Mark 1:21

KJV

And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue, and taught.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} they went {G1531} into {G1519} Capernaum {G2584}; and {G2532} straightway {G2112} on the sabbath day {G4521} he entered {G1525} into {G1519} the synagogue {G4864}, and taught {G1321}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They entered K'far-Nachum, and on Shabbat Yeshua went into the synagogue and began teaching.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Jesus and His companions went to Capernaum, and right away Jesus entered the synagogue on the Sabbath and began to teach.

American Standard Version

And they go into Capernaum; and straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue and taught.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 1:21 initiates the public ministry of Jesus in Capernaum, a pivotal moment immediately following the calling of His first disciples. This verse establishes Jesus' intentional engagement with Jewish religious life by entering the local synagogue on the Sabbath, where He immediately began to teach. This act underscores the centrality of His authoritative message and sets the stage for the powerful demonstrations of His divine authority that would characterize His Galilean ministry.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Mark 1:21 follows directly from Jesus' calling of Simon, Andrew, James, and John by the Sea of Galilee in [Mark 1:16-20](/mark/1-16-20 "Mark 1:16-20 - The Calling of the First Disciples"). The phrase "And they went" connects this action seamlessly to the preceding narrative, indicating that the newly called disciples were with Jesus. The characteristic Markan adverb "straightway" (Greek: _euthys_) signals the immediate, purposeful progression of Jesus' ministry, a theme that pervades Mark's Gospel. This verse serves as the prelude to Jesus' first recorded exorcism and healing in Capernaum, detailed in [Mark 1:23-34](/mark/1-23-34 "Mark 1:23-34 - Jesus' Authority in Capernaum"), demonstrating that His teaching was not merely intellectual discourse but accompanied by divine power.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Capernaum (Greek: _Kapernaoúm_) was a significant fishing village on the northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee, strategically located on a major trade route. It became Jesus' primary base of operations in Galilee, often referred to as "His own city" in [Matthew 9:1](/matthew/9-1 "Matthew 9:1 - Jesus Returns to His Own City"). The presence of a synagogue, as mentioned in this verse, indicates a thriving Jewish community. The "sabbath day" was the weekly day of rest and worship, observed from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset, mandated by the Mosaic Law (e.g., [Exodus 20:8-11](/exodus/20-8-11 "Exodus 20:8-11 - The Fourth Commandment")). Synagogues served as vital community centers for prayer, reading of Scripture, and instruction. It was customary for learned individuals or visiting rabbis to be invited to read and expound on the Law and Prophets, providing Jesus a natural and culturally accepted platform for His public ministry.
* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces several foundational themes of Mark's Gospel. Firstly, it highlights **Jesus' Immediate and Purposeful Ministry**. The repeated use of "straightway" (Greek: _euthys_) emphasizes the urgency and divine impetus behind Jesus' actions, signaling that His mission is paramount and unfolds rapidly. Secondly, it underscores **Jesus' Teaching with Authority**. By entering the synagogue to teach, Jesus asserts His role as a divine instructor. The subsequent verse, [Mark 1:22](/mark/1-22 "Mark 1:22 - The Authority of Jesus' Teaching"), explicitly states that the people were astonished because He taught "as one having authority, and not as the scribes," a theme also echoed in [Matthew 7:29](/matthew/7-29 "Matthew 7:29 - Jesus Teaches with Authority"). This authority distinguishes Him from conventional religious teachers. Thirdly, it demonstrates **Jesus' Engagement with Jewish Tradition**. Jesus did not immediately abandon or reject established forms of Jewish worship. His presence in the synagogue on the Sabbath shows His connection to His Jewish heritage and His intention to bring His message within the existing framework, even as He would later challenge and reinterpret certain legalistic traditions, particularly concerning the Sabbath, as seen in [Mark 2:27-28](/mark/2-27-28 "Mark 2:27-28 - Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **straightway (Greek, _euthéōs'_):** This adverb, appearing over 40 times in Mark's Gospel, means "directly, at once or soon." Its frequent use by Mark conveys a sense of immediacy, urgency, and the rapid, purposeful progression of events in Jesus' ministry. It underscores that Jesus' actions are deliberate, divinely driven, and unfold without delay, moving quickly from one significant event to the next.
* **synagogue (Greek, _synagōgḗ'_):** Derived from a word meaning "to bring together" or "assemble," this term refers to an assemblage of persons, specifically a Jewish "synagogue"—both the meeting itself and the physical place of assembly. In the context of Mark 1:21, it signifies the central community and religious gathering place for Jews in Capernaum, where Scripture was read, prayers were offered, and teaching took place.
* **taught (Greek, _didáskō'_):** This verb means "to teach." It denotes the act of imparting instruction, knowledge, or doctrine. In this verse, it highlights Jesus' primary public activity in the synagogue, establishing Him as a teacher whose words convey profound truth and authority, distinguishing Him from other instructors of His time.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they went into Capernaum":** This opening clause establishes the geographical setting for the next phase of Jesus' ministry. "They" refers to Jesus and His newly called disciples, indicating their collective movement. Capernaum, a bustling town on the Sea of Galilee, becomes the strategic hub for Jesus' Galilean operations, a place where He would perform many miracles and deliver significant teachings.
* **"and straightway on the sabbath day":** The conjunction "and" links this action to their arrival in Capernaum, emphasizing the immediate nature of Jesus' subsequent actions. "Straightway" (Greek: _euthéōs_) highlights Mark's characteristic emphasis on urgency and divine purpose. The specific mention of "the sabbath day" is crucial, indicating that Jesus deliberately chose the established day of worship and rest to engage with the community, demonstrating His respect for the Law and Jewish custom, even as He would later redefine its interpretation.
* **"he entered into the synagogue, and taught":** This final clause reveals Jesus' intentional engagement with the Jewish religious system. By entering the synagogue, Jesus placed Himself within the traditional context of Jewish communal worship and instruction. His primary activity there was "taught," signaling that the proclamation of God's truth and the revelation of His kingdom through authoritative teaching were central to His mission from its very outset. This act immediately sets the stage for the astonishment of the crowd at His unique authority, as described in the following verse.

