King James Version

What Does Mark 1:32 Mean?

Mark 1:32 in the King James Version says “And at even, when the sun did set, they brought unto him all that were diseased, and them that were possessed with devil... — study this verse from Mark chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And at even, when the sun did set, they brought unto him all that were diseased, and them that were possessed with devils.

Mark 1:32 · KJV


Context

30

But Simon's wife's mother lay sick of a fever, and anon they tell him of her.

31

And he came and took her by the hand, and lifted her up; and immediately the fever left her, and she ministered unto them.

32

And at even, when the sun did set, they brought unto him all that were diseased, and them that were possessed with devils.

33

And all the city was gathered together at the door.

34

And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew him. to speak: or, to say that they knew him


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The timing—'when the sun did set'—indicates the Sabbath had ended (which began Friday evening), allowing people to carry burdens and travel. This massive gathering demonstrates Christ's growing fame and the desperate hunger for deliverance from physical and spiritual bondage. The bringing of 'all that were diseased' shows comprehensive need and faith that Christ could heal any condition.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Sabbath ended at sundown Saturday, after which work and travel restrictions were lifted according to Pharisaic interpretation. Capernaum, a town of perhaps 1,500 people, would have seen virtually the entire community gather. 'Possessed with devils' reflects the first-century Jewish understanding of demonic influence in mental and physical afflictions.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the crowd's patient waiting until sundown reveal about their understanding of Sabbath law versus their faith in Christ?
  2. How does this scene of comprehensive human need point to our universal spiritual condition before God?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
Ὀψίας1 of 17

even

G3798

late; feminine (as noun) afternoon (early eve) or nightfall (later eve)

δὲ2 of 17

And

G1161

but, and, etc

γενομένης3 of 17

at

G1096

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

ὅτε4 of 17

when

G3753

at which (thing) too, i.e., when

ἔδυ5 of 17

did set

G1416

to go "down"

6 of 17
G3588

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

ἥλιος7 of 17

the sun

G2246

the sun; by implication, light

ἔφερον8 of 17

they brought

G5342

to "bear" or carry (in a very wide application, literally and figuratively, as follows)

πρὸς9 of 17

unto

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,

αὐτὸν10 of 17

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

πάντας11 of 17

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

τοὺς12 of 17
G3588

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

κακῶς13 of 17

diseased

G2560

badly (physically or morally)

ἔχοντας14 of 17

that were

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

καὶ15 of 17

and

G2532

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

τοὺς16 of 17
G3588

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

δαιμονιζομένους·17 of 17

them that were possessed with devils

G1139

to be exercised by a daemon


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 1:32 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 1:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study