King James Version

What Does Mark 1:14 Mean?

Mark 1:14 in the King James Version says “Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, — study this verse from Mark chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,

Mark 1:14 · KJV


Context

12

And immediately the Spirit driveth him into the wilderness.

13

And he was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto him.

14

Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,

15

And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

16

Now as he walked by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse marks a crucial transition after John's imprisonment. The verb paradothēnai ('delivered up') foreshadows Jesus' fate. Herod imprisoned John for condemning adultery (Mark 6:17-18), showing how truth-telling brings persecution. Jesus moved to Galilee fulfilling Isaiah 9:1-2—light dawning in darkness. 'Preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God' introduces Jesus' core message: God's kingdom breaking into history. Reformed theology emphasizes kingdom theology—God's sovereign rule over all creation, redemption accomplishing cosmic renewal.

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Historical & Cultural Context

John's imprisonment by Herod Antipas occurred around AD 28-29 at Machaerus fortress. Herod married Herodias, his brother's wife, violating Leviticus 18:16. John's denunciation led to imprisonment and execution. Jesus began public ministry after John's arrest, continuing John's preparatory work. Galilee was politically safer and more receptive religiously—Galileans had less attachment to Jerusalem's temple establishment. Jesus' Galilean focus fulfilled Isaiah's prophecy about light in this mixed Jewish-Gentile region.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does John's imprisonment demonstrate that faithfulness to God's word often brings worldly opposition rather than success?
  2. What does Jesus' strategic move to Galilee teach about balancing boldness with prudence in ministry?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
Μετὰ1 of 19

after

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

δὲ2 of 19

Now

G1161

but, and, etc

τὸ3 of 19
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

παραδοθῆναι4 of 19

was put in prison

G3860

to surrender, i.e yield up, entrust, transmit

τὸν5 of 19
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἰωάννην6 of 19

that John

G2491

joannes (i.e., jochanan), the name of four israelites

ἦλθεν7 of 19

came

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

8 of 19
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἰησοῦς9 of 19

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

εἰς10 of 19

into

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὴν11 of 19
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Γαλιλαίαν12 of 19

Galilee

G1056

galilaea (i.e., the heathen circle), a region of palestine

κηρύσσων13 of 19

preaching

G2784

to herald (as a public crier), especially divine truth (the gospel)

τὸ14 of 19
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

εὐαγγέλιον15 of 19

the gospel

G2098

a good message, i.e., the gospel

τῆς16 of 19
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

βασιλείας17 of 19

of the kingdom

G932

properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)

τοῦ18 of 19
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θεοῦ19 of 19

of God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)


Study Guide

Historical Context

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.

Theological Significance

Mark 1:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Mark 1:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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