Mark 1:19

KJV

And when he had gone a little further thence, he saw James the [son] of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the ship mending their nets.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} when he had gone {G4260} a little {G3641} further {G4260} thence {G1564}, he saw {G1492} James {G2385} the son {G3588} of Zebedee {G2199}, and {G2532} John {G2491} his {G846} brother {G80}, who {G846} also {G2532} were in {G1722} the ship {G4143} mending {G2675} their nets {G1350}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Going on a little farther, he saw Ya`akov Ben-Zavdai and Yochanan, his brother, in their boat, repairing their nets.

Berean Standard Bible

Going on a little farther, He saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat, mending their nets.

American Standard Version

And going on a little further, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the boat mending the nets.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 1:19 continues the dynamic narrative of Jesus' early Galilean ministry, specifically detailing His second call to discipleship. After summoning Simon and Andrew, Jesus proceeds along the Sea of Galilee where He encounters James and John, the sons of Zebedee. These brothers, like their predecessors, are engaged in their fishing trade, specifically "mending their nets" in their boat, when Jesus calls them to follow Him, initiating their departure from their former lives to become integral members of His burgeoning circle of disciples.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an immediate continuation of Jesus' initial call to Simon and Andrew in [Mark 1:16-18](/mark/1-16-18 "Jesus Calls Simon and Andrew"). Mark's Gospel is characterized by its fast-paced narrative, often using "immediately" (εὐθύς, _euthys_) to convey the urgency and swiftness of Jesus' actions. The rapid succession of these calls—first two brothers, then another pair of brothers—establishes a pattern of divine initiative and immediate human response that is central to Mark's portrayal of discipleship. This passage underscores Jesus' authority to summon individuals from their ordinary lives into extraordinary service, forming the foundational core of His twelve apostles, a group that will be formally established later in [Mark 3:13-19](/mark/3-13-19 "Jesus Appoints the Twelve Apostles").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting of the Sea of Galilee was a vibrant hub for fishing, a primary industry supporting numerous towns and villages like Capernaum, where Jesus had recently begun His ministry ([Mark 1:21](/mark/1-21 "Jesus Teaches in Capernaum")). Fishing was a demanding profession, requiring skill, patience, and communal effort. Families often worked together, as seen with James and John, who were likely part of a larger family enterprise involving their father, Zebedee, and possibly hired servants ([Mark 1:20](/mark/1-20 "Zebedee and His Hired Servants")). The act of "mending their nets" was a crucial, routine part of a fisherman's life, ensuring the integrity and effectiveness of their primary tools for future catches. This detail highlights their diligence and preparedness in their trade, a state in which Jesus found them.
* **Key Themes:** Mark 1:19 contributes significantly to several key themes within the Gospel. Firstly, it reinforces the theme of **divine initiative** in calling disciples; Jesus actively seeks out and summons individuals, rather than waiting to be approached. Secondly, it emphasizes the **ordinary nature of those called**; like Simon and Andrew, James and John are common laborers, demonstrating that God often chooses the humble and available for His kingdom purposes, a theme echoed in [1 Corinthians 1:26-29](/1_corinthians/1-26-29 "God Chooses the Foolish and Weak"). Thirdly, the immediate and decisive **response of the disciples** (as seen in the following verse, [Mark 1:20](/mark/1-20 "James and John Leave Their Father")) highlights the radical nature of true discipleship, which demands leaving behind one's former life and allegiances. Finally, the formation of this core group of four disciples (Simon, Andrew, James, and John) foreshadows the establishment of the Twelve and their pivotal role in Jesus' ministry and the future expansion of the gospel, fulfilling the prophetic vision of being "fishers of men" as declared in [Mark 1:17](/mark/1-17 "Jesus Calls Simon and Andrew to be Fishers of Men").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **saw (Greek, _eídō'_):** This primary verb (G1492) means to see, literally or figuratively, and by implication, to know. In the context of Mark 1:19, Jesus' "seeing" is not a casual glance but an intentional act of perception. It implies a recognition of these individuals and a deliberate choice to engage with them. This seeing is linked to His divine purpose and the sovereign selection of His future apostles.
* **mending (Greek, _katartízō'_):** Derived from _katá_ (down, against) and a derivative of _ártios_ (fit), this verb (G2675) means to complete thoroughly, repair, adjust, or make fit for a purpose. It goes beyond simple patching, suggesting a process of restoring something to its proper, original, or intended condition, making it fully functional and effective. In this literal context, James and John were preparing their nets for optimal use in their trade. Theologically, this word carries significant weight, often used elsewhere to describe the equipping or restoring of people for spiritual purposes, as seen in [Galatians 6:1](/galatians/6-1 "Restoring a Brother") or [Hebrews 13:21](/hebrews/13-21 "God Equips You for Every Good Work").
* **nets (Greek, _díktyon'_):** This noun (G1350), probably from a primary verb meaning "to cast," refers to a seine or fishing net. In the immediate context, it is the essential tool of the fishermen's trade. However, in light of Jesus' earlier declaration to Simon and Andrew that He would make them "fishers of men" ([Mark 1:17](/mark/1-17 "Jesus Calls Simon and Andrew to be Fishers of Men")), the "nets" here become a powerful symbol. They represent not only the means of their former livelihood but also, by extension, the instruments through which they would "catch" people for the Kingdom of God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when he had gone a little further thence":** This phrase emphasizes the continuous, purposeful movement of Jesus. Having just called Simon and Andrew, Jesus does not linger but immediately proceeds, indicating the urgency and expansive nature of His mission to gather disciples. The "thence" refers to the place where He had just called the first two brothers, likely along the same shore of the Sea of Galilee.
* **"he saw James the [son] of Zebedee, and John his brother":** Jesus' gaze falls upon another pair of brothers, highlighting His intentional selection of individuals. James and John are identified by their father, Zebedee, indicating their family lineage and likely their established role within a family fishing business. Their brotherhood underscores the communal aspect of discipleship and the call to follow Jesus together.
* **"who also were in the ship mending their nets":** This clause provides the immediate context of their encounter with Jesus. They are not idle but diligently engaged in the essential maintenance of their trade. The detail of "mending their nets" is significant, not only showing their industriousness but also subtly foreshadowing the "equipping" they would undergo as disciples, being made "fit" for their new purpose as "fishers of men." Their presence "in the ship" signifies their immersion in their current livelihood, from which they would soon be called away.

