King James Version

What Does Mark 3:13 Mean?

Mark 3:13 in the King James Version says “And he goeth up into a mountain, and calleth unto him whom he would: and they came unto him. — study this verse from Mark chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And he goeth up into a mountain, and calleth unto him whom he would: and they came unto him.

Mark 3:13 · KJV


Context

11

And unclean spirits, when they saw him, fell down before him, and cried, saying, Thou art the Son of God.

12

And he straitly charged them that they should not make him known.

13

And he goeth up into a mountain, and calleth unto him whom he would: and they came unto him.

14

And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach,

15

And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
He goes up into mountain and calls unto him whom he would and they came. He goes up anabainei ascends mountain. Mountains in Scripture places of revelation encounter Sinai Sermon on Mount Transfiguration. Calls proskale tai summons authoritatively. Unto him pros auton to himself for relationship proximity. Whom he would hous ēthelen exercise of sovereign choice. Sovereignty in election choosing. Not volunteers responding but chosen initiated. And they came erchontai they obeyed came to Him. Divine call produces human response. Mountain setting echoes Moses receiving Law. Jesus establishing new covenant people. Reformed theology emphasizes unconditional election God chooses based on His sovereign will not human merit effort decision. Chosen ones respond to call effectual calling. Divine sovereignty and human responsibility compatible not contradictory.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This occurs after conflict with Pharisees (3:6) and mass ministry (3:7-12). Jesus withdraws to mountain for prayer and selection. Luke records He spent all night in prayer before choosing twelve (Luke 6:12). Apostolic selection required divine guidance. Mountain traditionally Galilean hills overlooking sea. Jesus calls specific individuals out of larger disciple group. Twelve corresponds to twelve tribes establishing new Israel. Apostolic band diverse fishermen tax collector zealot. United not by compatibility but by common calling. Early church recognized apostolic authority foundational for church (Ephesians 2:20). Apostolic succession controversy over whether authority transferable or unique to original twelve plus Paul.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Jesus withdrawing to mountain for apostolic selection teach about importance of prayer in making decisions?
  2. How does sovereign choosing of whom he would demonstrate doctrine of election in calling believers?

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

ἀναβαίνει2 of 14

he goeth up

G305

to go up (literally or figuratively)

εἰς3 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

τὸ4 of 14
G3588

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

ὄρος5 of 14

a mountain

G3735

a mountain (as lifting itself above the plain)

καὶ6 of 14

And

G2532

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

προσκαλεῖται7 of 14

calleth

G4341

to call toward oneself, i.e., summon, invite

οὓς8 of 14

unto him whom

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἤθελεν9 of 14

would

G2309

to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),

αὐτόν10 of 14

he

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 14

And

G2532

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

ἀπῆλθον12 of 14

they came

G565

to go off (i.e., depart), aside (i.e., apart) or behind (i.e., follow), literally or figuratively

πρὸς13 of 14

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,

αὐτόν14 of 14

he

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 3:13 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 3:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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