Mark 3:13
What does Mark 3:13 mean?
A plain-English look at Mark 3:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Mark 3:13 means
Jesus withdraws from the bustling crowds by ascending a mountain. This act of drawing apart often signals a significant moment for him. Here, he takes the initiative to call specific individuals to himself, not based on their status or qualifications, but on his sovereign choice. Their immediate response to his call demonstrates their nascent obedience and commitment to him, foreshadowing their future roles. This selection is deliberate and divinely guided.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And he goeth up into the mountain, and calleth unto him whom he himself would; and they went unto him.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And he goeth up into a mountain, and calleth unto him whom he would: and they came unto him.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And he goeth up into the mountain, and calleth unto him whom he himself would; and they went unto him.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And he went up into the mountain, and sent for those whom it was his pleasure to have with him: and they went to him.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And he goeth up to the mountain, and doth call near whom he willed, and they went away to him;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And going up into a mountain, he called unto him whom he would himself: and they came to him.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And he goes up into the mountain, and calls whom he himself would, and they went to him.
Context
This verse marks a significant transition in Jesus' ministry, moving immediately from the public healing and teaching to a more focused, internal development. His ascent to the mountain signals a moment of solemn purpose, setting the stage for the formal appointment of his core group of disciples. This action directly leads into the specific enumeration of the twelve and their assigned tasks.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Mark 6:7
And he calleth unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and he gave them authority over the unclean spirits;
- Luke 9:1
And he called the twelve together, and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases.
- Matthew 10:1
And he called unto him his twelve disciples, and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of disease and all manner of sickness.
- Luke 6:12
And it came to pass in these days, that he went out into the mountain to pray; and he continued all night in prayer to God.
- Matthew 5:1
And seeing the multitudes, he went up into the mountain: and when he had sat down, his disciples came unto him:
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