King James Version

What Does Mark 6:1 Mean?

Mark 6:1 in the King James Version says “And he went out from thence, and came into his own country; and his disciples follow him.” — study this verse from Mark chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And he went out from thence, and came into his own country; and his disciples follow him.”

Mark 6:1 · KJV

Context

1

And he went out from thence, and came into his own country; and his disciples follow him.

2

And when the sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were astonished, saying, From whence hath this man these things? and what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands?

3

Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him. offended: scandalized in, or, by him

Read Mark 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he went out from thence, and came into his own country; and his disciples follow him. After demonstrating authority over demons, disease, nature, and death (chapters 4-5), Jesus returns to His hometown. 'His own country' (τὴν πατρίδα αὐτοῦ, tēn patrida autou) refers to Nazareth where He grew up (Luke 4:16). The phrase carries poignant irony—He who created all things (John 1:3) comes to 'His own' place, yet will be rejected by 'His own' people (John 1:11). This geographic movement from spectacular miracle ministry to hometown rejection prefigures the larger pattern: Israel's rejection of her Messiah.

'His disciples follow him' (ἀκολουθοῦσιν αὐτῷ οἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ, akolouthousin autō hoi mathētai autou) indicates the Twelve accompanied Jesus, witnessing both His power (chapters 4-5) and His rejection (chapter 6). This educational journey taught them that ministry involves both miraculous success and painful rejection. The disciples needed to see that even Jesus, despite undeniable miracles, faced unbelief from those who knew Him best. This prepares them for their own future rejection (Mark 13:9-13). Reformed theology emphasizes that God's servants should expect both fruitfulness and opposition—success doesn't guarantee universal acceptance; even perfect ministry (Christ's) faced rejection.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Nazareth was a small Galilean village, population perhaps 200-400, where everyone knew everyone. Jesus had lived there approximately 30 years before beginning public ministry at age 30 (Luke 3:23). The townspeople watched Him grow up, knew His family, observed His ordinary life as carpenter (Mark 6:3). This familiarity became obstacle rather than advantage—they couldn't reconcile the ordinary Jesus they knew with claims of divine authority and miraculous power. This visit occurred midway through Jesus' Galilean ministry, after significant miracles established His reputation regionally. Nazareth's location in lower Galilee made it relatively isolated from major trade routes, contributing to provincial attitudes. Archaeological excavations reveal first-century Nazareth was modest agricultural village with simple stone houses, olive presses, and terraced hillside farms. Early church tradition held that Mary remained in Nazareth, possibly explaining Jesus' return visit. The rejection at Nazareth fulfilled prophetic pattern: prophets without honor in their hometown (Mark 6:4).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' experience of rejection by those who knew Him best prepare believers for similar experiences when family or longtime acquaintances resist the gospel?
  2. What does the disciples' presence during Jesus' rejection teach about God's purpose in allowing His servants to experience both success and failure in ministry?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
καὶ1 of 15

“And”

G2532

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

ἐξῆλθεν2 of 15

“he went out”

G1831

to issue (literally or figuratively)

ἐκεῖθεν3 of 15

“from thence”

G1564

thence

καὶ4 of 15

“And”

G2532

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

ἦλθεν5 of 15

“came”

G2064

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

εἰς6 of 15

“into”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὴν7 of 15
G3588

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

πατρίδα8 of 15

“country”

G3968

a father-land, i.e., native town; (figuratively) heavenly home

αὐτοῦ9 of 15

“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

καὶ10 of 15

“And”

G2532

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

ἀκολουθοῦσιν11 of 15

“follow”

G190

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

αὐτοῦ12 of 15

“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

οἱ13 of 15
G3588

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

μαθηταὶ14 of 15

“disciples”

G3101

a learner, i.e., pupil

αὐτοῦ15 of 15

“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 6:1 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 6:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 4:16-30Matthew 13:54-58Matthew 2:23

Places in This Verse

NazarethSettlement · Modern: Nazareth · 32.70°N, 35.30°E32 verses across 5 books
View all places in Mark 6 →

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