Devine Scripture

Mark 3:16

What does Mark 3:16 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 3:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 3:16 means

Simon, one of the first disciples called, receives a new surname from Jesus: Peter, meaning "Rock." This renaming signifies a profound change and a prophetic statement about Simon's future role. Though a fisherman, Peter would become a foundational leader among the apostles, embodying strength and reliability, even with his occasional failings. This new name signals the beginning of his transformation and vital importance to the nascent church.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

and Simon he surnamed Peter;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And Simon he surnamed Peter;

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

and Simon he surnamed Peter;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

To Simon he gave the second name of Peter;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And he put on Simon the name Peter;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And to Simon he gave the name Peter:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And he gave to Simon the surname of Peter;

Context

This verse marks the beginning of the list of the twelve apostles, immediately following the description of their general commission. The specific mention of Simon Peter and his new name highlights his prominence within the group, setting him apart as a key figure. This act of renaming also foreshadows the individual characteristics and roles of the other apostles in the subsequent verses.

v.15and to have authority to cast out demons:

v.16This passage

v.17and James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James; and them he surnamed Boanerges, which is, Sons of thunder:

Cross references

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

  • 2 Peter 1:1

    Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained a like precious faith with us in the righteousness of our God and the Saviour Jesus Christ:

  • Acts 1:13

    And when they were come in, they went up into the upper chamber, where they were abiding; both Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphæus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James.

  • 1 Corinthians 9:5

    Have we no right to lead about a wife that is a believer, even as the rest of the apostles, and the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas?

  • 1 Corinthians 1:12

    Now this I mean, that each one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.

  • Luke 6:14

    Simon, whom he also named Peter, and Andrew his brother, and James and John, and Philip and Bartholomew,

  • John 1:42

    He brought him unto Jesus. Jesus looked upon him, and said, Thou art Simon the son of John: thou shalt be called Cephas (which is by interpretation, Peter).

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