King James Version

What Does Mark 1:19 Mean?

Mark 1:19 in the King James Version says “And when he had gone a little further thence, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in th... — study this verse from Mark chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Mark 1:19 · KJV


Context

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.

20

And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants, and went after him.

21

And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue, and taught.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
John preached There cometh one mightier. Imperfect preached indicates continuous proclamation. Message consistently pointed to Coming One. Mightier acknowledges Jesus superior authority. John recognized preparatory ministry eclipsed by Messiah work. True ministers point to Christ never seeking glory. John embodied He must increase I decrease. Reformed theology emphasizes ministry exists to glorify Christ direct people to Him not exalt messenger.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

John drew massive crowds. Many speculated whether John was Messiah (Luke 3:15). John deflected speculation insisting merely forerunner. There cometh uses present tense emphasizing imminence certainty. First-century messianic expectation was intense. When Jesus appeared John identified Him as Lamb of God some disciples transferred allegiance. John prepared way stepped aside.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does John focus on Christ challenge ministry ambition?
  2. What does recognizing mightier one teach about humility in God plan?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
καὶ1 of 22

And

G2532

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

προβὰς2 of 22

further

G4260

to walk forward, i.e., advance (literally, or in years)

ἐκεῖθεν3 of 22

thence

G1564

thence

ὀλίγον4 of 22

a little

G3641

puny (in extent, degree, number, duration or value); especially neuter (adverbially) somewhat

εἶδεν5 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

Ἰάκωβον6 of 22

James

G2385

jacobus, the name of three israelites

τὰ7 of 22

the son

G3588

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

τὰ8 of 22

the son

G3588

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

Ζεβεδαίου9 of 22

of Zebedee

G2199

zebedaeus, an israelite

καὶ10 of 22

And

G2532

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

Ἰωάννην11 of 22

John

G2491

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

τὰ12 of 22

the son

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)

αὐτοὺς14 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

καὶ15 of 22

And

G2532

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

αὐτοὺς16 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

ἐν17 of 22

were in

G1722

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

τὰ18 of 22

the son

G3588

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

πλοίῳ19 of 22

the ship

G4143

a sailer, i.e., vessel

καταρτίζοντας20 of 22

mending

G2675

to complete thoroughly, i.e., repair (literally or figuratively) or adjust

τὰ21 of 22

the son

G3588

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

δίκτυα22 of 22

their nets

G1350

a seine (for fishing)


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 1:19 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 1:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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