Mark 3:20-35

Mark 3:20-35
Proper 5B

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20 Then he wentA home,B and the crowdC came togetherD again, so that they couldE not even eat.F, G 

Notes on verse 20

A “went” = erchomai. This is to come or go.
B “home” = oikos. This is house – the building, the household, the family, descendants, the temple.
C “crowd” = ochlos. Perhaps from echo (to have, hold, possess). This is a crowd, the common people, a rabble. Figuratively, it can refer to a riot.
D “came together” = sunerchomai. Related to “went” in v20. From sun (with, together with) + erchomai (see note A above). This is to go with, assemble, leave together with, cohabit.
E “could” = dunamai. This is to be able, or something that is possible. It can also be empowered or being powerful. The Greek word for “miracle” (dunamis) comes from this root.
F “eat” = phago. This is to eat or figuratively to consume like rust does.
G {untranslated} = artos. Perhaps from airo (raise, take up, lift, remove). This is bread or a loaf. It is a loaf as raised.

21 When his familyH heardI it, they went outJ

Notes on verse 21a

H “family” = ho + para + autos. Literally, “those belonging to him.”
I “heard” = akouo. This is hear or listen, but it also means to understand by hearing. This is where the word “acoustics” comes from.
J “went out” = exerchomai. Related to “went” and “came together” in v20. From ek (from, from out of) + erchomai (see note A above). This is to go out, depart, escape, proceed from, spread news abroad.

to restrainK him, for people were saying,L “He has gone out of his mind.”M 

Notes on verse 21b

K “restrain” = krateo. From kratos (strength, power, dominion; vigor in a literal or figurative sense; power that is exercised). This is being strong or mighty so, by extension, to prevail or rule. It can also mean to seize, grasp hold of and thereby control.
L “saying” = eiron. This is to speak say, answer, command.
M “gone out of…mind” = existemi. 17x in NT. From ek (from, from out of) + histemi (to stand, place, establish, appoint, stand ready, be steadfast). This is to displace or take something or someone from standing. Figuratively, it is to be overwhelmed and flabbergasted – as if beside oneself. By extension, it is astonished, amazed, or mad.

22 And the scribesN who came downO from JerusalemP said,

Notes on verse 22a

N “scribes” = grammateus. From gramma (what is drawn or written so a letter of the alphabet, correspondence, literature, learning); from grapho (to write). This is a writer, scribe, or secretary. Within Judaism, it was someone learned in the Law, a teacher. Also used in the Bible of the town-clerk of Ephesus. See Sirach 38:24-39:11 for a lengthier, positive passage about who scribes were and what they meant in society.
O “came down” = katabaino. From kata (down, against, throughout, among) + baino (to walk, go). This is to come down whether from the sky to the ground or from higher ground to lower. It can be used in a literal or figurative sense.
P “Jerusalem” = Hierosoluma. From Hebrew Yerushalaim (probably foundation of peace); {from yarah (to throw, shoot, be stunned; to flow as water so figuratively to instruct or teach) + shalam (to make amends, to be complete or sound)}. This is Jerusalem, dwelling of peace.

“He hasQ Beelzebul,R and by the rulerS of the demonsT he casts outU demons.” 

Notes on verse 22b

Q “has” = echo. Related to “crowd” in v20. See note C above.
R “Beelzebul” = Beelzeboul. 7x in NT. From Hebrew baal zebub (Baal Zebub, meaning “Baal of flies,” a god of the Phoenicians); {from Baal (Baal); {from the same as baal (owner, master, husband); from baal (to marry, have dominion over, to master)}} + zebub (a fly, particularly one that stings; root may mean to flit). This is Beelzebul – literally “lord of the flies.”
S “ruler” = archon. From archo (to rule, begin, have first rank or have political power). This is ruler, leader, magistrate, official, prince, chief.
T “demons” = daimonion. From daimon (evil spirit, demon, fallen angel); perhaps from daio (giving out destinies). This is demon, evil spirit, god of another religion, or fallen angel.
U “casts out” = ekballo. From ek (from, from out of) + ballo (to throw, cast, place, put, drop). This is to throw, put out, produce, expel, banish. It is eject in a literal or figurative sense.

