Matthew D. McDill, «A Textual and Structural Analysis of Mark 16:9-20.», Vol. 17 (2004) 27-44
The purpose of this study is to address two questions: 1) Should Mark 16:9-20 be included in biblical exegesis and 2) If so, what are the structural features of this passage that might aid in its interpretation? In order to answer the first question, the external and internal evidence concerning this passage as a textual variant and the question of its canonicity will be explored.
The second question will be answered by presenting a diagram of the passage’s syntactical and semantic structure and by making observations concerning the unit’s overall structure and development.
A Textual and Structural Analysis of Mark 16:9-20 43
the Canon. Therefore, it does not seem justified to remove Mark 16:9-20
from exegetical considerations.
What are the structural features of this passage that might aid in
its interpretation? The language, concluding content, parallelism, and
thematic unity of this passage indicate that it is a discourse unit. The
repetition of the actions of the disciples, alongside the parallel of Jesus’
appearances, makes it clear that the author is stringing these narratives
together in a meaningful way in order to communicate his message. The
message is partly discovered in the progression of the disciples’ reaction
to the resurrection of Christ, from unbelief to preaching everywhere.
These three concepts, Jesus’ appearing (and resurrection), belief (or un-
belief), and preaching, appear several other times in the passage and thus
also become elements of its thematic unity. In addition to these themes,
there is also the unifying sub-theme of the demonstration of supernatural
power.
Matthew D. MCDILL
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