Devine Scripture

Mark 6:12

What does Mark 6:12 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 6:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 6:12 means

Mark 6:12 reports that the disciples went out and preached that people should repent. This short summary captures the core content of their mission: calling people to turn from sin and align with God’s reign. Repentance is both moral and spiritual—a change of mind and life toward God. The verse shows the gospel’s simple demand and the disciples’ obedience in proclaiming it. Their message preceded signs and healings, emphasizing that external miracles point to a deeper need for inner transformation and faith.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And they went out, and preached that men should repent.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And they went out, and preached that men should repent.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And they went out, and preached that men should repent.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And they went out, preaching the need for a change of heart in men.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And having gone forth they were preaching that <FI>men<Fi> might reform,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And going forth they preached men should do penance:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And they went forth and preached that they should repent;

Context

This verse follows the instructions about mission conduct and marks the beginning of the disciples’ active work. It sets the tone for the following verse that records their tangible successes—casting out demons and healing the sick. The brevity emphasizes the central message—repentance—while the next verse shows how that message was accompanied by demonstrative acts of power validating their proclamation.

v.11And whatsoever place shall not receive you, and they hear you not, as ye go forth thence, shake off the dust that is under your feet for a testimony unto them.

v.12This passage

v.13And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them.

Cross references

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

  • Luke 13:3

    I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all in like manner perish.

  • Matthew 4:17

    From that time began Jesus to preach, and to say, Repent ye; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

  • Luke 24:47

    and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name unto all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem.

  • Mark 1:15

    and saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe in the gospel.

  • Acts 26:20

    but declared both to them of Damascus first, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the country of Judæa, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, doing works worthy of repentance.

  • Matthew 9:13

    But go ye and learn what this meaneth, I desire mercy, and not sacrifice: for I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.

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