Re-Interpreting Some Key Concepts in Mark 10:45 in the Light of Its Hellenistic/Jewish Influence

This study examines the key concepts in Mark 10:45; "Son of Man," "to serve," and "ransom", by exploring their origins in the first-century Hellenistic and Jewish world. The research addresses a clear division among scholars. Some deny a direct connection between Jesus' "ransom" saying and the suffering servant in Isaiah 53, while others affirm it. Likewise, the interpretation of "service" is debated, seen by some as a humble, new form of ministry and by others as a more neutral act of mediation. Using an exegetical method, this investigation conducts a conceptual and literary analysis of pre-Christian and first-century sources. Its scope includes Jewish apocalyptic literature, the Septuagint, and Hellenistic philosophical and religious texts. The analysis shows that a heavenly "Son of Man" figure is present in Jewish apocalypticism, the idea of a life given as a "ransom" exists in both Greek cultic practices and Jewish atonement theology, and leadership as "service" is understood in Greek contexts as mediation and in Jewish tradition as priestly ministry. The study concludes that Jesus intentionally adopts and theologically transforms these existing ideas to define his unique identity and mission. It therefore suggests that biblical interpretation should acknowledge this synthesis and that Christian leadership should model itself on this paradigm of servant-mediated sacrifice. Keywords: son of man (ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου), to serve (διακονεῖν), ransom (λύτρον), Hellenistic influence, Jewish background, Mark 10:45.