Spoken to:
On Mount of Olives, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked Jesus when these things will be.
KJV:
Mark 13:21 And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here is Christ; or, lo, he is there; believe him not:
NIV :
Mark 13:21 At that time if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah!’ or, ‘Look, there he is!’ do not believe it.
3RD (NLT, if not otherwise identified):
Mark 13:21 Then if anyone tells you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah,’ or ‘There he is,’ don’t believe it.
LISTENERS HEARD:
And then when anyone says to you, "Look here, the Anointed! Look there!" Do not trust him!
MY TAKE:
We can imagine our saviors in the strangest places.
GREEK (Each Word Explained Bottom of Page):
GREEK ORDER:
LOST IN TRANSLATION:
The term translated as "if" is closer to "when." Jesus said that this was going to happen, and it still does.
The word Greek word "christos" has become a title or a name, so the original Greek words, which mean "the anointed" has not been translated or replaced by the term "Messiah," which is the Hebrew/Aramaic word for "anointed. However, at the time, the people would have heard "anointed," describing the anointing of Jewish kings.
The "or" existed in the KJV source, but not in the modern sources or the Latin Vulgate.
Again, the Greek here is more like a spoken statement than a written sentence. Listeners would have assumed much of the context but it was not what Jesus said.
# KJV TRANSLATION ISSUES:
- CW - Confusing Word -- The "if" does not capture the word's specific meaning.
- CW - Confusing Word -- The "shall" does not mean the future tense.
- WW - Wrong Word -- The word translated as "lo" means "look." This is not the adverbial form.
- MW - Missing Word -- The article "the" before "Christ" is not shown in the English
- UT - Untranslated Word -- The word "christos" means "anointed." It is not translated but a title is substituted.
- OS -- Outdated Source -- The Greek word translated as "or" existed in the KJV Greek source but not the source we use today.
- WW - Wrong Word -- The word translated as "lo" means "look." This is not the adverbial form.
- IW - Inserted Word -- The word "he" doesn't exist in the source and isn't otherwise justified.
- IW - Inserted Word -- The word "is" doesn't exist in the source and isn't otherwise justified.
# NIV TRANSLATION ISSUES:
- MW - Missing Word -- The word "and" is not shown in the English
- CW - Confusing Word -- The "if" does not capture the word's specific meaning.
- WW - Wrong Word -- The word translated as "Messiah" means "anointed."
- IW - Inserted Word -- The word "or" doesn't exist in the source.
- IP - Inserted Word -- The words "he is" doesn't exist in the source and isn't otherwise justified.
# 3RD TRANSLATION ISSUES:
- MW - Missing Word -- The word "and" is not shown in the English
- CW - Confusing Word -- The "if" does not capture the word's specific meaning.
- WW - Wrong Word -- The word translated as "Messiah" means "anointed."
- IW - Inserted Word -- The word "or" doesn't exist in the source.
- IP - Inserted Word -- The words "he is" doesn't exist in the source and isn't otherwise justified.
EACH WORD of KJV :
And -- The Greek word translated as "and" is used as the conjunction "and", but it also is used to add emphasis ("also"). In a series, it is best translated as "not only...but also." After words implying sameness "as".
then -- "Then" is from the Greek word that means "at that time" and "then."
if - (CW) "If" indicates more of an expectation of something happening than "if" alone. This is how we use the word "when." It can be used after a demonstrative pronoun to mean "that possibly," "whosoever," or "whatsoever." This is not the simple "if."
any man -- The word translated as "any man" means primarily "anything" or "anyone."
shall -- (CW) This helping verb "shall" does not indicate the future tense, but that the following verb describes a possibility, the subjunctive voice. A "might" or "should" in English is more appropriate, but is assumed in an "if" or "when" clause. Helping verbs are not needed in Greek since the main verb carries this information in its form.
say -- "Say" is from means "to say" and "to speak" also. It has less a sense addressing and proclaiming.
to -- This word "to" comes from the dative case of the following word that requires the addition of a preposition in English, but the translator must decide which preposition to use: a "to" as an indirect object seem likely here.
you, -- The Greek pronoun "you" here is plural and in the form of an indirect object, "to you", "for you", etc.
