TRV
- English
- King James KJV
- Complete Jewish CJB
- World English WEBM
- Berean Standard BSB
- American Standard ASV
- Geneva GNV
- Young's Literal YLT
- Douay-Rheims DRC
- International
- Shqip ALB
- العربية SVD
- বাংলা BN-IRV
- မြန်မာ Judson
- 简体文 CUV-S
- 繁體中文 CUV-T
- Čeština BKR
- Nederlands STVE
- Français LSG
- Deutsch SCH
- Ελληνικά Vamvas
- ગુજરાતી GU-IRV
- Hausa HCB
- עברית Hebrew
- हिन्दी HCV
- Magyar KAROLI
- Bahasa Indonesia INDO-TB
- Italiano Diodati
- 日本語 Kougo
- 한국어 Korean
- മലയാളം MAL
- मराठी MRCV
- Norsk DNB
- فارسی OPV
- Polski BG
- Português Almeida
- Română Cornilescu
- Русский Synodal
- Español RVG
- Kiswahili Neno
- Svenska SV1917
- Tagalog TAG-ADB
- தமிழ் TCV
- తెలుగు TSA
- ภาษาไทย THAI-KJV
- Українська Ohienko
- Tiếng Việt CADMAN
- Yorùbá YCB
See on the biblical-era map
Study this verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Mark 1:29–39. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
In these verses, we have,
I.A particular account of one miracle that Christ wrought, in the cure of Peter's wife's mother, who was ill of a fever. This passage we had before, in Matthew. Observe,
1.When Christ had done that which spread his fame throughout all parts, he did not then sit still, as some think that they may lie in bed when their name is up. No, he continued to do good, for that was it he aimed at, and not his own honour. Nay, those who are in reputation, had need be busy and careful to keep it up.
2.When he came out of the synagogue, where he had taught and healed with a divine authority, yet he conversed familiarly with the poor fishermen that attended him, and did not think it below him. Let the same mind, the same lowly mind, be in us, that was in him.
3.He went into Peter's house, probably invited thither to such entertainment as a poor fisherman could give him, and he accepted of it. The apostles left all for Christ; so far as that what they had should not hinder them from him, yet not so, but that they might use it for him.
4.He cured his mother-in-law, who was sick. Wherever Christ comes, he comes to do good, and will be sure to pay richly for his entertainment. Observe, How complete the cure was; when the fever left her, it did not, as usual, leave her weak, but the same hand that healed her, strengthened her, so that she was able to minister to them; the cure is in order to that, to fit for action, that we may minister to Christ, and to those that are his for his sake.
II.A general account of many cures he wrought - diseases healed, devils expelled.
It was on the evening of the sabbath, when the sun did set, or was set; perhaps many scrupled bringing their sick to him, till the sabbath was over, but their weakness therein was no prejudice to them in applying to Christ. Though he proved it lawful to heal on the sabbath days, yet, if any stumbled at it, they were welcome at another time. Now observe,
1.How numerous the patients were; All the city was gathered at the door, as beggars for a dole. That one cure in the synagogue occasioned this crowding after him. Others speeding well with Christ should quicken us in our enquiries after him. Now the Sun of righteousness rises with healing under his wings; to him shall the gathering of the people be. Observe, How Christ was flocked after in a private house, as well as in the synagogue; wherever he is, there let his servants, his patients, be. And in the evening of the sabbath, when the public worship is over, we must continue our attendance upon Jesus Christ; he healed, as Paul preached, publicly, and from house to house.
2.How powerful the Physician was; he healed all that were brought to him, though ever so many. Nor was it some one particular disease, that Christ set up for the cure of, but he healed those that were sick of divers diseases, for his word was a panpharmacon - a salve for every sore. And that miracle particularly which he wrought in the synagogue, he repeated in the house at night; for he cast out many devils, and suffered not the devils to speak, for he made them know who he was, and that silenced them. Or, He suffered them not to say that they knew him (so it may be read); he would not permit any more of them to say, as they did (Mar 1:24), I know thee, who thou art.
III.His retirement to his private devotion (Mar 1:35); He prayed, prayed alone; to set us an example of secret prayer.
Though as God he was prayed to, as man he prayed. Though he was glorifying God, and doing good, in his public work, yet he found time to be alone with his Father; and thus it became him to fulfil all righteousness. Now observe,
1.The time when Christ prayed.
(1.)It was in the morning, the morning after the sabbath day. Note, When a sabbath day is over and past, we must not think that we may intermit our devotion till the next sabbath: no, though we go not to the synagogue, we must go to the throne of grace, every day in the week; and the morning after the sabbath particularly, that we may preserve the good impressions of the day. This morning was the morning of the first day of the week, which afterward he sanctified, and made remarkable, by another sort of rising early.
