An Exegetical Study of Mark 16:18: The Translation of ἀροῦσιν in the Context of Serpent Encounters
This exegetical study of Mark 16:18 αροῦσιν is based on a b-greek discussion from Tuesday, February 4, 2003. The initial query sought clarification regarding the translation of αροῦσιν in Mark 16:18, specifically in the phrase καὶ ἐν ταῖς χερσὶν ὄφεις ἀροῦσιν, questioning whether “handle” is an accurate English gloss for the Greek term in this context.
The main exegetical issue under examination is the precise semantic range of the Greek verb αἴρω (here in its future indicative 3rd plural form, ἀροῦσιν) when it is used in conjunction with ὄφεις (snakes) and the implied or explicit involvement of χερσίν (hands). The discussion explores whether the verb primarily denotes a simple act of “picking up” or “taking up,” or if it extends to a more intentional act of “handling” that might suggest control or mastery over the snakes. This distinction carries significant implications for understanding the nature of the divine protection promised in this verse and the potential intentionality of the action described.
Mark 16:18 (Nestle 1904):
ὄφεις ἀροῦσιν, κἂν θανάσιμόν τι πίωσιν οὐ μὴ αὐτοὺς βλάψῃ, ἐπὶ ἀρρώστους χεῖρας ἐπιθήσουσιν, καὶ καλῶς ἕξουσιν.
Key differences with SBLGNT (2010):
- The SBLGNT (2010), like other modern critical editions (e.g., NA28, UBS5), places Mark 16:9-20 (the “Longer Ending of Mark”) within double brackets, indicating its highly dubious textual status. Nestle 1904 included it in the main text but with critical apparatus noting its absence in key manuscripts.
- Regarding the specific phrase, SBLGNT 2010 reads ὄφεις ἀροῦσιν, which is identical to the Nestle 1904 reading for this part of the verse. Crucially, neither Nestle 1904 nor SBLGNT 2010 includes the explicit phrase ἐν ταῖς χερσίν (“in the hands”) immediately preceding ὄφεις ἀροῦσιν. The query’s premise, καὶ ἐν ταῖς χερσὶν ὄφεις ἀροῦσιν, therefore reflects an interpretive expansion or a less-attested textual variant not supported by these standard critical editions.
From a textual critical perspective, the NA28 (Nestle-Aland 28th edition) also presents Mark 16:9-20 in double brackets, marking it as a secondary, non-original addition to the Gospel. Within this bracketed section, verse 18 consistently reads ὄφεις ἀροῦσιν, without the preceding ἐν ταῖς χερσίν. This confirms that the explicit mention of “in the hands” alongside “snakes they will take up” is not found in the most widely accepted Greek textual traditions. Lexically, the verb αἴρω (of which ἀροῦσιν is the future 3rd plural) has a primary meaning of “to lift up, take up, pick up” (BDAG, p. 28). The Theological Dictionary of the New Testament (KITTEL, Vol. I, p. 180ff) corroborates this, emphasizing the physical act of lifting or carrying. When combined with ὄφεις (snakes), the most natural translation is “to pick up snakes” or “to take up snakes.” The noun χείρ (BDAG, p. 1083) simply means “hand,” and the prepositional phrase ἐν ταῖς χερσίν means “in the hands.” While the act of picking something up typically involves hands, the explicit inclusion of ἐν ταῖς χερσίν in the original query highlights a potential emphasis on the direct, physical engagement. However, the absence of this phrase in critical texts means that any nuance derived from its explicit presence would be interpretive rather than strictly textual.
Translation Variants
The grammatical structure of ὄφεις ἀροῦσιν involves a future active indicative verb, 3rd person plural, implying a predictive statement about what believers will do or will experience. The question of whether “handle” is an appropriate translation hinges on its precise meaning in English. As noted in the discussion, “handle” can mean (1) “to feel with or move by the hands” or (2) “to deal with or control.” The first sense aligns closely with “pick up,” which is the direct meaning of αἴρω. The second sense, however, introduces a nuance of intentional control or habitual interaction that is not inherently present in αἴρω alone. The broader context of Mark 16:18, which also mentions drinking deadly poison without harm, suggests a promise of protection in potentially dangerous, possibly unintentional, encounters rather than an endorsement of deliberate and habitual risky behavior (such as intentionally and routinely handling venomous snakes as a test of faith). Moving the “if” forward, as seen in some translations, emphasizes this potential unintentionality, suggesting protection if such an event occurs.
Conclusions and Translation Suggestions
Based on lexical analysis and grammatical considerations, the primary meaning of αἴρω in Mark 16:18, even considering the implied presence of hands, is “to pick up” or “to take up.” While “handle” can be acceptable if understood strictly in the sense of “to take up with the hands,” its broader connotations of control or management may mislead the reader regarding the nature of the promised divine protection. The textual absence of ἐν ταῖς χερσίν in critical editions further supports a focus on the verb αἴρω itself. The future tense suggests a predictive promise of protection for believers facing unforeseen dangers, not a command to seek out such encounters.
- They will pick up snakes.
This translation prioritizes the direct, primary meaning of αἴρω, emphasizing the physical act without adding a connotation of intentional control. It is concise and faithful to the most widely attested Greek text. - Even if they pick up snakes, they will not be harmed.
This option incorporates the conditional nature implied by the broader context (as some modern translations do) and clarifies that the protection is for potentially incidental encounters, reflecting the nuances of the original discussion. - They will take up serpents.
This translation offers a slightly more formal equivalent to “pick up” and uses “serpents” for a more traditional biblical register, while still adhering to the core lexical meaning of αἴρω.