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 2:13 mean?

Explanation

Mark 2:13 speaks of a moment in the ministry of Jesus, as recorded in the Gospel of Mark.

The verse reads: "And he went forth again by the sea side; and all the multitude resorted unto him, and he taught them." Here, the author describes Jesus returning to the Sea of Galilee, where crowds of people gather to hear him speak.

The verse immediately follows an account of Jesus healing a paralytic and shows a pattern of his ministry, moving between different locations, healing, and teaching.

The "sea side" is not just a geographical reference but also a metaphorical space where Jesus could meet people openly and extend His teachings to all who were willing to listen.

Top Rated Mark Books

Historical Context

The Sea of Galilee, also known as Lake Gennesaret, was a significant place during Jesus' time. It served as a hub for fishing, trade, and transportation.

Many of Jesus' disciples were fishermen from this region.

When Jesus went by the seaside, it is likely that He was walking by a place bustling with activity and people.

This historical context adds weight to the verse in that Jesus was very much in the public eye and accessible to the masses who came to Him.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse represents the call of Jesus to all people.

From a Christian perspective, Jesus' teachings by the sea signify the universal nature of His message, accessible to anyone regardless of their social status or background. It also illustrates Jesus' role as a teacher and guide.

Many biblical scholars see this dynamic as central to the ministry of Jesus, His willingness to meet people where they were and speak into their lives.

Practical Applications

In terms of practical applications, this verse can serve as an encouragement for individuals to seek out opportunities to learn and grow in their own spiritual lives.

It can also be seen as a model for ministry, going to where the people are, being accessible, and taking the initiative to teach and guide those who show interest.

This emphasizes the importance of community and the value of sharing wisdom and guidance with others.

Cross-References

Matthew 4:18-19: "And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers."
Luke 5:1-3: "And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret,"
Mark 1:45: "But he went out, and began to publish it much, and to blaze abroad the matter, insomuch that Jesus could no more openly enter into the city, but was without in desert places: and they came to him from every quarter."

Language Study

The original Greek text uses the term "προσέρχομαι" (proserchomai), often translated into English as "resorted unto" or "came to".

This suggests a deliberate action on the part of the multitude, they were coming toward Jesus, seeking him out.

Additionally, the term "δίδασκω" (didasko), translated as "he taught," implies authoritative teaching, emphasizing Jesus' role as a rabbi or teacher.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the Jewish tradition, teaching often happened in synagogues or other public places where the community gathered.

Jesus' seaside teaching could be compared to the open-air forums of ancient Greek philosophers who taught anyone willing to listen.

The Sea of Galilee’s shoreline provided a natural amphitheater for Jesus' teachings to be easily heard by the crowds.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientifically, the activities around the Sea of Galilee during Jesus' time are consistent with archeological findings of the area.

The sea was known for its abundance of fish and the presence of various port cities confirms it as a center of commerce and social gathering.

The environmental and acoustic properties of seaside locations would have indeed been conducive for large groups to hear a speaker clearly.

commentaries

Commentaries provide diverse perspectives on Mark 2:13.

William Barclay notes the simplicity of Jesus' message and its appeal to the common person.

John Calvin speaks to the importance of the seaside setting, as it allowed Jesus to reach larger groups.

Matthew Henry comments on the eagerness of the people and Jesus' continual readiness to teach.

Most commentaries agree on the sense that Jesus' ministry was marked by accessibility and public engagement.

Mark 2

Mark 2

What does Mark 2:13 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 2:13 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?