(2.)It was early, a great while before day. When others were asleep in their beds, he was praying, as a genuine Son of David, who seeks God early, and directs his prayer in the morning; nay, and at midnight will rise to give thanks. It has been said, The morning is a friend to the Muses - Aurora Musis amica; and it is no less so to the Graces. When our spirits are most fresh and lively, then we should take time for devout exercises. He that is the first and best, ought to have the first and best.
2.The place where he prayed; He departed into a solitary place, either out of town, or some remote garden or out-building. Though he was in no danger of distraction, or of temptation to vain-glory, yet he retired, to set us an example to his own rule, When thou prayest enter into thy closet. Secret prayer must be made secretly. Those that have the most business in public, and of the best kind, must sometimes be alone with God; must retire into solitude, there to converse with God, and keep up communion with him.
IV.His return to his public work.
The disciples thought they were up early, but found their Master was up before them, and they enquired which way he went, followed him to his solitary place, and there found him at prayer, Mar 1:36, Mar 1:37. They told him that he was much wanted, that there were a great many patients waiting for him; All men seek for thee. They were proud that their Master was become so popular already, and would have him appear in public, yet more in that place, because it was their own city; and we are apt to be partial to the places we know and are interested in. "No," saith Christ, "Capernaum must not have the monopoly of the Messiah's preaching and miracles. Let us go into the next towns, the villages that lie about here, that I may preach there also, and work miracles there, for therefore came I forth, not to be constantly resident in one place, but to go about doing good." Even the inhabitants of the villages in Israel shall rehearse the righteous acts of the Lord, Jdg 5:11. Observe, Christ had still an eye to the end wherefore he came forth, and closely pursued that; nor will he be drawn by importunity, or the persuasions of his friends, to decline from that; for (Mar 1:39) he preached in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and, to illustrate and confirm his doctrine, he cast out devils. Note, Christ's doctrine is Satan's destruction.
Historical interpretation
Six Centuries of Reception
4 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
But the door of the kingdom, morally, is repentance and faith, which works health for various diseases; for divers are the vices, with which the city of this world is sick.
(Vict. Ant. e Cat. in Marc.) Not that He required prayer; for it was He who Himself received the prayers of men; but He did this by way of an economy, and became to us the model of good works.
(Vict. Ant. e Cat. in Marc.) Luke however says, that crowds came to Christ, and spoke what Mark here relates that the Apostles said, adding, And when they came to him, they said to him, All seek thee. (Luke 4:42) But they do not contradict each other; for Christ received after the Apostles the multitude, breathlessly anxious to embrace His feet. He received them willingly, but chose to dismiss them, that the rest also might be partakers of His doctrine, as He was not to remain long in the world. And therefore there follows: And he said, Let us go into the neighbouring villages and towns, that there also I may preach.
(Vict. Ant. e Cat. in Marc.) In which word, He manifests the mystery of His emptying himself, (Phil. 2:7) that is, of His incarnation, and the sovereignty of His divine nature, in that He here asserts, that He came willingly into the world. Luke however says, To this end was I sent, proclaiming the Dispensation, and the good pleasure of God the Father concerning the incarnation of the Son. There follows: And he continued preaching in their synagogues, in all Galilee.
(ubi sup.) Again mystically if by the setting of the sun, the death of the Saviour is intended, why should not His resurrection be intended by the returning dawn? For by its clear light, He went far into the wilderness of the Gentiles, and there continued praying in the person of His faithful disciples, for He aroused their hearts by the grace of the Holy Spirit to the virtue of prayer.
After that the Lord had cured the sick, He retired apart. Wherefore it is said, And rising very early in the morning, he went out and departed into a desert place. By which He taught us not to do any thing for the sake of appearance, but if we do any good, not to publish it openly. It goes on, and there prayed.
For He shows to us that we ought to attribute to God whatever we do well, and to say to Him, Every good gift cometh down from above, (James 1:17) from Thee. It continues: And Simon followed him, and they that were with him.
For He passes on to them as being more in need, since it was not right to shut up doctrine in one place, but to throw out his rays every where. It goes on: For therefore am I come.
He also mingled action with teaching, for whilst employed in preaching, He afterwards put to flight devils. For there follows: And casting out devils. For unless Christ showed forth miracles, His teaching would not be believed; so do thou also, after teaching, work, that thy word be not fruitless in thyself.
