Mark 2:16
What does Mark 2:16 mean?
A plain-English look at Mark 2:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Mark 2:16 means
When the scribes belonging to the Pharisee party observed Jesus eating and drinking with tax collectors and other sinners, they questioned His disciples, asking why He chose to associate with such individuals. This highlights their rigid adherence to separation and purity laws, finding Jesus' actions offensive and scandalous. Their criticism reveals their misunderstanding of His mission and His compassionate approach to those considered spiritually unclean.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And the scribes of the Pharisees, when they saw that he was eating with the sinners and publicans, said unto his disciples, How is it that he eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners?
KJV
King James Version · 1611And when the scribes and Pharisees saw him eat with publicans and sinners, they said unto his disciples, How is it that he eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners?
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And the scribes of the Pharisees, when they saw that he was eating with the sinners and publicans, said unto his disciples, How is it that he eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners?
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And the scribes of the Pharisees, when they saw that he was taking food with the tax-farmers and sinners, said to his disciples, Why does he take food and drink with such men?
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And the scribes and the Pharisees, having seen him eating with the tax-gatherers and sinners, said to his disciples, `Why--that with the tax-gatherers and sinners he doth eat and drink?'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And the scribes and the Pharisees, seeing that he ate with publicans and sinners, said to his disciples: Why doth your master eat and drink with publicans and sinners?
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And the scribes and the Pharisees, seeing him eating with sinners and tax-gatherers, said to his disciples, Why [is it] that he eats and drinks with tax-gatherers and sinners?
Context
This verse presents the inevitable criticism from the religious establishment, specifically the scribes of the Pharisees, who witness Jesus' table fellowship described in verse 15. Their questioning of Jesus' disciples sets up a direct challenge to His methods and authority. This objection provides Jesus with the opportunity to articulate the core purpose of His ministry, leading into His famous declaration about needing a physician.
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.
v.16This passage
v.17And when Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of a physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Corinthians 2:15
But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, and he himself is judged of no man.
- Luke 19:7
And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, He is gone in to lodge with a man that is a sinner.
- Mark 2:7
Why doth this man thus speak? he blasphemeth: who can forgive sins but one, even God?
- Luke 18:11
The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as the rest of men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
- Luke 19:10
For the Son of man came to seek and to save that which was lost.
- Matthew 9:11
And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Teacher with the publicans and sinners?
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