Mar 12:35 How say the scribes that Christ is the Son of David?
Mar 12:35 How say the scribes that Christ is the Son of David?
Alternative: How can the scholars teach that the anointed is David's son?
Hidden meaning: The "how" beginning this question has the sense of "how is it possible?"
A "son" is not only a child of someone, but by the definition of the time, an inferior, that is, a subordinate. This was both a legal and cultural matter, especially in Jewish culture where the superiority of parents was part of the ten commandments.
Thematically and Linguistically Related Verse(s): Mat 22:42 is the parallel verse in Matthew. There are a great many verses where Christ is called the son of David by those praising him or asking his help.
Vocabulary:
"How" is from pôs (pos), which means "in any way," "at all," "by any mean," "in a certain way,"and "I suppose."
"Say" is from legô (lego) means "pick up," "choose for oneself," "pick out," and "count," but it used to mean "recount," "tell over," "say," "speak," "teach," "mean," "boast of," "tell of," "recite," nominate," and "command."
"Scribes" is from grammateus (grammateus), which is generally a "secretary," "recorder," and "scholar," but specifically means someone who uses gramma which is Greek for "drawings," "a letter," (as in an alphabet)"diagrams," and "letters" (as in correspondence).
"That" is from hoti (hoti), which means "for what," and "wherefore." A form of hostis (hostis), which means "that," "any one who," "anything which," "whosoever," "whichsoever" and "anybody whatsoever."
"Christ" is from christos, (christos), which means "to be rubber with salve," and "anointed." In the NT, it is understood to mean the Messiah, following the anointing of the kings of Israel.
"Is" is from eimi (eimi), which means "to be," "to exist," "to be the case," and "is possible." (The future form is esomai. The 3rd person present indicative is "esti.")
"Son" is from huios (huios), which means a "son," and more generally, a "child."
