Mark 2

And again he entered into Capernaum, after some days; and it was noised that he was in the house.

And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and he preached the word unto them.

And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four.

And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay.

When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.

But there were certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts,

Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?

And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, he said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts?

Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk?

But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,)

I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house.

And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion.

And he went forth again by the sea side; and all the multitude resorted unto him, and he taught them.

And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the receipt of custom, and said unto him, Follow me. And he arose and followed him.

And it came to pass, that, as Jesus sat at meat in his house, many publicans and sinners sat also together with Jesus and his disciples: for there were many, and they followed him.

And when the scribes and Pharisees saw him eat with publicans and sinners, they said unto his disciples, How is it that he eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners?

When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

And the disciples of John and of the Pharisees used to fast: and they come and say unto him, Why do the disciples of John and of the Pharisees fast, but thy disciples fast not?

And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them? as long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast.

But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days.

No man also seweth a piece of new cloth on an old garment: else the new piece that filled it up taketh away from the old, and the rent is made worse.

And no man putteth new wine into old bottles: else the new wine doth burst the bottles, and the wine is spilled, and the bottles will be marred: but new wine must be put into new bottles.

And it came to pass, that he went through the corn fields on the sabbath day; and his disciples began, as they went, to pluck the ears of corn.

And the Pharisees said unto him, Behold, why do they on the sabbath day that which is not lawful?

And he said unto them, Have ye never read what David did, when he had need, and was an hungred, he, and they that were with him?

How he went into the house of God in the days of Abiathar the high priest, and did eat the shewbread, which is not lawful to eat but for the priests, and gave also to them which were with him?

And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath:

Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.

What does Mark 2:1 mean?

Explanation

Mark 2:1 refers to an event in the Gospel according to Mark, where Jesus Christ returns to Capernaum, a town where he had previously performed miracles and taught the populace. After being away for some time, the news spreads quickly that Jesus is back in the area and is residing in a house.

This verse sets the stage for a subsequent miracle and teaching episode because the mentioning of Jesus being in a house suggests that people will soon gather, creating a scenario for a significant event or teaching to occur.

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Historical Context

Capernaum was a fishing village located on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee.

During the time of Jesus, it was part of the Roman Empire, under the local tetrarchy of Herod Antipas.

It's known that Jesus made Capernaum a base for his early ministry, and it is mentioned several times in the New Testament as a site of Jesus' preaching and miracles.

The verse indicates that Jesus had established a reputation in the area, such that his arrival would stir excitement and interest among the people.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, Mark 2:1 highlights Jesus' growing popularity and the anticipation of the miraculous that surrounded his ministry.

It brings focus to the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies about the coming of a messiah who would teach, heal, and perform miracles.

Jesus entering a house, a private space rather than a synagogue or a public place, may imply the personal nature of Jesus' ministry and his willingness to connect with individuals in intimate settings.

It also sets the scene for understanding the mission of Jesus as centered on community and personal relationships.

Practical Applications

The verse inspires the practical application of being welcoming and open to Jesus' presence in our own "houses," both our homes and our hearts. It encourages believers to spread the good news of Jesus' presence, much like the people of Capernaum who shared the news of his arrival.

Furthermore, it challenges individuals to anticipate and seek out spiritual encounters in their everyday lives, recognizing that transformative experiences with the divine can occur in the most ordinary places.

Cross-References

Matthew 4:12-13: "Now when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison, he departed into Galilee; And leaving Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the sea coast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim:"
Mark 1:21-22: "And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue, and taught."
Luke 7:1-10: The Centurion's servant is healed by Jesus while he is in Capernaum.
John 2:11: "This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him."

Language Study

In the original Greek, the phrase "it was noised" translates to "ἠκούσθη" (ēkousthē), which is from the verb "ἀκούω" (akouō), meaning to hear or to be reported.

The past passive form used here indicates that the news of Jesus’ presence spread on its own accord, suggesting the widespread impact Jesus had on the local population.

"Capernaum" translates to "Καφαρναούμ" (Kapharnaoum), which is of Hebrew origin, possibly meaning "village of comfort."

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of a central prophetic or divine figure returning to a town and being warmly welcomed is not unique to Christianity.

Various religious traditions have narratives of revered figures whose return is met with jubilation, sometimes signaling a time of teaching or healing.

For example, in Hinduism, the deity Krishna is known to return to his home in Vrindavan, where he is greeted with love and excitement.

Such stories often serve to emphasize the impact and importance of the spiritual leader within the community.

Scientific Perspectives

While the verse does not directly touch on scientific topics, it does raise the issue of the spread of information.

From a modern scientific perspective, the social phenomena of how news travels in communities, particularly with reference to important or sensational events, can be analyzed with network theory and the study of social dynamics.

This verse encapsulates an ancient form of viral information spreading, driven by word-of-mouth within the Capernaum community.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and commentators have offered various insights into Mark 2:1.

For example, the Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges notes the significance of Jesus' choice of Capernaum as his center of ministry rather than a more prominent city like Jerusalem.

The Expositor's Greek Testament comments on the lowliness and simplicity of Jesus' living conditions indicated by "he was in the house." Matthew Henry's Commentary speaks to the way Jesus' presence in a place makes it known and honored, hence the excitement and rapid spread of the news in Capernaum.

These diverse perspectives enrich the understanding of this single verse as part of the broader narrative of Jesus' ministry.

Mark 2

Mark 2

What does Mark 2:1 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Mark Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Mark 2:1 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Mark Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?