King James Version

What Does Mark 1:39 Mean?

Mark 1:39 in the King James Version says “And he preached in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and cast out devils. — study this verse from Mark chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And he preached in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and cast out devils.

Mark 1:39 · KJV


Context

37

And when they had found him, they said unto him, All men seek for thee.

38

And he said unto them, Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also: for therefore came I forth.

39

And he preached in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and cast out devils.

40

And there came a leper to him, beseeching him, and kneeling down to him, and saying unto him, If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.

41

And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse summarizes Christ's Galilean ministry in two parts: preaching in synagogues and casting out devils. The order is significant—proclamation precedes and governs power encounters. His use of existing Jewish religious infrastructure (synagogues) shows redemptive engagement with established institutions rather than wholesale rejection. The casting out of demons demonstrates the kingdom's power over Satan's realm.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

First-century synagogues served as community centers for teaching, prayer, and social gathering. Any respected teacher could be invited to speak. Christ's dual ministry of teaching and exorcism was unusual—most rabbis focused solely on Torah exposition, while exorcists were typically separate practitioners.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's method of working within existing structures (synagogues) inform our approach to cultural engagement?
  2. Why is the order significant—preaching first, then casting out demons—for our understanding of spiritual warfare?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
καὶ1 of 15

And

G2532

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

ἦν2 of 15
G2258

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

κηρύσσων3 of 15

he preached

G2784

to herald (as a public crier), especially divine truth (the gospel)

ἐν4 of 15

in

G1722

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

ταῖς5 of 15
G3588

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

συναγωγαῖς6 of 15

synagogues

G4864

an assemblage of persons; specially, a jewish "synagogue" (the meeting or the place); by analogy, a christian church

αὐτῶν7 of 15

their

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

εἰς8 of 15

throughout

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

ὅλην9 of 15

all

G3650

"whole" or "all", i.e., complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb

τὴν10 of 15
G3588

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

Γαλιλαίαν11 of 15

Galilee

G1056

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

καὶ12 of 15

And

G2532

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

τὰ13 of 15
G3588

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

δαιμόνια14 of 15

devils

G1140

a daemonic being; by extension a deity

ἐκβάλλων15 of 15

cast out

G1544

to eject (literally or figuratively)


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 1:39 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 1:39 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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