King James Version

What Does Mark 16:15 Mean?

Mark 16:15 in the King James Version says “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” — study this verse from Mark chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”

Mark 16:15 · KJV

Context

13

And they went and told it unto the residue: neither believed they them.

14

Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen. at meat: or, together

15

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

16

He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

17

And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

Read Mark 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse contains Jesus' post-resurrection commission to His disciples, often called the Great Commission. The command "Go ye into all the world" (poreuthentes eis ton kosmon hapanta, πορευθέντες εἰς τὸν κόσμον ἅπαντα) employs the aorist participle poreuthentes (πορευθέντες, "having gone") indicating decisive action—the disciples must actively go, not passively wait. Kosmon hapanta (κόσμον ἅπαντα, "all the world") encompasses every geographic location and people group—the gospel isn't limited to Israel but extends to all nations. The verb "preach" (kēryssate, κηρύξατε) means to herald or proclaim as a royal messenger announces a king's decree—this is authoritative proclamation, not tentative suggestion. "The gospel" (to euangelion, τὸ εὐαγγέλιον) is the good news of Christ's death, burial, and resurrection for sinners (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). "Every creature" (pasē tē ktisei, πάσῃ τῇ κτίσει) means every human being without exception—none are excluded from hearing this message. Reformed theology emphasizes that while the gospel must be proclaimed universally, God sovereignly determines who will believe (particular redemption), yet this doesn't diminish the church's missionary obligation to preach indiscriminately to all.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This commission appears in Mark's longer ending (16:9-20), whose authenticity has been debated due to its absence from earliest manuscripts. However, the command itself parallels Matthew 28:18-20, Luke 24:46-49, and Acts 1:8, demonstrating that Jesus' missionary mandate to the church is multiply attested across Gospel traditions. This commission transformed the disciples from a Jewish sect focused on Israel into a global missionary movement. The early church took this command seriously—within decades, the gospel spread throughout the Roman Empire and beyond. Paul's missionary journeys, Peter's ministry to Gentiles (Acts 10-11), and the Jerusalem Council's decision (Acts 15) all reflect obedience to this commission. Church history records gospel expansion to Europe, Africa, Asia, and eventually the Americas and Oceania. The Protestant Reformation recovered biblical soteriology but initially neglected missions; the modern missionary movement (18th-19th centuries) recaptured Christ's commission, sending missionaries worldwide. Today's global church—with vibrant Christianity in Africa, Asia, and Latin America—demonstrates ongoing fulfillment of this command.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding the gospel as authoritative proclamation (heralding) rather than optional suggestion change your approach to evangelism?
  2. What practical steps can you take to participate in proclaiming the gospel to 'every creature,' whether through direct evangelism, financial support, or prayer for missionaries?

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

“he 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

Πορευθέντες4 of 14

“Go ye”

G4198

to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)

εἰς5 of 14

“into”

G1519

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

τὸν6 of 14
G3588

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

κόσμον7 of 14

“the world”

G2889

orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))

ἅπαντα8 of 14

“all”

G537

absolutely all or (singular) every one

κηρύξατε9 of 14

“and preach”

G2784

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

τὸ10 of 14
G3588

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

εὐαγγέλιον11 of 14

“the gospel”

G2098

a good message, i.e., the gospel

πάσῃ12 of 14

“to every”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

τῇ13 of 14
G3588

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

κτίσει14 of 14

“creature”

G2937

original formation (properly, the act; by implication, the thing, 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 16:15 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 16:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 28:19Mark 13:10Acts 1:8Luke 24:47-48Psalms 96:3John 15:16

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