King James Version

What Does Mark 1:16 Mean?

Mark 1:16 in the King James Version says “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 fi...” — study this verse from Mark chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Mark 1:16 · KJV

Context

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.

18

And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
As he walked by the sea, he saw Simon and Andrew casting a net. Jesus deliberately sought working-class men, not religious elite. The Sea of Galilee was central to economic life. Jesus found them at ordinary labor demonstrating God sovereign initiative. The setting foreshadows fishers of men. Reformed theology emphasizes God sovereign effectual calling—Jesus chooses His disciples (John 15:16). This calling comes to ordinary people at ordinary work, transforming them for extraordinary kingdom purposes.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Sea of Galilee supported thriving fishing industry. Archaeological evidence shows fish were salted, dried, exported throughout Rome. Peter and Andrew likely partnered with James and John (Luke 5:10), operating successful businesses. This makes their immediate response remarkable—abandoning profitable careers for itinerant preacher. First-century discipleship typically involved students seeking rabbis, but Jesus reverses this demonstrating sovereign grace.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus calling of ordinary working people challenge elitist assumptions about who is qualified for kingdom service?
  2. What does the disciples abandonment of profitable careers reveal about discipleship cost and priority?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
Περιπατῶν1 of 22

“as he walked”

G4043

to tread all around, i.e., walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion or votary)

δὲ2 of 22

“Now”

G1161

but, and, etc

παρὰ3 of 22

“by”

G3844

properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj

τὴν4 of 22
G3588

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

θαλάσσῃ·5 of 22

“the sea”

G2281

the sea (genitive case or specially)

τῆς6 of 22
G3588

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

Γαλιλαίας7 of 22

“of Galilee”

G1056

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

εἶδεν8 of 22

“he saw”

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

Σίμωνα9 of 22

“Simon”

G4613

simon (i.e., shimon), the name of nine israelites

Καὶ10 of 22

“and”

G2532

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

Ἀνδρέαν11 of 22

“Andrew”

G406

manly; andreas, an israelite

τὸν12 of 22
G3588

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

ἀδελφὸν13 of 22

“brother”

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

αὐτοῦ14 of 22

“his”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

βάλλοντας15 of 22

“casting”

G906

to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)

ἀμφίβληστρον16 of 22

“a net”

G293

a (fishing) net (as thrown about the fish)

ἐν17 of 22

“into”

G1722

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

τῇ18 of 22
G3588

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

θαλάσσῃ·19 of 22

“the sea”

G2281

the sea (genitive case or specially)

ἦσαν20 of 22

“they were”

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

γὰρ21 of 22

“for”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ἁλιεῖς22 of 22

“fishers”

G231

a sailor (as engaged on the salt water), i.e., (by implication) a fisher

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 1:16 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 1:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 4:18-22John 1:40-42John 6:8Luke 6:14Luke 5:1-11Acts 1:13

Places in This Verse

Sea of GalileeBody of Water · Modern: Sea of Galilee · 32.82°N, 35.59°E10 verses across 5 books
View all places in Mark 1 →

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