About Mark

Mark presents Jesus as the suffering Servant of God, emphasizing His actions and authority.

Author: John MarkWritten: c. AD 50-65Reading time: ~4 minVerses: 28
ServantActionAuthoritySufferingDiscipleshipMessianic Secret

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King James Version

Mark 2

28 verses with commentary

Jesus Heals a Paralytic

And again he entered into Capernaum after some days; and it was noised that he was in the house.

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KJV Study Commentary

Again entered Capernaum after some days noised he was in house. Again suggests pattern returning to ministry base. Capernaum headquarters for Galilean ministry. After some days interval between ministry activities showing Jesus rhythm of work rest. Noised word spread quickly. He was in house likely Peter house (1:29) or rented dwelling. Jesus fame preceded Him crowds gathered immediately. House se...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

II. (1) **And again he entered into Capernaum.**—See Notes on Matthew 9:1-8. St. Mark alone names Capernaum, St. Matthew describing it as “His own city.” The house may have been Peter’s, as before in Mark 1:29.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 2 Chapter Outline Christ heals one sick of the palsy.(1-12) Levi's call, and the entertainment given to Jesus.(13-17) Why Christ's disciples did not fast.(18-22) He justifies his disciples for plucking corn on the sabbath.(23-28) **Verses 1-12** It was this man's misery that he needed to be so carried, and shows the suffering state of human life; it was kind of th...
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And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and he preached the word unto them.

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KJV Study Commentary

The crowd's gathering 'straightway' (immediately) shows the magnetic effect of Christ's teaching. The overflow crowd blocking even the doorway illustrates humanity's hunger for God's Word when faithfully preached. Christ's response—preaching 'the word'—identifies the primacy of verbal proclamation in His ministry. Unlike modern prioritization of signs and wonders, Christ emphasized teaching truth.

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(2) **No, not so much as about the door.**—Another of St. Mark’s graphic touches of description. **He preached the word.**—Literally, *He spake the word.*

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 2 Chapter Outline Christ heals one sick of the palsy.(1-12) Levi's call, and the entertainment given to Jesus.(13-17) Why Christ's disciples did not fast.(18-22) He justifies his disciples for plucking corn on the sabbath.(23-28) **Verses 1-12** It was this man's misery that he needed to be so carried, and shows the suffering state of human life; it was kind of th...
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And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four.

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KJV Study Commentary

The paralytic's friends demonstrate saving faith through persistent action—they 'come' and 'bring' despite obstacles. The fourfold bearing (likely one at each corner of the mat) pictures the community nature of faith and evangelism. Their determination to get the paralytic to Jesus, despite the crowd barrier, models the earnestness and creativity required in bringing souls to Christ.

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(3) **Borne of four.**—The number of the bearers is given by St. Mark only.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 2 Chapter Outline Christ heals one sick of the palsy.(1-12) Levi's call, and the entertainment given to Jesus.(13-17) Why Christ's disciples did not fast.(18-22) He justifies his disciples for plucking corn on the sabbath.(23-28) **Verses 1-12** It was this man's misery that he needed to be so carried, and shows the suffering state of human life; it was kind of th...
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And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay.

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KJV Study Commentary

This verse demonstrates extraordinary faith expressed through determined, creative action. The paralyzed man's friends, unable to access Jesus through the crowded doorway, climbed onto the flat roof and broke through the mud-and-thatch construction to lower their friend before Christ. The Greek word ἀπεστέγασαν (apestegasan, 'uncovered') and ἐξορύξαντες (exoryxantes, 'dug through') indicate vigoro...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(4) **They uncovered the roof . . . when they had broken it up.**—The strong expressions of the injury done to the roof are peculiar to St. Mark. St. Luke gives, “through the tiles.” **They let down the bed.**—St. Mark uses a different word from St. Matthew, the Greek form of the Latin word *grabatus,* the pallet or camp-bed used by the poor. The same word appears in John 5:8-10, and in Acts 5:15;...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 2 Chapter Outline Christ heals one sick of the palsy.(1-12) Levi's call, and the entertainment given to Jesus.(13-17) Why Christ's disciples did not fast.(18-22) He justifies his disciples for plucking corn on the sabbath.(23-28) **Verses 1-12** It was this man's misery that he needed to be so carried, and shows the suffering state of human life; it was kind of th...
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When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.

