Cambridge Greek Testament Commentary

Mark 9:7

7. [1871][1872][1873] etc. omit λέγουσα, from Mt. and Lk.

[1871] Codex Sinaiticus. 4th cent. Discovered by Tischendorf in 1859 at the Monastery of St Katharine on Mount Sinai. Now at St Petersburg. The whole Gospel, ending at Mark 16:8. Photographic facsimile, 1911.

[1872] Codex Vaticanus. 4th cent., but perhaps a little later than א. In the Vatican Library almost since its foundation by Pope Nicolas V., and one of its greatest treasures. The whole Gospel, ending at Mark 16:8. Photographic facsimile, 1889.

[1873] Codex Ephraemi. 5th cent. A palimpsest: the original writing has been partially rubbed out, and the works of Ephraem the Syrian have been written over it; but a great deal of the original writing has been recovered; of Mark we have Mark 1:17 to Mark 6:31; Mark 8:5 to Mark 12:29; Mark 13:19 to Mark 16:20. In the National Library at Paris.

7. νεφέλη ἐπισκιάζουσα αὐτοῖς. Mt. says that it was “luminous” (φωτινή), which is somewhat out of harmony with “overshadow”; but the etymology of ἐπισκιάζω need not be pressed. Cf. ἐπέφωσκεν of evening coming on (Luke 23:54). The cloud hung over them and rested above them. Syr-Sin. has “Him” for “them.” The luminous cloud represents the Shechinah, symbolizing the Divine Presence, and it is in marked contrast to the petty shelter suggested by Peter. Similarity of sound may have suggested a connexion between Shechinah and ἐπισκιάζω. Cf. the cloud at the Ascension (Acts 1:9), and at the Second Advent (Luke 21:27).

Οὗτός ἐστιν. We have four reports of this Voice, those of the Synoptists and that of 2 Pet., and no two of them agree in wording. These differences are less important than the difference between this Voice and the one at the Baptism, viz. the ἀκούετε αὐτοῦ. At the Baptism (Mark 1:11) the words are addressed to Christ, here to the Apostles. The Law and the Prophets are consummated in Christ, and henceforth the disciples are to listen to Him. Thus the charge of the Heavenly Father agrees with the last recorded words of the earthly Mother, “Whatsoever He saith unto you, do it” (John 2:5). This Voice assured the disciples that, although the Jews might reject Him and the Romans put Him to death (Mark 8:31), yet He was accepted and beloved by God. The servants who prepared the way have passed; the Son abides (John 8:35). On the proposal to make ὁ� a separate title of the Messiah, ὁ υἱός μου, ὁ�, see Hastings’ D.B. II. 501.

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Mark 9:7

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