King James Version

What Does Mark 3:18 Mean?

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

Context

And Simon he surnamed Peter;

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

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

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

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

Read full chapter →

Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(18) **Simon the Canaanite.**—Better, *Cananite,* or, following many MSS., *Cananœan, i.e.,* the Aramaic equivalent of Zelotes. (See Note on Matthew 10:2-4)

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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.