#### Literary Devices
Mark's Gospel is renowned for its sense of **Immediacy** and **Urgency**, powerfully conveyed by the adverb _euthéōs_ ("straightway" or "immediately"), which appears frequently throughout the narrative. In Mark 1:21, its use underscores the rapid, purposeful, and divinely driven nature of Jesus' ministry from its very inception; there is no delay in His mission. The setting of the **Synagogue** serves as a significant **Symbolism** for Jesus' engagement with existing Jewish religious structures. It represents both a place of traditional worship and a platform from which Jesus could announce the dawning of the new covenant and kingdom, thereby both fulfilling and reinterpreting the Law. This verse also employs **Foreshadowing**, as Jesus' act of teaching in the synagogue, particularly the emphasis on His unique authority, anticipates the subsequent demonstrations of His power over evil spirits and disease, which further validate His divine claims and astonish His audience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 1:21 profoundly establishes Jesus as the authoritative Teacher, whose words carry divine weight and reveal the very nature of God's kingdom. His immediate entry into the synagogue to teach on the Sabbath signifies that the new covenant era, though revolutionary, does not disregard the old, but rather fulfills and transcends it. Jesus' teaching is not merely human wisdom or rabbinic interpretation; it is the direct revelation of God, embodying truth that demands a response and sets Him apart from all other instructors. This foundational act of teaching highlights the supreme importance of God's Word as the primary means by which His people are instructed, transformed, and brought into relationship with Him.

