Devine Scripture

Mark 16:15

What does Mark 16:15 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 16:15 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 16:15 means

This pivotal verse, often called the Great Commission, records Jesus’ final instruction to his disciples before his ascension. The command to "go into all the world" emphasizes a universal and expansive mission, not limited by geographical or ethnic boundaries. "Preach the Good News" refers to the proclamation of the Gospel—the message of salvation through Christ—as the central task. The phrase "to the whole creation" highlights the comprehensive scope of this message, suggesting its relevance and intended reach for all humanity and, by extension, all aspects of existence. This verse underscores the disciples’ mandate to actively disseminate the message of redemption, initiating a global movement.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to the whole creation.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to the whole creation.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he said to them, Go into all the world, and give the good news to everyone.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and he said to them, `Having gone to all the world, proclaim the good news to all the creation;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And he said to them: Go ye into the whole world and preach the gospel to every creature.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And he said to them, Go into all the world, and preach the glad tidings to all the creation.

Context

Immediately preceding this verse, Jesus has appeared to the eleven disciples after his resurrection, rebuking their unbelief and hardness of heart regarding the testimonies of those who had seen him. Following Mark 16:15, Jesus gives further instructions, including the signs that will accompany believers, such as casting out demons and speaking in new tongues. The chapter then concludes with Jesus’ ascension into heaven and the disciples going out to preach everywhere, confirming the word with accompanying signs. Mark 16:15 thus serves as the crucial directive that propels the disciples into their post-resurrection ministry.

v.14And afterward he was manifested unto the eleven themselves as they sat at meat; and he upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them that had seen him after he was risen.

v.15This passage

v.16He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that disbelieveth shall be condemned.

Cross references

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

  • Romans 16:26

    but now is manifested, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the eternal God, is made known unto all the nations unto obedience of faith:

  • Revelation 14:6

    And I saw another angel flying in mid heaven, having eternal good tidings to proclaim unto them that dwell on the earth, and unto every nation and tribe and tongue and people;

  • John 15:16

    Ye did not choose me, but I chose you, and appointed you, that ye should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should abide: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

  • Isaiah 52:10

    Jehovah hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

  • Psalms 98:3

    He hath remembered his lovingkindness and his faithfulness toward the house of Israel: All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

  • John 20:21

    Jesus therefore said to them again, Peace be unto you: as the Father hath sent me, even so send I you.

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