Mark 1:27

KJV

And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine [is] this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} they were {G2284} all {G3956} amazed {G2284}, insomuch that {G5620} they questioned {G4802} among {G4314} themselves {G846}, saying {G3004}, What thing {G5101} is {G2076} this {G3778}? what {G5101} new {G2537} doctrine {G1322} is this {G5124}? for {G3754} with {G2596} authority {G1849} commandeth {G2004} he even {G2532} the unclean {G169} spirits {G4151}, and {G2532} they do obey {G5219} him {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They were all so astounded that they began asking each other, "What is this? A new teaching, one with authority behind it! He gives orders even to the unclean spirits, and they obey him!"

Berean Standard Bible

All the people were amazed and began to ask one another, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him!”

American Standard Version

And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What is this? a new teaching! with authority he commandeth even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 1:27 vividly portrays the astonished reaction of the synagogue crowd in Capernaum after Jesus authoritatively cast out an unclean spirit. Their amazement stemmed not only from the miraculous act itself but also from the profound authority with which Jesus commanded spiritual forces, leading them to question the nature of this "new doctrine" that was powerfully demonstrated rather than merely taught. This pivotal moment underscores Jesus' unique divine power and the groundbreaking nature of His ministry, setting Him apart from all previous religious teachers.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Jesus' initial public ministry in Capernaum. Mark 1:21-22 describes Jesus teaching in the synagogue, where the people were already "astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes." The subsequent narrative (Mark 1:23-26) details the dramatic confrontation with an unclean spirit that interrupts Jesus' teaching. The demon, recognizing Jesus as "the Holy One of God," is commanded by Jesus to "Hold thy peace, and come out of him" (Mark 1:25). The spirit's violent departure, followed by the man's immediate healing, serves as a powerful, tangible demonstration of the authority the crowd had just perceived in His teaching. Mark 1:27, therefore, is the immediate and climactic response to this exorcism, confirming and amplifying the earlier observation about Jesus' authority. It sets the stage for the rapid spread of Jesus' fame throughout Galilee, as narrated in the following verses.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Judaism, synagogues served as central community hubs for worship, teaching, and social gathering. Scribes, or teachers of the Law, derived their authority from their meticulous study and interpretation of the Torah and the traditions of the elders, often quoting revered rabbis to support their teachings. Their authority was derivative and interpretive. Exorcism was not unknown in this period, but it was typically performed through elaborate rituals, incantations, and appeals to God or powerful names, often with uncertain outcomes. The idea of someone commanding a spirit with a simple word, and the spirit immediately obeying, was utterly unprecedented. This challenged their established understanding of religious authority, spiritual power, and even the nature of God's interaction with humanity. The term "unclean spirits" (δαιμόνια) referred to malevolent spiritual entities believed to cause various afflictions, both physical and mental, and to lead people astray.
* **Key Themes:** Mark 1:27 powerfully contributes to several key themes in Mark's Gospel. The most prominent is **Jesus' unparalleled authority (exousia)**, which is introduced in [Mark 1:22](/mark/1-22 "Mark 1:22 - Jesus' Teaching Authority") and dramatically demonstrated here over spiritual forces. This authority is shown to be inherent and divine, contrasting sharply with the derivative authority of the scribes. Secondly, the verse highlights the **arrival of the Kingdom of God** and its direct confrontation with the kingdom of darkness. Jesus' ability to command demons signifies the inbreaking of God's reign and His victory over evil, a recurring motif throughout Mark (e.g., [Mark 3:22-27](/mark/3-22-27 "Mark 3:22-27 - Jesus and Beelzebul")). Finally, the crowd's question about a "new doctrine" points to the **revolutionary nature of Jesus' teaching and ministry**. His "doctrine" is not merely intellectual instruction but a dynamic, living truth validated by miraculous power, demonstrating that the new covenant era has dawned, as prophesied in passages like [Isaiah 61:1-3](/isaiah/61-1-3 "Isaiah 61:1-3 - The Spirit of the Lord is Upon Me").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Amazed (Greek, _thambéō'_):** This word (G2284) signifies a profound state of stupefaction, astonishment, or awe, often accompanied by fear or dread. It describes a reaction so intense that it leaves one bewildered and speechless. In this context, it conveys the overwhelming impact of witnessing Jesus' power, far beyond mere surprise, indicating a recognition of something extraordinary and perhaps terrifyingly divine.
