King James Version

What Does Mark 1:17 Mean?

Mark 1:17 in the King James Version says “And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.” — study this verse from Mark chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Mark 1:17 · KJV

Context

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.

19

And when he had gone a little further thence, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the ship mending their nets.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Come ye after me, and I will make you fishers of men. The imperative Come demands response. After me indicates discipleship. I will make you demonstrates Jesus transforms followers progressively. Fishers of men employs occupational knowledge for kingdom purposes. This has Old Testament background (Jeremiah 16:16) but here is redemptive—catching people for salvation. The call implies mission through evangelism. Reformed theology emphasizes Christ call is effectual—those He calls, He empowers for service.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The fishers of men metaphor resonated with their experience. Successful fishing required knowledge of fish behavior timing locations technique. Similarly evangelism requires understanding people cultural sensitivity opportune timing Spirit-led wisdom. Jesus took natural abilities and redirected them for kingdom. This call was to extended training approximately three years before Great Commission. Apprenticeship preceded ministry.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus promise I will make you demonstrate that effective ministry depends on Christ transforming work not natural talent alone?
  2. In what ways does fishers of men challenge Christians to view evangelism as core calling requiring skill and dependence on the Spirit?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
καὶ1 of 14

“And”

G2532

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

εἶπεν2 of 14

“said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

αὐτοῖς3 of 14

“unto them”

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

ὁ4 of 14
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦς5 of 14

“Jesus”

G2424

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

Δεῦτε6 of 14

“Come ye”

G1205

come hither!

ὀπίσω7 of 14

“after”

G3694

to the back, i.e., aback (as adverb or preposition of time or place; or as noun)

μου8 of 14

“me”

G3450

of me

καὶ9 of 14

“And”

G2532

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

ποιήσω10 of 14

“I will make”

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

ὑμᾶς11 of 14

“you”

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

γενέσθαι12 of 14

“to become”

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

ἁλιεῖς13 of 14

“fishers”

G231

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

ἀνθρώπων14 of 14

“of men”

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

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 1:17 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 1:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 5:10Matthew 4:19-20Acts 2:38-41Ezekiel 47:10

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