Devine Scripture

Mark 1:16

What does Mark 1:16 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 1:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 1:16 means

As Jesus walked by the Sea of Galilee, He encountered Simon and Andrew, who were fishing. This scene highlights Jesus' direct approach to calling His first disciples. Their occupation as fishers is significant, as it will soon be transformed into a spiritual calling, emphasizing that Jesus chooses ordinary people in their everyday lives to participate in His extraordinary mission.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And passing along by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net in the sea; for they were fishers.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Now as he walked by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And passing along by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net in the sea; for they were fishers.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And going by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon, and Andrew, the brother of Simon, putting a net into the sea: for they were fishermen.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And, walking by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon, and Andrew his brother, casting a drag into the sea, for they were fishers,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And passing by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his brother, casting nets into the sea for they were fishermen.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And walking by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon, and Andrew, [Simon's] brother, casting out a net in the sea, for they were fishers.

Context

Following Jesus' proclamation of the Kingdom of God in verse 15, this verse illustrates His practical approach to establishing that kingdom: through calling disciples. It introduces the first two of His inner circle, setting the stage for their radical call and their immediate response, which demonstrates the compelling nature of Jesus' authority.

v.15and saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe in the gospel.

v.16This passage

v.17And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Mark 1:16

    And passing along by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net in the sea; for they were fishers.

  • Mark 3:18

    and Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphæus, and Thaddæus, and Simon the Cananæan,

  • Matthew 4:18

    And walking by the sea of Galilee, he saw two brethren, Simon who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishers.

  • Matthew 10:2

    Now the names of the twelve apostles are these: The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James thesonof Zebedee, and John his brother;

  • Mark 3:16

    and Simon he surnamed Peter;

  • Acts 1:13

    And when they were come in, they went up into the upper chamber, where they were abiding; both Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphæus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James.

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