Mark 1:20

KJV

And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants, and went after him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} straightway {G2112} he called {G2564} them {G846}: and {G2532} they left {G863} their {G846} father {G3962} Zebedee {G2199} in {G1722} the ship {G4143} with {G3326} the hired servants {G3411}, and went {G565} after {G3694} him {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Immediately he called them, and they left their father Zavdai in the boat with the hired men and went after Yeshua.

Berean Standard Bible

Immediately Jesus called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed Him.

American Standard Version

And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants, and went after him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 1:20 powerfully narrates the immediate and radical response of James and John, the sons of Zebedee, to Jesus' call. This pivotal moment, following the calling of Simon and Andrew, highlights their decisive abandonment of a stable family enterprise and their father to follow Jesus, signaling a profound shift in their lives and underscoring the compelling authority of the Messiah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Mark 1:20 is the culmination of Jesus' initial call to His first disciples, immediately following His invitation to Simon and Andrew in [Mark 1:16-18](/mark/1-16-18 "Mark 1:16-18 - Jesus Calls Simon and Andrew") and the specific call to James and John in [Mark 1:19](/mark/1-19 "Mark 1:19 - Jesus Calls James and John"). The narrative unfolds with rapid succession, characteristic of Mark's Gospel, emphasizing the urgency and power of Jesus' ministry from its outset. The scene is set on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, a vibrant hub of fishing activity, where Jesus encounters these men in the midst of their daily work. Their response in this verse sets a precedent for the radical commitment expected of those who would follow Him.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Fishing was a foundational industry in first-century Galilee, providing sustenance and livelihood for many families. The mention of "hired servants" (G3411, _misthōtós_) with Zebedee is significant, indicating that James and John were not impoverished laborers but part of a relatively prosperous family business. This detail elevates the magnitude of their decision, as they were not merely leaving behind a meager existence but a secure, established, and potentially lucrative enterprise. In a culture where family ties and vocational inheritance were paramount, their immediate departure from their father and business demonstrated an extraordinary level of commitment and a radical reordering of priorities in response to Jesus' authoritative call.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes central to Mark's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. The theme of **immediate obedience** is paramount, underscored by Mark's frequent use of the Greek word _euthéōs_ ("straightway," G2112), which appears over 40 times in his Gospel, far more than in the other synoptics. This immediacy highlights the urgency of the Kingdom of God and the compelling nature of Jesus' authority. Furthermore, the theme of **radical discipleship** is vividly portrayed as James and John leave their family and livelihood, echoing Jesus' later teachings on the cost of following Him, as seen in passages like [Luke 14:26](/luke/14-26 "Luke 14:26 - The Cost of Discipleship"). Their actions also foreshadow the **new vocation** they would embrace, transitioning from "fishers of fish" to "fishers of men," a call first articulated by Jesus in [Mark 1:17](/mark/1-17 "Mark 1:17 - Fishers of Men").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **straightway (Greek, _euthéōs'_):** This adverb (G2112) signifies immediate action, without delay or hesitation. Its frequent use by Mark (over 40 times) is a distinctive stylistic feature, emphasizing the swiftness and urgency of Jesus' ministry and the responses it elicits. In Mark 1:20, it underscores the promptness of James and John's decision, highlighting their unreserved commitment.
* **called (Greek, _kaléō'_):** The verb (G2564) means "to call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications). Here, it denotes an authoritative summons from Jesus. It is not merely an invitation but a divine imperative that carries inherent power, compelling a decisive response from those who hear it.
* **left (Greek, _aphíēmi'_):** This verb (G863) means "to send forth," but also "to forsake," "lay aside," or "yield up." In this context, it signifies a complete abandonment of their former life, their family business, and their father. It implies a deliberate and costly severance from their past security and obligations in order to follow Jesus.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And straightway he called them:"** This clause emphasizes the divine initiative and the compelling authority of Jesus. The word "straightway" (G2112, _euthéōs_) highlights the immediate and decisive nature of Jesus' summons, leaving no room for delay or negotiation. It also underscores the promptness of the disciples' response, indicating the powerful impact of Jesus' presence and word.
* **"and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants,"** This part of the verse details the radical nature of their obedience. James and John abandon not only their livelihood (fishing) but also their family obligations and the security of their family business, which was substantial enough to employ "hired servants" (G3411, _misthōtós_). This act signifies a profound reordering of their loyalties, placing their commitment to Jesus above even the most fundamental societal and familial bonds.
* **"and went after him."** This final clause describes their active and immediate follow-through. It is not merely a passive leaving behind, but an active pursuit of Jesus. "Went after him" (G565, _apérchomai_ and G3694, _opísō_) implies a new direction and purpose for their lives, committing themselves fully to Jesus' leadership and mission.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 1:20 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Immediacy**, conveyed through the adverb "straightway" (_euthéōs_). This recurring motif in Mark's Gospel creates a sense of urgency and dynamic action, emphasizing the swiftness of Jesus' ministry and the decisive responses it demands. There is also a strong element of **Contrast** in the narrative: the security of their established family business and familial ties is juxtaposed with the unknown path of following Jesus. This contrast highlights the radical nature of their call and the profound sacrifice involved. Finally, the act of leaving their "father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants" can be seen as **Symbolism** for the complete severance from their old way of life and the embrace of a new identity and purpose in Christ. Their abandonment of the familiar for the unknown path with Jesus serves as a powerful illustration of the cost and commitment of true discipleship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 1:20 stands as a foundational text for understanding the nature of discipleship in the Kingdom of God. It teaches that following Jesus often requires a radical reorientation of one's life, prioritizing His call above all earthly attachments, including family, career, and personal security. This immediate and costly obedience is not merely an act of human will but a response to the compelling authority and divine summons of Christ. It underscores the sovereignty of Jesus in calling His chosen ones and the transformative power of His presence, which enables individuals to forsake everything for the sake of the Gospel. This verse sets the stage for the demanding nature of discipleship that Jesus would consistently teach, where the Kingdom of God takes precedence over all other allegiances.

