Devine Scripture

Mark 6:5

What does Mark 6:5 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 6:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 6:5 means

Mark 6:5 reports that Jesus “could there do no mighty work,” except that he laid hands on a few sick and healed them. The verse indicates that unbelief among the townspeople hindered the full display of his power. Not that Jesus lacked ability, but their refusal to trust restricted the outworking of signs. Even so, he still healed some. The phrasing shows both the reality of human responsibility in response to grace and the persistence of Jesus’ compassion: where belief allowed, he blessed and healed despite overall resistance.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he was unable to do any work of power there, but only to put his hands on one or two persons who were ill, and make them well.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and he was not able there any mighty work to do, except on a few infirm people having put hands he did heal <FI>them<Fi> ;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And he could not do any miracles there, only that he cured a few that were sick, laying his hands upon them.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And he could not do any work of power there, save that laying his hands on a few infirm persons he healed [them].

Context

This follows Jesus’ saying about lack of honor among one’s own. The verse shows the practical consequence: miracles were curtailed. It contrasts previous widespread healings with a sparse local outcome. The limited healings underline the theme of unbelief’s power to hinder ministry, and it explains why Jesus then “went round about the villages teaching,” shifting his focus outward to towns more open to his message.

v.4And 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.

v.5This passage

v.6And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages teaching.

Cross references

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

  • Mark 5:23

    and beseecheth him much, saying, My little daughter is at the point of death: I pray thee, that thou come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be made whole, and live.

  • Matthew 13:58

    And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.

  • Genesis 32:25

    And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob’s thigh was strained, as he wrestled with him.

  • Isaiah 59:1

    Behold, Jehovah’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear:

  • Genesis 19:22

    Haste thee, escape thither; for I cannot do anything till thou be come thither. Therefore the name of the city was called Zoar.

  • Mark 9:23

    And Jesus said unto him, If thou canst! All things are possible to him that believeth.

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