* **New (Greek, _kainós'_):** The Greek term (G2537) refers to something new in quality, freshness, or kind, rather than merely new in time (for which _neos_ would be used). The "new doctrine" is not just recent, but fundamentally different, unprecedented, and superior to what came before. It implies a qualitative shift, suggesting a fresh revelation or a radically different approach to truth and power.
* **Authority (Greek, _exousía'_):** This crucial word (G1849) denotes not just raw power or ability (_dynamis_), but legitimate, inherent power, privilege, and freedom to act. It implies a rightful dominion, a delegated influence, or mastery. When applied to Jesus, it signifies that His power is not borrowed or earned, but intrinsic to His being, making Him the ultimate source of command and control, particularly over spiritual entities.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they were all amazed":** This clause emphasizes the universal and profound reaction of the entire synagogue assembly. The use of "all" (πᾶς, _pas_) highlights the collective, undeniable impact of Jesus' actions, leaving no one untouched by the demonstration of His power. Their amazement goes beyond simple surprise, indicating a deep sense of awe and wonder.
* **"insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this?":** The amazement was so overwhelming that it prompted immediate, internal discussion and bewildered questioning. The phrase "questioned among themselves" (συνεζήτουν πρὸς ἑαυτούς, _syzētéō pros heautous_) suggests a fervent, almost agitated, debate as they tried to comprehend what they had just witnessed. The rhetorical question "What thing is this?" expresses their utter bewilderment and inability to categorize or explain Jesus' actions within their existing frameworks.
* **"what new doctrine is this?":** This second question reveals the core of their perplexity. They connect the miraculous exorcism directly to Jesus' teaching, perceiving that His "doctrine" (διδαχή, _didachḗ_) is not merely words but is inextricably linked to, and validated by, His power. The "new" (καινός, _kainós_) aspect signifies that this teaching is unprecedented in its nature and efficacy, unlike anything they had encountered from the scribes or other religious leaders.
* **"for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him.":** This final clause provides the reason for their astonishment and questions. It directly identifies the source of Jesus' uniqueness: He commands (ἐπιτάσσω, _epitássō_ – to order with force) even the malevolent "unclean spirits" (πνεύματα ἀκάθαρτα, _pneûma akáthartos_), and, remarkably, "they do obey him" (ὑπακούουσιν αὐτῷ, _hypakoúō autō_ – they listen attentively and conform to His command). This immediate and absolute obedience from spiritual entities demonstrates Jesus' inherent, divine authority (ἐξουσία, _exousía_) over the spiritual realm, distinguishing Him profoundly from all others.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 1:27 employs several **Literary Devices** to heighten the dramatic impact and underscore Jesus' unique power. The immediate and collective reaction of the crowd, described as "all amazed," functions as **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the extraordinary nature of the event and ensuring the reader grasps its profound significance. The two successive **Rhetorical Questions**—"What thing is this? what new doctrine is this?"—serve to draw the reader into the crowd's bewilderment and highlight the unprecedented nature of Jesus' authority. These questions are not seeking answers from an external source but express the internal struggle of the witnesses to reconcile what they have seen with their established understanding. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Contrast** by implicitly setting Jesus' authority against that of the scribes, who taught without such inherent power (as noted in [Mark 1:22](/mark/1-22 "Mark 1:22 - Jesus' Teaching Authority")). The explicit statement that Jesus "commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him" provides the irrefutable evidence for this contrast, functioning as a **Demonstration** of His divine power. Finally, there's an element of **Dramatic Irony**, as the demons recognize Jesus' true identity ("Holy One of God" in [Mark 1:24](/mark/1-24 "Mark 1:24 - The Demon's Recognition of Jesus")) before the human observers fully comprehend who He is, even as they marvel at His authority.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 1:27 is a foundational text for understanding the nature of Jesus' messianic ministry. It unequivocally establishes Jesus' divine authority, not merely as a teacher of profound truths, but as the sovereign Lord over all creation, including the spiritual realm. This power over unclean spirits is a tangible manifestation of the Kingdom of God breaking into the world, directly confronting the dominion of evil. The "new doctrine" is thus not just a set of teachings, but a dynamic reality of God's redemptive power being unleashed through His Son. This event signifies that in Jesus, God is actively reclaiming His creation from the grip of sin and spiritual oppression, inaugurating a new era where divine authority is visibly present and active among humanity.

