Mark 6:2
What does Mark 6:2 mean?
A plain-English look at Mark 6:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Mark 6:2 means
In Mark 6:2, on the Sabbath Jesus teaches in the synagogue, and his listeners are astonished. They notice his wisdom and the “mighty works” he performs, and they wonder where such teaching and power come from. The verse shows that Jesus’ teaching is authoritative and his miracles are undeniable, yet instead of receiving him, people question his qualifications. Their astonishment mixes appreciation for the works with skepticism about the source of his authority, revealing a tension between observable power and the reluctance to accept the messenger.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And when the sabbath was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were astonished, saying, Whence hath this man these things? and, What is the wisdom that is given unto this man, and what mean such mighty works wrought by his hands?
KJV
King James Version · 1611And when the sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were astonished, saying, From whence hath this man these things? and what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands?
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And when the sabbath was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were astonished, saying, Whence hath this man these things? and, What is the wisdom that is given unto this man, and what mean such mighty works wrought by his hands?
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And when the Sabbath day had come, he was teaching in the Synagogue; and a number of people hearing him were surprised, saying, From where did this man get these things? and, What is the wisdom given to this man, and what are these works of power done by his hands?
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and sabbath having come, he began in the synagogue to teach, and many hearing were astonished, saying, `Whence hath this one these things? and what the wisdom that was given to him, that also such mighty works through his hands are done?
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And when the Sabbath was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were in admiration at his doctrine, saying: How came this man by all these things? and what wisdom is this that is given to him, and such mighty works as are wrought by his hands?
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And when sabbath was come he began to teach in the synagogue, and many hearing were amazed, saying, Whence [has] this [man] these things? and what [is] the wisdom that is given to him, and such works of power are done by his hands?
Context
This verse follows Jesus’ arrival in his hometown and immediately shows public reaction. It contrasts the wonder at Jesus’ actions with the doubt that will grow into offense. The synagogue setting is important: Jesus speaks where religious instruction normally occurs, so the rejection here has religious, social, and personal dimensions. This tension leads directly into the crowd’s familiarity with Jesus and their objections in the next verse.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Luke 4:31
And he came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee. And he was teaching them on the sabbath day:
- Matthew 7:28
And it came to pass, when Jesus had finished these words, the multitudes were astonished at his teaching:
- John 6:42
And they said, Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? how doth he now say, I am come down out of heaven?
- Acts 4:13
Now when they beheld the boldness of Peter and John, and had perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.
- John 7:15
The Jews therefore marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?
- Mark 1:39
And he went into their synagogues throughout all Galilee, preaching and casting out demons.
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