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KJV Study Commentary

When Jesus saw their faith he said unto sick of palsy Son thy sins be forgiven thee. Jesus saw their faith active demonstrated faith. Their refers to friends who brought paralytic corporate faith intercession. Faith visible in actions not mere mental assent. He said direct address to paralytic. Son teknon term of affection endearment. Thy sins be forgiven present passive sins being forgiven. Jesus...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 2 Chapter Outline Christ heals one sick of the palsy.(1-12) Levi's call, and the entertainment given to Jesus.(13-17) Why Christ's disciples did not fast.(18-22) He justifies his disciples for plucking corn on the sabbath.(23-28) **Verses 1-12** It was this man's misery that he needed to be so carried, and shows the suffering state of human life; it was kind of th...
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But there were certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts,

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KJV Study Commentary

The scribes' internal reasoning (διαλογιζόμενοι ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις, dialogizomenoi en tais kardiais, 'reasoning in their hearts') reveals hardened unbelief masquerading as theological discernment. Mark emphasizes their silent objection—they didn't verbally challenge Jesus but harbored hostile thoughts. This interior resistance demonstrates that sin's root is in the heart (Mark 7:21-23). The scribes,...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(6) **Certain of the scribes.**—These are described by St. Luke (Luke 5:17) as “having come from every village of Galilee, and Judæa, and Jerusalem.”

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 2 Chapter Outline Christ heals one sick of the palsy.(1-12) Levi's call, and the entertainment given to Jesus.(13-17) Why Christ's disciples did not fast.(18-22) He justifies his disciples for plucking corn on the sabbath.(23-28) **Verses 1-12** It was this man's misery that he needed to be so carried, and shows the suffering state of human life; it was kind of th...
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Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?

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KJV Study Commentary

The scribes' reasoning is theologically correct: 'Who can forgive sins but God only?' (Greek ei mē heis ho theos). Forgiveness of sins belongs exclusively to God because sin offends His holiness primarily. Human forgiveness addresses interpersonal wrongs, but ultimate guilt before God requires divine pardon. The scribes accurately identify Jesus' implicit deity claim when He pronounces forgiveness...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(7) **Why doth this man** . . .?—The better MSS. give, “Why doth this Man thus speak? He blasphemeth.”

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 2 Chapter Outline Christ heals one sick of the palsy.(1-12) Levi's call, and the entertainment given to Jesus.(13-17) Why Christ's disciples did not fast.(18-22) He justifies his disciples for plucking corn on the sabbath.(23-28) **Verses 1-12** It was this man's misery that he needed to be so carried, and shows the suffering state of human life; it was kind of th...
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And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, he said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts?

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KJV Study Commentary

Jesus' immediate perception of the scribes' thoughts (ἐπιγνοὺς...τῷ πνεύματι, epignous...tō pneumati, 'knowing in His spirit') demonstrates His divine omniscience and supernatural knowledge of human hearts. The phrase 'in his spirit' may refer to Jesus' human spirit supernaturally illuminated by the Holy Spirit, or to His divine nature's inherent knowledge. Either interpretation affirms His deity—...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(8) **When Jesus perceived in his spirit.**—The special mention of the spirit as the region of our Lord’s consciousness is, as part of this narrative, peculiar to St. Mark, and is not without importance in its bearing on the reality and completeness of our Lord’s human nature.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 2 Chapter Outline Christ heals one sick of the palsy.(1-12) Levi's call, and the entertainment given to Jesus.(13-17) Why Christ's disciples did not fast.(18-22) He justifies his disciples for plucking corn on the sabbath.(23-28) **Verses 1-12** It was this man's misery that he needed to be so carried, and shows the suffering state of human life; it was kind of th...
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Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk?