* [Matthew 4:18-22](/matthew/4-18-22 "Matthew 4:18-22 - Jesus Calls the First Disciples")
* [Luke 14:26](/luke/14-26 "Luke 14:26 - Counting the Cost of Discipleship")
* [Philippians 3:7-8](/philippians/3-7-8 "Philippians 3:7-8 - Paul's Renunciation for Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The immediate and radical obedience of James and John in Mark 1:20 serves as a profound challenge and inspiration for believers today. While few are called to physically abandon their families or livelihoods in the same dramatic fashion, the underlying principle of prioritizing Christ above all else remains timeless and universally applicable. This passage compels us to examine the areas of our lives where we might be holding back from full surrender to God's will—whether it's our careers, financial security, personal ambitions, or even cherished relationships. It calls us to cultivate a heart of immediate responsiveness to the Holy Spirit's leading, trusting that God's plans for us are always better, even when they demand significant sacrifice. True discipleship requires a willingness to step out of our comfort zones, to leave behind what is familiar and secure, and to wholeheartedly pursue Jesus, confident in His provision and guidance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "ship" or "hired servants" in my life might I be clinging to, preventing me from fully following Jesus?**
* **In what areas of my life am I hesitant to respond "straightway" to God's call or conviction?**
* **How does the example of James and John challenge my understanding of radical discipleship and prioritizing Christ?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to demonstrate a more immediate and complete obedience to God's leading?**

### FAQ

**What does the mention of "hired servants" imply about Zebedee's family?**

Answer: The presence of "hired servants" (G3411, _misthōtós_) with Zebedee implies that his fishing business was not a small, struggling operation but a relatively prosperous and established enterprise. In first-century Galilee, employing laborers indicated a certain level of success and stability. This detail highlights the significant sacrifice James and John made by leaving, as they were abandoning not poverty but a secure and potentially lucrative family inheritance and livelihood. Their decision underscores the radical nature of their commitment to Jesus, prioritizing His call over material security and familial obligations.

**Why did James and John leave so "straightway" without apparent hesitation?**

Answer: The immediate response of James and John, emphasized by the Greek word _euthéōs_ (G2112, "straightway"), points to several factors. Firstly, it highlights the compelling and authoritative nature of Jesus' call. His divine presence and words carried an undeniable power that evoked an immediate, life-altering response. Secondly, it suggests a spiritual readiness on the part of the disciples; they were perhaps already seeking something more profound than their daily routine. Thirdly, Mark's Gospel consistently uses "straightway" to convey the urgency and dynamic pace of Jesus' ministry, emphasizing that the Kingdom of God demands an immediate and decisive response. This lack of hesitation underscores their profound faith and the transformative power of encountering the Messiah.

**What happened to Zebedee after his sons left?**

Answer: The Bible does not explicitly state what happened to Zebedee after James and John left. The text simply says they "left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants." This detail is included to emphasize the completeness of the disciples' break from their former lives and their radical commitment to Jesus. It implies that Zebedee continued with his fishing business, presumably with the help of his hired servants. While the narrative doesn't focus on Zebedee's personal fate, the fact that he was left with staff suggests that the business could continue without his sons, further highlighting the magnitude of their personal sacrifice rather than implying a collapse of the family enterprise.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 1:20, with its vivid portrayal of immediate and radical obedience, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The disciples' willingness to leave everything—family, livelihood, security—to follow Jesus foreshadows and reflects the even greater "leaving" undertaken by Christ Himself. Jesus, though eternally God, "emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humiliation")). He left the glory of heaven to enter human existence, ultimately laying down His life as the supreme act of obedience to the Father's will, even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). The disciples' immediate response to Jesus' call mirrors the immediacy with which Jesus Himself embraced His mission, never hesitating to pursue the path set before Him, even when it led to suffering and the cross ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Pioneer and Perfecter of Faith")). Their act of "going after him" is a microcosm of the call to all believers to "take up his cross daily and follow me" ([Luke 9:23](/luke/9-23 "Luke 9:23 - The Cost of Discipleship")). Thus, Mark 1:20 is not just a historical account of a call, but a powerful Christ-centered invitation to emulate the radical, self-sacrificing obedience exemplified by our Lord, who left all to accomplish our salvation and calls us to follow Him into a new life of purpose and eternal significance.

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

Matthew 10:37

He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.

Luke 14:26

If any [man] come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.

Mark 10:29

And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's,

1 Kings 19:20

And he left the oxen, and ran after Elijah, and said, Let me, I pray thee, kiss my father and my mother, and [then] I will follow thee. And he said unto him, Go back again: for what have I done to thee?

2 Corinthians 5:16

¶ Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we [him] no more.

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.

Matthew 4:22

And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him.