Devine Scripture

Mark 6:4

What does Mark 6:4 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 6:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 6:4 means

In Mark 6:4 Jesus states a proverb: “A prophet is not without honor, save in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house.” He observes the sad truth that those closest to a prophet often fail to honor him. Jesus isn’t complaining about a lack of general recognition but pointing to the particular blindness of those who know him best. The saying explains human resistance to prophetic ministry: familiarity can suppress belief. Jesus’ words underscore how personal history and social assumptions can block spiritual recognition of God’s messenger.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honor, save in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honor, save in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And Jesus said to them, A prophet is nowhere without honour, but in his country, and among his relations, and in his family.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And Jesus said to them--`A prophet is not without honour, except in his own country, and among his kindred, and in his own house;'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And Jesus said to them: A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and in his own house, and among his own kindred.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But Jesus said to them, A prophet is not despised save in his own country, and among [his] kinsmen, and in his own house.

Context

This verse is Jesus’ response to the hometown citizens’ doubts in verses 2–3. It explains why they stumble: proximity and familiarity make them less likely to receive a prophet. The saying prepares the account of limited miracles and his marveling at their unbelief. It frames Jesus’ experience among his own people and sets up the switch to broader itinerant ministry when he moves beyond those who knew him.

v.3Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and brother of James, and Joses, and Judas, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended in him.

v.4This passage

v.5And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them.

Cross references

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

  • John 4:44

    For Jesus himself testified, that a prophet hath no honor in his own country.

  • Matthew 13:57

    And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honor, save in his own country, and in his own house.

  • Jeremiah 12:6

    For even thy brethren, and the house of thy father, even they have dealt treacherously with thee; even they have cried aloud after thee: believe them not, though they speak fair words unto thee.

  • Luke 4:24

    And he said, Verily I say unto you, No prophet is acceptable in his own country.

  • Jeremiah 11:21

    Therefore thus saith Jehovah concerning the men of Anathoth, that seek thy life, saying, Thou shalt not prophesy in the name of Jehovah, that thou die not by our hand;

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