And all the city was gathered together at the door.
And {G2532} all {G3650} the city {G4172} was {G2258} gathered together {G1996} at {G4314} the door {G2374}.
and the whole town came crowding around the door.
and the whole town gathered at the door.
And all the city was gathered together at the door.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.
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Mark 1:5
And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins. -
Acts 13:44
And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God.
Commentary on Mark 1:33 (KJV)
Mark 1:33: "And all the city was gathered together at the door."
Context
This verse vividly portrays the immediate and overwhelming public response to Jesus's burgeoning ministry in Capernaum. It describes the scene *after* a profoundly busy day for Jesus. He had just taught with unparalleled authority in the synagogue, cast out an unclean spirit from a man (Mark 1:27), and then healed Simon Peter's mother-in-law of a fever (Mark 1:31). As evening fell and the Sabbath ended (which was at sunset), people began bringing all who were sick or demon-possessed to the house where Jesus was staying, likely Peter's home. The "door" refers to the entrance of this house, which became the focal point of an eager and desperate multitude.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insight
The phrase "all the city" (KJV) translates the Greek *pasa hē polis* (πᾶσα ἡ πόλις). While likely a hyperbole—it's improbable that literally every single inhabitant of Capernaum was present—it powerfully conveys the idea of an immense, unprecedented throng. This vivid description emphasizes the extraordinary reach and intensity of the crowd, highlighting the fervent hope and desperation of the people who flocked to Jesus's door.
Significance and Impact
Mark 1:33 marks a pivotal moment, illustrating how quickly word of Jesus's miracles spread and the immense public demand for His ministry. It sets the stage for the rest of Mark's Gospel, where Jesus is constantly followed by crowds, often making it difficult for Him to find quiet time for prayer or rest (Mark 1:35). This initial outpouring of public attention demonstrates the immediate spiritual and physical impact Jesus had on those He encountered.
Practical Application
This scene reminds us that genuine divine power and compassion will always draw those in need. It challenges believers today to recognize the ongoing spiritual and physical needs in the world around them. Just as Capernaum flocked to Jesus, so too does humanity still seek answers, healing, and solace, which are ultimately found in Him. The verse encourages us to be open channels of God's love and truth, reflecting the magnetic presence of Christ to a world still gathered at the "door" of hope.