Mark 3 13

Mark 3:13 kjv

And he goeth up into a mountain, and calleth unto him whom he would: and they came unto him.

Mark 3:13 nkjv

And He went up on the mountain and called to Him those He Himself wanted. And they came to Him.

Mark 3:13 niv

Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him.

Mark 3:13 esv

And he went up on the mountain and called to him those whom he desired, and they came to him.

Mark 3:13 nlt

Afterward Jesus went up on a mountain and called out the ones he wanted to go with him. And they came to him.

Mark 3 verses

Mark 3 13 Meaning

Mark 3:13 describes Jesus' deliberate and sovereign act of ascending a mountain and calling specific individuals to Himself. This action signifies a momentous selection by divine prerogative, establishing a core group of followers for a distinct purpose. It highlights Jesus' initiative and authority in gathering those whom He alone willed to be with Him and for future ministry.

Mark 3 13 Context

Mark chapter 3 immediately follows Jesus' active ministry, marked by increasing opposition from religious leaders. He performs miracles, heals on the Sabbath, and deals with accusations. This sets the stage for a critical moment: Jesus chooses to establish a core group of twelve, shifting His ministry from primarily addressing large crowds to intensively training a smaller, dedicated circle. This selection occurs in response to both the growing crowds seeking Him and the escalating hostility against Him. The "mountain" context highlights the solemnity and divine nature of this decision, echoing Old Testament traditions where significant divine encounters and covenants were established on mountains.

Mark 3 13 Word analysis

• And he goeth up (καὶ ἀναβαίνει - kai anabainei):
  • And (καὶ - kai): Connects this action to the preceding events, showing it as a deliberate progression.
  • he goeth up (ἀναβαίνει - anabainei): "Goes up," "ascends." Present tense, indicating a continuous or immediate action, suggesting intentionality. This upward movement is a deliberate act of Jesus.
• into a mountain (εἰς τὸ ὄρος - eis to oros):
  • into (εἰς - eis): Directional, pointing to the destination.
  • a mountain (τὸ ὄρος - to oros): "The mountain" or "the mountainous region." The definite article implies either a known mountain or, more likely, emphasizes the archetypal significance of the mountain as a place of divine revelation and significant decision-making, separate from the crowd and human affairs. It symbolizes spiritual retreat, prayer, and receiving divine instruction.
• and calleth unto him (καὶ προσκαλεῖται - kai proskaleitai):
  • and (καὶ - kai): Again, connects this act directly to the ascent.
  • calleth unto him (προσκαλεῖται - proskaleitai): "He calls to himself," "summons." This is an active, authoritative summons from Jesus. It’s not an invitation that could be refused easily; it signifies drawing individuals specifically to His presence and authority. It underscores His initiative, not theirs.
• whom he would (οὓς ἤθελεν - hous ēthelen):
  • whom (οὓς - hous): Refers to specific individuals.
  • he would (ἤθελεν - ēthelen): From thelō, meaning "He willed," "He desired," "He purposed." This highlights Jesus' divine sovereignty and intentional choice. His selection was not arbitrary, forced, or based on the candidates' merit, social status, or ambition, but purely on His divine will and purpose. It is a sovereign act of divine election.
• and they came unto him (καὶ ἀπῆλθον πρὸς αὐτόν - kai apēlthon pros auton):
  • and (καὶ - kai): Indicates a direct consequence of His call.
  • they came unto him (ἀπῆλθον πρὸς αὐτόν - apēlthon pros auton): "They went away to him," "they came to him." This shows their immediate and obedient response to Jesus' authoritative summons. It implies a separation from their previous engagements to align themselves with His purpose.

Mark 3 13 Bonus Section

• The term "mountain" (ὄρος) in this context signifies more than a geographical location; it carries rich biblical symbolism for a place of divine appointment, covenant, revelation, prayer, and significant shifts in God's redemptive plan (e.g., Mount Sinai for the Law, Sermon on the Mount for the New Covenant principles, Mount of Transfiguration).
• The contrast between Jesus' deliberate withdrawal to the mountain and the tumultuous, opposition-filled events of the preceding verses (Mark 3:1-12) emphasizes His control and focus, stepping back to pray and then act strategically. Luke's parallel account explicitly states Jesus spent the night in prayer before making this selection (Lk 6:12).
• The sovereign nature of Jesus' choice ("whom he would") sets the precedent for all divine calling. It is a gracious initiative of God, not something earned or merited by human effort or striving. This highlights God's initiative in salvation and ministry.

Mark 3 13 Commentary

Mark 3:13 captures a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry: the intentional establishment of the Twelve. His ascent to a mountain signifies separation from the ordinary, setting the stage for a spiritual and theological high point. The mountain, much like Sinai in the Old Testament, often symbolizes a place of divine revelation, covenant-making, and significant encounter with God. This setting imbues Jesus' act with profound spiritual authority.

The core of the verse lies in Jesus' sovereign choice, conveyed by "whom he would." This phrase powerfully underscores that His selection of disciples was not based on human qualifications, democratic process, or their self-nomination, but solely on His divine will and purpose. It was an exercise of His absolute prerogative as the Son of God, actively summoning them to Himself. Their immediate response ("and they came unto him") demonstrates a crucial element of true discipleship: obedience to the divine call. This selected group was not just for companionship but for a specific future commission, to "be with him" and to "be sent out" (Mark 3:14). This action thus forms the foundation of the apostolic ministry and lays the groundwork for the future church, a body built upon divinely chosen individuals entrusted with the gospel.