Tag Archives: Mark 8:17

Blind Minds and Hardened Hearts: Koine Simplicity versus Classical Subtlety

Καὶ γνοὺς ὁ Ἰησοῦς λέγει αὐτοῖς· τί διαλογίζεσθε ὅτι ἄρτους οὐκ ἔχετε; οὔπω νοεῖτε οὐδὲ συνίετε; ἔτι πεπωρωμένην ἔχετε τὴν καρδίαν ὑμῶν; (Mark 8:17)

And knowing, Jesus says to them: “Why are you reasoning that you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive nor understand? Do you still have your heart hardened?”

Koine Greek Grammar and Syntax Καὶ γνοὺς: Aorist active participle nominative masculine singular of γινώσκω, “having known.” Functions adverbially, showing antecedent circumstance — Jesus knew before speaking. ὁ Ἰησοῦς λέγει: Subject + present active indicative 3rd singular of λέγω, vivid historical present. The Gospel narrative often employs present tense for immediacy.… Learn Koine Greek
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