King James Version

What Does Mark 2:15 Mean?

Mark 2:15 in the King James Version says “And it came to pass, that, as Jesus sat at meat in his house, many publicans and sinners sat also together with Jesus an... — study this verse from Mark chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Mark 2:15 · KJV


Context

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.

16

And when the scribes and Pharisees saw him eat with publicans and sinners, they said unto his disciples, How is it that he eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners?

17

When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse depicts Jesus' fellowship with 'publicans and sinners'—a scandalous association that violated religious propriety. 'Many publicans and sinners sat together with Jesus and his disciples' emphasizes shared table fellowship (συνανέκειντο, synanekeinto), indicating intimate social communion. In Jewish culture, shared meals signified acceptance and friendship; to eat with someone was to endorse them. Jesus' willing association with moral and social outcasts demonstrates His mission to 'seek and save the lost' (Luke 19:10). The phrase 'for there were many, and they followed him' indicates that outcasts comprised a significant portion of Jesus' followers. Reformed theology emphasizes that Christ came to call sinners, not the righteous—His mission is redemptive, not restrictive.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Tax collectors (publicans) were despised as traitors collaborating with Rome's occupation and extorting fellow Jews. They collected tolls, customs, and taxes, often demanding bribes and excess payments. Jewish religious law considered them ceremonially unclean. 'Sinners' (ἁμαρτωλοί) likely refers to those notorious for immoral lifestyles—prostitutes, adulterers, Gentiles, and those in 'unclean' occupations. Pharisaic Judaism emphasized separation from such individuals. Jesus' table fellowship was revolutionary and offensive, challenging purity-based social boundaries.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' association with notorious sinners challenge your comfort zones in relationships and evangelism?
  2. In what ways do churches create barriers that keep 'publicans and sinners' away from Jesus rather than welcoming them?
  3. Who are the modern 'publicans and sinners' you avoid, and how might Jesus be calling you to extend grace?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 28 words
καὶ1 of 28

And

G2532

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

ἐγενέτο2 of 28

it came to pass

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

ἐν3 of 28

in

G1722

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

τῷ4 of 28
G3588

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

κατακεῖσθαι5 of 28

sat at meat

G2621

to lie down, i.e., (by implication) be sick; specially, to recline at a meal

αὐτῷ6 of 28

as Jesus

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

ἐν7 of 28

in

G1722

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

τῇ8 of 28
G3588

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

οἰκίᾳ9 of 28

house

G3614

properly, residence (abstractly), but usually (concretely) an abode (literally or figuratively); by implication, a family (especially domestics)

αὐτῷ10 of 28

as Jesus

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

καὶ11 of 28

And

G2532

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

πολλοὶ12 of 28

many

G4183

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

τελῶναι13 of 28

publicans

G5057

a tax-farmer, i.e., collector of public revenue

καὶ14 of 28

And

G2532

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

ἁμαρτωλοὶ15 of 28

sinners

G268

sinful, i.e., a sinner

συνανέκειντο16 of 28

sat

G4873

to recline in company with (at a meal)

τὦ17 of 28
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦ18 of 28

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

καὶ19 of 28

And

G2532

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

τοῖς20 of 28
G3588

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

μαθηταῖς21 of 28

disciples

G3101

a learner, i.e., pupil

αὐτῷ22 of 28

as Jesus

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

ἦσαν23 of 28

there were

G2258

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

γὰρ24 of 28

for

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

πολλοὶ25 of 28

many

G4183

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

καὶ26 of 28

And

G2532

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

ἠκολούθησαν27 of 28

they followed

G190

properly, to be in the same way with, i.e., to accompany (specially, as a disciple)

αὐτῷ28 of 28

as Jesus

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 2:15 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 2:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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