King James Version

What Does Mark 1:27 Mean?

Mark 1:27 in the King James Version says “And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine ... — study this verse from Mark chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him.

Mark 1:27 · KJV


Context

25

And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him.

26

And when the unclean spirit had torn him, and cried with a loud voice, he came out of him.

27

And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him.

28

And immediately his fame spread abroad throughout all the region round about Galilee.

29

And forthwith, when they were come out of the synagogue, they entered into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
They were all amazed saying What thing is this what new doctrine is this for with authority commandeth he even unclean spirits and they obey. Amazed indicates shock wonder. What thing is this questioning unprecedented event. New doctrine teaching didachē refers to both content and demonstration of authority. Jesus teaching validated by power. With authority exousia emphasizes Jesus inherent right and power. He commands present active demonstrates ongoing authority. Even unclean spirits acknowledges exorcism more difficult than teaching humans. They obey spirits have no choice. Jesus word is efficacious accomplishes what it declares. Crowds recognize this is qualitatively different from scribal teaching. Reformed theology affirms divine word power Word and Spirit work together in conversion sanctification.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This response contrasts with scribes who taught without power. Crowds discern qualitative difference between human religious instruction and divine authority. Jesus teaching and miracles mutually reinforcing. He did not separate word and deed proclamation and demonstration. Prophets performed signs but none with this frequency authority scope. This event established Jesus reputation spread rapidly. Nazareth rejection contrasts sharply with Capernaum amazement. Same Jesus different responses highlight human responsibility in receiving or rejecting revelation. Early church continued pattern teaching with signs following though not all had apostolic miracle-working gift.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the integration of Jesus teaching and power demonstrate about kingdom ministry?
  2. How should the church balance word ministry and demonstration of Spirit power?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 29 words
καὶ1 of 29

And

G2532

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

ἐθαμβήθησαν2 of 29

amazed

G2284

to stupefy (with surprise), i.e., astound

παντές,3 of 29

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ὥστε4 of 29

insomuch that

G5620

so too, i.e., thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow)

συζητεῖν5 of 29

they questioned

G4802

to investigate jointly, i.e., discuss, controvert, cavil

πρὸς6 of 29

among

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

αὐτῷ7 of 29

him

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

λέγοντας8 of 29

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

τις9 of 29

What thing

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

ἐστιν10 of 29

is

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

τοῦτο11 of 29

is this

G5124

that thing

τις12 of 29

What thing

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

13 of 29
G3588

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

διδαχὴ14 of 29

doctrine

G1322

instruction (the act or the matter)

15 of 29
G3588

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

καινὴ16 of 29

new

G2537

new (especially in freshness; while g3501 is properly so with respect to age

αὑτη,17 of 29

this

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

ὅτι18 of 29

for

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

κατ'19 of 29

with

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

ἐξουσίαν·20 of 29

authority

G1849

privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o

καὶ21 of 29

And

G2532

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

τοῖς22 of 29
G3588

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

πνεύμασιν23 of 29

spirits

G4151

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

τοῖς24 of 29
G3588

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

ἀκαθάρτοις25 of 29

the unclean

G169

impure (ceremonially, morally (lewd) or specially, (demonic))

ἐπιτάσσει26 of 29

commandeth

G2004

to arrange upon, i.e., order

καὶ27 of 29

And

G2532

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

ὑπακούουσιν28 of 29

they do obey

G5219

to hear under (as a subordinate), i.e., to listen attentively; by implication, to heed or conform to a command or authority

αὐτῷ29 of 29

him

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


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 1:27 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 1:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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