Lo, -- (WW) "Lo" is a verbal command meaning "See!" and "Look!" It is from the most common word meaning "to see" in Greek. It is not the adverbial form meaning "lo" that is used in Matthew 24:23.
here -- The word translated as "here" means in manner, "in this way," referring to manner, or "here," referring to place.
is -- -- There is no verb "to be" here in the Greek. However, when a noun and pronouns appear in the form of a subject without a verb, the verb "to be" is assumed.
missing "the" -- (MW) The untranslated word is the Greek definite article, which usually precedes a noun and, without a noun, takes the meaning of "the one." The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this", "that", "these", "those"). See this article for more.
Christ, -- (UW) The word translated as "Christ" means "anointed." In the NT, it is understood to mean the Messiah, following the anointing of the kings of Israel. The Jews of Jesus's era thought they understood who the Messiah was and the source of his authority. He was a descendant of David, and his authority came from David as "the anointed" king of the Jews.
or, --- (OS) There is nothing in the Greek that can be translated as "or" in the source we use today but it does exist in the source that the KJV translators used.
lo, -- (WW) "Lo" is a verbal command meaning "See!" and "Look!" It is from the most common word meaning "to see" in Greek. It is not the adverbial form meaning "lo" that is used in Matthew 24:23.
he -- (IW) There are no Greek words that can be translated as "he" in the source we use today nor was there one in the source that the KJV translators used. It was added for clarity.
is -- (IW) There are no Greek words that can be translated as "is" in the source we use today nor was there one in the source that the KJV translators used.
there; -- "Yonder place" is a word meaning "there", "in that place," and in philosophy means "the intelligible world."
believe-- The Greek word translated as "believe" does not apply to religious belief as much but trusting or relying upon other people, especially their words. Jesus usually uses it in contexts, such as the one here, that apply to trusting words. See this article.
him -- There is no Greek pronoun here, but Greek does not need pronouns when the object can be assumed from the context. In English, they are added for the subject-verb-object form of our sentences.
not: -- The negative "not" used here is the Greek negative of a subjective opinion, commands, and requests. The sense is that "you don't want" to do something, not that it isn't done or don't think something that might be true. If it wasn't done or wasn't true, the objective negative of fact would be used. This is the negative used with commands and requests.
EACH WORD of NIV :
missing "and"-- (MW) The untranslated word "and" is used as the conjunction "and", but it also is used to add emphasis ("also"). In a series, it is best translated as "not only...but also." After words implying sameness "as".
At that time -- "At that time" is from the Greek word that means "at that time" and "then."
if - (CW) "If" indicates more of an expectation of something happening than "if" alone. This is how we use the word "when." It can be used after a demonstrative pronoun to mean "that possibly," "whosoever," or "whatsoever." This is not the simple "if."
anyone -- The word translated as "anyone" means primarily "anything" or "anyone."
says -- "Says" is from means "to say" and "to speak" also. It has less a sense addressing and proclaiming.
to -- This word "to" comes from the dative case of the following word that requires the addition of a preposition in English, but the translator must decide which preposition to use: a "to" as an indirect object seem likely here.
you, -- The Greek pronoun "you" here is plural and in the form of an indirect object, "to you", "for you", etc.
Look, -- "Look" is a verbal command meaning "See!" and "Look!" It is from the most common word meaning "to see" in Greek. It is not the adverbial form meaning "lo" that is used in Matthew 24:23.‘
here -- The word translated as "here" means in manner, "in this way," referring to manner, or "here," referring to place.
is -- -- There is no verb "to be" here in the Greek. However, when a noun and pronouns appear in the form of a subject without a verb, the verb "to be" is assumed.
the -- This word is the Greek definite article, which usually precedes a noun and, without a noun, takes the meaning of "the one." The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this", "that", "these", "those"). See this article for more.
