King James Version
Mark 16:18 in the King James Version says “They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sic...” — study this verse from Mark chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.
“They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.”
Mark 16:18 · KJV
He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.
And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“serpents”
G3789a snake, figuratively, (as a type of sly cunning) an artful malicious person, especially satan
“They shall take up”
G142to lift up; by implication, to take up or away; figuratively, to raise (the voice), keep in suspense (the mind), specially, to sail away (i.e., weigh
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
“them”
G846the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
“on”
G1909properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
“hands”
G5495the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)
“and”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
“they shall”
G2192to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
This verse is found in the book of Mark. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Mark 16:18 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Mark 16:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge