescue. Properly, this is taking someone from danger to safety. It can be delivering or protecting literally or figuratively. This is the root that “savior” and “salvation” come from in Greek.
BBB “life” = psuche. From psucho (to breathe, blow). This is breath, the breath of life, the self, individual, soul. This is the word for that which makes a person unique – their identity, will, personality, affections. This isn’t the soul as the immortal part of us, but as our individuality. It is also not life as a general concept, but specific to people. This is where the words psyche and psychology come from.
CCC “kill” = apokteino. From apo (from, away from) + kteino (to kill). To put to death, kill, slay. Figuratively, this word can mean abolish, destroy, or extinguish.
DDD “were silent” = siopao. 10x in NT. From siope (silence or muteness). This is to be silent whether by choice or not. Figuratively, this is being calm as water, keeping one’s peace.

He looked around atEEE them with anger;FFF he was grievedGGG

Notes on verse 3:5a

EEE “looked around at” = periblepo. 7x in NT- 6x in Mark & 1x in Luke. From peri (about, concerning, around, encompassing) + blepo (to see, used primarily in the physical sense; figuratively, seeing, which includes attention and so to watchfulness, being observant, perceiving, beware, and acting on the visual information). This is to survey, look around closely, gaze about.
FFF “anger” = orge. From orgao (something that teems or stews; anger rising from prolonged personal contact that is fixed rather than an angry outburst; anger that stems from an individual’s sense of right and wrong, justice, etc.) or from orego (to stretch out towards, yearn for, aspire to, desire). This is impulse, wrath, anger, passion, punishment. Properly, this is fixed anger from ongoing personal irritation caused by something the one getting angry sees as unjust or evil. Wrath implies punishment. Can refer to human or divine wrath.
GGG “grieved” = sullupeo. 1x in NT. From sun (with, together with) + lupeo (to be sad, grieve, distress, hurt, feel pain; deep pain or severe sorrow as well as the pain that accompanies childbirth); {from lupe (pain, whether physical or mental; grief, sorrow, distress, a heavy heart)}. This is shared sorrow – grief because of someone else that leads one to sympathy.

at their hardnessHHH of heartIII and saidJJJ to the man,

Notes on verse 3:5b

HHH “hardness” = porosis. 3x in NT– in Mark, Romans, and Ephesians and all in the expression “hardness of heart.” From poroo (to harden, petrify, of rock; figuratively, this can be insensitive, callous, or dense); from poros (a stone, callous). This is hardness or callousness. Figuratively, it can refer to being numb or obtuse – imperceptive.
III “heart” = kardia. Literally the heart, but figuratively mind, character, inner self, will, intention, thoughts, feelings. Also, the center of something. The word heart is only used figuratively in the Old and New Testaments. This is where “cardiac” comes from.
JJJ “said’ = lego. Same as “said” in v2:25. See note P above.

“Stretch outKKK your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was restored.LLL The Pharisees went outMMM and immediatelyNNN

Notes on verses 3:5c-3:6a

KKK “stretch out” = ekteino. 16x in NT. From ek (from, from out of) + teino (to stretch, extend, strain). This is to stretch out, reach, lay hands on. Can also be used for casting an anchor.
LLL “restored” = apokathistemi. Related to “heads of grain” in v2:23. 8x in NT.  From apo (from, away from) + kathistemi (to appoint, set in order or set in place, constitute, give standing or authority, put in charge); {from kata (down, against, throughout, among) + histemi (see note J above)}. This is to restore something to its original place or status. It can be give back, set up again or, figuratively, to restore full freedom or liberty. This word can also be used of healing – restoring full health.
MMM “went out” = exerchomai. Related to “entered” in v2:26. From ek (from, from out of) + erchomai (see note U above). This is to go out, depart, escape, proceed from, spread news abroad.
NNN “immediately” = eutheos. Related to “presence” in v2:26. From euthus (immediately, upright, straight and not crooked); {perhaps from eu (good, well, well done, rightly) + tithemi (see note BB above). This is directly, soon, at once.

conspiredOOO with the HerodiansPPP against him, how to destroyQQQ him.

Notes on verse 3:6b

OOO “conspired” = sumboulion + didomi. Sumboulion is 8x in NT. From souboulos (counselor or adviser in an official capacity); {from sun (with, together with) + boule (counsel, plan, purpose, decision; wisdom that comes from deliberation); {from boulomai (to wish, desire, intend; to plan with great determination)}}. This is to counsel and so could be used for a group of advisers. It could also be to plot or conspire together. Abstractly, it could refer to advice or resolutions. Didomi is the same as “gave” in v2:26. See note DD above.
PPP “Herodians” = Herodianoi. 3x in NT. From Herodes (Herod, perhaps meaning “hero’s song,” “Hera’s song,” or “heroic”); {perhaps from heros (hero, warrior) + oide (song, ode, legend, tale) [from aoide (song, ode, legend, tale) {from aeido (to sing) + e (this is added to verbs to make them nouns)}] OR from hera (Hera) + oide (same as above)}. This is Herodian – one who followed Herod Antipas. See https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Herod
QQQ “destroy” = apollumi. From apo (from, away from) + ollumi (to destroy or ruin; the loss that comes from a major ruination). This is to destroy, cut off, to perish – perhaps violently. It can also mean to cancel or remove.


Image credit: “Head of Wheat” by Don Brubacher, 2006.

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