Devine Scripture

Mark 1:2

What does Mark 1:2 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 1:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 1:2 means

Mark begins by validating Jesus' ministry through ancient prophecy, specifically from the prophet Isaiah, promising a messenger who would prepare the way for the Lord. This demonstrates that Jesus' arrival was not a random event but part of God's predetermined plan, foretold centuries earlier. The messenger is depicted as a trailblazer, ensuring the path is clear for the arrival of someone far more significant, thus establishing the divine authority behind the events about to unfold.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Even as it is written in Isaiah the prophet, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, Who shall prepare thy way;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Even as it is written in Isaiah the prophet, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, Who shall prepare thy way;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Even as it is said in the book of Isaiah the prophet, See, I send my servant before your face, who will make ready your way;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

As it hath been written in the prophets, `Lo, I send My messenger before thy face, who shall prepare thy way before thee,' --

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

As it is written in Isaias the prophet: Behold I send my angel before thy face, who shall prepare the way before thee.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

as it is written in [Isaiah] the prophet, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, who shall prepare thy way.

Context

Following the declaration of Jesus as the Son of God in verse 1, this verse immediately connects His coming to Old Testament prophecy. It prepares the reader to understand John the Baptist's role, presented next, as the fulfillment of this very prophecy. This prophetic grounding lends credibility and divine purpose to the unfolding narrative.

v.1The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

v.2This passage

v.3The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make ye ready the way of the Lord, Make his paths straight;

Cross references

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

  • Luke 7:27

    This is he of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, Who shall prepare thy way before thee.

  • Matthew 2:5

    And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judæa: for thus it is written through the prophet,

  • Psalms 40:7

    Then said I, Lo, I am come; In the roll of the book it is written of me:

  • Luke 1:76

    Yea and thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Most High: For thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to make ready his ways;

  • Matthew 11:10

    This is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, Who shall prepare thy way before thee.

  • Matthew 26:24

    The Son of man goeth, even as it is written of him: but woe unto that man through whom the Son of man is betrayed! good were it for that man if he had not been born.

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