King James Version

What Does Mark 1:15 Mean?

Mark 1:15 in the King James Version says “And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel. — study this verse from Mark chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Mark 1:15 · KJV


Context

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.

17

And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse summarizes Jesus' core message and contains four essential gospel elements. "The time is fulfilled" (πεπλήρωται ὁ καιρός, peplērōtai ho kairos) declares that God's appointed time (kairos—the opportune moment, not merely chronological time) has arrived. The perfect tense indicates completed action with ongoing results—redemptive history has reached its decisive moment in Jesus' coming. "The kingdom of God is at hand" (ἤγγικεν ἡ βασιλεία τοῦ θεοῦ, ēngiken hē basileia tou theou) means God's reign has drawn near, is immediately present. The kingdom isn't merely future but inaugurated in Christ's person and ministry—God's rule breaking into the present evil age. "Repent" (μετανοεῖτε, metanoeite) means radical reorientation of mind and life, not merely feeling sorry but turning from sin to God. The present imperative indicates continuous action—ongoing repentance characterizes kingdom citizens. "Believe the gospel" (πιστεύετε ἐν τῷ εὐαγγελίῳ, pisteuete en tō euangeliō) commands trust in the good news about Jesus. Faith isn't intellectual assent but wholehearted trust in Christ's person and work. Reformed theology emphasizes that repentance and faith are two sides of one coin—turning from sin (repentance) and turning to Christ (faith) occur simultaneously, enabled by the Spirit's regenerating work.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This proclamation followed Jesus' baptism, wilderness temptation, and John the Baptist's imprisonment (Mark 1:14). Jesus began His public ministry in Galilee, the northern region of Palestine. The phrase "kingdom of God" echoed Old Testament prophecies of God establishing His reign over all nations (Daniel 2:44; 7:13-14). First-century Jews anticipated this kingdom's coming through military-political overthrow of Rome and restoration of Davidic monarchy. Jesus radically redefined kingdom expectations—God's reign comes not through violent revolution but through Jesus' suffering, death, and resurrection. The kingdom is "already but not yet"—inaugurated in Christ's first coming but consummated at His return. Early Christians understood that they lived between kingdom inauguration and consummation, experiencing kingdom blessings (forgiveness, Spirit, new life) while awaiting kingdom fullness (resurrection, new creation, visible reign). This tension shapes Christian existence—enjoying present kingdom realities while longing for future completion. The call to "repent and believe" became the apostolic preaching pattern (Acts 2:38; 3:19; 20:21), establishing faith and repentance as essential responses to the gospel.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding the kingdom as 'already but not yet' shape your expectations for experiencing God's power and presence in this age?
  2. What does it mean that repentance and faith aren't one-time decisions but ongoing postures that characterize Christian life?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
καὶ1 of 18

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

λέγων2 of 18

saying

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

ὅτι3 of 18
G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

Πεπλήρωται4 of 18

is fulfilled

G4137

to make replete, i.e., (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute

5 of 18
G3588

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

καιρὸς6 of 18

The time

G2540

an occasion, i.e., set or proper time

καὶ7 of 18

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἤγγικεν8 of 18

is at hand

G1448

to make near, i.e., (reflexively) approach

9 of 18
G3588

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

βασιλεία10 of 18

the kingdom

G932

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

τοῦ11 of 18
G3588

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

θεοῦ·12 of 18

of God

G2316

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

μετανοεῖτε13 of 18

repent ye

G3340

to think differently or afterwards, i.e., reconsider (morally, feel compunction)

καὶ14 of 18

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

πιστεύετε15 of 18

believe

G4100

to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch

ἐν16 of 18
G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῷ17 of 18
G3588

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

εὐαγγελίῳ18 of 18

the gospel

G2098

a good message, i.e., the gospel


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 1:15 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 1:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study