King James Version

What Does Mark 3:18 Mean?

Mark 3:18 in the King James Version says “And Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simo...” — study this verse from Mark chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Canaanite,”

Mark 3:18 · KJV

Context

16

And Simon he surnamed Peter;

17

And James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James; and he surnamed them Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder:

18

And Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Canaanite,

19

And Judas Iscariot, which also betrayed him: and they went into an house. into: or, home

20

And the multitude cometh together again, so that they could not so much as eat bread.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse lists remaining apostles: Andrew (Peter's brother), Philip, Bartholomew (likely Nathanael), Matthew (Levi), Thomas (Didymus), James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus (Judas son of James), Simon the Canaanite (Zealot). This diverse group included fishermen, tax collector, political revolutionary, skeptic—unlikely teammates united by Christ's call. Reformed theology emphasizes God's sovereign election transcends human qualifications and unites diverse individuals. The Twelve's diversity foreshadows church's universal composition.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The apostolic band reflected first-century diversity. Matthew (tax collector) collaborated with Rome; Simon (Zealot) opposed occupation—natural enemies united in Christ. Philip and Andrew had Greek names, suggesting Hellenistic influence. Little is known about several apostles—their obscurity demonstrates faithful service matters more than fame. Church tradition assigns missionary activity: Thomas to India, Philip to Asia Minor, etc.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the Twelve's diversity challenge you to pursue gospel unity with different believers?
  2. What does inclusion of political enemies (Matthew and Simon) teach about Christ's reconciling power?
  3. How does obscurity of several apostles encourage faithful service without recognition?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
καὶ1 of 21

“And”

G2532

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

Ἀνδρέαν2 of 21

“Andrew”

G406

manly; andreas, an israelite

καὶ3 of 21

“And”

G2532

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

Φίλιππον4 of 21

“Philip”

G5376

fond of horses; philippus, the name of four israelites

καὶ5 of 21

“And”

G2532

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

Βαρθολομαῖον6 of 21

“Bartholomew”

G918

son of tolmai; bar-tholomaeus, a christian apostle

καὶ7 of 21

“And”

G2532

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

Ματθαῖον,8 of 21

“Matthew”

G3156

matthaeus (i.e., matthitjah), an israelite and a christian

καὶ9 of 21

“And”

G2532

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

Θωμᾶν10 of 21

“Thomas”

G2381

the twin; thomas, a christian

καὶ11 of 21

“And”

G2532

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

Ἰάκωβον12 of 21

“James”

G2385

jacobus, the name of three israelites

τὸν13 of 21

“the son”

G3588

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

τὸν14 of 21

“the son”

G3588

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

Ἁλφαίου15 of 21

“of Alphaeus”

G256

alphaeus, an israelite

καὶ16 of 21

“And”

G2532

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

Θαδδαῖον17 of 21

“Thaddaeus”

G2280

thaddaeus, one of the apostles

καὶ18 of 21

“And”

G2532

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

Σίμωνα19 of 21

“Simon”

G4613

simon (i.e., shimon), the name of nine israelites

τὸν20 of 21

“the son”

G3588

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

Κανανίτην,21 of 21

“the Canaanite”

G2581

zealous; cananites, an epithet

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 3:18 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 3:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 1:13Mark 2:14James 1:1Matthew 9:9John 1:40John 1:43-45

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