Mark 16:15

KJV

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he said {G2036} unto them {G846}, Go ye {G4198} into {G1519} all {G537} the world {G2889}, and preach {G2784} the gospel {G2098} to every {G3956} creature {G2937}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then he said to them, "As you go throughout the world, proclaim the Good News to all creation.

Berean Standard Bible

And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.

American Standard Version

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to the whole creation.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 16:15 presents a profound and pivotal post-resurrection command from Jesus Christ to His disciples, often recognized as a foundational expression of the Great Commission. This verse encapsulates the Church's enduring mandate: to actively and universally proclaim the good news of salvation, extending the invitation of God's redemptive grace to every person across the globe.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse appears within the disputed "longer ending" of Mark's Gospel (Mark 16:9-20), which, despite textual debates, has been widely accepted and influential in Christian tradition for centuries. It immediately follows Jesus' appearance to the eleven disciples, where He rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart for not believing those who had seen Him after He had risen ([Mark 16:14](/mark/16-14 "Mark 16:14 - Jesus Appears to the Eleven")). This rebuke sets the stage for a powerful commissioning: having seen their skepticism, Jesus does not abandon them but rather empowers them with an urgent, global mission. The command to "go" and "preach" serves as the definitive instruction for the nascent Church to transition from passive observation to active proclamation, establishing the trajectory for the apostolic age and beyond. It is the final, authoritative word from the resurrected Lord, setting the agenda for His followers before His ascension.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time of this command, the disciples were still largely operating within a Jewish framework, having primarily ministered within the confines of Israel. The concept of a universal mission, extending beyond the chosen people to "all the world" and "every creature," represented a radical paradigm shift from the prevailing Jewish understanding of God's covenant people. This mandate challenged their ethnocentric perspectives and called them to embrace a global vision, anticipating the multi-ethnic composition of the early Church as recorded in [the book of Acts](/acts/1 "The Book of Acts - The Early Church"). The Roman Empire, with its vast network of roads and established communication routes, provided an unprecedented infrastructure for the rapid spread of this message, though it also presented significant cultural and religious barriers that the early evangelists would have to navigate. The command was given to a small, initially fearful group, yet it carried the weight of divine authority, empowering them to confront a world steeped in paganism and diverse belief systems.
* **Key Themes:** Mark 16:15 powerfully articulates several core themes central to the Christian faith. Foremost is the **Great Commission**, a divine mandate for the Church to actively engage in global evangelism and discipleship, underscoring the active role believers are to play in proclaiming God's truth, as also seen in [Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission"). The phrase "into all the world" highlights the **Global Scope** of this mission, emphasizing that the Gospel message is not confined to any single ethnicity, nation, or geographical boundary, but is intended for every person, tribe, and tongue ([Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - A Multitude from Every Nation")). The instruction to "preach the gospel" identifies the **Content of the Message** as the "good news"—the transformative message of God's redemptive work through Jesus Christ's life, death, resurrection, and ascension, offering salvation to all who believe. This universal invitation to "every creature" underscores the boundless nature of God's love and the comprehensive reach of His salvific plan, ensuring that no one is outside the potential reach or invitation of the Gospel.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Go ye (Greek, _poreúomai'_):** This word signifies an active, intentional movement, a journey, or a departure. It implies not a passive waiting but a deliberate undertaking of a task that requires physical and spiritual relocation. It conveys a sense of purpose-driven travel, emphasizing that the disciples are to actively initiate the spread of the message, rather than merely respond to requests.
* **preach (Greek, _kērýssō'_):** This term means "to herald" or "to proclaim as a public crier." It denotes an open, authoritative, and public declaration of a message, much like a royal decree. It implies boldness, clarity, and an undeniable public announcement, rather than a private or secretive sharing. The message is to be declared with authority and conviction.
* **gospel (Greek, _euangélion'_):** Literally meaning "good message" or "good news," this word refers specifically to the message of salvation through Jesus Christ. It encompasses His life, atoning death, victorious resurrection, and the offer of eternal life and reconciliation with God for all who believe. It is the core content of the proclamation.
* **creature (Greek, _ktísis'_):** This word refers to "original formation," "creation," or "created thing." While it can broadly refer to all of creation, in the context of preaching the gospel, it primarily signifies "every human being" or "all humanity." It emphasizes the universal reach of the Gospel's invitation to all people, regardless of background, status, or location.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said unto them":** This phrase establishes the divine authority behind the command. It is the resurrected Christ, the one who has conquered death and holds "all authority in heaven and on earth" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")), who issues this mandate. The "them" refers to the eleven disciples, the core group of apostles who would become the foundational leaders of the early Church.
* **"Go ye into all the world":** This is an imperative command for active movement and global scope. "Go ye" demands initiative, not passivity. "All the world" (Greek: _eis hápas ton kósmos_) signifies a mission without geographical or ethnic boundaries. It is a call to transcend local confines and carry the message universally, reaching every corner of the inhabited earth.
* **"and preach the gospel":** This clause specifies the *action* and the *content* of the mission. "Preach" (Greek: _kērýssō_) implies a public, authoritative proclamation, not a quiet suggestion. The "gospel" (Greek: _euangélion_) is the good news of God's saving work through Christ, the message of repentance and faith in Him. This is the core truth to be proclaimed.
* **"to every creature":** This phrase defines the *recipient* and the *universality* of the message. "Every creature" (Greek: _pas tēn ktisin_) emphasizes the comprehensive reach of the Gospel. While some interpretations might extend this to all living things, the primary theological and contextual understanding is "every human being," highlighting that the message of salvation is intended for all humanity, without exception or discrimination.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 16:15 employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is the **Imperative Mood** ("Go ye," "preach"), which conveys a direct, authoritative command from Jesus, demanding immediate and decisive action from His disciples. This is not a suggestion but a divine mandate. **Hyperbole** is evident in the phrases "all the world" and "every creature," which, while literally expansive, are used to emphasize the *universal* and *unrestricted* nature of the mission, ensuring no person or place is excluded from the Gospel's reach. The verse also functions as a **Commissioning Statement**, formally authorizing and sending out the disciples with a specific purpose, echoing similar commissioning narratives throughout biblical literature. Furthermore, the use of "gospel" (good news) serves as a **Euphemism** for the message of Christ's redemptive work, encapsulating profound theological truth in a simple, accessible term.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 16:15 stands as a cornerstone of Christian theology, firmly establishing the missional identity of the Church. It underscores God's universal love and His desire for all humanity to come to repentance and knowledge of the truth. The command to "go" and "preach" implies that salvation is not a passive reception but requires active proclamation, making the Church God's primary instrument for extending His kingdom. This verse highlights the urgency of the Gospel message, recognizing the spiritual lostness of humanity and the transformative power of Christ's good news. It also reinforces the idea that the Gospel transcends cultural, ethnic, and geographical barriers, affirming its relevance and necessity for every individual. The call to evangelism is thus not merely an optional activity but an intrinsic aspect of Christian discipleship, flowing directly from the resurrected Lord's final instructions.

