Devine Scripture

Mark 2:14

What does Mark 2:14 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 2:14 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 2:14 means

As Jesus walked by, He observed Levi, the son of Alphaeus, a tax collector, sitting at his toll booth. Jesus simply said to him, "Follow me." Without hesitation, Levi immediately rose and followed Him. This extraordinary call demonstrates Jesus' sovereign authority and His unconventional choice of disciples, reaching out to those socially marginalized. Levi's instant obedience highlights the transformative power of Jesus' invitation and divine grace.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphæus sitting at the place of toll, and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose and followed him.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alpheus sitting at the receipt of custom, and said unto him, Follow me. And he arose and followed him.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphæus sitting at the place of toll, and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose and followed him.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And when he went by, he saw Levi, the son of Alphaeus, seated at the place where taxes were taken, and he said to him, Come with me. And he got up, and went with him.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and passing by, he saw Levi of Alpheus sitting at the tax-office, and saith to him, `Be following me,' and he, having risen, did follow him.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And when he was passing by, he saw Levi, the son of Alpheus, sitting at the receipt of custom; and he saith to him: Follow me. And rising up, he followed him.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And passing by, he saw Levi the [son] of Alphaeus sitting at the tax-office, and says to him, Follow me. And he rose up and followed him.

Context

This verse introduces the second major event of the chapter: the calling of Levi. It immediately follows Jesus' return to public teaching by the sea, showcasing His active engagement in recruiting disciples. This call is highly significant because Levi was a tax collector, a despised profession, making his immediate and unconditional response a powerful testimony to Jesus' authority and the radical nature of His ministry, leading directly into the controversial dinner that follows.

v.13And he went forth again by the sea side; and all the multitude resorted unto him, and he taught them.

v.14This passage

v.15And it came to pass, that he was sitting at meat in his house, and many publicans and sinners sat down with Jesus and his disciples: for there were many, and they followed him.

Cross references

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

  • Mark 3:18

    and Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphæus, and Thaddæus, and Simon the Cananæan,

  • Matthew 9:9

    And as Jesus passed by from thence, he saw a man, called Matthew, sitting at the place of toll: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.

  • Mark 1:17

    And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.

  • Luke 6:15

    and Matthew and Thomas, and James the son of Alphæus, and Simon who was called the Zealot,

  • Luke 5:27

    And after these things he went forth, and beheld a publican, named Levi, sitting at the place of toll, and said unto him, Follow me.

  • Matthew 4:19

    And he saith unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you fishers of men.

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