The Semantic Nuance of εκβαλλει in Mark 1:12: Examining the Spirit’s Action
This exegetical study of “εκβαλλει: simple word in strange context (Mk 1:12)?” is based on a b-greek discussion from February 20, 2003. The initial inquiry arose from an observation made during the development of a commentary on Mark’s Gospel, highlighting an “obvious” yet previously unexamined detail in the brief temptation narrative (Mark 1:12-13). Specifically, the opening sentence, και ευθυσ το πνευμα αυτον εκβαλλει εισ την ερημον, appeared to present a stark contrast to the parallel accounts in Matthew 4:1 (τοτε ο ιησουσ ανεχθη εισ την ερημον υπο του πνευματος) and Luke 4:1 (ιησουσ δε πληρησ πνευματος αγιου υπεστρεψεν απο του ιορδανου και ηγετο εν τω πνευματι εν τη ερημω). While Matthew and Luke employ passive forms of αγω or αναγω to denote a spiritual “guidance” into or in the wilderness, Mark’s Spirit seems to “jolt” Jesus suddenly into the wilderness, implying a forceful and active removal.
The main exegetical issue centers on the precise semantic range and contextual implications of the verb εκβαλλει (from εκβαλλω) in Mark 1:12. The term’s common usage elsewhere in Mark for exorcism of demons (e.g., 3:23), expulsion of individuals (5:40), or removal of objects (11:15), often carries connotations of force or violence. The active voice of εκβαλλει, combined with its usual semantic field, raises the question of whether Jesus is depicted as a “victim” or a passive object of a powerful, external thrust, or if the verb signifies an authoritative divine command with a different nuance. Understanding this particular verb choice is crucial for appreciating Mark’s unique theological perspective on Jesus’ initiation into his public ministry and his wilderness experience, as distinct from the broader Synoptic tradition.
Καὶ εὐθὺς τὸ πνεῦμα αὐτὸν ἐκβάλλει εἰς τὴν ἔρημον.
(Mark 1:12, Nestle 1904)
Key differences with SBLGNT (2010):
- There are no textual differences in Mark 1:12 between the Nestle 1904 edition and the SBLGNT 2010 edition. Both texts read Καὶ εὐθὺς τὸ πνεῦμα αὐτὸν ἐκβάλλει εἰς τὴν ἔρημον.
Textual Criticism (NA28) and Lexical Notes (BDAG)
The textual apparatus of NA28 reveals no significant variants for the verb εκβαλλει in Mark 1:12, affirming the stability of the reading in the critical editions. The exegetical focus therefore lies squarely on the semantic interpretation of the verb itself rather than textual uncertainty.
Lexical analysis, particularly concerning BDAG (Bauer, Danker, Arndt, Gingrich, Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature), offers a spectrum of meaning for εκβαλλω. BDAG delineates two primary senses:
- “To force to leave, drive out, expel,” often implying strong compulsion or violence. This sense is suggested as a possible interpretation for Mark 1:12, with a comparative reference to Genesis 3:24 (the expulsion of Adam and Eve from the garden).
- “To cause to go or remove from a position (without force), send out/away, release, bring out.” This more moderate sense is also attested.
The discussion highlights that an earlier edition (BAGD) might present a “softer” nuance for the second sense, suggesting “without the connotation of force: send out… lead out… bring out…” and specifically noting Mark 1:12 as a case, while still cross-referencing the first, more forceful sense. Critically, some scholars in the discussion consider the comparison to Genesis 3:24 to be “misleading” and “irrelevant” for understanding Mark 1:12, preferring other Old Testament parallels. While not directly quoted, the comprehensive entry for εκβαλλω in a lexicon such as KITTEL’s Theological Dictionary of the New Testament would further elaborate on the term’s diverse usage in Greek literature, including its Septuagintal background and its application in contexts ranging from forceful ejection to authorized sending.
