Devine Scripture

Mark 3:1

What does Mark 3:1 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 3:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 3:1 means

Jesus re-enters a synagogue, likely in Capernaum, where he encounters a man suffering from a withered hand. This detail immediately sets up a dramatic tension, as healing on the Sabbath was a point of contention with the religious authorities. The withered hand would have severely limited the man's ability to work and care for himself, making him a symbol of helplessness and dependence.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And he entered again into the synagogue; and there was a man there who had his hand withered.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And he entered again into the synagogue; and there was a man there which had a withered hand.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And he entered again into the synagogue; and there was a man there who had his hand withered.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he went again into the Synagogue; and there was a man there whose hand was dead.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And he entered again into the synagogue, and there was there a man having the hand withered,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And he entered again into the synagogue: and there was a man there who had a withered hand.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And he entered again into the synagogue; and there was there a man having his hand dried up.

Context

This verse opens a pivotal scene in Mark, immediately following instances where Jesus already demonstrated his authority over the Sabbath. His presence in the synagogue, a regular place of worship, sets the stage for a direct confrontation. The man with the withered hand becomes the catalyst for the Pharisees' renewed opposition, leading into a critical debate about the lawfulness of doing good.

v.1This passage

v.2And they watched him, whether he would heal him on the sabbath day; that they might accuse him.

Cross references

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

  • Mark 1:21

    And they go into Capernaum; and straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue and taught.

  • Luke 6:6

    And it came to pass on another sabbath, that he entered into the synagogue and taught: and there was a man there, and his right hand was withered.

  • Matthew 12:9

    And he departed thence, and went into their synagogue:

  • 1 Kings 13:4

    And it came to pass, when the king heard the saying of the man of God, which he cried against the altar in Beth-el, that Jeroboam put forth his hand from the altar, saying, Lay hold on him. And his hand, which he put forth against him, dried up, so that he could not draw it back again to him.

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