Messiah, -- (WW) The Greek word translated as "Messiah" means "anointed." In the NT, it is understood today to mean the Messiah. "Messiah" is the untranslated Aramaic word for anointed. And it doesn't appear here. The Jews of Jesus's era saw the terms are referring to a descendant of David, whose authority came from David as "the anointed" king of the Jews.
or, -- (IW) There is nothing that can be translated as "or" in the Greek source.
Look, -- "Look" is a verbal command meaning "See!" and "Look!" It is from the most common word meaning "to see" in Greek. It is not the adverbial form meaning "lo" that is used in Matthew 24:23.
there; -- "Yonder place" is a word meaning "there", "in that place," and in philosophy means "the intelligible world."
he is -- (IP) There are no Greek words that can be translated as "he" in the source we use today nor was there one in the source that the KJV translators used. It was added for clarity.
do -- This is a helping verb setting up the command.
not: -- The negative "not" used here is the Greek negative of a subjective opinion, commands, and requests. The sense is that "you don't want" to do something, not that it isn't done or don't think something that might be true. If it wasn't done or wasn't true, the objective negative of fact would be used. This is the negative used with commands and requests.
believe -- The Greek word translated as "believe" does not apply to religious belief as much as it does trusting in other people, especially their word. Christ usually uses it in contexts, as the one here, that apply to trusting words.
it-- There is no Greek pronoun here, but Greek does not need pronouns when the object can be assumed from the context. In English, they are added for the subject-verb-object form of our sentences.
EACH WORD 3RD (NLT or as noted):
missing "and"-- (MW) The untranslated word "and" is used as the conjunction "and", but it also is used to add emphasis ("also"). In a series, it is best translated as "not only...but also." After words implying sameness "as".
At that time -- "At that time" is from the Greek word that means "at that time" and "then."
if - - (CW) "If" indicates more of an expectation of something happening than "if" alone. This is how we use the word "when." It can be used after a demonstrative pronoun to mean "that possibly," "whosoever," or "whatsoever." This is not the simple "if."
anyone -- The word translated as "anyone" means primarily "anything" or "anyone."
tells -- "Tells" is from means "to say" and "to speak" also. It has less a sense addressing and proclaiming.
to -- This word "to" comes from the dative case of the following word that requires the addition of a preposition in English, but the translator must decide which preposition to use: a "to" as an indirect object seem likely here.
you, -- The Greek pronoun "you" here is plural and in the form of an indirect object, "to you", "for you", etc.
Look, -- "Look" is a verbal command meaning "See!" and "Look!" It is from the most common word meaning "to see" in Greek. It is not the adverbial form meaning "lo" that is used in Matthew 24:23.‘
here -- The word translated as "here" means in manner, "in this way," referring to manner, or "here," referring to place.
is -- -- There is no verb "to be" here in the Greek. However, when a noun and pronouns appear in the form of a subject without a verb, the verb "to be" is assumed.
the -- This word is the Greek definite article, which usually precedes a noun and, without a noun, takes the meaning of "the one." The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this", "that", "these", "those"). See this article for more.
Messiah, -- (WW) The Greek word translated as "Messiah" means "anointed." In the NT, it is understood today to mean the Messiah. "Messiah" is the untranslated Aramaic word for anointed. And it doesn't appear here. The Jews of Jesus's era saw the terms are referring to a descendant of David, whose authority came from David as "the anointed" king of the Jews.
or, -- (IW) There is nothing that can be translated as "or" in the Greek source.
Look, -- "Look" is a verbal command meaning "See!" and "Look!" It is from the most common word meaning "to see" in Greek. It is not the adverbial form meaning "lo" that is used in Matthew 24:23.
there; -- "Yonder place" is a word meaning "there", "in that place," and in philosophy means "the intelligible world."
he is -- (IP) There are no Greek words that can be translated as "he" in the source we use today nor was there one in the source that the KJV translators used. It was added for clarity.
do -- This is a helping verb setting up the command.
n't: -- The negative "not" used here is the Greek negative of a subjective opinion, commands, and requests. The sense is that "you don't want" to do something, not that it isn't done or don't think something that might be true. If it wasn't done or wasn't true, the objective negative of fact would be used. This is the negative used with commands and requests.
believe -- The Greek word translated as "believe" does not apply to religious belief as much as it does trusting in other people, especially their word. Christ usually uses it in contexts, as the one here, that apply to trusting words.
it-- There is no Greek pronoun here, but Greek does not need pronouns when the object can be assumed from the context. In English, they are added for the subject-verb-object form of our sentences.
