Mark 1:39

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he preached {G2784}{G2258} in {G1722} their {G846} synagogues {G4864} throughout {G1519} all {G3650} Galilee {G1056}, and {G2532} cast out {G1544} devils {G1140}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So he traveled all through the Galil, preaching in their synagogues and expelling demons.

Berean Standard Bible

So He went throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.

American Standard Version

And he went into their synagogues throughout all Galilee, preaching and casting out demons.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 1:39 provides a succinct yet profound summary of Jesus' early itinerant ministry, immediately following His call of the first disciples and initial miracles in Capernaum. This verse encapsulates the dual nature of His public work: the authoritative proclamation of God's Kingdom through preaching in Jewish synagogues across the entire region of Galilee, and the tangible demonstration of His divine power through the casting out of evil spirits. It highlights Jesus' comprehensive engagement with both the spiritual and physical needs of the people, establishing the pattern for His redemptive mission.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Mark 1:39 concludes a significant section detailing the commencement of Jesus' public ministry. It follows His baptism and temptation ([Mark 1:9-13](/mark/1-9-13 "Mark 1:9-13 - Jesus' Baptism and Temptation")), the calling of His first disciples ([Mark 1:16-20](/mark/1-16-20 "Mark 1:16-20 - The Call of the First Disciples")), and a powerful day in Capernaum where He taught with authority in the synagogue, cast out an unclean spirit ([Mark 1:21-28](/mark/1-21-28 "Mark 1:21-28 - Jesus Teaches and Heals in Capernaum")), and healed many, including Peter's mother-in-law ([Mark 1:29-34](/mark/1-29-34 "Mark 1:29-34 - Jesus Heals Many")). The preceding verse, [Mark 1:38](/mark/1-38 "Mark 1:38 - Jesus' Purpose"), explicitly states Jesus' purpose to "preach elsewhere" in the neighboring towns, setting the stage for the widespread evangelistic tour described in [Mark 1:39](/mark/1-39 "Mark 1:39 - Jesus' Ministry in Galilee"). This verse acts as a bridge, summarizing the initial phase of His ministry before the narrative moves to other specific events.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Galilee, a northern region of ancient Israel, was a diverse and populous area, often viewed by Judeans as less religiously pure due to its mixed population and close proximity to Gentile lands. This made it an ideal starting point for Jesus' ministry, as He sought to reach a broad audience beyond the religious elite of Jerusalem. Synagogues were central to Jewish community life in the first century, serving not only as places of worship and prayer but also as community centers, schools, and venues for public discourse and teaching. Unlike the Temple in Jerusalem, which was the sole center for sacrificial worship, synagogues were local and ubiquitous, providing accessible platforms for Jesus to disseminate His message and engage with the common people. His presence in these established religious institutions demonstrates His engagement with, yet ultimate transcendence of, the existing Jewish religious framework.

* **Key Themes:** The verse significantly contributes to several key themes in Mark's Gospel. Firstly, it underscores the **authority of Jesus** as the Messiah, evident in both His teaching ("preached") and His power over spiritual forces ("cast out devils"). This authority is a recurring motif in [Mark 1](/mark/1 "Mark 1 - The Beginning of the Gospel"), particularly highlighted in [Mark 1:22](/mark/1-22 "Mark 1:22 - Jesus' Authoritative Teaching") where people were astonished by His teaching, and in [Mark 1:27](/mark/1-27 "Mark 1:27 - Jesus' Authority Over Unclean Spirits") where even unclean spirits obeyed Him. Secondly, it emphasizes the **Kingdom of God** as the central message of Jesus' ministry, a theme introduced in [Mark 1:15](/mark/1-15 "Mark 1:15 - The Proclamation of the Kingdom"). His preaching announced the arrival of God's reign, and His exorcisms were tangible manifestations of this Kingdom breaking into the world, confronting and defeating the powers of darkness. Lastly, the phrase "throughout all Galilee" highlights the **expansive and itinerant nature of Jesus' mission**, demonstrating His commitment to reaching as many people as possible with the good news, rather than confining Himself to one location.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Preached (Greek, _kērýssō'_):** This term signifies "to proclaim as a herald" or "to announce publicly and authoritatively." It is not merely teaching or discussing, but a formal, public declaration of significant news. In the context of Jesus, it refers to His authoritative proclamation of the Kingdom of God and the gospel message, much like a royal decree. This word emphasizes the public and official nature of His mission.
* **Cast out (Greek, _ekbállō'_):** This verb means "to eject," "to drive out," or "to expel." It conveys a forceful and decisive action, indicating Jesus' absolute power and authority over the entities He was expelling. The use of this strong verb highlights the confrontational and victorious nature of Jesus' encounters with evil spirits, demonstrating His supremacy.
* **Devils (Greek, _daimónion'_):** This term refers to "demonic beings" or "evil spirits." In the New Testament, these are understood as malevolent spiritual entities that oppose God and afflict humanity, often causing physical ailments, mental distress, or spiritual bondage. Jesus' ability to cast out these "devils" was a clear sign of His divine power and His mission to liberate humanity from the dominion of darkness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he preached in their synagogues":** This clause describes the primary method and venue of Jesus' public ministry. "Preached" (kērýssō) signifies a public, authoritative proclamation, not just informal teaching. The "synagogues" were the local Jewish centers for worship, teaching, and community gatherings, providing an established platform for Jesus to deliver His message, signifying His engagement with the religious life of the people.
* **"throughout all Galilee":** This phrase emphasizes the extensive scope and itinerant nature of Jesus' ministry. He was not confined to one city or region but systematically traversed the entire area of Galilee, demonstrating a deliberate and widespread evangelistic effort to reach a broad populace with the message of the Kingdom of God.
* **"and cast out devils":** This final clause highlights the tangible demonstration of Jesus' divine power and authority. His ability to "cast out devils" (demons or evil spirits) served as powerful evidence of His identity as the Messiah and the inbreaking of God's Kingdom, directly confronting and overcoming the forces of spiritual darkness that held people captive.

