Devine Scripture

Mark 1:23

What does Mark 1:23 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 1:23 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 1:23 means

While Jesus was teaching with authority in the synagogue, a man possessed by an unclean spirit cried out. This dramatic interruption immediately brings the spiritual conflict inherent in Jesus' ministry to the forefront. The demon's outcry, within a place of worship, underscores the pervasive presence of evil and its opposition to divine truth, setting the stage for Jesus' display of power over it.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And straightway there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out,

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out,

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And straightway there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out,

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And there was in their Synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he gave a cry,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, and he cried out,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out,

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And there was in their synagogue a man [possessed] by an unclean spirit, and he cried out

Context

This verse dramatically introduces a confrontation with an unclean spirit, immediately following the description of the crowd's astonishment at Jesus' authoritative teaching in verse 22. This incident provides the first direct demonstration of Jesus' authority not just in word, but in action, specifically over demonic forces, which quickly becomes a hallmark of His ministry.

v.22And they were astonished at his teaching: for he taught them as having authority, and not as the scribes.

v.23This passage

v.24saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus thou Nazarene? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God.

Cross references

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

  • Mark 1:34

    And he healed many that were sick with divers diseases, and cast out many demons; and he suffered not the demons to speak, because they knew him.

  • Mark 5:2

    And when he was come out of the boat, straightway there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit,

  • Matthew 12:43

    But the unclean spirit, when he is gone out of the man, passeth through waterless places, seeking rest, and findeth it not.

  • Mark 9:25

    And when Jesus saw that a multitude came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I command thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him.

  • Luke 4:33

    And in the synagogue there was a man, that had a spirit of an unclean demon; and he cried out with a loud voice,

  • Mark 7:25

    But straightway a woman, whose little daughter had an unclean spirit, having heard of him, came and fell down at his feet.

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Mark 1

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Mark 1.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Mark 1:23.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary