I. Titles and Descriptions of Jesus:;xNLx;;xNLx;Christ / Messiah (Greek: Christos; Hebrew: Mashiach) (e.g., Mark 1:1; 8:29; 9:41; 12:35; 13:21; 14:61; 15:32): Meaning "Anointed One." In Jewish expectation, the Messiah was the promised deliverer from the line of David who would restore God's kingdom, save His people, and fulfill Old Testament prophecies. Mark presents Jesus as this long-awaited Messiah, though Jesus often redirects understanding of what that means (see "Messianic Secret").;xNLx;Son of God (e.g., Mark 1:1, 11; 3:11; 5:7; 9:7; 14:61-62 [implied by "Son of the Blessed"]; 15:39): A central title for Jesus in Mark, emphasizing His unique, divine relationship with God the Father, His divine nature, and His authority. The Roman centurion's confession at the cross, "Truly this man was the Son of God!" (Mark 15:39), is a climactic moment.;xNLx;Son of Man (e.g., Mark 2:10, 28; 8:31, 38; 9:9, 12, 31; 10:33, 45; 13:26; 14:21, 41, 62): Jesus' most frequent self-designation in the Gospels. In Mark, it highlights His authority (to forgive sins, as Lord of the Sabbath), His mission to suffer, die, and rise again (passion predictions), His role as a ransom for many, and His future glorious return in judgment (drawing on Daniel 7:13-14).;xNLx;Lord (Greek: Kyrios) (e.g., Mark 1:3; 2:28; 5:19; 7:28; 11:3, 9; 12:9, 11, 29-30, 36-37; 13:20, 35; 16:19-20 [longer ending]): A term that can mean "sir," "master," or, significantly, refer to God (as in Old Testament quotations where it stands for Yahweh). When applied to Jesus, especially after the resurrection, it signifies His divine authority, sovereignty, and deity.;xNLx;Son of David (Mark 10:47-48; 12:35-37): A messianic title, emphasizing Jesus' royal lineage from King David and His role as the heir to the Davidic covenant and throne. Bartimaeus cries out to Jesus as "Son of David.";xNLx;The Holy One of God (Mark 1:24): A title used by a demon to identify Jesus, acknowledging His unique holiness and divine nature.;xNLx;II. Jewish Religious Groups, Leaders, and Practices:;xNLx;;xNLx;Scribes (e.g., Mark 1:22; 2:6, 16; 3:22; 7:1, 5; 8:31; 9:11, 14; 10:33; 11:18, 27; 12:28, 32, 35, 38; 14:1, 43, 53; 15:1, 31): Experts in the Jewish Law (Torah), responsible for interpreting, teaching, and copying it. In Mark, they often appear as opponents of Jesus, questioning His authority and accusing Him of blasphemy.;xNLx;Pharisees (e.g., Mark 2:16, 18, 24; 3:6; 7:1, 3, 5; 8:11, 15; 10:2; 12:13): A prominent Jewish religious sect known for their strict observance of both the written Law and oral traditions. Mark often portrays them in conflict with Jesus over matters of Sabbath observance, ritual purity, and tradition.;xNLx;Sadducees (Mark 12:18): A Jewish sect, largely composed of the priestly aristocracy, who accepted only the written Law and denied the resurrection, angels, and spirits. They challenge Jesus on the topic of resurrection.;xNLx;Chief Priests (e.g., Mark 8:31; 10:33; 11:18, 27; 14:1, 10, 43, 53, 55; 15:1, 3, 10-11, 31): The leading members of the priesthood in Jerusalem, including the high priest. They held significant religious and political power and were key figures in Jesus' arrest, trial, and crucifixion.;xNLx;Elders (e.g., Mark 7:3, 5; 8:31; 11:27; 14:43, 53; 15:1): Respected leaders within the Jewish community, often part of the Sanhedrin (the Jewish high council), who joined with the chief priests and scribes in opposing Jesus.;xNLx;Herodians (Mark 3:6; 12:13): A Jewish political party or faction that supported the Herodian dynasty, rulers appointed by Rome. They are portrayed as joining with the Pharisees to plot against Jesus.;xNLx;Sanhedrin / Council (Mark 14:55; 15:1): The supreme Jewish religious and judicial body in Jerusalem, before which Jesus was tried.;xNLx;Synagogue (e.g., Mark 1:21, 23, 29, 39; 3:1; 6:2; 12:39): A Jewish place of assembly for worship, prayer, and the reading and teaching of the Scriptures. Jesus often taught and performed miracles in synagogues.;xNLx;Sabbath (e.g., Mark 1:21; 2:23-28; 3:2, 4; 6:2; 15:42; 16:1): The seventh day of the week, a day of rest and worship for Jews. Jesus' actions and teachings about the Sabbath often brought