Continue studying Mark 1:38 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
CNTR CollationThe earliest Greek manuscripts of this verse, collated letter by letter.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
Summary
After a demanding period of healing ministry in Capernaum, Jesus withdraws for prayer, only to be pursued by Simon Peter and others eager for His return. In Mark 1:38, Jesus articulates the true, broader purpose of His mission: not merely to heal in one place, but to itinerate and proclaim the good news of the Kingdom of God throughout the surrounding towns, emphasizing that this evangelistic proclamation was the very reason He "came forth."
Context
Literary Context
This verse immediately follows a pivotal sequence in Jesus' early Galilean ministry. Mark 1:21-28 describes Jesus teaching with authority in the Capernaum synagogue and casting out an unclean spirit, establishing His power. Subsequently, He heals Simon's mother-in-law (Mark 1:29-31), and by sundown, the entire city gathers at the door, bringing their sick and demon-possessed for healing (Mark 1:32-34). The sheer volume of need and the immediate popularity demonstrate a ministry driven by compassion and power. However, Jesus then deliberately withdraws to a solitary place to pray early the next morning (Mark 1:35). Simon and his companions track Him down, likely expecting Him to capitalize on His popularity and continue the healing work in Capernaum. It is in response to their desire for Him to return that Jesus clarifies His overarching mission in Mark 1:38. This sets up His subsequent departure from Capernaum to preach elsewhere, as described in Mark 1:39.
Historical & Cultural Context
First-century Galilee was a densely populated region with numerous towns and villages. Capernaum, situated on the Sea of Galilee, was a bustling fishing and trade center, serving as Jesus' primary base of operations during His Galilean ministry. Jewish society at the time valued itinerant teachers and prophets, but Jesus' unique authority and miraculous works set Him apart. The expectation that a popular healer would remain in a place where there was great demand was natural. However, Jesus' decision to move on highlights a key aspect of His ministry: it was not confined to a single locale or driven by popular demand, but by a divine mandate to reach as many people as possible across the region. His ministry was not just about addressing immediate physical needs, but about proclaiming a message that transformed lives and ushered in the Kingdom of God, a message that needed to be heard beyond the confines of one city.
Key Themes
Mark 1:38 contributes significantly to several key themes in the Gospel of Mark. Firstly, it underscores the centrality of Jesus' preaching ministry. While healing and exorcism are prominent in Mark 1, Jesus explicitly states that His primary purpose is to "preach," emphasizing the verbal proclamation of the Gospel. Secondly, it highlights Jesus' divine intentionality and purpose. The phrase "for therefore came I forth" reveals that Jesus' actions are not random or reactive, but are part of a pre-ordained, divinely appointed mission, echoing His statement in Luke 4:43. Thirdly, it demonstrates the expansive nature of God's redemptive plan, as Jesus' mission extends beyond one town to "the next towns," indicating a desire for broad reach. Finally, it subtly introduces the theme of prioritizing spiritual mission over popular acclaim, as Jesus willingly leaves a place of great success to pursue His true calling.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This verb, G2784, means "to herald (as a public crier), especially divine truth (the gospel)." It implies an authoritative, public, and urgent declaration, not merely a quiet teaching or conversation. Jesus' mission was not a private discourse but a public proclamation of the arrival of God's Kingdom and the good news it entailed.
Derived from G1831, meaning "to issue (literally or figuratively)," "to come (forth, out), depart (out of)." In this context, it signifies Jesus' purposeful emergence or departure from a prior state or location, specifically His coming into public ministry, or even His divine origin and mission from the Father. It speaks to the intentionality of His presence and actions.
This combination of G1063 (gár, "assigning a reason") and G5124 (toûto, "that thing") emphasizes the direct causal link between Jesus' coming forth and His mission to preach. It translates to "for this reason" or "because of this." It powerfully underscores that His primary, divinely appointed purpose for embarking on His public ministry was the proclamation of the Gospel, making preaching the foundational reason for His very presence.
Verse Breakdown
"And he said unto them, ‹Let us go into the next towns,"
After His disciples find Him praying, Jesus, with decisive authority, redirects their expectations. He proposes a proactive move, indicating that His ministry is not static or confined to Capernaum, despite its immediate needs and His popularity there. The "next towns" (κωμοπόλεις, kōmopóleis, G2969) refers to the surrounding villages and unwalled cities, signifying a broader, itinerant ministry.
"that I may preach there also:"
This clause reveals the specific purpose for going to these other towns. The Greek word "that" (ἵνα, hína, G2443) introduces a purpose clause, making it clear that preaching is the explicit goal of His itineration. The addition of "also" (κἀκεῖ, kakeî, G2546) implies that while He had taught in Capernaum, His mission was not limited to that city but extended to other locales, ensuring a wider dissemination of His message.
