Mark 3:30

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

Because they said, He hath an unclean spirit.

Complete Jewish Bible:

For they had been saying, "He has an unclean spirit in him."

Berean Standard Bible:

Jesus made this statement because they were saying, “He has an unclean spirit.”

American Standard Version:

because they said, He hath an unclean spirit.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

Because^{G3754} they said^{G3004}, He hath^{G2192} an unclean^{G169} spirit^{G4151}.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Mark 3:30

Mark 3:30 is a verse set within the context of a heated exchange between Jesus and the scribes who had come from Jerusalem. The scribes accused Jesus of casting out demons by the power of Beelzebub, the prince of demons, suggesting that Jesus Himself was possessed by an unclean spirit. This accusation was not only a direct attack on Jesus' authority and divine mission but also an attempt to undermine His credibility and moral integrity in the eyes of the people.

In the historical context of the time, the scribes were influential religious scholars and teachers of the Mosaic Law. Their authority was being challenged by Jesus, who was gaining popularity among the masses through His teachings and miracles. The charge of demonic possession was a serious one and could have led to dire consequences for Jesus, including the potential for being ostracized or even stoned according to Jewish law.

The theme of this verse revolves around the nature of true spiritual authority and the discernment of good from evil. Jesus' response to the scribes, which follows in the subsequent verses, addresses the absurdity of Satan casting out Satan and the need for a united kingdom or house to stand against an adversary. Jesus' words serve to clarify the source of His power, which is not demonic but divine, and to illustrate the spiritual blindness of those who, despite witnessing the miraculous works of God, attribute them to the power of evil.

In essence, Mark 3:30 captures a critical moment of conflict and misunderstanding, highlighting the opposition Jesus faced from religious leaders and the profound implications of His ministry. It underscores the importance of recognizing the spirit behind a person's actions—whether they are of God or of an unclean spirit—and the necessity of spiritual discernment in assessing the works and claims of those who present themselves as messengers of God.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: G3754
   There are 1189 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ὅτι
   Transliteration: hóti
   Pronunciation: hot'-ee
   Description: neuter of ὅστις as conjunction; demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because:--as concerning that, as though, because (that), for (that), how (that), (in) that, though, why.
   
2. Strong's Number: G3004
   There are 1244 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: λέγω
   Transliteration: légō
   Pronunciation: leg'-o
   Description: a primary verb; properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas ἔπω and φημί generally refer to an individual expression or speech respectively; while ῥέω is properly to break silence merely, and λαλέω means an extended or random harangue)); by implication, to mean:--ask, bid, boast, call, describe, give out, name, put forth, say(-ing, on), shew, speak, tell, utter.
   
3. Strong's Number: G2192
   There are 628 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἔχω
   Transliteration: échō
   Pronunciation: skheh'-o
   Description: a primary verb; to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or condition):--be (able, X hold, possessed with), accompany, + begin to amend, can(+ -not), X conceive, count, diseased, do + eat, + enjoy, + fear, following, have, hold, keep, + lack, + go to law, lie, + must needs, + of necessity, + need, next, + recover, + reign, + rest, + return, X sick, take for, + tremble, + uncircumcised, use.
   
4. Strong's Number: G169
   There are 266 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἀκάθαρτος
   Transliteration: akáthartos
   Pronunciation: ak-ath'-ar-tos
   Description: from Α (as a negative particle) and a presumed derivative of καθαίρω (meaning cleansed); impure (ceremonially, morally (lewd) or specially, (demonic)):--foul, unclean.
   
5. Strong's Number: G4151
   There are 350 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: πνεῦμα
   Transliteration: pneûma
   Pronunciation: pnyoo'-mah
   Description: from πνέω; a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e. (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, demon, or (divine) God, Christ's spirit, the Holy Spirit:--ghost, life, spirit(-ual, -ually), mind. Compare ψυχή.