Mark 2:1 kjv

And again he entered into Capernaum after some days; and it was noised that he was in the house.

Mark 2:1 nkjv

And again He entered Capernaum after some days, and it was heard that He was in the house.

Mark 2:1 niv

A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home.

Mark 2:1 esv

And when he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home.

Mark 2:1 nlt

When Jesus returned to Capernaum several days later, the news spread quickly that he was back home.

Mark 2 verses

(h2) MeaningMark 2:1 describes Jesus' return to Capernaum after a period of ministry elsewhere, likely due to the massive crowds generated by His previous actions, making it difficult for Him to move freely. His return to what was essentially His base of operations signals a continuation of His ministry, drawing attention from the local population as word quickly spread that He was present in a particular house, setting the scene for a significant event of healing and confrontation.

(h2) Cross References

(h2) ContextThis verse immediately follows a period of extensive ministry by Jesus throughout Galilee, after He healed a leper and instructed him to tell no one (Mk 1:40-45). However, the man disobeyed, causing Jesus' fame to spread so widely that He could no longer openly enter cities and was forced to stay in desolate places. Mark 2:1 signals Jesus' strategic return to Capernaum, a significant fishing and trade city on the Sea of Galilee. Historically, Capernaum served as Jesus' adopted hometown or "headquarters" in Galilee, fulfilling prophetic words (Is 9:1-2, as cited in Mt 4:13-16) about a light shining in that region. The immediate spread of the news that Jesus was "in the house"—likely referring to the house of Peter, where Jesus had previously lodged and healed (Mk 1:29)—highlights the impact of His previous ministry and the public's eagerness to seek Him out, setting the stage for the dramatic events of the paralytic's healing and the ensuing religious controversies of chapter two.

(h2) Word analysis

• And again (Greek: Kai palin - Καὶ πάλιν): "And" links to the preceding narrative. "Again" indicates a repetition or return, suggesting Jesus’ re-entry into Capernaum after a period of absence. It connects the events, highlighting the pattern of Jesus’ itinerant ministry and His frequent returns to specific locations. It signals the recommencement of concentrated ministry in a familiar place.
• he entered (Greek: eiselthein - εἰσελθεῖν): This is an aorist active infinitive, indicating a definite act of entry. Jesus actively chose to go back into the city.
• into Capernaum (Greek: eis Kapharnaoum - εἰς Καπερναούμ): Capernaum means "village of comfort" or "village of Nahum." It was a prosperous and strategic town. Jesus made this city His base of operations during His Galilean ministry, often returning there after travels. Its Jewish inhabitants would witness many of His miracles and teachings, yet it later faced a curse due to its unbelief (Mt 11:23).
• after some days (Greek: di' hēmerōn - δι’ ἡμερῶν): This phrase indicates a short, undefined period of time, not immediately, but after the passage of several days. It suggests that Jesus did not rush back, perhaps allowing time for the intense crowd situation mentioned in Mk 1:45 to somewhat subside, or for His reputation to continue spreading.
• and it was noised (Greek: kai ēkousthē - καὶ ἠκούσθη): Literally, "and it was heard." This uses a passive verb, emphasizing that the news of Jesus' presence spread quickly and widely, not necessarily by specific messengers, but through general public awareness and excitement. It underscores Jesus' renown.
• that he was (Greek: hoti estin - ὅτι ἐστίν): "That he is." The present tense ("is") despite the context being past ("was noised") suggests an enduring fact about His presence, not just a momentary arrival, or it indicates direct speech ("he is in the house") now reported.
• in the house (Greek: en oikō - ἐν οἴκῳ): "The house" suggests a specific, well-known dwelling, rather than just "a house." This is widely understood to be Peter’s house, previously mentioned in Mk 1:29 as a place where Jesus stayed and healed Peter’s mother-in-law. It functioned as Jesus' operational base in Capernaum, a common gathering spot for His disciples and others, a place where people knew they could find Him.

Words-Group Analysis:

• "And again he entered into Capernaum after some days": This phrase establishes Jesus' deliberate return to a familiar base after a necessary period of separation or distant ministry. It sets the scene for renewed public interaction and emphasizes His established pattern of movement in ministry.
• "and it was noised that he was in the house": This communicates the immediate, spontaneous public reaction to Jesus' return. The rapid spread of information ("noised") underscores His immense popularity and the anticipation people felt, turning a private residence ("the house") into an immediate focal point of a gathering crowd.

(h2) CommentaryMark 2:1 acts as a crucial narrative hinge, connecting Jesus' initial, expansive ministry detailed in chapter one with the series of conflicts and deeper theological lessons that define chapter two. After the overwhelming crowds in Galilee made open ministry difficult, Jesus' return to Capernaum signifies a strategic move to re-establish His base. The detail that "it was noised" illustrates the profound impact of His prior healings and teachings; His presence alone was enough to generate immediate public attention and excitement. The setting of "the house," likely Peter's, highlights the blend of public and intimate aspects of Jesus' early ministry—a place where He both rested and taught, becoming a natural magnet for those seeking Him. This verse effectively builds anticipation, signaling that Jesus' physical presence in a community immediately translates into an opportunity for divine encounter and profound transformation, laying the groundwork for the extraordinary healing of the paralytic and subsequent confrontations with religious authorities that explore the nature of Christ's authority and mission.

(h2) Bonus sectionThe precise nature of "the house" implies it served as more than just a place of lodging; it was an impromptu teaching center, a clinic for the sick, and a hub for gathering with His disciples. This common dwelling became a sacred space by Jesus' presence. The return to Capernaum despite previous crowd issues suggests either a strategic assessment by Jesus that conditions were suitable, or that His continued mission required a specific return to this strategically important hub for His kingdom work. This movement illustrates the practical and dynamic nature of Jesus' ministry, balancing periods of public engagement with strategic retreats or shifts in location.