"for therefore came I forth.›"
This is the foundational statement of Jesus' mission. The conjunction "for" (γάρ, gár, G1063) introduces the reason or explanation for His decision. "Therefore came I forth" (εἰς τοῦτο ἐξῆλθον, eis toûto exēlthon) powerfully declares that His very emergence into public ministry, or even His incarnation, had this specific purpose: to preach the Kingdom of God. It signifies a divine mandate and a pre-ordained mission, establishing preaching as the core of His earthly work.
Literary Devices
Mark 1:38 employs several significant literary devices. Direct Speech is central, presenting Jesus' own authoritative words that clarify His mission. This gives the statement immediate weight and authenticity. The verse also functions as a Thematic Statement, succinctly articulating the primary purpose of Jesus' ministry—preaching the gospel of the Kingdom—which becomes a recurring motif throughout Mark's narrative. Furthermore, the phrase "for therefore came I forth" serves as a powerful Statement of Divine Purpose, emphasizing the intentionality and pre-ordained nature of Jesus' actions, rather than them being reactive to circumstances. This underscores His unique identity and calling.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Mark 1:38 is a profound theological statement, revealing the core of Jesus' earthly mission. It clarifies that while His miracles and healings were powerful signs of the Kingdom's presence and His divine authority, they were ultimately subservient to the primary task of proclaiming the good news. Jesus was not merely a healer or a miracle-worker; He was first and foremost the herald of God's Kingdom, the one sent to announce the dawn of a new era. This emphasis on preaching highlights the transformative power of God's Word and the necessity of its proclamation for human salvation and the establishment of God's reign. It underscores that God's plan of redemption is not limited to isolated acts of power but is revealed through the authoritative declaration of truth, inviting all to repentance and faith.
Reflection and Application
Mark 1:38 serves as a foundational declaration for understanding Jesus' priorities and, by extension, the priorities of His followers. It challenges us to examine whether our own lives and ministries are aligned with the core mission of proclaiming the Gospel. While acts of service, compassion, and addressing physical needs are vital expressions of Christian love, this verse reminds us that they should ultimately point to the transformative message of Jesus Christ. We are called to be intentional in our purpose, recognizing that God has "sent us forth" with a specific mission, just as He sent Jesus. This means being willing to step out of our comfort zones, to go to "the next towns"—whether literally or figuratively—to share the good news, prioritizing God's will over popular opinion or personal convenience. It encourages us to seek God's purpose through prayer, as Jesus did, and to faithfully execute that purpose, understanding that the proclamation of the Gospel is paramount.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did Jesus leave Capernaum when there was so much need and popularity there?
Jesus left Capernaum not because He was indifferent to the needs there, but because His mission was broader than any single town. As He states in Mark 1:38, His primary purpose for "coming forth" was to preach the Gospel throughout all the towns. While healing demonstrated His authority and compassion, it was a means to authenticate the message of the Kingdom of God. His departure underscores that His ministry was divinely directed and expansive, not dictated by human demand or limited to one location. He had to reach as many people as possible with the good news.
Does this verse suggest that preaching is more important than healing or other acts of service?
Mark 1:38 highlights the primacy of preaching as Jesus' core mission, but it does not diminish the importance of healing or acts of service. Jesus' ministry was holistic: He taught, healed, and delivered. The miracles served as powerful signs, authenticating His identity and the message He proclaimed. They were inseparable from His preaching, demonstrating the power of the Kingdom He announced. However, the verse clarifies that the ultimate purpose for which He "came forth" was the declaration of the Gospel, making the verbal proclamation of truth foundational to His work and the spread of the Kingdom.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Mark 1:38 profoundly illuminates the Christ-centered nature of the Gospel. Jesus, the very Son of God, declares that His ultimate purpose in coming forth was to preach the Kingdom of God. He is not merely a messenger, but the message itself, the embodiment of the good news. His "coming forth" speaks to His incarnation, His divine mission from the Father to reveal God's truth and establish His reign. As the eternal Word made flesh, Jesus is the ultimate Preacher, whose life, death, and resurrection constitute the very content of the Gospel. His mission to preach throughout "the next towns" foreshadows the global mission of the Church, empowered by His Spirit, to proclaim the same saving message to "all the world" (Mark 16:15). Thus, Jesus is both the divine agent of God's redemptive plan and the central subject of the message He came to proclaim, fulfilling the prophecies of a herald of good tidings (Isaiah 52:7). His purpose-driven ministry sets the pattern for all who follow Him, calling them to participate in His ongoing mission of proclaiming the Kingdom of God until His return (Acts 1:8).