* [Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission to Make Disciples")
* [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Empowered Witnesses to the Ends of the Earth")
* [Romans 10:14-15](/romans/10-14-15 "Romans 10:14-15 - How Shall They Hear Without a Preacher?")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 16:15 is a timeless and personal call to action for every follower of Christ, not just for those explicitly called to full-time ministry or foreign missions. It reminds us that our faith is inherently outward-focused, compelling us to share the transformative hope we have found in Jesus. This command challenges us to move beyond comfortable confines and actively engage with the world around us, recognizing that every person, regardless of their background or beliefs, is a "creature" for whom Christ died and to whom the Gospel must be proclaimed. It fosters a global vision, encouraging us to pray for, support, and participate in efforts to reach the unreached, whether across the street or across continents. Living out this verse means embodying the good news through our words, our actions, and our very lives, demonstrating the love and power of Christ to a world desperately in need of His salvation. It calls us to be intentional witnesses, always ready to articulate the reason for our hope with gentleness and respect ([1 Peter 3:15](/1_peter/3-15 "1 Peter 3:15 - Always Be Prepared to Give an Answer")).

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways am I actively "going" and "preaching the gospel" in my daily life and sphere of influence?**
* **How does my understanding of "all the world" and "every creature" impact my prayer life and my commitment to global missions?**
* **What specific steps can I take to more effectively share the "good news" of Jesus Christ with those around me?**
* **How does the urgency of this command shape my priorities and use of resources?**

### FAQ

**Does "every creature" literally mean animals, or just humans?**

Answer: While the Greek word _ktísis_ (G2937) can broadly refer to "creation" or "created things," in the context of preaching the gospel, it is overwhelmingly understood to mean "every human being" or "all humanity." The message of salvation through faith in Jesus is specifically directed towards rational, moral agents capable of understanding and responding to the Gospel. The parallel passages in [Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - Make Disciples of All Nations") and [Luke 24:47](/luke/24-47 "Luke 24:47 - Repentance and Forgiveness Proclaimed to All Nations") clarify that the mission is to "all nations" or "all the Gentiles," unequivocally pointing to people groups. Therefore, "every creature" in Mark 16:15 emphasizes the universal scope of the Gospel's invitation to all people, without exception.

**Is Mark 16:9-20, which contains this verse, considered authentic scripture?**

Answer: The authenticity of Mark 16:9-20, often referred to as the "longer ending" of Mark, has been a subject of scholarly debate due to its absence in some of the earliest and most reliable Greek manuscripts (like Codex Vaticanus and Codex Sinaiticus). However, it is present in many other ancient manuscripts and has been widely accepted and used by the Church throughout history, including its inclusion in the King James Version. While textual critics acknowledge the strong manuscript evidence against its original inclusion, the passage's theological content is consistent with other New Testament teachings, particularly the Great Commission found in [Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission") and [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Empowered Witnesses"). Therefore, while its textual origin is debated, its theological message is broadly affirmed within Christian tradition.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 16:15 finds its ultimate fulfillment and ongoing power in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The command to "go" and "preach the gospel" is not merely a human endeavor but a divine mandate empowered by the resurrected Lord Himself. It is Christ who is the "gospel" — the good news of God's redemptive plan embodied in His life, sacrificial death, and victorious resurrection ([1 Corinthians 15:3-4](/1_corinthians/15-3-4 "1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - The Core of the Gospel")). The disciples are commissioned to proclaim *Him*, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Furthermore, the universal scope of the mission—"to all the world" and "to every creature"—reflects Christ's cosmic Lordship and His ultimate aim to reconcile all things to Himself ([Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Reconciliation Through Christ")). The Holy Spirit, promised by Christ ([John 14:26](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Holy Spirit, the Helper")), empowers believers to fulfill this commission, enabling them to be His witnesses "to the ends of the earth" ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Empowered Witnesses")). Thus, Mark 16:15 is not just a command *from* Christ, but a command *about* Christ, to be fulfilled *by* Christ through His Church, until His return when every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Will Bow to Jesus")).

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 28:19

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

Mark 13:10

And the gospel must first be published among all nations.

Acts 1:8

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Luke 24:47

And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

Luke 24:48

And ye are witnesses of these things.

Psalms 96:3

Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people.

1 John 4:14

¶ And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son [to be] the Saviour of the world.