Him into conflict with the religious leaders. Jesus declared, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath" (Mark 2:27-28).1   ;xNLx;1.;xNLx;dulinsgrovechurch.org;xNLx;dulinsgrovechurch.org;xNLx;Defiled / Unclean (hands, person, spirit) (e.g., Mark 1:23, 26-27, 40-42 [leprosy]; 3:11, 30; 5:2, 8, 13, 25-34 [woman with discharge]; 6:7; 7:2-5, 15-25): A state of ritual or moral impurity according to Jewish law, which could prevent a person from participating in religious life or social interaction. Jesus demonstrated His power over unclean spirits (demons) and challenged traditional views on ritual defilement, emphasizing inner purity.;xNLx;Corban (Mark 7:11): A Hebrew/Aramaic term meaning "a gift devoted to God." Jesus condemned the practice of declaring resources "Corban" to avoid the responsibility of caring for one's parents, thus misusing a religious vow to neglect a primary commandment.;xNLx;Tradition of the elders (Mark 7:3, 5, 8-9, 13): Oral interpretations, rulings, and customs passed down by Jewish religious teachers, which were considered authoritative by many, especially the Pharisees. Jesus criticized the elevation of these traditions above God's commandments.;xNLx;Blasphemy (Mark 2:7; 3:28-29; 14:64): Speech or action that shows contempt or irreverence for God or sacred things. Jesus was accused of blasphemy for forgiving sins (which was seen as a divine prerogative) and for His claims about His own identity at His trial. The "blasphemy against the Holy Spirit" (attributing the Spirit's work through Jesus to Satan) is described as an unforgivable sin.;xNLx;Parable (e.g., Mark 3:23; 4:2, 10-11, 13, 30, 33-34; 7:17; 12:1, 12; 13:28): A story, often drawn from everyday life, used by Jesus to illustrate a spiritual truth about the Kingdom of God. Mark notes that Jesus often taught the crowds in parables, explaining them privately to His disciples.;xNLx;III. Miracles, Healings, and Exorcisms:;xNLx;;xNLx;Unclean spirit / Demon (e.g., Mark 1:23, 26-27, 32, 34, 39; 3:11, 15, 22, 30; 5:2, 8, 12-13, 15-16, 18; 6:7, 13; 7:25-26, 29-30; 9:17, 20, 25, 38): Evil spiritual beings opposed to God, who could possess or afflict individuals, causing physical ailments, mental distress, or spiritual oppression. Jesus demonstrated His authority by casting them out.;xNLx;Legion (Mark 5:9, 15): The name given by a group of demons possessing a man, indicating their great number (a Roman legion consisted of several thousand soldiers).;xNLx;Leprosy / Leper (Mark 1:40-44; 14:3): A term for various chronic skin diseases in the ancient world, which rendered a person ritually unclean and often led to social isolation. Jesus showed compassion and power by touching and healing lepers.;xNLx;Hemorrhage / Discharge of blood (Mark 5:25): The condition of the woman who had suffered for twelve years and was healed by touching Jesus' garment. Her condition would have made her continually ritually unclean.;xNLx;IV. Discipleship and Passion Narrative Terms:;xNLx;;xNLx;Disciple(s) (e.g., Mark 2:15-16, 18, 23; 3:7, 9; 4:10, 34; 5:31; 6:1, 29, 35, 41, 45; and frequently throughout): Learners or followers of Jesus, particularly the twelve apostles whom He chose, but also a wider group. Mark often portrays the disciples as slow to understand, fearful, and even failing Jesus in critical moments, highlighting the challenges of discipleship.;xNLx;Apostles (Mark 3:14 [ESV "whom he also named apostles"]; 6:7 [ESV "the twelve"], 6:30): Meaning "sent ones." Specifically refers to the twelve disciples whom Jesus chose and commissioned to preach, teach, and cast out demons.;xNLx;The Way (While not as prominent a title for Christianity as in Acts, the concept of following Jesus' "way" is present, e.g., Mark 1:2-3 [preparing the way]; 10:52 [Bartimaeus followed him on the way]; 12:14 [you teach the way of God truthfully]): Jesus' path of life, teaching, suffering, and glory, which His disciples are called to follow.;xNLx;Messianic Secret (A theological theme observed by scholars in Mark, rather than a single word. Evident in passages like Mark 1:34, 44; 3:12; 5:43; 7:36; 8:30; 9:9): Jesus frequently commands demons, those He healed, and even His