Mark 1:4
What does Mark 1:4 mean?
A plain-English look at Mark 1:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Mark 1:4 means
John the Baptist emerges as the prophesied messenger, performing a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. His ministry was distinct and powerful, directly addressing the spiritual condition of the people. This act of baptism was a public acknowledgment of sin and a commitment to turn away from it, signifying a new beginning and a readiness for the coming Messiah. It marked a spiritual cleansing and preparation for God's kingdom.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000John came, who baptized in the wilderness and preached the baptism of repentance unto remission of sins.
KJV
King James Version · 1611John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901John came, who baptized in the wilderness and preached the baptism of repentance unto remission of sins.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949John came, and gave baptism in the waste land, preaching baptism as a sign of forgiveness of sin for those whose hearts were changed.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862John came baptizing in the wilderness, and proclaiming a baptism of reformation--to remission of sins,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752John was in the desert, baptizing and preaching the baptism of penance, unto remission of sins.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890There came John baptising in the wilderness, and preaching [the] baptism of repentance for remission of sins.
Context
This verse introduces John the Baptist as the direct fulfillment of the prophecy cited in verses 2 and 3. It describes the core of his ministry: baptism and preaching repentance. The following verse details the widespread response to John's message, highlighting the impact and reach of his preparatory work before Jesus' appearance.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 3:1
And in those days cometh John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judæa, saying,
- Luke 3:2
in the high-priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness.
- John 3:23
And John also was baptizing in Ænon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.
- Acts 22:16
And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on his name.
- Matthew 3:11
I indeed baptize you in water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you in the Holy Spirit and in fire:
- Acts 13:24
when John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.
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