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KJV Study Commentary

Jesus poses a rhetorical question contrasting two statements: 'Thy sins be forgiven thee' versus 'Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk.' From a human perspective, pronouncing forgiveness seems 'easier' (εὐκοπώτερον, eukopōteron) because it's unverifiable—no visible evidence confirms whether sins are actually forgiven. Physical healing is 'harder' because failure is immediately obvious. Jesus' logi...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**21. And they went into Capernaum--**(See on Mt 4:13). **and straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue, and taught--**This should have been rendered, "straightway on the sabbaths He entered into the synagogue and taught," or "continued to teach." The meaning is, that as He began this practice on the very first sabbath after coming to settle at Capernaum, so He continued it re...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 2 Chapter Outline Christ heals one sick of the palsy.(1-12) Levi's call, and the entertainment given to Jesus.(13-17) Why Christ's disciples did not fast.(18-22) He justifies his disciples for plucking corn on the sabbath.(23-28) **Verses 1-12** It was this man's misery that he needed to be so carried, and shows the suffering state of human life; it was kind of th...
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But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,)

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KJV Study Commentary

But that ye may know Son of man has power on earth to forgive sins he saith to sick of palsy. But adversative conjunction introduces Jesus response to skeptics. That ye may know hina eidete purpose clause. Jesus performs miracle to prove authority. Son of man Jesus self-designation from Daniel 7:13 messianic title. Has power exousia authority right and ability. On earth not just in heaven presentl...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**22. And they were astonished at his doctrine--**or "teaching"--referring quite as much to the manner as the matter of it. **for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes--**See on Mt 7:28, 29.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 2 Chapter Outline Christ heals one sick of the palsy.(1-12) Levi's call, and the entertainment given to Jesus.(13-17) Why Christ's disciples did not fast.(18-22) He justifies his disciples for plucking corn on the sabbath.(23-28) **Verses 1-12** It was this man's misery that he needed to be so carried, and shows the suffering state of human life; it was kind of th...
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I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house.

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KJV Study Commentary

Jesus addresses the paralytic directly with three imperatives: 'I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house.' The emphatic 'I say unto thee' (σοὶ λέγω, soi legō) asserts Christ's personal authority—not 'God says' or 'in God's name,' but 'I say.' This first-person authority claim distinguishes Jesus from prophets who spoke for God; Jesus speaks as God. The command t...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**23. And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit--**literally, "in an unclean spirit"--that is, so entirely under demoniacal power that his personality was sunk for the time in that of the spirit. The frequency with which this character of "impurity" is ascribed to evil spirits--some twenty times in the Gospels--is not to be overlooked. **and he cried out--**as follows:

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 2 Chapter Outline Christ heals one sick of the palsy.(1-12) Levi's call, and the entertainment given to Jesus.(13-17) Why Christ's disciples did not fast.(18-22) He justifies his disciples for plucking corn on the sabbath.(23-28) **Verses 1-12** It was this man's misery that he needed to be so carried, and shows the suffering state of human life; it was kind of th...
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And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion.

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KJV Study Commentary

The healed man's immediate obedience ('immediately he arose') demonstrates faith responding to Christ's word. The verb ἐξῆλθεν (exēlthen, 'went forth') emphasizes public departure—he walked out before the astonished crowd carrying his mat, providing irrefutable evidence of healing. The crowd's response reveals three elements: amazement (ἐξίστασθαι, existasthai, 'beside themselves'), glorifying God...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(12) **We never saw it on this fashion.**—St. Matthew gives the substance but not the words. St. Luke, “We have seen strange things to-day.”

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**24. Saying, Let us alone--**or rather, perhaps, "ah!" expressive of mingled astonishment and terror. **what have we to do with thee--**an expression of frequent occurrence in the Old Testament (1Ki 17:18; 2Ki 3:13; 2Ch 35:21, &c.). It denotes entire separation of interests:--that is, "Thou and we have nothing in common; we want not Thee; what wouldst Thou with us?" For the analogous applic...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 2 Chapter Outline Christ heals one sick of the palsy.(1-12) Levi's call, and the entertainment given to Jesus.(13-17) Why Christ's disciples did not fast.(18-22) He justifies his disciples for plucking corn on the sabbath.(23-28) **Verses 1-12** It was this man's misery that he needed to be so carried, and shows the suffering state of human life; it was kind of th...
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The Calling of Levi

And he went forth again by the sea side; and all the multitude resorted unto him, and he taught them.

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KJV Study Commentary

Jesus 'went forth again by the sea side'—returning to public ministry after the intense confrontation with scribes. The Sea of Galilee served as a frequent teaching venue in Jesus' ministry, providing natural acoustics and space for crowds. The phrase 'all the multitude resorted unto him' (πᾶς ὁ ὄχλος ἤρχετο πρὸς αὐτόν) emphasizes universal interest—people from all backgrounds seeking Jesus. The i...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**25. And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him--**A glorious word of command. Bengel remarks that it was only the testimony borne to Himself which our Lord meant to silence. That he should afterwards cry out for fear or rage (Mr 1:26) He would right willingly permit.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 13-17** Matthew was not a good character, or else, being a Jew, he would never have been a publican, that is, a tax-gatherer for the Romans. However, Christ called this publican to follow him. With God, through Christ, there is mercy to pardon the greatest sins, and grace to change the greatest sinners, and make them holy. A faithful, fair-dealing publican was rare. And because the Je...
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And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the receipt of custom, and said unto him, Follow me. And he arose and followed him. at the: or, at the place where the custom was received

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KJV Study Commentary

As he passed by he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at receipt of custom and said unto him Follow me. As passed by Jesus moving through Capernaum. He saw eiden active observation seeking. Levi Matthew tax collector. Son of Alphaeus family identification. Sitting at receipt of custom telōnion tax booth collection station. Custom duties tariffs on goods. Said legei present tense ongoing authority. U...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(14-17) **Levi the son of Alphæus.**—See Notes on Matthew 9:9-13. St. Mark and St. Luke agree in giving the name Levi, the former alone describes him as the son of Alphæus.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**26. And when the unclean spirit had torn him--**Luke (Lu 4:35) says, "When he had thrown him in the midst." Malignant cruelty--just showing what he would have done, if permitted to go farther: it was a last fling! **and cried with a loud voice--**the voice of enforced submission and despair. **he came out of him--**Luke (Lu 4:35) adds, "and hurt him not." Thus impotent were the malignity and...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 13-17** Matthew was not a good character, or else, being a Jew, he would never have been a publican, that is, a tax-gatherer for the Romans. However, Christ called this publican to follow him. With God, through Christ, there is mercy to pardon the greatest sins, and grace to change the greatest sinners, and make them holy. A faithful, fair-dealing publican was rare. And because the Je...
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And it came to pass, that, as Jesus sat at meat in his house, many publicans and sinners sat also together with Jesus and his disciples: for there were many, and they followed him.

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KJV Study Commentary

This verse depicts Jesus' fellowship with 'publicans and sinners'—a scandalous association that violated religious propriety. 'Many publicans and sinners sat together with Jesus and his disciples' emphasizes shared table fellowship (συνανέκειντο, synanekeinto), indicating intimate social communion. In Jewish culture, shared meals signified acceptance and friendship; to eat with someone was to endo...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**27. What thing is this? what new doctrine--**teaching **is this?--**The audience, rightly apprehending that the miracle was wrought to illustrate the teaching and display the character and glory of the Teacher, begin by asking what novel kind of teaching this could be, which was so marvellously attested.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 13-17** Matthew was not a good character, or else, being a Jew, he would never have been a publican, that is, a tax-gatherer for the Romans. However, Christ called this publican to follow him. With God, through Christ, there is mercy to pardon the greatest sins, and grace to change the greatest sinners, and make them holy. A faithful, fair-dealing publican was rare. And because the Je...
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And when the scribes and Pharisees saw him eat with publicans and sinners, they said unto his disciples, How is it that he eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners?

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KJV Study Commentary

The scribes and Pharisees' question ('How is it that he eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners?') reveals their theological framework: association with sinners implies approval of sin. They assumed that holiness requires separation from contamination. Jesus' behavior scandalized them because rabbis typically avoided such fellowship to maintain ritual purity and moral reputation. However, t...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**28. And immediately his fame spread abroad throughout all the region round about Galilee--**rather, "the whole region of Galilee"; though some, as Meyer and Ellicott, explain it of the country surrounding Galilee.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 13-17** Matthew was not a good character, or else, being a Jew, he would never have been a publican, that is, a tax-gatherer for the Romans. However, Christ called this publican to follow him. With God, through Christ, there is mercy to pardon the greatest sins, and grace to change the greatest sinners, and make them holy. A faithful, fair-dealing publican was rare. And because the Je...
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When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

