Mark 1:36 kjv

And Simon and they that were with him followed after him.

Mark 1:36 nkjv

And Simon and those who were with Him searched for Him.

Mark 1:36 niv

Simon and his companions went to look for him,

Mark 1:36 esv

And Simon and those who were with him searched for him,

Mark 1:36 nlt

Later Simon and the others went out to find him.

Mark 1 verses

Mark 1 36 Meaning

Mark 1:36 describes Simon Peter, along with Andrew, James, and John, diligently seeking Jesus after He had withdrawn early in the morning for solitary prayer. Their intense pursuit of Him indicates a sense of urgency, possibly arising from concern over His unexpected absence or the cessation of His popular public ministry.

Mark 1 36 Context

Mark 1:36 is situated within the early stages of Jesus' public ministry in Galilee. The preceding verses (Mk 1:21-34) depict an extremely busy day for Jesus in Capernaum, teaching in the synagogue, healing a man with an unclean spirit, healing Simon's mother-in-law, and then at evening, healing countless sick and demon-possessed people gathered at the door. Exhausted yet resolute, Jesus then withdraws "very early in the morning" (Mk 1:35) to a solitary place to pray. It is this withdrawal for prayer, unnoticed by most and seemingly unexpected by the disciples, that prompts their intense search. The historical context reflects Jesus' initial popularity and the intense demands of crowds seeking healing, while also foreshadowing Jesus' wider mission beyond a single locale.

Mark 1 36 Word analysis

• And (Καί - kai): A conjunction, serving to connect the narrative thread. It signals that the disciples' action is a direct consequence or response to Jesus' withdrawal for solitary prayer mentioned in the preceding verse. It maintains the flow of the unfolding events in Jesus' ministry.

• Simon (Σίμων - Simōn): Refers to Simon Peter, a prominent figure among the Twelve disciples and frequently presented as their spokesman. His explicit mention here indicates his leadership role or at least his significant involvement in the initiative to find Jesus, highlighting his unique position and immediate concern.

• and those who were with him (οἱ μετ’ αὐτοῦ - hoi met' autou): This phrase points to Jesus' inner circle, likely Andrew (Simon's brother, also among the first called), and the sons of Zebedee, James and John (also among the first called, Mark 1:16-20). It indicates a collective effort and concern, emphasizing that this was not a lone act but a shared, immediate response from His closest companions.

• searched for (κατεδίωξαν - katediōxan): This is a key Greek term (katadiōkō), a strong compound verb meaning "to pursue keenly," "to hunt down," "to track down thoroughly," or "to follow in hot pursuit." It is a vigorous term, suggesting an intense, determined, and perhaps urgent or even anxious quest, much more than simply "looking for." The disciples were actively, perhaps even frantically, tracking Jesus down. This reflects their earnest desire to locate Him, potentially because they were puzzled by His disappearance, concerned for His safety, or eager for His public ministry to resume.

• Him (αὐτόν - auton): The unambiguous direct object, identifying Jesus as the sole focus and subject of their intense and urgent search. His centrality is affirmed by their dedicated pursuit.

• Words-group by words-group analysis:

  • "Simon and those who were with him searched for": This group of words emphasizes the combined and purposeful effort of Jesus' most intimate followers. Simon Peter takes the lead, but it is a unified act of a specific group, demonstrating their bond and shared investment in Jesus and His ministry. The urgency in the Greek verb shows their proactive stance rather than passive waiting.
  • "searched for Him": This phrase starkly contrasts with Jesus' own purposeful action of seeking solitude for prayer (Mark 1:35). While Jesus intentionally withdrew for divine communion and strategic planning, the disciples actively pursued Him, indicating their different, more immediate human concerns or expectations for Him to continue the public healing ministry. It underscores their developing understanding of Jesus' true mission.

Mark 1 36 Bonus section

• The scene set by Mark 1:36 immediately leads into Jesus' clarifying statement in Mark 1:38-39: "Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also; for that is why I came out." This reveals that Jesus' withdrawal was not simply for rest or prayer but also for strategic direction, emphasizing His primary mission to preach the good news throughout Galilee, rather than being confined to one location.
• Jesus' practice of withdrawal for prayer and solitude, which prompted the disciples' search, is a recurring theme throughout the Gospels (e.g., after feeding the five thousand, He went up a mountain alone to pray, Matthew 14:23). This habit served as His source of spiritual strength, guidance, and intimacy with God amidst constant demands and temptations, setting an enduring example for those who seek to follow Him.
• The contrast between the crowds and the disciples' earthly expectations for Jesus (staying where He was popular) and Jesus' divinely-led priorities (preaching the Kingdom more broadly) is a foundational element in Mark's narrative of discipleship. The disciples, by "hunting Him down," inadvertently provide an opportunity for Jesus to clarify His mission.

Mark 1 36 Commentary

Mark 1:36 provides a profound, concise insight into the earliest phase of Jesus' public ministry and His unique approach to leadership. Following a supremely demanding day of healing and teaching, Jesus withdraws to a solitary place to pray, a crucial aspect of His divine discipline and dependence on the Father. This quiet withdrawal, however, prompts an intense search by Simon Peter and other close disciples. The powerful Greek verb katadiōxō vividly portrays their earnestness, highlighting a "hunt" or "pursuit" driven by a mixture of concern, a desire for His presence, and perhaps an expectation that His wildly successful healing ministry in Capernaum should continue uninterrupted. This brief verse subtly reveals the developing understanding of the disciples as they witness Jesus' pattern of intense public service balanced with essential, solitary communion with God, demonstrating that spiritual power emanates from communion, not merely activity. It showcases their raw, if sometimes misguided, zeal and deep commitment to following their Lord.