Mark 2 13

Mark 2:13 kjv

And he went forth again by the sea side; and all the multitude resorted unto him, and he taught them.

Mark 2:13 nkjv

Then He went out again by the sea; and all the multitude came to Him, and He taught them.

Mark 2:13 niv

Once again Jesus went out beside the lake. A large crowd came to him, and he began to teach them.

Mark 2:13 esv

He went out again beside the sea, and all the crowd was coming to him, and he was teaching them.

Mark 2:13 nlt

Then Jesus went out to the lakeshore again and taught the crowds that were coming to him.

Mark 2 verses

Mark 2 13 Meaning

Mark 2:13 describes Jesus' active and consistent public ministry. Following previous interactions, Jesus returns to the Sea of Galilee, a common setting for His teaching. A large crowd, the multitude, continuously seeks Him out, indicating His widespread appeal. In response, Jesus engages in His primary mission: teaching them the truths of God's Kingdom.

Mark 2 13 Context

Mark 2:13 marks a transition point in Jesus' early ministry. It follows the contentious healing of the paralytic in Capernaum (Mk 2:1-12), where Jesus controversially asserted His authority to forgive sins, directly challenging the scribes present. Rather than withdrawing, Jesus shifts His location from the enclosed house to the open, public area by the Sea of Galilee. This sets the stage for the next series of events, beginning immediately with the call of Levi (Matthew) the tax collector in verse 14, which again triggers intense criticism from the religious establishment regarding Jesus' association with "sinners." This verse demonstrates Jesus' continued outreach to the common people, who, unlike the skeptical religious leaders, readily flocked to Him for teaching and spiritual guidance, reinforcing the contrast between Jesus' popularity among the masses and the growing opposition from the elite. Historically, the Sea of Galilee region was densely populated, facilitating large gatherings and making it an ideal "headquarters" for Jesus' itinerant ministry.

Mark 2 13 Word analysis

• And (Καὶ - Kai): A simple conjunction connecting this action to the previous events (the healing and controversy in the house). It indicates a flow of continuous activity in Jesus' ministry.

• he went forth (ἐξῆλθεν - exēlthen): From ex (out) and erchomai (to come/go). Implies a deliberate exit from the immediate confines, likely the house in Capernaum where the recent conflict occurred. It signifies proactive movement in ministry.

• again (πάλιν - palin): Indicates repetition. Jesus frequently ministered by the sea (e.g., Mk 1:16; 3:7). This was a customary and effective location for reaching large crowds.

• by the sea side (παρὰ τὴν θάλασσαν - para tēn thalassan): Refers to the Sea of Galilee (Kinneret in Hebrew), a vital geographic feature in Jesus' ministry. Its open shores provided natural amphitheaters, ideal for addressing large groups and avoiding the enclosed spaces where confrontations often arose with authorities. It's a strategic public sphere.

• and all (καὶ πᾶς - kai pas): A universalizing term emphasizing the comprehensive scope and size of the crowd. It highlights that the appeal of Jesus extended widely.

• the multitude (ὁ ὄχλος - ho ochlos): The common people, a large and diverse crowd. This term contrasts with the small, specialized groups like the religious leaders. It underscores Jesus' appeal beyond a specific elite, focusing on the eager common populace.

• resorted unto him (ἤρχετο πρὸς αὐτόν - ērcheto pros auton): Imperfect tense of erchomai (to come). It signifies continuous, repeated action, meaning they were consistently coming to Him. This conveys the persistence and earnestness of the crowd in seeking Jesus out, rather than a one-time occurrence.

• and he taught them (καὶ ἐδίδασκεν αὐτούς - kai edidasken autous): Imperfect tense of didaskō (to teach). This also signifies continuous action; Jesus was habitually and continually teaching them. It highlights teaching as a primary, foundational activity of Jesus' public ministry, central to His mission of proclaiming the Kingdom of God.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "And he went forth again by the sea side": This phrase communicates Jesus' active and consistent pattern of ministry. It signifies a strategic movement from an inner setting of confrontation to an expansive, open venue, enabling broad public engagement and establishing a recurring theme of His itinerant work.
  • "and all the multitude resorted unto him": This depicts the immense popularity and magnetism of Jesus. It emphasizes that despite emerging religious opposition, the general population actively and persistently sought Him out, drawn by His message and works.
  • "and he taught them": This succinct statement captures the core of Jesus' public activity. It highlights that His primary interaction with the eager crowds was through authoritative teaching, emphasizing the foundational importance of His instruction concerning the Kingdom of God over mere miraculous displays.

Mark 2 13 Bonus section

• Strategic Ministry Location: The Sea of Galilee provided excellent acoustics due to the water and surrounding hills, allowing Jesus' voice to carry to large crowds gathered on the shore. It was also a hub for travel and trade, increasing the reach of His message.
• Contrasting Responses: Mark implicitly contrasts the skeptical, confrontational response of the scribes (Mk 2:6-7) with the eager, receptive nature of the "multitude" who actively sought out Jesus' teaching. This highlights the different hearts Jesus encountered.
• Teacher Identity: Though often seen performing miracles, Jesus' self-identity and primary work often centered on teaching and proclaiming the Kingdom of God. This verse underscores the priority of His didactic ministry.
• Precursor to Discipleship: His public teaching was also a preparatory step for identifying and calling individuals to a deeper commitment, such as Levi, whose call immediately follows in Mark 2:14.

Mark 2 13 Commentary

Mark 2:13 is a concise yet deeply significant verse illustrating Jesus' unwavering commitment to His public ministry amidst rising scrutiny. Following a controversial encounter with scribes in a house, Jesus strategically moves to the open expanse of the Sea of Galilee. This re-engagement with the broader public underscores His deliberate and expansive approach to ministry. The "multitude" actively "resorted" to Him, signifying their profound spiritual hunger and belief in Him, serving as a contrast to the emerging opposition from the religious authorities. The verse culminates in the crucial declaration that Jesus "taught them." This demonstrates that the core of His mission was not merely healing or miraculous acts, but authoritatively imparting divine truth. His teaching laid the groundwork for understanding the Kingdom of God, inviting people into a transformative relationship with Him. This teaching formed the bedrock of His discipleship and continued to draw crowds despite, or perhaps because of, His controversial claims and associations.