Devine Scripture

Mark 6:7

What does Mark 6:7 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 6:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 6:7 means

Mark 6:7 describes Jesus calling the Twelve and sending them out in pairs, giving them authority over unclean spirits. This verse emphasizes the organized and official nature of their mission: they are appointed representatives with delegated power. Going two by two provided mutual support and public credibility. Authority over unclean spirits shows the disciples will engage in spiritual warfare and exercise Christ’s power. The verse sets a tone of responsibility and empowerment—Jesus entrusts his followers to continue proclaiming God’s reign and confronting the forces opposing it.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And he calleth unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and he gave them authority over the unclean spirits;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits;

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And he calleth unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and he gave them authority over the unclean spirits;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he gave orders to the twelve, and sent them out two by two; and he gave them authority over the unclean spirits;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and he doth call near the twelve, and he began to send them forth two by two, and he was giving them power over the unclean spirits,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And he called the twelve; and began to send them two and two, and gave them power over unclean spirits.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And he calls the twelve to [him]; and he began to send them out two [and] two, and gave to them power over the unclean spirits;

Context

This verse follows Jesus’ itinerant teaching and shows the next phase: the training and sending of the Twelve. Having experienced mixed receptions, Jesus now commissions others to advance the work. The timing matters—after Nazareth’s unbelief and Jesus’ teaching—because it shows the expansion of ministry through discipleship. The gift of authority anticipates their activities in the following verses: instructions for travel, preaching, casting out demons, and healing.

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

v.7This passage

v.8and he charged them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no bread, no wallet, no money in their purse;

Cross references

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

  • Luke 10:3

    Go your ways; behold, I send you forth as lambs in the midst of wolves.

  • Matthew 10:1

    And he called unto him his twelve disciples, and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of disease and all manner of sickness.

  • Matthew 10:9

    Get you no gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses;

  • Luke 9:1

    And he called the twelve together, and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases.

  • Mark 3:13

    And he goeth up into the mountain, and calleth unto him whom he himself would; and they went unto him.

  • Ecclesiastes 4:9

    Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor.

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