King James Version

What Does Mark 6:8 Mean?

Mark 6:8 in the King James Version says “And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in t...” — study this verse from Mark chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse. money: the word signifieth a piece of brass money, in value somewhat less than a farthing, Mat.10.9.but here it is taken in general for money”

Mark 6:8 · KJV

Salvation

Context

6

And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching.

7

And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits;

8

And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse. money: the word signifieth a piece of brass money, in value somewhat less than a farthing, Mat.10.9.but here it is taken in general for money

9

But be shod with sandals; and not put on two coats.

10

And he said unto them, In what place soever ye enter into an house, there abide till ye depart from that place.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse. Jesus' instructions for the disciples' missionary journey emphasize radical dependence on God's provision. 'Commanded them that they should take nothing' (παρήγγειλεν αὐτοῖς ἵνα μηδὲν αἴρωσιν, parēngeilen autois hina mēden airōsin) uses strong imperative—this wasn't suggestion but command. 'Save a staff only' (εἰ μὴ ῥάβδον μόνον, ei mē rhabdon monon) allowed minimal walking aid, but prohibited 'scrip' (πήραν, pēran—traveler's bag for provisions), 'bread' (ἄρτον, arton), and 'money in their purse' (εἰς τὴν ζώνην χαλκόν, eis tēn zōnēn chalkon—literally 'copper in the belt').

Why such austere requirements? To teach faith-dependence on God's provision through hospitality, to demonstrate the gospel's free nature (not commercial enterprise), to ensure urgency (no time for lengthy preparations), and to reveal that God's kingdom advances through divine power, not human resources. This temporary mission preparation differed from later instructions (Luke 22:35-36), showing principles adapt to circumstances. Reformed theology emphasizes God's sufficiency—His servants need divine provision more than material resources. The radical simplicity testified that their message's authority came from God, not impressive presentation or financial backing.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient itinerant teachers typically traveled with supplies: bag for food, money for lodging, extra clothing, and provisions. Cynical philosophers were known for similar austere travel, but their motivation was philosophical independence, while Jesus' disciples demonstrated dependence on God and community hospitality. The 'staff' (rhabdon) was standard traveler's aid for walking rough terrain and protection from animals or robbers. Prohibition of 'scrip' (traveler's bag) and provisions meant they must accept hospitality rather than being self-sufficient. Ancient Near Eastern hospitality customs obligated communities to provide for traveling teachers/prophets—the disciples' ministry depended on this cultural practice. Copper coins (chalkon) were low-value currency, not silver or gold—prohibiting even minimal money emphasized total dependence. Early church applied these principles variously: some (Franciscans) took them literally as perpetual poverty vow; others recognized them as situation-specific for that particular mission. The principle endures: gospel ministers should trust God's provision rather than worldly security.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' command for radical simplicity challenge modern ministry's tendency toward elaborate programs, budgets, and resources?
  2. In what areas of life or ministry might God be calling you to greater dependence on His provision rather than self-sufficiency?

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

παρήγγειλεν2 of 21

“commanded”

G3853

to transmit a message, i.e., (by implication) to enjoin

αὐτοῖς3 of 21

“them”

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

ἵνα4 of 21

“that”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

μηδὲν5 of 21

“nothing”

G3367

not even one (man, woman, thing)

αἴρωσιν6 of 21

“they should take”

G142

to lift up; by implication, to take up or away; figuratively, to raise (the voice), keep in suspense (the mind), specially, to sail away (i.e., weigh

εἰς7 of 21

“for”

G1519

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

ὁδὸν8 of 21

“their journey”

G3598

a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means

εἰ9 of 21
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

μὴ10 of 21

“no”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ῥάβδον11 of 21

“a staff”

G4464

a stick or wand (as a cudgel, a cane or a baton of royalty)

μόνον12 of 21

“only”

G3440

merely

μὴ13 of 21

“no”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

πήραν14 of 21

“scrip”

G4082

a wallet or leather pouch for food

μὴ15 of 21

“no”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ἄρτον16 of 21

“bread”

G740

bread (as raised) or a loaf

μὴ17 of 21

“no”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

εἰς18 of 21

“for”

G1519

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

τὴν19 of 21
G3588

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

ζώνην20 of 21

“their purse”

G2223

a belt; by implication, a pocket

χαλκόν21 of 21

“money”

G5475

copper (the substance, or some implement or coin made of it)

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 6:8 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 6:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 9:3Matthew 10:9-10Luke 10:4Luke 22:35

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