COMPARISON: GREEK to KJV :
καὶ [1089 verses](conj/adv) "And" is from kai, which is the conjunction joining phrases and clauses, "and," or "but." After words implying sameness, "as" (the same opinion as you). Used in series, joins positive with negative "Not only...but also." Also used to give emphasis, "even", "also," and "just."
τότε [53 verses](adv)"Then" is from tote, which means "at that time" and "then."
ἐὰν [163 verses](conj) "If" is ean, which is a conditional particle (derived from ei (if) and an (possibly), which makes reference to a time and experience in the future that introduces but does not determine an event. This is how we use the word "when." It can be used after a demonstrative pronoun hos or hostis meaning "that possibly," "whosoever" or "whatsoever."-
τις [252 verses](pron sg fem/masc nom) "Any man" is tis, which can mean "someone," "something," "any one," "everyone," "they [indefinite]," "many a one," "whoever," "anyone," "anything," "some sort," "some sort of," "each," "any," "the individual," "such," and so on. In a question, it can mean "who," "why," or "what." Plural, "who are" is τίνες ἐόντες. It has specific meanings with certain prepositions, διὰ τί; for what reason? ἐκ τίνος; from what cause? ἐς τί; to what point? to what end?
ὑμῖν. [299 verses](pron 2nd pl dat) "To you" is hymin (humin), which is the 2nd person plural dative pronoun. Dative is the case which indicates to whom something is given
εἴπῃ [162 verses](verb 3rd sg aor subj act) "Shall say" is eipon, which means "to speak," "to say," "to recite," "to address," "to mention," "to name," "to proclaim," "to plead," "to promise," and "to offer." This is the second most common word Jesus uses for this idea. The other word is used more for discussion. Perhaps translating it consistently as "tell" would work.
Ἴδε [52 verses]( verb 2nd sg aor imperat act) "Lo"is idou, which means "to behold," "to see," and "to perceive." It acts as an adverbial phrase in this form meaning "Lo! Behold!" and "See there!' It is a form of the verb eido, which means "to see."
ὧδε [29 verses] (adv) "In hither" is hode, the demonstrative adverb that means in manner, "in this wise," "thus," "so very," "so exceedingly," of Place, "hither," and "here."
ὁ [821 verses] (article sg masc nom) Untranslated is the Greek definite article, hos, ("the"), which usually precedes a noun and, without a noun, takes the meaning of "the one" or, in the plural, "the ones."
χριστός [13 verses] (noun sg masc nom) "Christ" is christos, which means "to be rubbed with salve," "used as an ointment," and, of persons, "anointed."
Ἴδε [52 verses]( verb 2nd sg aor imperat act) "Lo"is idou, which means "to behold," "to see," and "to perceive." It acts as an adverbial phrase in this form meaning "Lo! Behold!" and "See there!' It is a form of the verb eido, which means "to see."
ἐκεῖ [33 verses](adv) "Yonder place" is ekei, which means "there," "in that place," and in philosophy means "the intelligible world."
μὴ [447 verses](conj) "Not" is me , which is the negative used in prohibitions and expressions of doubt meaning "not" and "no." The negative, μή, rejects, is relative, and subjective. It is used in imperative and subjunctive clauses because both express opinions. This negative applies to will and thought. With pres. or aor. subjunctive, it is used in a warning or statement of fear, "take care" It can be the conjunction "lest" or "for fear that." Used before tis with an imperative to express a will or wish for something in independent sentences and, with subjunctives, to express prohibitions. It is used with infinitives that express a purpose.
πιστεύετε: [69 verses]( verb 2nd pl pres imperat act ) "Believe" is pisteuo, which means "to trust, put faith in, or rely on a person," "to believe in someone's words," "to comply," "to feel confident in a thing," and "to entrust in a thing."