Mark 1:22 kjv

And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes.

Mark 1:22 nkjv

And they were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

Mark 1:22 niv

The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law.

Mark 1:22 esv

And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes.

Mark 1:22 nlt

The people were amazed at his teaching, for he taught with real authority ? quite unlike the teachers of religious law.

Mark 1 verses

Mark 1 22 Meaning

Mark 1:22 reveals the profound impact of Jesus' initial teaching in Capernaum's synagogue. His audience was deeply astonished because He spoke with an inherent, divine authority unlike that of the scribes, who based their teaching on inherited traditions and interpretations. This verse highlights Jesus' unique power, not only in what He said, but also in how He said it, immediately setting Him apart as more than a mere human teacher.

Mark 1 22 Context

Mark Chapter 1 opens with the beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It swiftly moves from John the Baptist's preparatory ministry and Jesus' baptism to His temptation in the wilderness and the calling of the first disciples by the Sea of Galilee. Having established His foundational identity and mission, Jesus enters Capernaum and immediately begins His public ministry by teaching in the synagogue (Mk 1:21). Verse 22 provides the very first recorded reaction to His teaching, setting the tone for the revolutionary nature of His ministry. Directly following this verse, Jesus demonstrates His authority further by casting out an unclean spirit (Mk 1:23-26), proving that His words were not empty but carried divine power.

Mark 1 22 Word analysis

• And (kai): This conjunction emphasizes the immediate connection between Jesus' act of teaching and the crowd's response, highlighting the swift and striking impact of His words.
• they (autoi): Refers to the collective audience present in the synagogue at Capernaum. This includes the regular attendees, possibly the synagogue leaders, and visitors.
• were astonished (ekplēssomai): Greek: ἐξεπλήσσοντο (ex-e-PLĒS-son-to). The imperfect tense suggests a sustained or repeated sense of amazement. This is a strong word denoting profound awe, being utterly amazed, or struck out of one's senses by something extraordinary and unprecedented. It's more than simple surprise; it indicates a deep sense of wonder mixed with respect or even trepidation. This reaction recurs in the Gospels regarding Jesus' words and deeds (Mt 7:28, Mk 6:2, Lk 4:36).
• at his doctrine (epi tē didachē autou): Greek: ἐπὶ τῇ διδαχῇ αὐτοῦ (e-PI tay di-da-KHAY ow-TOO).
  • doctrine (didachē): Refers to the content of Jesus' teaching, but more profoundly, the manner and substance of His instruction. It encompasses His wisdom, clarity, depth, and the power that accompanied His words.
• for (gar): This conjunction explains the reason for their astonishment.
• he taught (ēdidasken): Greek: ἐδίδασκεν (e-DI-da-sken). The imperfect tense suggests He was in the process of teaching, implying an ongoing demonstration of this authoritative manner.
• them (autous): The same audience as "they" above, directly indicating His instruction was for the people assembled.
• as one that had authority (hōs exousian echōn): Greek: ὡς ἐξουσίαν ἔχων (hos ex-oo-SEE-an EK-hon).
  • authority (exousia): This is the crucial word. It means inherent power, rightful ability, permission, or legitimate authorization. It signifies an intrinsic, self-possessed power and right to act and speak. Jesus did not merely speak about God, but as God, or as God's ultimate spokesman with divine backing. His words carried ultimate weight, demanding submission and belief without needing external validation or appeals to tradition.
• and not (kai ouk): A stark contrast, emphasizing the absolute distinction between Jesus and the scribes.
• as the scribes (hōs hoi grammateis): Greek: ὡς οἱ γραμματεῖς (hos ho-EE gram-ma-TAYS).
  • scribes (grammateis): These were the recognized religious teachers and experts in the Mosaic Law in Israel. Their authority derived from their study of the Law and traditions, and their teaching method primarily involved citing previous rabbinic opinions, interpretations, and the accumulated wisdom of past generations. They were disseminators of established teaching rather than originators.

Words-group Analysis

• "And they were astonished at his doctrine": This phrase captures the overwhelming and profound initial reaction. It shows that Jesus' words elicited more than intellectual agreement; they created a deep spiritual and emotional impact, indicating the presence of something truly unique.
• "for he taught them as one that had authority": This explains the source of the audience's astonishment. It points to Jesus' teaching being intrinsically powerful and divinely empowered, establishing His direct divine access or divine nature. His communication conveyed not just knowledge but a command.
• "and not as the scribes": This crucial contrast highlights the revolutionary nature of Jesus' ministry. It defines His authority by differentiating it from the prevailing model of religious instruction. Scribes relied on external references (tradition); Jesus relied on internal, inherent power. Their method often felt repetitive; His was fresh, direct, and divinely charged, cutting through accumulated tradition directly to the truth of God's will.

Mark 1 22 Bonus section

• The ekplēssomai (astonishment) of the crowd signals the beginning of a profound paradigm shift in religious understanding. Their familiar structures of learning and authority were being irrevocably challenged by Jesus.
• This verse foreshadows the growing conflict between Jesus and the Jewish leadership throughout Mark's Gospel. The scribes and Pharisees would ultimately reject the very authority that the common people found so captivating.
• Jesus' teaching being "with authority" was not just about the content but the accompanying power. This "power" would soon be tangibly displayed through healings, exorcisms, and control over nature.
• For believers, this verse reminds us that true Christian teaching should ultimately echo this divine authority, relying on God's inherent truth rather than merely human opinions or eloquence (1 Cor 2:4-5).

Mark 1 22 Commentary

Mark 1:22 is a foundational statement about Jesus' ministry in Mark's Gospel. It establishes Him immediately not just as another rabbi or prophet, but as a divine authority. The "astonishment" (ekplēssomai) of the crowds signifies a profound, almost overwhelming sense of awe, demonstrating that Jesus' teaching was utterly different from anything they had experienced. His "doctrine" (didachē) was powerful and compelling because it was accompanied by exousia—inherent, legitimate authority, a right to command.

The contrast with "the scribes" is crucial. Scribes were highly respected interpreters of the Law, but their method was based on transmitted authority. They would say, "Rabbi X said..." or "It has been taught..." Their teaching was a collection of interpretations and rulings, carefully preserved through generations. Jesus, however, spoke directly, often prefacing His revolutionary declarations with "But I say unto you..." (Mt 5:21-48). His authority was not derived from tradition, seminary, or lineage; it was self-authenticating and flowed directly from His divine person. His words were not mere human wisdom; they carried the weight of divine truth and power, leading to immediate conviction and action, as evidenced by the casting out of the demon in the very next verses (Mk 1:23-26). This sets the stage for the constant tension between Jesus and the religious establishment, as He continually demonstrated His divine authority over their human traditions.