Devine Scripture

Mark 6:8

What does Mark 6:8 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 6:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 6:8 means

In Mark 6:8 Jesus instructs the Twelve to take nothing for their journey except a staff—no bread, no wallet, no money. He calls them to radical dependence on God’s provision and hospitality of those they serve. The bare allowance (the staff for travel) highlights simplicity and trust: their mission is urgent and not to be burdened by possessions. It also tests the reliability of the communities they enter. This command trains them in faith and detachment from material security, teaching that the gospel’s power, not resources, is the true basis for ministry.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he said that they were to take nothing for their journey, but a stick only; no bread, no bag, no money in their pockets;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and he commanded them that they may take nothing for the way, except a staff only--no scrip, no bread, no brass in the girdle,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And he commanded them that they should take nothing for the way, but a staff only; no scrip, no bread, nor money in their purse,

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and he commanded them that they should take nothing for the way, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their belt;

Context

This travel instruction follows the commissioning in verse 7 and is part of a larger set of practical directives. It clarifies how they are to conduct themselves in mission: modestly and trusting divine provision. These instructions contrast with human expectations of self-reliance and set the stage for later experiences where hospitality will confirm or reject them. The guidance continues through verses 9–11, shaping the character of their mission.

v.7And 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;

v.8This passage

v.9but to go shod with sandals: and, said he, put not on two coats.

Cross references

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

  • Luke 10:4

    Carry no purse, no wallet, no shoes; and salute no man on the way.

  • Luke 9:3

    And he said unto them, Take nothing for your journey, neither staff, nor wallet, nor bread, nor money; neither have two coats.

  • Matthew 10:9

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

  • Luke 22:35

    And he said unto them, When I sent you forth without purse, and wallet, and shoes, lacked ye anything? And they said, Nothing.

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