King James Version

What Does Mark 16:17 Mean?

Mark 16:17 in the King James Version says “And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues... — study this verse from Mark chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Mark 16:17 · KJV


Context

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;

18

They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

19

So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
These signs shall follow them that believe (σημεῖα δὲ τοῖς πιστεύσασιν ταῦτα παρακολουθήσει, sēmeia de tois pisteusasin tauta parakolouthēsei)—sēmeion (sign) means authenticating miracle confirming divine authority. In my name (ἐν τῷ ὀνόματί μου)—authority derives from Christ, not human power. Casting out demons (ἐκβαλοῦσιν δαιμόνια) and speaking new tongues (γλώσσαις λαλήσουσιν καιναῖς) marked apostolic ministry (Acts 2:4, 8:7, 16:18).

These signs authenticated the gospel's initial proclamation (Hebrews 2:3-4). Whether they continue in the same form or differently is debated: cessationists see them as apostolic-era authentication; continuationists expect them throughout church history. All agree: signs serve the Word, not replace it. Seeking signs without faithfulness perverts the gospel (Matthew 12:39).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Acts records believers speaking tongues (Acts 2, 10, 19), casting out demons (Acts 5:16, 8:7, 16:18), performing healings (Acts 3:1-10, 5:12-16). Paul warned against sign-seeking that bypasses the cross (1 Corinthians 1:22). These authenticating miracles established churches before the New Testament canon was complete. The completed Scripture now serves as the primary authentication.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you distinguish between seeking signs that authenticate the gospel versus demanding miracles to bypass faith?
  2. What role should supernatural gifts play in the church today compared to apostolic times?
  3. Does "signs shall follow" mean every believer performs miracles, or that miracles accompany gospel proclamation generally?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
σημεῖα1 of 15

signs

G4592

an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally

δὲ2 of 15

And

G1161

but, and, etc

τοῖς3 of 15
G3588

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

πιστεύσασιν4 of 15

them that believe

G4100

to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch

ταῦτα5 of 15

these

G5023

these things

παρακολουθήσει·6 of 15

shall follow

G3877

to follow near, i.e., (figuratively) attend (as a result), trace out, conform to

ἐν7 of 15

In

G1722

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

τῷ8 of 15
G3588

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

ὀνόματί9 of 15

name

G3686

a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)

μου10 of 15

my

G3450

of me

δαιμόνια11 of 15

devils

G1140

a daemonic being; by extension a deity

ἐκβαλοῦσιν12 of 15

shall they cast out

G1544

to eject (literally or figuratively)

γλώσσαις13 of 15

tongues

G1100

the tongue; by implication, a language (specially, one naturally unacquired)

λαλήσουσιν14 of 15

they shall speak

G2980

to talk, i.e., utter words

καιναῖς15 of 15

with new

G2537

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


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 16:17 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 16:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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