The Meaning of Mark 1:10 Explained

Mark 1:10

KJV: And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him:

YLT: and immediately coming up from the water, he saw the heavens dividing, and the Spirit as a dove coming down upon him;

Darby: And straightway going up from the water, he saw the heavens parting asunder, and the Spirit, as a dove, descending upon him.

ASV: And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens rent asunder, and the Spirit as a dove descending upon him:

What is the context of Mark 1:10?

KJV Reverse Interlinear

And  straightway  coming up  out of  the water,  he saw  the heavens  opened,  and  the Spirit  like  a dove  descending  upon  him: 

What does Mark 1:10 Mean?

Verse Meaning

This is the first of Mark"s42uses of the Greek adverb euthys ("immediately") that give his narrative a feeling of rapidly moving action. Mark used this word more than the other three evangelists combined.
"As the story progresses, the frequency of the word "immediately" drops off, but reappears later to reinforce how quickly the arrest and trial of Jesus take place. And the tempo varies. Whereas early in the narrative the action shifts rapidly from one location to another, the end of the journey slows to a day-by-day description of what happens in a single location, Jerusalem, and then an hour-by-hour depiction of the crucifixion. Because the whole narrative moves toward Jerusalem and toward crucifixion, the slowing of the tempo greatly intensifies the experience of this event for the reader." [1]
Mark described Jesus seeing the heavens opened, though John at least saw this too ( John 1:32-34). He used the vivid word schizomenous, meaning tearing or rending. This word recalls Isaiah 64:1 where the prophet called on God to rend the heavens and come down (cf. Psalm 18:9; Psalm 18:16-19; Psalm 144:5-8). God now answered Isaiah"s prayer. The descent of the Spirit on Jesus constituted His anointing for ministry (cf. Luke 4:18; Acts 10:38). He was God"s anointed servant ("Christ;" cf. David, another anointed of the Lord).
The dove is a bird that symbolizes the humble self-sacrifice that characterizes it. It was a bird that poor Israelites" offered in sacrifice to the Lord. The same spirit of humble self-sacrifice indwelt Jesus.
The Spirit coming on Jesus here does not imply that Jesus had lacked Holy Spirit empowering previously. Here the Spirit came to empower Jesus specifically for His messianic ministry, which began now.

Context Summary

Mark 1:1-20 - The Beginning Of Jesus' Ministry
The ministry of John the Baptist, Mark 1:1-8. Always the message of John precedes that of Jesus Christ; first the changed attitude of the will, then faith. The greatness of the Baptist revealed itself in his humility. He saw what we must see, that a negative religion, symbolized by water, is not enough: we need to be set on fire.
The opening pages of Christ's public life, Mark 1:9-20. Jesus was recognized by the Baptist, who beheld the opened heavens and the descending Spirit. If the Lord was thus anointed ere He commenced His life-work, how much more must we be! Hast thou become united with Him in His death, made one with Him in His resurrection, and anointed by that same Spirit? Then be sure that thou, too, must be tempted. Sons of men must go the way of the Son of man, now under the opened heavens, then tempted of the devil; on one side the wild beasts, on the other the angels; now driven to loneliness, and then to the crowded street of the cities, there to gather disciples by the energy and beauty of a victorious life. [source]

Chapter Summary: Mark 1

1  The office of John the Baptist
9  Jesus is baptized;
12  tempted;
14  he preaches;
16  calls Peter, Andrew, James, and John;
23  heals one that had a demon;
29  Peter's mother in law;
32  many diseased persons;
40  and cleanses the leper

Greek Commentary for Mark 1:10

Straightway []
A favorite word with Mark. See Introduction. [source]
Opened [σχιζομένους]
Lit., as Rev., rent asunder: much stronger than Matthew's and Luke's ἀνεῴχθησαν , were opened. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Mark 1:10