Translation Variants with Grammatical & Rhetorical Analysis
The choice of εκβαλλει in Mark 1:12, an active verb, immediately sets Mark’s account apart from the passive constructions (ανηχθη in Matthew, ηγετο in Luke) used by the other Synoptic evangelists for Jesus’ journey into the wilderness. Mark’s preference for active verbs, coupled with the temporal adverb ευθυσ (‘immediately’), contributes to the rapid, dynamic pace characteristic of his narrative, particularly in chapter 1. The active voice places the Holy Spirit as the direct and potent agent of Jesus’ movement.
Grammatically, the verb is in the present active indicative, emphasizing a direct and ongoing or immediate action. Rhetorically, the semantic range of εκβαλλω, particularly its use in Mark for casting out demons (e.g., 1:34, 39; 3:15, 23; 6:13; 7:26; 9:18, 28, 38) and other forceful removals (e.g., the moneychangers from the temple in 11:15; the vineyard tenants murdering the son in 12:8), suggests a strong, decisive, and often confrontational action. This raises the interpretive dilemma: does it imply a violent “thrusting” upon Jesus, or a powerful, authoritative sending?
Scholarly interpretations vary. Some propose that the verb indicates a “strong impulse” or an “emphasis on the activity of the Spirit in moving Jesus,” without necessarily implying violence, but rather an authoritative command. This view aligns with the observation that Mark often employs active verbs to maintain narrative momentum. Against the idea of Jesus as a “victim,” an interpretation emerges that views Jesus as being under an authoritative command, acting in obedience. However, others argue that the term strongly suggests that Jesus is “removed powerfully,” perhaps as a passive recipient of a divine “shunting off” rather than a participant in the decision. This interpretation might evoke images of the mysterious movements of prophetic figures like Elijah, driven by the Spirit.
Crucial to this discussion are the parallels identified in the Septuagint, particularly in Exodus. The verb εκβαλλω is used multiple times in Exodus (e.g., 6:1; 11:1; 12:33, 39) to describe God’s forceful “driving out” or “expelling” of the Israelites from Egypt. These instances demonstrate that the Spirit’s action, while forceful, is not necessarily against a reluctant subject but can signify a powerful divine directive for a redemptive purpose, setting the stage for a period of testing in the wilderness. In this light, Jesus’ forty days in the wilderness parallel Israel’s forty years, facing trials and temptations, and demonstrating trust in God. Furthermore, the use of εκβαλλω in John 10:3-4 as a synonym for εξαγω in the context of a shepherd “leading out” sheep suggests that the verb can denote an authoritative “sending” without implying physical force or resistance from the one being sent.
Conclusions and Translation Suggestions
The verb εκβαλλει in Mark 1:12 encapsulates a rich semantic tension that highlights Mark’s unique theological perspective. While it signifies a forceful, divine initiative, the precise nature of that force remains a point of academic discussion. The comparison with the Synoptic parallels and the broader usage of εκβαλλω in Mark and the Septuagint suggest that Mark intends to portray a powerful, decisive action of the Spirit, initiating Jesus’ confrontation with evil in the wilderness, rather than a gentle leading. The nuances range from a strong, almost violent expulsion to an authoritative, divinely mandated sending. Ultimately, Mark emphasizes the Spirit’s absolute agency and the immediacy of Jesus’ call to face temptation.
Based on this exegetical analysis, the following translation suggestions attempt to capture the distinct connotations of εκβαλλει:
- “And immediately the Spirit *drove* him out into the wilderness.”
This translation emphasizes the forceful and decisive nature of the Spirit’s action, aligning with the more vigorous connotations of εκβαλλω, akin to an expulsion or forceful removal. It subtly hints at the challenging nature of the wilderness encounter. - “And immediately the Spirit *sent* him out into the wilderness.”
This rendering highlights the authoritative aspect of the Spirit’s command, focusing on a divine mandate rather than physical violence or resistance. It draws on the broader usage of εκβαλλω for sending on a mission, as seen in the Exodus parallels and the shepherd motif in John. - “And immediately the Spirit *impelled* him into the wilderness.”
This option captures the sense of a powerful, internal divine compulsion or strong urge, less about external force and more about an irresistible spiritual drive. It acknowledges the Spirit’s agency without necessarily implying a reluctant Jesus, allowing for the interpretation of obedient action under powerful spiritual influence.