King James Version

What Does Mark 2:13 Mean?

Mark 2:13 in the King James Version says “And he went forth again by the sea side; and all the multitude resorted unto him, and he taught them. — study this verse from Mark chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And he went forth again by the sea side; and all the multitude resorted unto him, and he taught them.

Mark 2:13 · KJV


Context

11

I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house.

12

And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion.

13

And he went forth again by the sea side; and all the multitude resorted unto him, and he taught them.

14

And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the receipt of custom, and said unto him, Follow me. And he arose and followed him. at the: or, at the place where the custom was received

15

And it came to pass, that, as Jesus sat at meat in his house, many publicans and sinners sat also together with Jesus and his disciples: for there were many, and they followed him.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus 'went forth again by the sea side'—returning to public ministry after the intense confrontation with scribes. The Sea of Galilee served as a frequent teaching venue in Jesus' ministry, providing natural acoustics and space for crowds. The phrase 'all the multitude resorted unto him' (πᾶς ὁ ὄχλος ἤρχετο πρὸς αὐτόν) emphasizes universal interest—people from all backgrounds seeking Jesus. The imperfect tense indicates continuous action—crowds kept coming repeatedly. Jesus' response ('he taught them') reveals His primary mission: proclaiming God's kingdom and truth. While miracles authenticated His authority, teaching constituted His core ministry. Reformed theology emphasizes Christ's prophetic office—He is the ultimate Prophet revealing God's will, superior to Moses and all prophets.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Sea of Galilee (also called Lake Gennesaret, 13 miles long and 8 miles wide) was central to Galilean economic and social life. Fishing, trade, and transportation all centered on this freshwater lake. Jesus frequently taught from boats just offshore, using the water as natural amplification. The area around Capernaum featured gently sloping shores ideal for large gatherings. Jesus' teaching ministry differed from formal rabbinic education in synagogues—He taught publicly, in open-air settings, to mixed audiences including women, children, and the ceremonially unclean.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' priority on teaching challenge modern church emphases on entertainment, experiences, or social programs over biblical exposition?
  2. What draws you to Jesus—His miracles and benefits, or His words of eternal life?
  3. How can you make receiving biblical teaching a central priority in your spiritual life?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
καὶ1 of 16

And

G2532

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

ἐξῆλθεν2 of 16

he went forth

G1831

to issue (literally or figuratively)

πάλιν3 of 16

again

G3825

(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand

παρὰ4 of 16

by

G3844

properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj

τὴν5 of 16
G3588

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

θάλασσαν·6 of 16

the sea side

G2281

the sea (genitive case or specially)

καὶ7 of 16

And

G2532

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

πᾶς8 of 16

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

9 of 16
G3588

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

ὄχλος10 of 16

the multitude

G3793

a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot

ἤρχετο11 of 16

resorted

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

πρὸς12 of 16

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,

αὐτούς13 of 16

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

καὶ14 of 16

And

G2532

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

ἐδίδασκεν15 of 16

he taught

G1321

to teach (in the same broad application)

αὐτούς16 of 16

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


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 2:13 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 2:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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