King James Version

What Does Mark 16:20 Mean?

Mark 16:20 in the King James Version says “And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following....” — study this verse from Mark chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.”

Mark 16:20 · KJV

Context

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.

20

And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Mark concludes: 'they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following' (ἐκεῖνοι δὲ ἐξελθόντες ἐκήρυξαν πανταχοῦ, τοῦ κυρίου συνεργοῦντος καὶ τὸν λόγον βεβαιοῦντος διὰ τῶν ἐπακολουθούντων σημείων). This summarizes apostolic mission. The disciples 'preached everywhere' (ekēryxan pantachou, ἐκήρυξαν πανταχοῦ)—universal gospel proclamation. Crucial detail: 'the Lord working with them' (tou kyriou synergountos, τοῦ κυρίου συνεργοῦντος)—Jesus, though ascended, actively partnered in their ministry through the Spirit. God 'confirmed the word with signs' (bebaiountos dia tōn sēmeiōn, βεβαιοῦντος διὰ τῶν σημείων)—miracles authenticated apostolic message (Acts 2:43; 4:30; 5:12; Hebrews 2:3-4). This pattern continues—Christ works through His church by the Spirit, confirming gospel truth. Mission isn't human effort alone but divine-human cooperation. The risen, ascended Lord empowers and accompanies His people in spreading the gospel to all nations.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The book of Acts records this apostolic mission's fulfillment—Peter preached at Pentecost (Acts 2), Philip in Samaria (Acts 8), Paul to Gentiles (Acts 9-28). The gospel spread from Jerusalem to Rome and beyond. 'Signs following' included healings (Acts 3:1-10; 5:12-16; 9:32-35), exorcisms (Acts 5:16; 8:7; 16:16-18), resurrections (Acts 9:36-42; 20:9-12), and miraculous deliverances (Acts 12:6-11; 16:25-26). These signs authenticated apostolic authority and gospel truth (2 Corinthians 12:12; Hebrews 2:3-4). Early church experienced divine presence and power, fulfilling Jesus' promise that greater works would be done through believers (John 14:12). Church history shows gospel's spread 'everywhere'—by AD 300, Christianity existed throughout Roman Empire and beyond. Christ's ongoing work through His church continues until His return.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the phrase 'the Lord working with them' demonstrate that Christian mission is divine-human partnership, not mere human effort?
  2. What role do 'signs following' play in confirming gospel truth, and how does this apply to contemporary ministry?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
ἐκεῖνοι1 of 17

“they”

G1565

that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed

δὲ2 of 17

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐξελθόντες3 of 17

“went forth”

G1831

to issue (literally or figuratively)

ἐκήρυξαν4 of 17

“and preached”

G2784

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

πανταχοῦ5 of 17

“every where”

G3837

universally

τοῦ6 of 17
G3588

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

κυρίου7 of 17

“the Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

συνεργοῦντος8 of 17

“working with”

G4903

to be a fellow-worker, i.e., co-operate

καὶ9 of 17

“them and”

G2532

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

τὸν10 of 17
G3588

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

λόγον11 of 17

“the word”

G3056

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

βεβαιοῦντος12 of 17

“confirming”

G950

to stabilitate (figuratively)

διὰ13 of 17

“with”

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τῶν14 of 17
G3588

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

ἐπακολουθούντων15 of 17

“following”

G1872

to accompany

σημείων16 of 17

“signs”

G4592

an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally

Ἀμήν17 of 17

“Amen”

G281

properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)

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 16:20 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 16:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 2:4-5Acts 14:3Acts 8:4-6Hebrews 2:4Romans 15:19Acts 5:12

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