To explore a few of the Greek words in the Gospel of Mark 1:1–8, first I look at various Bible translations.
Then I conduct word studies on key Greek terms.
Firstly, a look at the passage in multiple versions, including the Greek text:
Mark 1:1-8 (ESV)
- The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
- As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, “Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way,
- the voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.'”
- John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
- And all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.
- Now John was clothed with camel’s hair and wore a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey.
- And he preached, saying, “After me comes he who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie.
- I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
Mark 1:1-8 (NIV)
- The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God,
- as it is written in Isaiah the prophet: “I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way”—
- “a voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.'”
- And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
- The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.
- John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey.
- And this was his message: “After me comes the one more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie.
- I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
Mark 1:1-8 (Greek Text)
- Ἀρχὴ τοῦ εὐαγγελίου Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ [υἱοῦ τοῦ Θεοῦ].
- Καθὼς γέγραπται ἐν τῷ Ἠσαΐᾳ τῷ προφήτῃ· Ἰδοὺ ἐγὼ ἀποστέλλω τὸν ἄγγελόν μου πρὸ προσώπου σου, ὃς κατασκευάσει τὴν ὁδόν σου·
- φωνὴ βοῶντος ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ· Ἑτοιμάσατε τὴν ὁδὸν Κυρίου, εὐθείας ποιεῖτε τὰς τρίβους αὐτοῦ·
- ἐγένετο Ἰωάννης ὁ βαπτίζων ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ καὶ κηρύσσων βάπτισμα μετανοίας εἰς ἄφεσιν ἁμαρτιῶν.
- Καὶ ἐξεπορεύετο πρὸς αὐτὸν πᾶσα ἡ Ἰουδαία χώρα καὶ οἱ Ἱεροσολυμεῖται πάντες, καὶ ἐβαπτίζοντο ὑπ’ αὐτοῦ ἐν τῷ Ἰορδάνῃ ποταμῷ, ἐξομολογούμενοι τὰς ἁμαρτίας αὐτῶν.
- Καὶ ἦν ὁ Ἰωάννης ἐνδεδυμένος τρίχας καμήλου καὶ ζώνην δερματίνην περὶ τὴν ὀσφὺν αὐτοῦ καὶ ἐσθίων ἀκρίδας καὶ μέλι ἄγριον.
- Καὶ ἐκήρυσσεν λέγων· Ἔρχεται ὁ ἰσχυρότερός μου ὀπίσω μου, οὗ οὐκ εἰμὶ ἱκανὸς κύψας λῦσαι τὸν ἱμάντα τῶν ὑποδημάτων αὐτοῦ.
- Ἐγὼ ἐβάπτισα ὑμᾶς ἐν ὕδατι· αὐτὸς δὲ βαπτίσει ὑμᾶς ἐν Πνεύματι Ἁγίῳ.
Word Studies of Key Greek Terms
- Ἀρχὴ (Archē) – “Beginning” (Verse 1)
- Meaning: This word refers to the “beginning” or “origin.” In Greek, “archē” signifies not just the start of something but also its foundational principle or cause. Here, it implies more than just the first part of a story; it signals the beginning of a new era—the inauguration of the gospel message.
- Insight: This word evokes the creation account in Genesis 1:1 (“In the beginning…”). The use of “archē” to start Mark’s Gospel echoes the significance of the creation of the world, but now it is a new creation through the gospel of Jesus Christ.
- εὐαγγέλιον (Euangelion) – “Gospel” or “Good News” (Verse 1)
- Meaning: “Euangelion” means “good news” or “gospel.” It was commonly used to announce a victory or the ascension of a ruler in the ancient world. In Mark, it refers specifically to the good news about Jesus Christ.
- Insight: This term was politically charged, as it was often associated with proclamations about Roman emperors. By using “euangelion” for Jesus, Mark is presenting Jesus as the true King, challenging the political and religious systems of the time.
- Μετανοίας (Metanoias) – “Repentance” (Verse 4)
- Meaning: “Metanoia” means “a change of mind” or “repentance.” It implies more than regret; it suggests a transformative change in one’s way of thinking and living.
- Insight: John’s call to “repentance” is not just about feeling sorry for sins, but about turning around and embracing a new way of life aligned with God’s will. It’s a radical reorientation toward God’s kingdom.
- Ἄφεσις (Aphesis) – “Forgiveness” (Verse 4)
- Meaning: “Aphesis” means “release” or “forgiveness,” particularly a release from bondage or imprisonment. In this context, it refers to the forgiveness of sins.
- Insight: The word conveys the idea of being set free, not just from the guilt of sin, but from the power and bondage of sin itself. This freedom aligns with the new life offered through the gospel.
- Βάπτισμα (Baptisma) – “Baptism” (Verse 4)
- Meaning: “Baptisma” refers to the act of immersion in water, symbolizing purification or initiation. In the context of John’s ministry, it was a sign of repentance and preparation for the coming kingdom of God.
- Insight: Baptism here is deeply connected to repentance and the forgiveness of sins. It is a symbol of washing away the old life and entering into a new one prepared for the coming of Christ.
- Ἱκανός (Hikanos) – “Worthy” (Verse 7)
- Meaning: “Hikanos” means “sufficient” or “worthy.” In Mark 1:7, John the Baptist uses this word to express his unworthiness compared to the coming Messiah.
- Insight: John uses this term to show extreme humility. Despite his important role, he recognizes that he is not even worthy to perform the lowly task of untying Jesus’ sandals, an act normally done by the lowest servant.
These Greek words highlight deeper layers of meaning in the text.
For example, “archē” connects the beginning of the Gospel to the creation, emphasizing the cosmic scope of Jesus’ mission. “Metanoia” shows that repentance is a profound transformation, not merely an emotional response.
