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Mark

Biblical
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

Author of the earliest Gospel and companion of Paul and Barnabas

Detailed Definition
Mark, also called John, initially left Paul’s mission but later reconciled, writing a concise Gospel emphasizing Jesus’ servanthood and action. In poetry, Mark symbolizes redemption after failure, the urgency of gospel proclamation, and the narrative that centers on Christ’s suffering—often representing the second chance that yields enduring legacy.
Example
Example in poetry:
In Mark 1:12, “immediately the Spirit drove him into the wilderness” becomes poetic refrain for urgency in George Herbert’s works; Medieval carols depict Mark with lion emblem, inspiring verses about bold proclamation; T.S. Eliot echoes Mark’s apocalyptic tone in “The Hollow Men”: “This is the way the world ends”; Contemporary poetry honors Mark as recorder of Peter’s raw, action-filled memories; In poems about writing as witness, Mark embodies concise, vivid storytelling; Some liturgical calendars include poetic tributes to Mark on April 25.
Additional Notes
Mark (John Mark) is traditionally the author of the Gospel of Mark and a companion of Paul and Barnabas; his initial desertion and later reconciliation illustrate themes of failure and restoration; poets may reference Mark as a symbol of second chances or the evolution of witness and narrative.
Also Known As
Mark the Evangelist John Mark King Mark of Cornwall Fat–cull imprint target
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