Devine Scripture

Mark 1:9

What does Mark 1:9 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 1:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 1:9 means

In the midst of John's active ministry, Jesus emerges from Nazareth of Galilee to be baptized by John in the Jordan River. This simple act is profound, identifying Jesus with humanity's need for repentance, despite His sinless nature. His participation in this baptism validates John's ministry and publicly inaugurates Jesus' own Messianic work, marking His entry into public life.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in the Jordan.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in the Jordan.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And it came about in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was given baptism by John in the Jordan.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And it came to pass in those days, Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized by John at the Jordan;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And it came to pass, in those days, Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in Jordan.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And it came to pass in those days [that] Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptised by John at the Jordan.

Context

Following John's powerful testimony about the coming Messiah in verses 7-8, this verse climactically introduces Jesus into the narrative. His baptism serves as the immediate catalyst for the divine affirmations that follow, establishing His identity and sanctioning His public ministry. This moment transitions the focus from John to Jesus.

v.8I baptized you in water; but he shall baptize you in the Holy Spirit.

v.9This passage

v.10And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens rent asunder, and the Spirit as a dove descending upon him:

Cross references

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

  • Matthew 2:23

    and came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth; that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through the prophets, that he should be called a Nazarene.

  • Luke 3:21

    Now it came to pass, when all the people were baptized, that, Jesus also having been baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened,

  • Matthew 3:13

    Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to the Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.

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