23 And he calledV them to him and spokeW to them in parables,X “How can SatanY cast out Satan? 

Notes on verse 23

V “called” = proskaleo. From pros (at, to, toward, with) + kaleo (to call by name, invite, to name, bid, summon, call aloud); {related to keleuo (to command, order, direct); from kelomai (to urge on)}. This is to call to oneself, summon.
W “spoke” = eiron. Same as “saying” in v21. See note L above.
X “parables” = parabole. Related to “casts out” in v22. From paraballo (literally to throw beside, compare, arrive, liken); {from para (by, beside, in the presence of) + ballo (see note U above)}. This is a parable, comparison, adage. Quite often a tale told or a metaphor to establish a point, but it could be a true story.
Y “Satan” = Satanas. From Hebrew satan (adversary, Satan); from satan (to be an adversary, attack, accuse, resist). This is Satan, the adversary, or an adversary.

24 If a kingdomZ is dividedAA against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.BB 25 And if a houseCC is divided against itself, that house will not be ableDD to stand. 

Notes on verses 24-25

Z “kingdom” = basileia. Related to “came down” in v22. From basileus (king, emperor, sovereign); probably from basis (step, hence foot; a pace); from baino (see note O above). This is kingdom, rule, authority, sovereignty, royalty, a realm.
AA “divided” = merizo. 14x in NT. From meros (part, share, portion figurative or literal); from meiromai (to get your share, receive one’s allotment). This is to divide, distribute, assign, apportion – separate into parts, bestow, share.
BB “stand” = histemi. Related to “gone out of…mind” in v21. See note M above.
CC “house” = oikia. Related to “home” in v20. From oikos (see note B above). This is a house, household, goods, property, family, or means.
DD “be able” = dunamai. Same as “could” in v20. See note E above.

26 And if Satan has risen upEE against himself and is divided, he cannot stand, but his endFF has come.GG 

Notes on verse 26

EE “risen up” = anistemi. Related to “gone out of his mind” in v21 & “stand” in v24. From ana (upwards, up, again, back, anew) + histemi (see note M above). This is to raise up, rise, appear. It is to stand up literally or figuratively. Can also mean to resurrect.
FF “end” = telos. From tel– (to reach a goal or aim); This is an end, aim, purpose, completion, goal, consummation, or tax. It is completing a stage of something and everything that results from that completion. It can be literal or figurative.
GG “come” = echo. Same as “has” in v22. See note Q above.

27 But no one can enterHH a strong man’sII house and plunderJJ

Notes on verse 27a

HH “enter” = eiserchomai. Related to “went” and “came together” in v20 & “went out” in v21. From eis (to, into, for, among) + erchomai (see note A above). This is to go in in a literal or figurative sense.
II “strong man’s” = ischuros. From ischuo (to be strong, healthy and vigorous, able, have power, prevail; strength that engages a resisting force); from ischus (strength, might, power, force, ability; power that engages immediate resistance). This is strong – first of physical strength. Later, also used figuratively for forcible, powerful, mighty, vehement, or sure.
JJ “plunder” = diarpazo. Perhaps related to {untranslated} in v20. 3x in NT. From dia (through, across to the other side, thoroughly) + harpazo (to seize by force, snatch away); from haireo (to choose, take); probably related to airo (see note G above). This is to plunder or spoil.

his propertyKK without firstLL tying upMM the strong man; then indeed the house can be plundered.

Notes on verse 27b

KK “property” = skeuos. This is a vessel, object, article, property, a tool. It is an implement or other equipment in a literal or figurative sense. It could also refer to a vessel of mercy or a wife.
LL “first” = proton. From protos (what is first, which could be the most important, the first in order, the main one, the chief); from pro (before, first, in front of, earlier). This is firstly, before, in the beginning, formerly.
MM “tying up” = deo. To tie, bind, compel, put in chains. This is to bind in a literal or figurative sense. Can also mean declaring something unlawful.

28 “TrulyNN I tellOO you,PP

Notes on verse 28a

NN “truly” = amen. From Hebrew amen (verily, truly, amen, truth, so be it, faithfulness); from aman (to believe, endure, fulfill, confirm, support, be faithful, put one’s trust in, be steadfast. Figuratively, this is to be firm, steadfast, or faithful, trusting, believing, being permanent, morally solid). This word is literally firmness, but figuratively fidelity, faithfulness, honesty, responsibility, trust, truth, steadfastness. Properly, it is to be sure, certain, or firm. This is a word of emphasis indicating that something crucial follows.
OO “tell” = lego. This is to speak, say, name, call, command. It is generally to convey verbally.
PP {untranslated} = pas. This is all or every.

peopleQQ will be forgivenRR for their sinsSS

Notes on verse 28b

QQ “people” = huios + anthropos. Literally, “sons of humanity.” Huios is son, descendant – a son whether natural born or adopted. It can be used figuratively for other forms of kinship. Anthropos is 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.
RR “be forgiven” = aphiemi. From apo (from, away from) + hiemi (to send). This is send away, release, permit, forgive, allow to depart, discharge, or send forth.
SS “sins” = hamartema. Related to “divided” in v24. 4x in NT. From hamartano (to miss the mark, do wrong, make a mistake, sin); {from a (not) + meros (see note AA above)}. This is sin, evil deed – the pain that results from sin.

and whatever blasphemiesTT they utter,UU 29 but whoever blasphemesVV

Notes on verses 28c-29a

TT “blasphemies” = blasphemia. 18x in NT. From perhaps blapto (to harm or to hinder) + pheme (saying, news, rumor, fame) {from phemi (to say, declare, speak comparatively through contrasts, bring to light); from phao (to shine)}. This is slander, blasphemy, or abusive language. It is calling something wrong that is right or calling something right that is wrong – mis-identifying what is good and bad. This is particularly used for vilifying God. This is where the word “blasphemy” comes from.
UU “utter” = blasphemeo. Related to “blasphemies” in v28. From blasphemos (blasphemer, reviler, reviling; speaking slander or evil); {from perhaps blapto (see note TT above) + pheme (see note TT above)}. This is to slander, malign, hurl abuse, speak against, blaspheme, or defame. It is speaking evil or abusive language – not acknowledging what is good or worth reverence/respect.
VV “blasphemes” = blasphemeo. Same as “utter” in v28. See note UU above.

against the HolyWW SpiritXX can neverYY have forgivenessZZ

Notes on verse 29b

WW “Holy” = Hagios. From hagnos (holy, sacred, pure ethically, ritually, or ceremonially; prepared for worship, chaste, unadulterated, pure to the core; undefiled by sin; figurative for innocent, modest, perfect). God is totally different from humanity and thus set apart. That which is consecrated to worship God (elements of worship) or to serve God (as the saints) are holy because they are now set apart for God’s purposes. Holy because important to God. This is sacred physically, pure. It can be morally blameless or ceremonially consecrated.
XX “Spirit” = Pneuma. From pneo (to blow, breathe, breathe hard). This is wind, breath, or ghost. A breeze or a blast or air, a breath. Figuratively used for a spirit, the human soul or part of us that is rational. It is also used supernaturally for angels, demons, God, and the Holy Spirit. This is where pneumonia comes from.
YY “never” = oueis + ho + aion. Literally, “not…to the age.” Aion is from the same as aei (ever, always, unceasingly, perpetually; on every occasion). This is an age, cycle of time, course, continued duration. It is also used to describe the eternal or forever. This is the word used to discuss the present age or the messianic age.
ZZ “forgiveness” = aphesis. Related to “be forgiven” in v28. 17x in NT. From aphiemi (see note RR above). This is sending away – a release or letting go. So, it can be releasing someone from debt, slavery, or some other obligation – thus, freedom or liberty. Figuratively it can mean to pardon as releasing from the debt of sin.

but isAAA guiltyBBB of an eternalCCC sin”— 30 for they had said, “He has an uncleanDDD spirit.”EEE