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KJV Study Commentary

Jesus responds to Pharisaic criticism with a powerful analogy revealing His mission's heart. The metaphor of physician and sick establishes that recognizing spiritual sickness is prerequisite to receiving Christ's healing. "They that are whole" (οἱ ἰσχύοντες, hoi ischyontes) refers to those who perceive themselves as healthy, not those who actually are—the Pharisees considered themselves righteous...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(17) **I came not to call the righteous.**—Closely as the three accounts agree, it is noticeable that here also St. Mark and St. Luke, as writing for Gentile readers, omit the reference which we find in Matthew 9:13, to the words cited by our Lord from the Old Testament.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**29. And forthwith, when they were come out of the synagogue--**so also in Lu 4:38. **they entered into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John--**The mention of these four--which is peculiar to Mark--is the first of those traces of Peter's hand in this Gospel, of which we shall find many more. The house being his, and the illness and cure so nearly affecting himself, it is interesti...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 13-17** Matthew was not a good character, or else, being a Jew, he would never have been a publican, that is, a tax-gatherer for the Romans. However, Christ called this publican to follow him. With God, through Christ, there is mercy to pardon the greatest sins, and grace to change the greatest sinners, and make them holy. A faithful, fair-dealing publican was rare. And because the Je...
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A Question About Fasting

And the disciples of John and of the Pharisees used to fast: and they come and say unto him, Why do the disciples of John and of the Pharisees fast, but thy disciples fast not?

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KJV Study Commentary

This verse presents a question about fasting practices that exposes different spiritual approaches. 'The disciples of John and of the Pharisees used to fast' (imperfect tense indicating regular practice). Both groups emphasized ascetic discipline—John's disciples preparing for the coming kingdom, Pharisees demonstrating piety. The questioners contrast this with Jesus' disciples who don't fast, imp...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(18-22) **And the disciples of John. . . . used to fast.**—Better, *were fasting.* See Notes on Matthew 9:14-17. The only difference in detail between the two accounts is that in St. Matthew the disciples of John are more definitely specified as being the questioners.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**30. But Simon's wife's mother lay sick of a fever--**Luke, as was natural in "the beloved physician" (Col 4:14), describes it professionally; calling it a "great fever," and thus distinguishing it from that lighter kind which the Greek physicians were wont to call "small fevers," as Galen, quoted by Wetstein, tells us. **and anon--**immediately. **they tell him of her--**naturally hoping tha...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 18-22** Strict professors are apt to blame all that do not fully come up to their own views. Christ did not escape slanders; we should be willing to bear them, as well as careful not to deserve them; but should attend to every part of our duty in its proper order and season.

And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them? as long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast.

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KJV Study Commentary

Jesus responds with a rhetorical question comparing His disciples to wedding guests ('children of the bridechamber'). Wedding guests don't fast during celebration because it's inappropriate. Jesus identifies Himself as the bridegroom, a messianic title rich with Old Testament significance. God repeatedly portrays Himself as Israel's husband (Isaiah 54:5; 62:5; Hosea 2:16). By claiming the bridegro...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**31. And he came and took her by the hand--**rather, "And advancing, He took her," &c. The beloved physician again is very specific: "And He stood over her." **and lifted her up--**This act of condescension, most felt doubtless by Peter, is recorded only by Mark. **and immediately the fever left her, and she ministered unto them--**preparing their sabbath-meal: in token both of the perfec...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 18-22** Strict professors are apt to blame all that do not fully come up to their own views. Christ did not escape slanders; we should be willing to bear them, as well as careful not to deserve them; but should attend to every part of our duty in its proper order and season.

But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days.

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KJV Study Commentary

Jesus prophesies His death: 'But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them.' The phrase 'taken from them' (ἀπαρθῇ) suggests violent removal, foreshadowing crucifixion. This is Mark's first explicit reference to Jesus' coming passion. The verb echoes Isaiah 53:8: 'He was taken from the earth,' identifying Jesus as the suffering servant. Jesus predicts mourning that will accom...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**32. And at even, when the sun did set--**so Mt 8:16. Luke (Lu 4:40) says it was setting. **they brought unto him all that were diseased, and them that were possessed with devils--**the demonized. From Lu 13:14 we see how unlawful they would have deemed it to bring their sick to Jesus for a cure during the sabbath hours. They waited, therefore, till these were over, and then brought them in cro...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 18-22** Strict professors are apt to blame all that do not fully come up to their own views. Christ did not escape slanders; we should be willing to bear them, as well as careful not to deserve them; but should attend to every part of our duty in its proper order and season.

