Mark 6 8

Mark 6:8 kjv

And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse:

Mark 6:8 nkjv

He commanded them to take nothing for the journey except a staff?no bag, no bread, no copper in their money belts?

Mark 6:8 niv

These were his instructions: "Take nothing for the journey except a staff?no bread, no bag, no money in your belts.

Mark 6:8 esv

He charged them to take nothing for their journey except a staff ? no bread, no bag, no money in their belts ?

Mark 6:8 nlt

He told them to take nothing for their journey except a walking stick ? no food, no traveler's bag, no money.

Mark 6 verses

Mark 6 8 Meaning

Mark 6:8 conveys Jesus' directive to His twelve disciples, whom He sent out two by two, that they should embark on their evangelistic mission with a profound lack of material provisions. This instruction emphasizes a radical dependence on God's divine care and the hospitality of those they encountered. By forbidding the carrying of basic travel necessities such as a food bag (scrip), bread, and money, Jesus trained His disciples to prioritize their message above all else and to embody the trust in God's provision that they preached. The singular allowance of a staff highlighted either their identification with ordinary travelers, their spiritual authority, or merely a practical aid, further accentuating their vulnerability and reliance on divine sustenance.

Mark 6 8 Context

Mark 6:8 is part of Jesus' commissioning of the twelve disciples for their first independent ministry tour. This occurs immediately after Jesus experiences rejection in His hometown of Nazareth (Mk 6:1-6a). Following this, He calls His disciples together, gives them authority over unclean spirits (Mk 6:7), and then provides very specific instructions for their journey, of which verse 8 is a central component. These instructions underscore the itinerant nature of their ministry and the profound dependence on God's provision and the hospitality of those to whom they preached (Mk 6:10-11). It serves as a vital training ground, preparing the disciples for their future roles as apostles who would spread the Gospel without earthly attachments, relying wholly on divine power and care. Culturally, it stood in stark contrast to typical travelers, who would carry provisions, indicating that these disciples were on a unique, divinely-backed mission, inviting recipients of their message to participate through their hospitality.

Mark 6 8 Word analysis

• καὶ (kai) - "And": A simple conjunction linking this command to the previous sending forth of the disciples with authority. It signifies continuity in Jesus' actions and instructions.
• παρήγγειλεν (parēngeilen) - "commanded/instructed": From the Greek verb parangello. This term implies a strong, authoritative directive, often used in military contexts for an order. It's not a suggestion, but a binding instruction from a superior to subordinates, emphasizing Jesus' divine authority.
• αὐτοῖς (autois) - "them": Refers to the twelve disciples specifically chosen and empowered by Jesus in Mark 6:7.
• ἵνα (hina) - "that/in order that": Introduces a purpose or result clause, indicating the goal behind Jesus' command.
• μηδὲν (mēden) - "nothing": An emphatic negation. Absolutely nothing of the forbidden items should be taken. It speaks to a radical and complete self-denial of material provision for the journey.
• αἴρωσιν (airōsin) - "they should take/carry/lift up": From airō, suggesting active acquisition, lifting, or carrying for oneself. The prohibition is against equipping themselves with provisions.
• εἰς (eis) - "for/into": Indicates the purpose or direction; they were to carry nothing for or into their journey.
• ὁδόν (hodon) - "journey/way": Refers to the itinerant preaching tour the disciples were undertaking. It signifies the duration and nature of their mission as travelers.
• εἰ μὴ (ei mē) - "save/except only": A crucial phrase that introduces the single, specific exception to the absolute prohibition.
• ῥάβδον (rhabdon) - "staff/rod": A walking stick, common for travelers in rough terrain, or for protection. Mark's account uniquely states they could take a staff, implying one they already possessed, contrasting with Matt 10:10 and Luke 9:3 which say "no staff." This could signify simply a practical aid for walking, or symbolically, their reliance on Christ as their shepherd (Ps 23:4). The key difference is "take" implying 'acquire' (Matt/Luke) versus 'have' (Mark).
• μόνον (monon) - "only": Emphasizes the singular nature of the exception. The staff was the sole permissible item they could rely on from their personal belongings.
• μὴ πήραν (mē pēran) - "no scrip/bag": Pēra was a small leather bag, typically for a traveler's food, water, or meager possessions, sometimes carried by beggars. The prohibition means no personal food storage.
• μὴ ἄρτον (mē arton) - "no bread": Bread was the staple food in the ancient world. Denying this meant they would have no guaranteed meal, requiring them to trust in immediate, external provision.
• μὴ χαλκόν (mē chalkon) - "no copper/money": Chalkos referred to small copper or bronze coins. This prohibition covered all currency, forbidding them from buying sustenance or lodging, thereby necessitating hospitality.
• εἰς τὴν ζώνην (eis tēn zōnēn) - "in their purse/belt": The zonē (belt) was commonly used to secure garments, but often had folds or a small pouch where money or other small valuables were kept. This specifies where money was carried and thus explicitly forbidden.

Mark 6 8 Bonus section

• Theological Implications of Vulnerability: Jesus’ instruction deliberately placed the disciples in a state of dependence, mirroring their own spiritual need before God. Their vulnerability opened them up to the experience of God’s provision, not as a theoretical concept, but as a lived reality. This also cultivated humility and eradicated any self-sufficiency.
• Contrasting Commissionings: The instructions in Mark 6:8 (and parallels) highlight a distinct phase of ministry. The later directive in Luke 22:35-36, where Jesus advises them to acquire money and a bag, marks a shift from this initial, purely dependent training period. This shows that the methods for ministry can change depending on context, demonstrating that the principles of radical trust might be enduring, but their precise application can evolve.
• Practicality of the Staff: While Matthew and Luke forbid taking a staff (implying 'acquiring an additional staff for protection/show'), Mark's allowance ("save a staff only") is likely a concession to practical reality—a walking stick was almost indispensable for travel over rough terrain and for basic support in ancient Palestine. Mark’s focus seems to be on preventing them from gathering specific supplies for their trip, allowing only what they might already possess and use for essential movement.

Mark 6 8 Commentary

Mark 6:8 presents a radical picture of self-denial and absolute trust in divine provision for those sent on God's mission. By commanding the disciples to strip away typical travel necessities, Jesus was not merely imposing hardship, but inculcating deep spiritual truths. This detachment from worldly provisions was a practical demonstration of faith, both for the disciples and for their listeners. It ensured that their reliance was entirely on God and the spontaneous hospitality of those receptive to their message, making the mission itself a living parable of the Kingdom. The absence of earthly resources meant the disciples could not rely on personal wealth or human networks, but solely on the power and authority given by Christ. This served to test their obedience, solidify their identity as dependent servants, and unmistakably communicate that the value they carried was spiritual, not material. This approach ensured that any success would clearly be God's doing, fostering humility in the messengers and preventing the perception that their work was a paid service rather than a divine commission freely given and received.