Mark 1:19 kjv

And when he had gone a little farther thence, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the ship mending their nets.

Mark 1:19 nkjv

When He had gone a little farther from there, He saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the boat mending their nets.

Mark 1:19 niv

When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets.

Mark 1:19 esv

And going on a little farther, he saw James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, who were in their boat mending the nets.

Mark 1:19 nlt

A little farther up the shore Jesus saw Zebedee's sons, James and John, in a boat repairing their nets.

Mark 1 verses

Mark 1 19 Meaning

Mark 1:19 describes Jesus continuing along the Sea of Galilee and observing James and John, sons of Zebedee, in their boat preparing or repairing their fishing nets. This verse sets the immediate scene for their radical call by Jesus to leave their livelihood and follow Him, an event detailed in the subsequent verse. It highlights the ready-at-hand nature of Jesus' encounters and the practical work that was part of the disciples' former lives.

Mark 1 19 Context

Mark 1:19 is part of Jesus' initial public ministry in Galilee, immediately following the baptism by John, the temptation in the wilderness, and the calling of Simon (Peter) and Andrew. It directly precedes the calling of James and John as full-time disciples. The preceding verses (Mk 1:16-18) detail the call of the first two fishermen, Simon and Andrew, while they were casting a net. The rapid succession of calls (within "a little farther") emphasizes Jesus' urgent and authoritative summoning of disciples and their immediate, decisive response, a recurring theme in Mark's Gospel. Historically and culturally, fishing was a major industry in Galilee, providing a stable, albeit demanding, livelihood. For these men to leave their family business (even their father and hired servants, as per Matt 4:22 for James and John) indicates the profound impact and authority of Jesus' call.

Mark 1 19 Word analysis

• And (Καὶ, Kai): A common conjunction, linking this event closely with the calling of Simon and Andrew, emphasizing continuity in Jesus' activity.
• going on (προβὰς, probas): This is a participle from probaino, meaning "to go forward," "advance," or "proceed." It suggests Jesus continued His deliberate walk along the shoreline. Not a casual stroll, but a purposeful progression, further establishing His intent and authority.
• a little (ὀλίγον, oligon): Denotes a short distance or duration. Jesus moved purposefully a short distance down the shore from where He found Simon and Andrew, indicating a quick, successive encounter.
• farther (ἐκεῖθεν, ekeithen): From ekei, meaning "there" or "from that place." Jesus moved onward from the specific spot of the previous call.
• He saw (εἶδεν, eiden): Simple past tense of horao, "to see." Highlights Jesus' discerning gaze, selecting these specific individuals. His observation is active and intentional.
• James (Ἰάκωβον, Iakōbon): The Greek form of the Hebrew name Jacob. Son of Zebedee. One of the core inner circle disciples of Jesus, known for his zealous nature.
• the son (τὸν τοῦ, ton tou): Standard way to denote filiation.
• of Zebedee (Ζεβεδαίου, Zebedaiou): Aramaic name (possibly "Yahweh has bestowed" or "My gift") of their father. Indicates they were part of a known family unit, involved in the family fishing business.
• and (καὶ, kai): Connects James and John.
• John (Ἰωάννην, Iōannēn): Greek form of the Hebrew name Yochanan, meaning "Yahweh is gracious." James' brother, also part of the inner circle and author of a Gospel and Epistles.
• his (αὐτοῦ, autou): Possessive pronoun, specifying John's relation to James.
• brother (ἀδελφόν, adelphon): Highlights their familial relationship. The immediate call of two sets of brothers (Simon and Andrew, then James and John) might suggest a cohesive unit or family loyalty being transcended by their new allegiance to Jesus.
• in the boat (ἐν τῷ πλοίῳ, en tō ploiō): A boat was their place of livelihood and business. It indicates their practical occupation at the moment of encounter. It's the same setting as the previous call.
• mending (καταρτίζοντας, katartizontas): Present participle from katartizō, meaning "to repair," "to mend," "to restore," "to make complete," "to prepare." This is a significant word choice. It implies meticulous, essential work that makes the nets usable. It suggests a state of readiness or active preparation for future use. The irony or deeper meaning here is that Jesus would "mend" or prepare them, in turn, for a new task—becoming "fishers of men." This state of readiness can be interpreted metaphorically as well: they were not idle but actively engaged in their trade, a state Jesus often found disciples in (Lk 5:2-10).
• their (αὐτῶν, autōn): Possessive, indicating ownership of the nets.
• nets (τά δίκτυα, ta diktya): Essential equipment for fishing, requiring constant care and repair. Symbol of their worldly livelihood.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "And going on a little farther": Demonstrates Jesus' continued purposeful movement and initiative in seeking out individuals for His ministry. His call is not random but divinely purposed.
• "He saw James the son of Zebedee and John his brother": Jesus actively observes and identifies individuals. The mention of "the son of Zebedee" and "his brother" clearly identifies them and points to their familial fishing business, highlighting what they would soon leave behind.
• "in the boat mending their nets": This paints a vivid scene of their diligent work. The phrase "mending their nets" implies preparedness, attentiveness to their craft, and engagement in productive labor. This state of readiness, while physical, can be seen as spiritual as well – they were active, not passive, waiting for a call. The meticulous care of the nets symbolizes a life requiring discipline and dedication, traits valuable in new discipleship.

Mark 1 19 Bonus section

• The detail of "mending their nets" could imply the ongoing cycle of damage and repair inherent in their profession. Symbolically, this may resonate with the fallen human condition that requires spiritual mending or restoration by the Gospel. Jesus, as the one who makes all things new (Rev 21:5), calls these men who mend nets to participate in a greater work of mending human lives for the kingdom.
• The fact that they were in the boat with Zebedee their father (as seen in the parallel Matt 4:22) highlights the profound nature of their departure, not just from their profession but also from their family's economic and social unit. This amplifies the cost of discipleship and the radical, unreserved nature of their obedience to Jesus' call, emphasizing that following Jesus meant placing Him before family and tradition (Lk 14:26).

Mark 1 19 Commentary

Mark 1:19 is a concise and action-packed verse that reveals the authoritative and direct nature of Jesus' calling. Fresh from calling Simon and Andrew, Jesus continues His purposeful walk along the shore of Galilee, identifying His next two disciples, James and John. The phrase "mending their nets" is particularly evocative, portraying men diligently engaged in the practical, vital work of their trade. This detail is not superfluous; it suggests a state of preparedness and active labor, hinting at the type of committed individuals Jesus was calling. They were not idlers but skilled workers attending to their instruments. Jesus' observation is precise and intentional, demonstrating His sovereign choice. This verse sets the stage for one of the most radical acts of obedience in the Gospels—the immediate abandonment of their entire livelihood and familial connection at Jesus' simple word. It underscores the urgency of the Kingdom's message and the absolute commitment required of those who would follow the Messiah. This immediate obedience became a defining characteristic of Mark's portrayal of true discipleship, challenging readers to consider their own readiness to respond wholeheartedly to Christ's call, prioritizing His kingdom above all worldly pursuits, including their professions and families.