Mark 1:9 In the Jordan [εις τον Ιορδανην]
So in Mark 1:10, εκ του υδατος — ek tou hudatos out of the water, after the baptism into the Jordan. Mark is as fond of “straightway” (ευτυς — euthus) as Matthew is of “then” (τοτε — tote). [source]
Luke 3:21 Jesus also having been baptized [και Ιησου βαπτιστεντος]
Genitive absolute construction, first aorist passive participle. In Luke‘s sentence the baptism of Jesus is merely introductory to the descent of the Holy Spirit and the voice of the Father. For the narrative of the baptism see note on Mark 1:9; notes on Matthew 3:13-16.And praying (και προσευχομενου — kai proseuchomenou). Alone in Luke who so often mentions the praying of Jesus. Present participle and so naturally meaning that the heaven was opened while Jesus was praying though not necessarily in answer to his prayer.The heaven was opened First aorist passive infinitive with double augment, whereas the infinitive is not supposed to have any augment. The regular form would be ανοιχτηναι — anoichthēnai as in D (Codex Bezae). So the augment appears in the future indicative κατεαχει — kateaxei (Matthew 12:20) and the second aorist passive subjunctive κατεαγωσιν — kateagōsin (John 19:31). Such unusual forms appear in the Koiné. This infinitive here with the accusative of general reference is the subject of εγενετο — egeneto (it came to pass). Matthew 3:16 uses the same verb, but Mark 1:10 has σχιζομενους — schizomenous rent asunder. [source]
Luke 3:21 The heaven was opened [ανεωιχτηναι τον ουρανον]
First aorist passive infinitive with double augment, whereas the infinitive is not supposed to have any augment. The regular form would be ανοιχτηναι — anoichthēnai as in D (Codex Bezae). So the augment appears in the future indicative κατεαχει — kateaxei (Matthew 12:20) and the second aorist passive subjunctive κατεαγωσιν — kateagōsin (John 19:31). Such unusual forms appear in the Koiné. This infinitive here with the accusative of general reference is the subject of εγενετο — egeneto (it came to pass). Matthew 3:16 uses the same verb, but Mark 1:10 has σχιζομενους — schizomenous rent asunder. [source]
Luke 3:22 The Holy Ghost [το πνευμα το αγιον]
The Holy Spirit. Mark 1:10 has merely the Spirit Alone in Luke who has also “as a dove” (ως περιστεραν — hōs peristeran) like Matthew and Mark. This probably means that the Baptist saw the vision that looked like a dove. Nothing is gained by denying the fact or possibility of the vision that looked like a dove. God manifests his power as he will. The symbolism of the dove for the Holy Spirit is intelligible. We are not to understand that this was the beginning of the Incarnation of Christ as the Cerinthian Gnostics held. But this fresh influx of the Holy Spirit may have deepened the Messianic consciousness of Jesus and certainly revealed him to the Baptist as God‘s Son.And a voice came out of heaven Same construction of infinitive with accusative of general reference. The voice of the Father to the Son is given here as in Mark 1:11, which see, and Matthew 3:17 for discussion of the variation there. The Trinity here manifest themselves at the baptism of Jesus which constitutes the formal entrance of Jesus upon his Messianic ministry. He enters upon it with the Father‘s blessing and approval and with the power of the Holy Spirit upon him. The deity of Christ here appears in plain form in the Synoptic Gospels. The consciousness of Christ is as clear on this point here as in the Gospel of John where the Baptist describes him after his baptism as the Son of God (John 1:34). [source]
John 1:32 Bare witness [εμαρτυρησεν]
First aorist active indicative of μαρτυρεω — martureō Another specimen of John‘s witness to the Messiah (John 1:7, John 1:15, John 1:19, John 1:29, John 1:35, John 1:36). I have beheld Perfect middle indicative of τεαομαι — theaomai the realization of the promise of the sign (John 1:33) by which he should recognize the Messiah. As a matter of fact, we know that he so recognized Jesus as Messiah when he came for baptism before the Holy Spirit came (Matthew 3:14.). But this sight of the Spirit descending as a dove upon Jesus at his baptism (Mark 1:10; Matthew 3:16; Luke 3:22) became permanent proof to him. John‘s allusion assumes the Synoptic record. The Semites regarded the dove as a symbol of the Spirit. [source]
Acts 8:39 Out of the water [εκ του υδατος]
Not from the edge of the water, but up out of the water as in Mark 1:10. [source]
Galatians 4:6 The Spirit of his Son []
The Holy Spirit which animated Jesus in his human life, and which, in the risen Christ, is the life-principle of believers. See 1 Corinthians 15:45, and comp. Romans 8:9-11. The Holy Spirit is called the Spirit of Christ, Romans 8:9, Romans 8:10, where Paul uses Spirit of God, Spirit of Christ and Christ as convertible terms. The phrase Spirit of Jesus Christ only Philemon 1:19. In John 3:34Christ is represented as dispensing the Spirit. He is fully endowed with the Spirit (Mark 1:10; John 1:32): he sends the Spirit from the Father to the disciples, and he is the burden of the Spirit's testimony (John 15:26; John 16:7, John 16:9, John 16:10, John 16:15). The Paraclete is given in answer to Christ's prayer (John 14:16). Christ identifies his own coming and presence with those of the Spirit (John 14:17, John 14:18). Paul identifies him personally with the Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:17). [source]