#### Literary Devices
Mark's Gospel employs several literary devices in this verse to enhance its impact. The rapid **Narrative Progression**, characterized by the swift transition from the call of Simon and Andrew to James and John, emphasizes the immediate and compelling nature of Jesus' ministry. There is clear **Parallelism** with the preceding account, as Jesus again calls two brothers who are fishermen, reinforcing a pattern of divine initiative and radical response. The detail of "mending their nets" serves as subtle **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the process of spiritual restoration and equipping (_katartízō_) that the disciples would undergo for their new mission. Furthermore, the **Symbolism** of the ship and nets, common tools of their trade, is implicitly present, soon to be transformed into metaphors for the vehicle of the gospel and the means of gathering people into the Kingdom of God, a concept explicitly stated in [Mark 1:17](/mark/1-17 "Jesus Calls Simon and Andrew to be Fishers of Men").

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 1:19 powerfully illustrates the sovereign initiative of God in calling individuals to Himself and His service. Jesus, as the embodiment of God's redemptive plan, actively seeks out and summons those He desires, often finding them in the midst of their ordinary lives and occupations. This divine call is not based on pre-existing spiritual qualifications or social status but on God's choosing, transforming common laborers into foundational pillars of His kingdom. The immediate and radical response of James and John, leaving their livelihood and family, exemplifies the cost and commitment required for true discipleship, highlighting that following Jesus demands a reordering of priorities and allegiances. This passage underscores that God's kingdom expands not through human strategy alone, but through the direct, personal invitation of the Lord and the obedient, faith-filled response of those He calls.

* [Matthew 4:21](/matthew/4-21 "The Call of James and John in Matthew")
* [Luke 5:10](/luke/5-10 "Jesus Tells Peter He Will Catch Men")
* [Mark 3:17](/mark/3-17 "Jesus Names James and John 'Sons of Thunder'")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 1:19 offers profound insights for contemporary believers, reminding us that Jesus' call is not limited to a select few or to those in overtly "spiritual" professions. He meets us where we are, in the midst of our daily routines, our work, and our responsibilities, just as He found James and John diligently "mending their nets." This invites us to consider our own "nets"—our skills, our occupations, our current commitments—and to recognize that these are the very contexts in which God might be preparing us for a deeper or new calling. The diligence of James and John in their work serves as a metaphor for our own faithfulness in our present tasks; it is often in our commitment to what is currently before us that God cultivates the character and readiness needed for what He will call us to next. We are encouraged to cultivate an attentive spirit, open to the possibility that God's transformative invitation might come at any moment, prompting us to leave behind the familiar for the extraordinary adventure of following Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' call of James and John in their everyday work speak to your own life and profession?**
* **What "nets" might you be "mending" in your life (e.g., skills, relationships, responsibilities) that God could be using to prepare you for a new or deeper calling?**
* **In what ways can you cultivate a spirit of readiness and attentiveness to God's presence and potential invitations in the midst of your daily routines?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of James and John being "sons of Zebedee"?**

