King James Version

What Does Mark 6:15 Mean?

Mark 6:15 in the King James Version says “Others said, That it is Elias. And others said, That it is a prophet, or as one of the prophets.” — study this verse from Mark chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Others said, That it is Elias. And others said, That it is a prophet, or as one of the prophets.”

Mark 6:15 · KJV

Context

13

And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them.

14

And king Herod heard of him; (for his name was spread abroad:) and he said, That John the Baptist was risen from the dead, and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him.

15

Others said, That it is Elias. And others said, That it is a prophet, or as one of the prophets.

16

But when Herod heard thereof, he said, It is John, whom I beheaded: he is risen from the dead.

17

For Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife: for he had married her.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Others said, That it is Elias. And others said, That it is a prophet, or as one of the prophets. Popular speculation about Jesus' identity reveals widespread recognition of His prophetic authority yet fundamental misunderstanding of His true nature. 'It is Elias' (Ἠλίας ἐστίν, Ēlias estin) identified Jesus with Elijah, whom Malachi 4:5 promised would return before the Messiah. Some genuinely believed Jesus was Elijah reappeared. 'It is a prophet, or as one of the prophets' (προφήτης ἐστὶν ὡς εἷς τῶν προφητῶν, prophētēs estin hōs heis tōn prophētōn) categorized Him among Old Testament prophetic tradition—high honor but inadequate. All these identifications, while respectful, fell short of truth: Jesus wasn't merely a prophet or Elijah returned but the eternal Son of God incarnate. This pattern continues—many honor Jesus as great teacher, moral example, or inspired prophet while rejecting His deity and unique saviorhood. Inadequate Christology always leads to inadequate soteriology—if Jesus is merely a prophet, He cannot save. Reformed theology insists on Christ's full deity and humanity: He is God the Son incarnate, not merely a great man or inspired teacher.

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Historical & Cultural Context

First-century Jewish messianic expectation included various prophetic figures. Deuteronomy 18:15-18 promised a prophet like Moses, widely interpreted messianically. Malachi 4:5 promised Elijah's return before the Day of the Lord. Some expected multiple figures: a prophetic forerunner, a priestly Messiah, and a kingly Messiah (Dead Sea Scrolls reflect this). The speculation about Jesus' identity shows He didn't fit expected categories—His ministry combined prophetic authority, priestly compassion, and royal claims but in unexpected ways. The comparison to 'one of the prophets' acknowledged His legitimacy within Israel's prophetic tradition but failed to recognize His uniqueness as final revelation (Hebrews 1:1-2). Josephus records other first-century prophetic figures who gathered followings—John the Baptist, Theudas, the Egyptian prophet—showing popular hunger for prophetic leadership. Yet all these were merely human; Jesus alone was divine. Early church councils (Nicaea, Chalcedon) defended Christ's full deity against reductionist views that made Him merely a great man or inspired prophet.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do modern attempts to honor Jesus as great teacher or moral example while denying His deity mirror the inadequate identifications in this verse?
  2. What doctrinal and practical differences result from viewing Jesus as merely a prophet versus acknowledging Him as God the Son incarnate?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
ἄλλοι1 of 16

“Others”

G243

"else," i.e., different (in many applications)

ἔλεγον2 of 16

“said”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

ὅτι3 of 16

“That”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

Ἠλίας4 of 16

“Elias”

G2243

helias (i.e., elijah), an israelite

ἐστίν·5 of 16

“it is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ἄλλοι6 of 16

“Others”

G243

"else," i.e., different (in many applications)

δὲ7 of 16

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἔλεγον8 of 16

“said”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

ὅτι9 of 16

“That”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

προφητῶν10 of 16

“a prophet”

G4396

a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet

ἐστίν·11 of 16

“it is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ἢ12 of 16

“or”

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

ὡς13 of 16

“as”

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

εἷς14 of 16

“one of”

G1520

one

τῶν15 of 16
G3588

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

προφητῶν16 of 16

“a prophet”

G4396

a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet

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 6:15 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 6:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 16:14Matthew 21:11Malachi 4:5Mark 8:28John 1:25John 6:14

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