Revelation 19:10 Worship God [τωι τεωι προσκυνησον]
And Christ, who is the Son of God (Revelation 5:13.).The spirit of prophecy (το πνευμα της προπητειας — to pneuma tēs prophēteias). Explanatory use of γαρ — gar (for) here as in Revelation 19:8. The possession of the prophetic spirit shows itself in witness to Jesus. In illustration see Mark 1:10; Matthew 3:16; Luke 3:21; John 1:51; Revelation 4:1; Revelation 10:1; Revelation 11:19; Revelation 14:17; Revelation 15:5; Revelation 18:1; Revelation 19:1, Revelation 19:7-9. [source]
Revelation 19:10 The spirit of prophecy [το πνευμα της προπητειας]
Explanatory use of γαρ — gar (for) here as in Revelation 19:8. The possession of the prophetic spirit shows itself in witness to Jesus. In illustration see Mark 1:10; Matthew 3:16; Luke 3:21; John 1:51; Revelation 4:1; Revelation 10:1; Revelation 11:19; Revelation 14:17; Revelation 15:5; Revelation 18:1; Revelation 19:1, Revelation 19:7-9. [source]
Revelation 19:11 The heaven opened [τον ουρανον ηνεωιγμενον]
Perfect passive participle (triple reduplication) of ανοιγω — anoigō Accusative case after ειδον — eidon So Ezekiel (Ezekiel 1:1) begins his prophecy. See also the baptism of Jesus (Matthew 3:16; Luke 3:21, but σχιζομενους — schizomenous in Mark 1:10). Jesus predicted the opened heavens to Nathanael (John 1:51). In Revelation 4:1 a door is opened in heaven, the sanctuary is opened (Revelation 11:19; Revelation 15:5), angels come out of heaven (Revelation 10:1; Revelation 14:17; Revelation 18:1), and sounds come from heaven (Revelation 19:1). [source]
Revelation 19:10 See thou do it not [ορα μη]
Repeated in Revelation 22:9. Here there is no verb after μη — mē (ellipse of ποιησηις τουτο — poiēsēis touto) as in Mark 1:44; 1 Thessalonians 5:15), the aorist subjunctive of negative purpose with μη — mē after ορα — hora (present active imperative of οραω — horaō), a common enough idiom.Fellow-servant (συνδουλος — sundoulos). The angel refuses worship from John on this ground. All Christians are συνδουλοι — sundouloi (fellow-servants) as Christ taught (Matthew 18:28.; Matthew 24:49) and as Paul (Colossians 1:7; Colossians 4:7) and John (Revelation 6:11) taught. Angels are God‘s servants also (Hebrews 1:4-14). For “the testimony of Jesus” see Revelation 1:2, Revelation 1:9; Revelation 6:9; Revelation 12:17; Revelation 22:4.Worship God And Christ, who is the Son of God (Revelation 5:13.).The spirit of prophecy (το πνευμα της προπητειας — to pneuma tēs prophēteias). Explanatory use of γαρ — gar (for) here as in Revelation 19:8. The possession of the prophetic spirit shows itself in witness to Jesus. In illustration see Mark 1:10; Matthew 3:16; Luke 3:21; John 1:51; Revelation 4:1; Revelation 10:1; Revelation 11:19; Revelation 14:17; Revelation 15:5; Revelation 18:1; Revelation 19:1, Revelation 19:7-9. [source]
Revelation 4:1 I saw [ειδον]
Second aorist active indicative of οραω — horaō Exclamation of vivid emotion as John looked. No effect on the structure and nominative case τυρα — thura (door) follows it.Opened (ηνεωιγμενη — ēneōigmenē). Perfect (triple reduplication) passive participle of ανοιγω — anoigō as in Revelation 3:8 (door of opportunity) and Revelation 3:20 (door of the heart), here the door of revelation (Swete).In heaven As in Ezekiel 1:1; Mark 1:10; John 1:51. In Revelation always in singular except Revelation 12:12.The first (η πρωτη — hē prōtē). Reference is to Revelation 1:10.Speaking From λαλεω — laleō rather λεγουσης — legousēs of Revelation 1:10 from λεγω — legō both agreeing with σαλπιγγος — salpiggos (trumpet).Saying (λεγων — legōn). Present active participle of λεγω — legō repeating the idea of λαλουσης — lalousēs but in the nominative masculine singular construed with πωνη — phōnē (feminine singular), construction according to sense because of the person behind the voice as in Revelation 11:15; Revelation 19:14.Come up Short Koiné form for αναβητι — anabēthi (second aorist active imperative second person singular of αναβαινω — anabainō).Hither (ωδε — hōde). Originally “here,” but vernacular use (John 6:25; John 10:27).I will show Future active of δεικνυμι — deiknumi in same sense in Revelation 1:1.Hereafter (μετα ταυτα — meta tauta). Some editors (Westcott and Hort) connect these words with the beginning of Revelation 4:2. [source]
Revelation 4:1 In heaven [εν τωι ουρανωι]
As in Ezekiel 1:1; Mark 1:10; John 1:51. In Revelation always in singular except Revelation 12:12.The first (η πρωτη — hē prōtē). Reference is to Revelation 1:10.Speaking From λαλεω — laleō rather λεγουσης — legousēs of Revelation 1:10 from λεγω — legō both agreeing with σαλπιγγος — salpiggos (trumpet).Saying (λεγων — legōn). Present active participle of λεγω — legō repeating the idea of λαλουσης — lalousēs but in the nominative masculine singular construed with πωνη — phōnē (feminine singular), construction according to sense because of the person behind the voice as in Revelation 11:15; Revelation 19:14.Come up Short Koiné form for αναβητι — anabēthi (second aorist active imperative second person singular of αναβαινω — anabainō).Hither (ωδε — hōde). Originally “here,” but vernacular use (John 6:25; John 10:27).I will show Future active of δεικνυμι — deiknumi in same sense in Revelation 1:1.Hereafter (μετα ταυτα — meta tauta). Some editors (Westcott and Hort) connect these words with the beginning of Revelation 4:2. [source]