Answer: The identification of James and John as "sons of Zebedee" (G2199, _Zebedaîos_) highlights their familial connection and likely their involvement in a family fishing business. In ancient Jewish society, family lineage and occupation were deeply intertwined. This detail grounds them in a specific, tangible reality, emphasizing that Jesus called ordinary men from established lives. It also sets the stage for the later mention of their father, Zebedee, and hired servants in [Mark 1:20](/mark/1-20 "James and John Leave Their Father"), underscoring the significant sacrifice they made in leaving their family enterprise to follow Jesus. Their close relationship as brothers also suggests a potential for strong partnership, though their zealous nature later earned them the nickname "Sons of Thunder" in [Mark 3:17](/mark/3-17 "Jesus Names James and John 'Sons of Thunder'").

**Why were James and John "mending their nets" when Jesus called them?**

Answer: The detail that James and John were "mending their nets" (G2675, _katartízō_) is highly significant. It indicates they were not idle but diligently engaged in an essential, routine, and practical part of their trade. Mending nets was crucial for ensuring their effectiveness in catching fish, representing a commitment to their livelihood and future productivity. Theologically, this act can be seen as a metaphor for preparation and equipping. Just as they were making their physical nets fit for purpose, Jesus' call was an invitation for them to be "mended" or "equipped" for a new, spiritual purpose—to become "fishers of men" ([Mark 1:17](/mark/1-17 "Jesus Calls Simon and Andrew to be Fishers of Men")). It suggests that Jesus often calls people who are faithful and diligent in their current responsibilities, preparing them for greater service.

**How does this call relate to the concept of "fishers of men"?**

Answer: This call is a direct continuation and illustration of Jesus' declaration to Simon and Andrew in [Mark 1:17](/mark/1-17 "Jesus Calls Simon and Andrew to be Fishers of Men"): "I will make you become fishers of men." James and John, as experienced fishermen, understood the intricacies of casting nets, patiently waiting, and gathering a catch. Jesus' call transforms their earthly vocation into a spiritual one, where the "fish" are people, and the "nets" are the gospel message and the disciples' witness. Their skill in catching literal fish would be repurposed for drawing people into the Kingdom of God, highlighting the continuity between their former lives and their new calling, yet emphasizing the radical shift in purpose and allegiance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 1:19, like the preceding call of Simon and Andrew, profoundly centers on the person and mission of Jesus Christ. It is Christ who initiates the call, demonstrating His divine authority and sovereign purpose in building His Kingdom. He is the one who "sees" (G1492, _eídō_) these ordinary fishermen, not by chance, but with intentionality, revealing His power to choose and transform. The act of "mending their nets" (G2675, _katartízō_) takes on a deeper Christological significance; just as the nets were being made fit for purpose, Christ Himself is the ultimate "restorer" and "equipper" who makes His disciples fit for His divine purposes. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus perfects and restores humanity, enabling believers to participate in His ongoing mission. The call to leave everything and follow Him foreshadows the new life offered in Christ, where believers are made new creations ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "New Creation in Christ")) and equipped for every good work ([Hebrews 13:21](/hebrews/13-21 "God Equips You for Every Good Work")). Ultimately, the gathering of these first disciples by Christ prefigures the Great Commission, where He sends His followers to "make disciples of all nations" ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "The Great Commission")), extending His saving work through the "nets" of the gospel message to bring all people into His glorious Kingdom.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Mark 10:35

And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, come unto him, saying, Master, we would that thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall desire.

Acts 1:13

And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James [the son] of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas [the brother] of James.

Mark 14:33

And he taketh with him Peter and James and John, and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy;

Acts 12:2

And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.

Mark 9:2

And after six days Jesus taketh [with him] Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them.

Mark 3:17

And James the [son] of Zebedee, and John the brother of James; and he surnamed them Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder:

Matthew 4:21

And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James [the son] of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them.