No man also seweth a piece of new cloth on an old garment: else the new piece that filled it up taketh away from the old, and the rent is made worse. new cloth: or, raw, or, unwrought cloth

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KJV Study Commentary

Jesus uses a parable contrasting old and new: 'No man seweth a piece of new cloth on an old garment.' The 'new cloth' is unshrunk fabric that will contract when washed. Sewing it onto old, already-shrunk garment creates worse tear when the new cloth shrinks. This illustrates the incompatibility of Jesus' new covenant with old covenant forms. The new cloth represents the gospel kingdom Jesus inaugu...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**33. And all the city was gathered together at the door--**of Peter's house; that is, the sick and those who brought them, and the wondering spectators. This bespeaks the presence of an eye-witness, and is one of those lively examples of word-painting so frequent in this Gospel.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 18-22** Strict professors are apt to blame all that do not fully come up to their own views. Christ did not escape slanders; we should be willing to bear them, as well as careful not to deserve them; but should attend to every part of our duty in its proper order and season.

And no man putteth new wine into old bottles: else the new wine doth burst the bottles, and the wine is spilled, and the bottles will be marred: but new wine must be put into new bottles. bottles: or, sacks of skin

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KJV Study Commentary

Jesus extends the new-versus-old contrast: 'No man putteth new wine into old bottles.' New wine, still fermenting, produces gas that expands containers. Old wineskins, already stretched, lack flexibility and burst under pressure. This illustrates the gospel's dynamic, transformative power that can't be contained in old covenant forms. The 'new wine' represents the Holy Spirit's energizing presence...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**34. And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils--**In Mt 8:16 it is said, "He cast out the spirits with His word"; or rather, "with a word"--a word of command. **and suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew him--**Evidently they would have spoken, if permitted, proclaiming His Messiahship in such terms as in the synagogue; but once in one day, and ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 18-22** Strict professors are apt to blame all that do not fully come up to their own views. Christ did not escape slanders; we should be willing to bear them, as well as careful not to deserve them; but should attend to every part of our duty in its proper order and season.

Jesus Is Lord of the Sabbath

And it came to pass, that he went through the corn fields on the sabbath day; and his disciples began, as they went , to pluck the ears of corn.

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KJV Study Commentary

This verse introduces a Sabbath controversy: Jesus' disciples 'plucked the ears of corn' as they walked through grainfields on the Sabbath. The imperfect tense indicates ongoing action. Deuteronomy 23:25 permitted this, but Pharisaic tradition classified it as 'harvesting' and thus Sabbath-work violation. The disciples' action was legal concerning property rights but questionable concerning Sabbat...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(23-28) **And it came to pass.**—See Notes on Matthew 12:1-8. **As they went** **. . .**—More literally, *they began to make* *a path* (or perhaps, *to make their way*)*, plucking the ears of corn.*

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**35. And in the morning--**that is, of the day after this remarkable sabbath; or, on the first day of the week. His choosing this day to inaugurate a new and glorious stage of His public work, should be noted by the reader. **rising up a great while before day--**"while it was yet night," or long before daybreak. **he went out--**all unperceived from Peter's house, where He slept. **and dep...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 23-28** The sabbath is a sacred and Divine institution; a privilege and benefit, not a task and drudgery. God never designed it to be a burden to us, therefore we must not make it so to ourselves. The sabbath was instituted for the good of mankind, as living in society, having many wants and troubles, preparing for a state of happiness or misery. Man was not made for the sabbath, as i...
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And the Pharisees said unto him, Behold, why do they on the sabbath day that which is not lawful?

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KJV Study Commentary

The Pharisees challenge Jesus: 'Behold, why do they on the sabbath day that which is not lawful?' Their question assumes the disciples violated Sabbath law. The word 'behold' draws attention dramatically. The phrase 'not lawful' appeals to legal precedent and tradition. The Pharisees don't question Jesus directly but accuse His disciples, attempting to undermine His authority. This tactic appears ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**36. And Simon and they that were with him followed after him--**rather, "pressed after Him." Luke (Lu 4:42) says, "The multitudes sought after Him"; but this would be a party from the town. Mark, having his information from Peter himself, speaks only of what related directly to him. "They that were with him" would probably be Andrew his brother, James and John, with a few other choice brethren.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 23-28** The sabbath is a sacred and Divine institution; a privilege and benefit, not a task and drudgery. God never designed it to be a burden to us, therefore we must not make it so to ourselves. The sabbath was instituted for the good of mankind, as living in society, having many wants and troubles, preparing for a state of happiness or misery. Man was not made for the sabbath, as i...
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And he said unto them, Have ye never read what David did, when he had need, and was an hungred, he, and they that were with him?