* [Matthew 7:28-29](/matthew/7-28-29 "Matthew 7:28-29 - The Authority of Jesus' Teaching"): "And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes."
* [John 7:16](/john/7-16 "John 7:16 - Jesus' Teaching is from God"): "Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me."
* [Acts 2:42](/acts/2-42 "Acts 2:42 - The Early Church Devoted to Teaching"): "And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 1:21 serves as a powerful reminder of the centrality of God's Word and the authority of Jesus Christ in our lives. Just as Jesus immediately engaged in teaching, we are called to prioritize the diligent study and application of biblical truth. His willingness to enter the synagogue on the Sabbath, engaging with the established community, encourages us to be present and active within our own communities, seeking opportunities to share the Gospel within relevant and accessible contexts. Furthermore, the "straightway" urgency of Jesus' ministry challenges us to live with a similar sense of purpose and readiness. We are not to delay in responding to God's call, whether it's in personal obedience, sharing our faith, or serving others. Our lives should reflect the immediate and intentional pursuit of God's will, recognizing the eternal significance of the message we have received and are called to share.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' immediate act of teaching in the synagogue challenge my own priorities regarding spiritual growth and engagement with God's Word?**
* **In what ways do I recognize and submit to the unique authority of Jesus' teachings in my daily life, distinguishing them from other sources of wisdom?**
* **How can I, like Jesus, intentionally engage with my community and existing social structures to share the truth of the Gospel?**
* **What areas of my life might be lacking the "straightway" urgency that characterized Jesus' ministry, and how can I cultivate a more immediate response to God's leading?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus choose Capernaum as a base for His ministry?**

Answer: Jesus chose Capernaum for several strategic reasons. As a bustling fishing village on the Sea of Galilee, it was a significant economic hub with a Roman customs post, indicating a diverse population and constant flow of people. This provided a broad audience for His message. Furthermore, Capernaum had an established synagogue, offering Jesus a ready platform for teaching and engaging with the Jewish community, as seen in [Mark 1:21](/mark/1-21 "Mark 1:21 - Jesus Teaches in Capernaum"). It was also centrally located for travel throughout Galilee, allowing Him to easily reach surrounding towns and villages. The Gospels even refer to Capernaum as "His own city" in [Matthew 9:1](/matthew/9-1 "Matthew 9:1 - Jesus Returns to His Own City"), suggesting a deeper connection or perhaps a temporary residence there.

**What was the significance of Jesus teaching in the synagogue on the Sabbath?**

Answer: Jesus teaching in the synagogue on the Sabbath was highly significant for several reasons. Firstly, it demonstrated His adherence to Jewish custom and the Mosaic Law, establishing His credibility within the religious framework of His time. The Sabbath was the designated day for communal worship and instruction, making the synagogue the natural place for a rabbi or learned individual to teach. Secondly, it provided Jesus with an immediate and accessible platform to proclaim the good news of the Kingdom of God to a captive audience. As [Luke 4:16-21](/luke/4-16-21 "Luke 4:16-21 - Jesus Teaches in Nazareth Synagogue") illustrates in a similar context, Jesus often used synagogue readings as a springboard for His revolutionary teachings. Thirdly, by teaching in this traditional setting, Jesus began to reveal His unique authority, which would soon challenge the established interpretations of the Law and Sabbath observance, setting Him apart from the scribes and Pharisees.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 1:21, with Jesus immediately entering the synagogue to teach, is a profound Christ-centered fulfillment of God's ongoing revelation to humanity. Jesus is not merely a prophet or a wise rabbi; He is the very **Word Incarnate**, the ultimate and final revelation of God, as declared in [John 1:1-3](/john/1-1-3 "John 1:1-3 - The Word Was God"). His teaching in the synagogue fulfills the prophetic expectation of a new Moses, who would speak God's words with unparalleled authority (cf. [Deuteronomy 18:18](/deuteronomy/18-18 "Deuteronomy 18:18 - A Prophet Like Moses")). Unlike the scribes who quoted tradition, Jesus taught with inherent authority because He Himself was the source of truth, embodying the very Law He expounded and the Kingdom He proclaimed. This act foreshadows His role as the Great Teacher who would not abolish the Law and the Prophets but fulfill them ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). Ultimately, Jesus' teaching in Capernaum's synagogue on the Sabbath inaugurates the era where God no longer speaks through prophets in diverse ways, but definitively through His Son, the very heir of all things ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Speaks Through His Son")), whose words bring life, light, and the ultimate truth of salvation.

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 6:2

And when the sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing [him] were astonished, saying, From whence hath this [man] these things? and what wisdom [is] this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands?

Matthew 4:23

¶ And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.

Mark 1:39

And he preached in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and cast out devils.

Acts 13:14

¶ But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down.

Acts 13:52

And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.

Acts 17:2

And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures,

Acts 18:4

And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.