Notes on verses 29c-30

AAA “is” = eimi. This is to be, exist.
BBB “guilty” = enochos. Related to “crowd” in v20 & “has” in v22. 10x in NT. From enecho (to hold in, ensnare, be angry at); {from en (in, on, at, by, with) + echo (see note C above)}. This is bound by, liable to, deserving, guilty, subject, in danger of.
CCC “eternal” = aionios. Related to “never” in v29. From aion (see note YY above). This is age-long, forever, everlasting. Properly, that which lasts for an age. This is where eon comes from.
DDD “unclean” = akathartos. From a (not, without) + kathairo (to cleanse or purify by purging out unwanted elements); {from katharos (clean, clear, pure, unstained; clean in a literal, ritual, or spiritual sense; so, also guiltless, innocent or upright; something that is pure because it has been separated from the negative substance or aspect; spiritually clean because of God’s act of purifying)}. This is unclean or impure, whether a thing or a person. It is something that is not mixed with something that would taint. This is unclean in a ritual or moral sense. It can also mean demonic or foul.
EEE “spirit” = pneuma. Same as “Spirit” in v29. See note XX above.

31 Then his motherFFF and his brothersGGG came,HHH

Notes on verse 31a

FFF “mother” = meter. This is mother in a literal or figurative sense.
GGG “brothers” = adelphos. From a (with, community, fellowship) + delphus (womb). This is a brother in a literal or figurative sense. It is also used of another member of the Church.
HHH “came” = erchomai. Same as “went” in v20. See note A above.

and standingIII outside they sentJJJ to him and calledKKK him. 

Notes on verse 31b

III “standing” = steko. Related to “gone out of…mind” in v21 & “stand” in v24 & “risen up” in v26. 11x in NT. From histemi (see note M above). This is to stand fast or be stationary. Figuratively, it can mean to persevere.
JJJ “sent” = apostello. Related to “gone out of…mind” in v21 & “stand” in v24 & “risen up” in v26 & “standing” in v31. From apo (from, away from) + stello (to send, set, arrange, prepare, gather up); {probably from histemi (see note M above)}. This is to send forth, send away, dismiss, send as a messenger. It implies one that is sent for a particular mission or purpose rather than a quick errand. This is where “apostle” comes from.
KKK “called” = kaleo. Related to “called” in v23. See note V above.

32 A crowd was sittingLLL around him, and they saidMMM to him, “NNNYour mother and your brothersOOO are outside asking forPPP you.” 

Notes on verse 32

LLL “sitting” = kathemai. From kata (down, against, throughout, among) + hemai (to sit). This is to sit, be enthroned, or reside.
MMM “said” = lego. Same as “tell” in v28. See note OO above.
NNN {untranslated} = 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.
OOO {untranslated} = adelphe. Related to “brothers” in v31. From adelphos (see note GGG above). This is sister in a literal or figurative sense.
PPP “asking for” = zeteo. This is to seek, search for, desire. It is searching for something by inquiring or investigation. It can be seek in a literal or figurative sense. There is a Hebrew figure of speech “to seek God’s face” so it can also mean to worship God. Alternately, you could seek someone’s life i.e. plot to kill them.

33 And he replied,QQQ, RRR “Who are my mother and my brothers?” 

34 And looking atSSS those who sat around him,TTT

Notes on verses 33-34a

QQQ “replied” = apokrinomai. From apo (from, away from) + krino (to judge, decide, think good, condemn, determine, pass judgment, stand trial, sue; judging whether in court or in a private setting; properly, mentally separating or distinguishing an issue – to come to a choice or decision, to judge positively or negatively in seeking what is right or wrong, who is innocent or guilty; can imply trying, condemning, punishing, or avenging). This is to reply or respond, to draw one’s own conclusions, to speak when one is expected to.
RRR {untranslated} = lego. Same as “tell” in v28. See note OO above.
SSS “looking 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.
TTT {untranslated} = kuklo. 8x in NT. From kuklos (a circle). This is a ring, around, all around.

he said,UUU “HereVVV are my mother and my brothers! 35 Whoever doesWWW the willXXX of GodYYY is my brother and sister and mother.”

Notes on verses 34b-35

UUU “said” = lego. Same as “tell” in v28. See note OO above.
VVV “here” = idou. Same as {untranslated} in v32. See note NNN above.
WWW “does” = poieo. This is to make, do, act, construct, abide, or cause.
XXX “will” = thelema. From thelo (to desire, wise, will, intend). This is the act of will, choice, purpose, or decree.
YYY “God” = Theos. From Proto-Indo-European origins, meaning do, put, place. This is God or a god in general.


Image credit: “Oratory Mural Detail – The Annunciation” by Richard Rappaport, 1966.

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