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KJV Study Commentary

Jesus responds to Pharisaic accusation by appealing to Scripture: 'Have ye never read what David did?' This rhetorical question implies the Pharisees, Scripture experts, missed the text's obvious implications. Jesus references 1 Samuel 21:1-6, where David ate consecrated bread reserved for priests. David's action technically violated ceremonial law, yet Scripture doesn't condemn him—necessity and ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**37. And when they had found him--**evidently after some search. **they said unto him, All men seek for thee--**By this time, "the multitudes" who, according to Luke (Lu 4:42), "sought after Him"--and who, on going to Peter's house, and there learning that Peter and a few more were gone in search of Him, had set out on the same errand--would have arrived, and "came unto Him and stayed Him, that...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 23-28** The sabbath is a sacred and Divine institution; a privilege and benefit, not a task and drudgery. God never designed it to be a burden to us, therefore we must not make it so to ourselves. The sabbath was instituted for the good of mankind, as living in society, having many wants and troubles, preparing for a state of happiness or misery. Man was not made for the sabbath, as i...
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How he went into the house of God in the days of Abiathar the high priest, and did eat the shewbread , which is not lawful to eat but for the priests, and gave also to them which were with him?

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KJV Study Commentary

Jesus provides historical specificity: David entered 'the house of God' during 'Abiathar the high priest.' He 'did eat the shewbread, which is not lawful to eat but for the priests,' and 'gave also to them which were with him.' David didn't merely eat forbidden bread himself but shared it with his men—compounding the ceremonial violation. Despite this, Scripture records no divine judgment, suggest...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(26) **In the days of Abiathar the high priest.**—St. Mark’s is the only record that gives the name of the high priest, and in so doing it creates an historical difficulty. In 1Samuel 21:1, Ahimelech is named as exercising the high priest’s office in the Tabernacle at Nob. He is slain by Doeg, at the command of Saul, and his son Abiathar joins David at the cave of Adullam (1Samuel 22:20), and cont...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**38. And he said unto them, Let us go--**or, according to another reading, "Let us go elsewhere." **into the next towns--**rather, "unto the neighboring village-towns"; meaning those places intermediate between towns and villages, with which the western side of the Sea of Galilee was studded. **that I may preach there also; for therefore came I forth--**not from Capernaum, as De Wette miserab...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 23-28** The sabbath is a sacred and Divine institution; a privilege and benefit, not a task and drudgery. God never designed it to be a burden to us, therefore we must not make it so to ourselves. The sabbath was instituted for the good of mankind, as living in society, having many wants and troubles, preparing for a state of happiness or misery. Man was not made for the sabbath, as i...
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And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath:

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KJV Study Commentary

Jesus states a foundational principle: 'The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath.' This revolutionizes Sabbath understanding. The verb 'was made' (ἐγένετο) indicates creation/institution—God designed Sabbath as gift to humanity. The prepositional phrase 'for man' expresses purpose—Sabbath exists to benefit humanity, not burden it. God instituted Sabbath rest as blessing: physical ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 23-28** The sabbath is a sacred and Divine institution; a privilege and benefit, not a task and drudgery. God never designed it to be a burden to us, therefore we must not make it so to ourselves. The sabbath was instituted for the good of mankind, as living in society, having many wants and troubles, preparing for a state of happiness or misery. Man was not made for the sabbath, as i...
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Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.

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KJV Study Commentary

'Therefore the Son of Man is Lord also of the Sabbath' asserts Jesus' sovereignty over the fourth commandment. The Sabbath, instituted at creation (Genesis 2:2-3) and codified in the Decalogue (Exodus 20:8-11), was God's gift showing His lordship over time. By claiming lordship over Sabbath, Jesus claims divine authority. The conjunction 'therefore' (hōste) connects to verse 27: 'The Sabbath was m...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 23-28** The sabbath is a sacred and Divine institution; a privilege and benefit, not a task and drudgery. God never designed it to be a burden to us, therefore we must not make it so to ourselves. The sabbath was instituted for the good of mankind, as living in society, having many wants and troubles, preparing for a state of happiness or misery. Man was not made for the sabbath, as i...
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