#### Literary Devices
Mark's concise narrative style, often characterized by immediacy and action, is evident in [Mark 1:39](/mark/1-39 "Mark 1:39 - Jesus' Ministry in Galilee"). The verse employs **Parallelism** by presenting two distinct but complementary actions of Jesus: "preached" and "cast out devils." This highlights the dual nature of His ministry – the proclamation of truth and the demonstration of power – which were inextricably linked. The phrase "throughout all Galilee" utilizes **Hyperbole** or **Generalization** to convey the extensive and comprehensive reach of Jesus' mission, implying a widespread and continuous effort rather than a literal visitation of every single synagogue. Furthermore, the actions described serve as **Symbolism**, where the casting out of devils symbolizes Jesus' ultimate victory over evil and the establishment of God's kingdom, which displaces the dominion of darkness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 1:39 profoundly illustrates the multifaceted nature of Jesus' redemptive work, which encompasses both the authoritative declaration of truth and the powerful demonstration of God's reign over all opposing forces. His ministry was not merely intellectual instruction but a dynamic confrontation with the spiritual realities of sin and evil. The combination of preaching and exorcism reveals that the gospel is not just a message to be heard, but a power to be experienced, bringing liberation from spiritual bondage and ushering in the transformative reality of God's Kingdom. This holistic approach to ministry—addressing both the spiritual and physical/demonic needs of humanity—is foundational to understanding Christ's mission and the ongoing work of His church.

* [Matthew 4:23](/matthew/4-23 "Matthew 4:23 - Jesus' Ministry in Galilee")
* [Luke 4:43-44](/luke/4-43-44 "Luke 4:43-44 - Jesus Preaches in Synagogues")
* [Acts 10:38](/acts/10-38 "Acts 10:38 - God Anointed Jesus")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 1:39 offers a powerful blueprint for Christian life and ministry, reminding us that authentic faith involves both the proclamation of truth and the demonstration of God's power. Just as Jesus did not separate His teaching from His acts of deliverance, believers today are called to share the good news of the Kingdom of God not only through words but also through lives transformed by His power, bringing light into darkness and freedom to the oppressed. This might manifest as speaking truth in love, praying for healing, advocating for justice, or engaging in spiritual warfare against the forces of evil in our own lives and communities. We are reminded that the spiritual battle is real, but Christ's authority is supreme. Our mission, empowered by the Holy Spirit, is to continue His work, bringing the liberating message and tangible presence of the Kingdom wherever we go.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' dual emphasis on "preaching" and "casting out devils" challenge or expand your understanding of ministry today?**
* **In what ways can believers "preach" the Kingdom of God in their daily lives, beyond formal sermons?**
* **How might "casting out devils" be understood and applied in a modern context, considering both spiritual and societal oppressions?**

### FAQ

**Why did Jesus primarily preach in synagogues?**

Answer: Jesus primarily preached in synagogues because they were the established centers of Jewish community life, worship, and instruction in the first century. They provided a ready audience of people gathered to hear the Scriptures and discuss religious matters. This allowed Jesus to engage with the Jewish people within their existing religious framework, offering His new interpretation and fulfillment of the Law and Prophets. It also demonstrated His respect for the traditions, even as He brought a revolutionary message of the [Kingdom of God](/mark/1-15 "Mark 1:15 - The Kingdom of God").

**What is the significance of Jesus casting out "devils" (demons)?**

Answer: The casting out of "devils" (demons) was a profound demonstration of Jesus' divine authority and power, signifying the inbreaking of God's Kingdom into the world. In the Jewish worldview, demons were seen as agents of evil and darkness, often associated with sickness and spiritual oppression. Jesus' ability to effortlessly expel them proved His supremacy over the forces of evil and confirmed His identity as the Messiah, who had come to liberate humanity from the dominion of sin and Satan. It was a tangible sign that the [strong man's house was being plundered](/mark/3-27 "Mark 3:27 - Plundering the Strong Man's House") by one stronger than him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 1:39, with its depiction of Jesus' widespread ministry of preaching and exorcism, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the comprehensive redemptive work of Jesus Christ. His "preaching" in the synagogues foreshadows the ultimate proclamation of the Gospel, where He Himself is the message, the good news of salvation and reconciliation with God. As the [Word made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), Jesus embodies the divine truth He proclaimed, culminating in His death and resurrection, which became the central message of the early church ([1 Corinthians 15:3-4](/1_corinthians/15-3-4 "1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - The Gospel Message")). Furthermore, His act of "casting out devils" is a powerful prefigurement of His definitive victory over sin, death, and the devil on the cross. Through His crucifixion and resurrection, Jesus disarmed the powers and authorities, triumphing over them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Powers")). He became the ultimate deliverer, not just from individual demonic oppression, but from the spiritual bondage of sin that holds all humanity captive ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Deliverance from Death")). Thus, Mark 1:39 is a snapshot of the Messiah initiating His mission, which finds its full and glorious accomplishment in His finished work, establishing His eternal reign and liberating His people.

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 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 1:21

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

Luke 4:43

And he said unto them, I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent.

Luke 4:44

And he preached in the synagogues of Galilee.

Mark 7:30

And when she was come to her house, she found the devil gone out, and her daughter laid upon the bed.

Luke 4:41

And devils also came out of many, crying out, and saying, Thou art Christ the Son of God. And he rebuking [them] suffered them not to speak: for they knew that he was Christ.