Devine Scripture

Mark 1:17

What does Mark 1:17 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 1:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 1:17 means

Jesus issued a powerful, transformative invitation to Simon and Andrew: "Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men." This call redirects their life's purpose from catching fish to bringing people into God's kingdom. It signifies a radical discipleship, demanding a complete reorientation of their priorities and a commitment to follow Jesus, promising to equip them for a new, eternal mission.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And Jesus said to them, Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and Jesus said to them, `Come ye after me, and I shall make you to become fishers of men;'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And Jesus said to them: Come after me; and I will make you to become fishers of men.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And Jesus said to them, Come after me, and I will make you become fishers of men;

Context

This verse provides Jesus' direct call to Simon and Andrew, immediately following His observation of them fishing in verse 16. It reveals the purpose behind His invitation, introducing the concept of "fishers of men," which directly leads to their radical and immediate decision to abandon their former lives and follow Him, as described in the next verse.

v.16And 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.

v.17This passage

v.18And straightway they left the nets, and followed him.

Cross references

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

  • Luke 5:10

    and so were also James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.

  • Acts 2:38

    And Peter said unto them, Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

  • Matthew 4:19

    And he saith unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you fishers of men.

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