* [Matthew 7:28-29](/matthew/7-28-29 "Matthew 7:28-29 - Jesus' Authority in Teaching")
* [Luke 4:36](/luke/4-36 "Luke 4:36 - Authority Over Unclean Spirits")
* [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 1:27 invites us to reflect on the nature of true authority and the transformative power of Jesus Christ. In a world often swayed by human opinions, fleeting trends, and various forms of spiritual darkness, this verse reminds us that Jesus' authority is ultimate and unwavering. His power to command even the most malevolent spiritual forces assures us that no opposition, visible or invisible, can ultimately stand against Him. For believers, this means we can live with confidence, knowing that we serve a Lord who has triumphed over all powers of darkness. His "new doctrine" continues to bring liberation, healing, and truth to those who embrace it. This passage challenges us to move beyond mere intellectual assent to Jesus' teachings and to truly marvel at, and submit to, His living, active authority in every area of our lives. It calls us to trust in His word as powerful and effective, capable of bringing order out of chaos and light into darkness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' demonstration of authority in Mark 1:27 challenge my own understanding of power and influence in the world today?**
* **In what areas of my life do I need to more fully acknowledge and submit to Jesus' "new doctrine" and His inherent authority?**
* **How does the immediate obedience of the unclean spirits to Jesus' command encourage me in the face of spiritual opposition or personal struggles?**

### FAQ
**What does "new doctrine" mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "new doctrine" (Greek: _kainos didachē_) refers to a teaching that is not merely recent in time, but fundamentally different in quality and nature from what the people were accustomed to. Unlike the scribes who taught by quoting previous authorities, Jesus' teaching was accompanied by an inherent, divine authority that was immediately demonstrated through His power over unclean spirits. It was "new" because it was validated by direct, miraculous action, signifying the inbreaking of God's Kingdom and a fresh, dynamic revelation of truth and power, as seen throughout [Mark's Gospel](/mark/1 "The Gospel of Mark").

**Why were the people "amazed" by Jesus' authority over unclean spirits?**

Answer: The people were "amazed" (Greek: _thambéō_) because Jesus' authority over unclean spirits was utterly unprecedented. While exorcism was practiced in their time, it was typically done through rituals, incantations, and appeals to God, often with uncertain results. Jesus, however, commanded the spirit with a simple word, and it immediately obeyed Him with no resistance. This direct, inherent power, without any elaborate ritual or appeal, profoundly distinguished Him from all other religious figures and demonstrated a level of divine authority they had never witnessed, confirming the observation made earlier in [Mark 1:22](/mark/1-22 "Mark 1:22 - Jesus' Teaching Authority") about His teaching.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 1:27 provides a powerful glimpse into the Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. The "new doctrine" is ultimately the good news of the Kingdom of God, embodied in Jesus Christ Himself. His authority over unclean spirits foreshadows His ultimate victory over sin, death, and all the powers of darkness, as prophesied in the Old Testament (e.g., [Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "Genesis 3:15 - The Protoevangelium")). This demonstration of power is not merely an isolated miracle but a revelation of His divine identity as the Son of God, who came to destroy the works of the devil ([1 John 3:8](/1_john/3-8 "1 John 3:8 - Purpose of the Son of God")). Through His death and resurrection, Jesus disarmed the spiritual powers and authorities, triumphing over them by the cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Therefore, the amazement of the crowd in Mark 1:27 points forward to the universal dominion of the resurrected Christ, to whom all authority in heaven and on earth has been given ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")), and in whose name believers are empowered to overcome evil ([Luke 10:19](/luke/10-19 "Luke 10:19 - Authority Over All the Power of the Enemy")).

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

Luke 9:1

¶ Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.

Matthew 9:33

And when the devil was cast out, the dumb spake: and the multitudes marvelled, saying, It was never so seen in Israel.

Mark 7:37

And were beyond measure astonished, saying, He hath done all things well: he maketh both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak.

Matthew 15:31

Insomuch that the multitude wondered, when they saw the dumb to speak, the maimed to be whole, the lame to walk, and the blind to see: and they glorified the God of Israel.

Mark 10:32

¶ And they were in the way going up to Jerusalem; and Jesus went before them: and they were amazed; and as they followed, they were afraid. And he took again the twelve, and began to tell them what things should happen unto him,

Luke 4:36

And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word [is] this! for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out.

Mark 10:24

And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!