Rom 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them that are causing the divisions and occasions of stumbling, contrary to the doctrine which ye learned: and turn away from them.(ASV)
This verse is frequently used to encourage brethren to “mark” other brethren who “are causing division and occasions of stumbling”. It is alleged that the word “mark” means to “brand,” “stigmatize,” “expose” or call someone’s name by making a public announcement either orally or in writing, quite often in connection with withdrawing from certain individuals.
What does “mark” (Grk. “skopeo”) mean? There are two ways to determine this:
“to look at, consider (Eng., scope),implying mental consideration…” p. 686
Louw and Nida Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament “to continue to regard closely-to watch, notice carefully…'take careful notice of those who cause divisions and upset people's faith contrary to the teaching which you have received' Rom 16:17. It is also possible to understand skopeo in Rom 16:17 as being predominantly a mental process of paying close attention in order to be prepared to respond appropriately.”
The above definitions are why “skopeo” is translated in the following ways in all of its appearances in the New Testament (NASV):
Luke 11:35 "Then watch out that the light in you is not darkness.
2 Corinthians 4:18 while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
Galatians 6:1 Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted.
Philippians2:4 do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.
Philippians 3:17 Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us.
In view of the above evidence, it makes one wonder just how it is some maintain that “mark”=“publicly stigmatize.” Obviously, the word “mark” does not mean an exposé of some sort. It means to keep one’s eyes on, to observe very closely, to fix our attention upon someone.
Romans 16:17 & Philippians 3:17
These two verses are alike in at least two ways: both say we are to “mark” and both tell of the purpose for “marking”: in Rom. 16:17 it is in order to avoid those “marked” and in Phil. 3:17 it is in order to emulate those “marked”.
If “mark” in Rom. 16:17 means to publicly “brand,” “expose”, “stigmatize”, etc., why doesn’t that same word have the same meaning in Phil. 3:17? Why shouldn’t we engage in the same action towards those spoken of in Phil. 3:17 that we allege should be engaged in with those mentioned in Rom. 16:17? If Rom. 16:17 demands that we publicly call the names of those with a disreputable character, why doesn’t Phil. 3:17 demand that we do likewise with those whose character is worthy of our imitation?
Conclusion
The truth of the matter is that “mark” does not mean what many brethren would have it to mean. It does not mean to write someone up in a brotherhood paper, or to call someone’s name in a sermon, or make an announcement about someone. It simply is saying that when we find those who are causing division and occasion of stumbling, we are to very closely watch them in order that we might turn away from them.
David Smitherman