Mark 6:15

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

Others said, That it is Elias. And others said, That it is a prophet, or as one of the prophets.

Complete Jewish Bible:

Others said, "It is Eliyahu!" and still others, "He is a prophet, like one of the old prophets."

Berean Standard Bible:

Others were saying, “He is Elijah,” and still others, “He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.”

American Standard Version:

But others said, It is Elijah. And others said, It is a prophet, even as one of the prophets.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

Others{G243} said{G3004}, That{G3754} it is{G2076} Elias{G2243}. And{G1161} others{G243} said{G3004}, That{G3754} it is{G2076} a prophet{G4396}, or{G2228} as{G5613} one of{G1520} the prophets{G4396}.

Cross-References (KJV):

Matthew 21:11

  • And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee.

Mark 8:28

  • And they answered, John the Baptist: but some [say], Elias; and others, One of the prophets.

Malachi 4:5

  • Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD:

Matthew 16:14

  • And they said, Some [say that thou art] John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.

John 6:14

  • Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world.

Matthew 17:10

  • And his disciples asked him, saying, Why then say the scribes that Elias must first come?

Matthew 17:11

  • And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things.

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Commentary for Mark 6:15

Mark 6:15 is a verse set within the broader context of the Gospel of Mark, which was written around A.D. 66-70, during a time of great turmoil for the early Christian community, including the First Jewish–Roman War and the destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. This verse reflects the perceptions and expectations of the Jewish population regarding the identity of Jesus Christ, as reported by the people in the narrative.

In the verse, some people are speculating about who Jesus is after witnessing His miracles and hearing His teachings. The mention of Elijah (spelled "Elias" in some translations) refers to the prophet Elijah from the Old Testament, who was expected to return before the coming of the Messiah, according to Malachi 4:5. This belief is rooted in Jewish eschatology, which anticipated the restoration of all things and the coming of the Messianic age. The comparison of Jesus to "one of the prophets" suggests that the people recognized something extraordinary and prophetic in His ministry, reminiscent of the great prophets of Israel's past.

The verse captures the diverse opinions among the Jewish people about Jesus' identity. It highlights the messianic expectations of the time and the struggle to understand Jesus' role within those expectations. Some saw Him as Elijah, the forerunner of the Messiah; others saw Him as a prophet, perhaps like Moses or one of the other significant figures from Israel's history. This diversity of opinion reflects both the anticipation of a messianic figure and the confusion about how Jesus fit into their messianic hopes.

In summary, Mark 6:15 encapsulates the anticipation and uncertainty of the Jewish people regarding the identity of Jesus. It reflects the messianic expectations of the era, the impact of Jesus' ministry, and the varied interpretations of His role among those who observed His works and heard His message. This verse is a snapshot of the cultural and religious milieu of first-century Palestine, where the memory of the prophets and the hope for a messianic deliverer were very much alive.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

  1. Strong's Number: G243
    There are 164 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: ἄλλος
    Transliteration: állos
    Pronunciation: al'-los
    Description: a primary word; "else," i.e. different (in many applications):--more, one (another), (an-, some an-)other(-s, -wise).
  2. Strong's Number: G3004
    There are 1244 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: λέγω
    Transliteration: légō
    Pronunciation: leg'-o
    Description: a primary verb; properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas ἔπω and φημί generally refer to an individual expression or speech respectively; while ῥέω is properly to break silence merely, and λαλέω means an extended or random harangue)); by implication, to mean:--ask, bid, boast, call, describe, give out, name, put forth, say(-ing, on), shew, speak, tell, utter.
  3. Strong's Number: G3754
    There are 1189 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: ὅτι
    Transliteration: hóti
    Pronunciation: hot'-ee
    Description: neuter of ὅστις as conjunction; demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because:--as concerning that, as though, because (that), for (that), how (that), (in) that, though, why.
  4. Strong's Number: G2076
    There are 812 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: ἐστί
    Transliteration: estí
    Pronunciation: es-tee'
    Description: third person singular present indicative of εἰμί; he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are:--are, be(-long), call, X can(-not), come, consisteth, X dure for a while, + follow, X have, (that) is (to say), make, meaneth, X must needs, + profit, + remaineth, + wrestle.
  5. Strong's Number: G2243
    There are 30 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: Ἡλίας
    Transliteration: Hēlías
    Pronunciation: hay-lee'-as
    Description: of Hebrew origin (אֵלִיָּה); Helias (i.e. Elijah), an Israelite:--Elias.
  6. Strong's Number: G1161
    There are 2556 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: δέ
    Transliteration:
    Pronunciation: deh
    Description: a primary particle (adversative or continuative); but, and, etc.:--also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English).
  7. Strong's Number: G4396
    There are 143 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: προφήτης
    Transliteration: prophḗtēs
    Pronunciation: prof-ay'-tace
    Description: from a compound of πρό and φημί; a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet:--prophet.
  8. Strong's Number: G2228
    There are 283 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma:
    Transliteration:
    Pronunciation: ay
    Description: a primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than:--and, but (either), (n-)either, except it be, (n-)or (else), rather, save, than, that, what, yea. Often used in connection with other particles. Compare especially ἤδη, ἤπερ, ἤτοι.
  9. Strong's Number: G5613
    There are 433 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: ὡς
    Transliteration: hōs
    Pronunciation: hoce
    Description: probably adverb of comparative from ὅς; which how, i.e. in that manner (very variously used, as follows):--about, after (that), (according) as (it had been, it were), as soon (as), even as (like), for, how (greatly), like (as, unto), since, so (that), that, to wit, unto, when(-soever), while, X with all speed.
  10. Strong's Number: G1520
    There are 235 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: εἷς
    Transliteration: heîs
    Pronunciation: hice
    Description: a primary numeral; one:--a(-n, -ny, certain), + abundantly, man, one (another), only, other, some. See also εἷς καθ’ εἷς, μηδείς, μία, οὐδείς.