What do the individual words in Mark 1:10 mean?

And immediately going up from the water he saw tearing open the heavens the Spirit as a dove descending upon Him
καὶ εὐθὺς ἀναβαίνων ἐκ τοῦ ὕδατος εἶδεν σχιζομένους τοὺς οὐρανοὺς τὸ Πνεῦμα ὡς περιστερὰν καταβαῖνον εἰς αὐτόν

εὐθὺς  immediately 
Parse: Adverb
Root: εὐθέως  
Sense: straightway, immediately, forthwith.
ἀναβαίνων  going  up 
Parse: Verb, Present Participle Active, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: ἀναβαίνω  
Sense: ascend.
ὕδατος  water 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Neuter Singular
Root: ὕδωρ  
Sense: water.
εἶδεν  he  saw 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Active, 3rd Person Singular
Root: εἶδον 
Sense: to see with the eyes.
σχιζομένους  tearing  open 
Parse: Verb, Present Participle Middle or Passive, Accusative Masculine Plural
Root: σχίζω  
Sense: to cleave, cleave asunder, rend.
οὐρανοὺς  heavens 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Masculine Plural
Root: οὐρανός  
Sense: the vaulted expanse of the sky with all things visible in it.
Πνεῦμα  Spirit 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Neuter Singular
Root: πνεῦμα  
Sense: a movement of air (a gentle blast.
περιστερὰν  a  dove 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Feminine Singular
Root: περιστερά  
Sense: a dove.
καταβαῖνον  descending 
Parse: Verb, Present Participle Active, Accusative Neuter Singular
Root: καταβαίνω  
Sense: to go down, come down, descend.
εἰς  upon 
Parse: Preposition
Root: εἰς  
Sense: into, unto, to, towards, for, among.

What are the major concepts related to Mark 1:10?

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