disciples not to make His messianic identity widely known. Possible reasons include preventing popular misunderstanding of His mission (as a political messiah), avoiding premature conflict with authorities, and allowing His identity to be fully revealed through His suffering, death, and resurrection.;xNLx;Transfiguration (Mark 9:2-8): The event where Jesus' appearance was gloriously changed on a mountain in the presence of Peter, James, and John, with Moses and Elijah appearing alongside Him, and God the Father affirming Jesus as His Son.;xNLx;Passion (referring to Jesus' suffering and death; the term itself is not in Mark but describes Mark 14-15): Jesus' suffering and death. Mark's Gospel has a strong focus on the passion narrative, with a significant portion of the book dedicated to the events leading up to and including the crucifixion.;xNLx;Ransom (Mark 10:45): The price paid to redeem or liberate someone from bondage or captivity. Jesus states that "the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.";xNLx;Passover (Mark 14:1, 12, 14, 16): The annual Jewish feast commemorating Israel's deliverance from slavery in Egypt, when the angel of death "passed over" the Israelite houses marked with lamb's blood. Jesus' Last Supper with His disciples was a Passover meal, during which He instituted the Lord's Supper.;xNLx;Unleavened Bread (Feast of) (Mark 14:1, 12): The seven-day festival immediately following Passover, during which Israelites ate bread made without yeast, remembering their hasty departure from Egypt.;xNLx;Gethsemane (Mark 14:32): A garden or olive grove on the Mount of Olives where Jesus prayed in agony before His arrest.;xNLx;Abba (Mark 14:36): An Aramaic term for "Father," expressing deep intimacy, affection, and trust. Jesus used this term in His prayer to God in Gethsemane.;xNLx;Crucify / Crucifixion (e.g., Mark 8:31 [implied in being killed]; 15:13-15, 20, 22, 24-25, 27, 32; 16:6): The Roman method of execution by nailing or binding a person to a cross, which Jesus endured.;xNLx;Golgotha (Mark 15:22): Aramaic for "place of a skull," the site outside Jerusalem where Jesus was crucified.;xNLx;Praetorium (Mark 15:16): The official residence of the Roman governor (Pontius Pilate) in Jerusalem, where Jesus was taken, mocked, and beaten by the Roman soldiers.;xNLx;Centurion (Mark 15:39, 44-45): A Roman army officer in command of a "century" (typically 80-100 soldiers). The centurion at Jesus' crucifixion famously declared, "Truly this man was the Son of God!";xNLx;V. Aramaic Phrases (Transliterated and Translated by Mark):;xNLx;;xNLx;Boanerges (Mark 3:17): Meaning "sons of thunder," a nickname Jesus gave to James and John, the sons of Zebedee, likely referring to their fiery or impetuous temperaments.;xNLx;Talitha koum (Mark 5:41): Meaning "Little girl, I say to you, arise." The Aramaic words Jesus spoke when He raised Jairus's daughter from the dead.;xNLx;Ephphatha (Mark 7:34): Meaning "Be opened." The Aramaic word Jesus spoke when He healed a man who was deaf and had a speech impediment.;xNLx;Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani? (Mark 15:34): Meaning "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" The Aramaic words (quoting Psalm 22:1) spoken by Jesus from the cross. Mark provides the Greek translation.;xNLx;VI. Other Notable Terms:;xNLx;;xNLx;Immediately (Greek: euthys) (e.g., Mark 1:10, 12, 18, 20, 21, 23, 28, 29, 30, 42, 43; and very frequently throughout): A characteristic word in Mark's Gospel, used to convey a sense of rapid action, urgency, and the swift unfolding of Jesus' ministry and God's plan.;xNLx;Denarius / Denarii (Mark 6:37; 12:15; 14:5): A Roman silver coin, equivalent to about a day's wage for a common laborer.;xNLx;**Legion (see Section III) **;xNLx;Alabaster flask (Mark 14:3): A container made of a fine-grained, translucent stone, often used for holding precious ointment or perfume.;xNLx;This list is intended to provide clarity on some of the key terms encountered in the Gospel of Mark (ESV), helping the reader to better understand its fast-paced narrative, its emphasis on Jesus' divine power and suffering servanthood, and its call to discipleship.