Mark 16:16

KJV

He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

KJV (with Strong's)

He that believeth {G4100} and {G2532} is baptized {G907} shall be saved {G4982}; but {G1161} he that believeth not {G569} shall be damned {G2632}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Whoever trusts and is immersed will be saved; whoever does not trust will be condemned.

Berean Standard Bible

Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

American Standard Version

He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that disbelieveth shall be condemned.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 16:16 presents a concise and definitive statement from Jesus regarding the conditions for salvation and the consequences of unbelief, delivered as part of His final instructions to His disciples before His ascension. It establishes a clear dichotomy: those who embrace faith in Him and undergo baptism will experience salvation, while those who reject His message will face condemnation. This verse underscores the critical importance of a personal response to the gospel, highlighting both the divine provision for rescue and the grave implications of its rejection.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Mark 16:16 is situated within what is traditionally known as the "Longer Ending of Mark" (Mark 16:9-20). While scholarly debate exists regarding the earliest manuscript evidence for these verses, their inclusion in the vast majority of biblical manuscripts and their widespread acceptance throughout church history underscore their theological significance. This verse immediately follows Jesus' Great Commission, where He commands His disciples to "[go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature](/mark/16-15 "Mark 16:15 - The Great Commission")". Thus, Mark 16:16 functions as a summary of the terms and outcomes of that gospel proclamation, providing the divine mandate for both belief and baptism as essential responses to the message of Christ's resurrection and authority. It serves as a concluding theological statement before Jesus' ascension, emphasizing the urgency and eternal weight of the disciples' mission.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the 1st century, baptism was a recognized ritual of purification and initiation, both within Judaism (e.g., proselyte baptism for Gentiles converting to Judaism) and emerging Christian communities. For early Christians, baptism became a public declaration of faith in Jesus Christ, symbolizing repentance, purification from sin, and identification with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. It was the visible sign of an inward spiritual transformation and entry into the new covenant community. The cultural landscape was predominantly pagan, with diverse belief systems. Against this backdrop, the singular demand for belief in Jesus and the public act of baptism marked a radical departure from polytheism and a definitive commitment to the exclusive claims of Christ. The stark choice presented in the verse—salvation or damnation—would have resonated deeply in a world where divine judgment and eternal destiny were significant concerns.
* **Key Themes:** Mark 16:16 powerfully articulates several foundational theological themes. Firstly, it highlights the **primacy of belief** (*pistis*) as the indispensable prerequisite for salvation. This belief is not mere intellectual assent but a transformative trust and commitment to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, aligning with the broader New Testament emphasis on faith as the means of receiving God's grace, as seen in [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love and Belief"). Secondly, the verse underscores the **significance of baptism**, presenting it alongside belief as a crucial component of the Christian experience. While the exact relationship between belief and baptism has been a subject of theological discussion, the text clearly presents them as intertwined responses to the gospel, echoing the call to "[repent and be baptized](/acts/2-38 "Acts 2:38 - Repentance and Baptism")" in the early church. Thirdly, the verse starkly contrasts salvation with **the gravity of unbelief**, emphasizing the eternal consequences for those who hear and reject the gospel message. This highlights the **seriousness of divine judgment**, making it clear that humanity's response to Christ determines their eternal destiny, a theme also powerfully articulated in [John 3:18](/john/3-18 "John 3:18 - Condemnation for Unbelief").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **believeth (Greek, _pisteúō'_):** From G4100, meaning "to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e. credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to Christ)." This word signifies more than intellectual agreement; it denotes a deep, abiding trust, reliance, and commitment to Jesus Christ. It implies a personal relationship and the acceptance of His claims and authority.
* **is baptized (Greek, _baptízō'_):** From G907, meaning "to immerse, submerge; to make whelmed (i.e. fully wet); used only (in the New Testament) of ceremonial ablution, especially (technically) of the ordinance of Christian baptism." This term refers to the act of water baptism, symbolizing purification, identification with Christ's death and resurrection, and initiation into the Christian community.
* **shall be saved (Greek, _sṓzō'_):** From G4982, meaning "to save, i.e. deliver or protect (literally or figuratively)." In this context, it signifies spiritual rescue and deliverance from eternal judgment, leading to entry into eternal life and reconciliation with God.
* **shall be damned (Greek, _katakrínō'_):** From G2632, meaning "to judge against, i.e. sentence." This word denotes condemnation, a pronouncement of guilt, and the subsequent judgment or sentence against one who has rejected the truth of the gospel, leading to eternal separation from God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved;":** This clause presents the twin conditions for salvation. "Believeth" (G4100, *pisteúō*) indicates a deep, personal trust and commitment to Jesus Christ. This faith is the foundational spiritual act. "And is baptized" (G907, *baptízō*) refers to the act of water baptism, which, in the early church, was the immediate and public demonstration of that inward faith and repentance. The result of this belief and obedience is "shall be saved" (G4982, *sṓzō*), signifying deliverance from sin's penalty and power, and the conferral of eternal life.
* **"but he that believeth not shall be damned.":** This second clause, introduced by "but" (G1161, *dé*), provides a stark contrast and the alternative outcome. "He that believeth not" (G569, *apistéō*) refers to those who refuse to place their trust in Christ, demonstrating unbelief or disobedience to the gospel message. For such individuals, the consequence is "shall be damned" (G2632, *katakrínō*), meaning they will be condemned or sentenced to eternal judgment and separation from God. This highlights the absolute necessity of a positive response to the gospel.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 16:16 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Dichotomy**, presenting a stark, absolute contrast between two opposing outcomes: salvation and damnation. This binary choice underscores the critical nature of one's response to the gospel, leaving no room for a middle ground. Closely related is **Parallelism**, specifically antithetical parallelism, where the second clause directly opposes the first in meaning ("believeth and is baptized... saved" vs. "believeth not... damned"). This structure emphasizes the direct cause-and-effect relationship between belief/unbelief and eternal destiny. The verse also functions as a **Conditional Statement**, implying "If one believes and is baptized, then salvation follows; but if one does not believe, then damnation follows." This highlights the volitional aspect of faith and the personal responsibility involved. Finally, it serves as a **Divine Pronouncement**, a declarative statement of ultimate truth and judgment from the resurrected Christ, carrying absolute authority and eternal weight.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 16:16 encapsulates a core theological truth: salvation is contingent upon a personal response to the gospel of Jesus Christ. While faith is presented as the primary and essential condition, baptism is inextricably linked as the outward, obedient expression and public identification with Christ. The verse powerfully articulates the exclusive nature of salvation through Christ and the solemn reality of divine judgment for those who reject Him. It underscores God's justice in holding humanity accountable for their response to His gracious offer of salvation, emphasizing that unbelief is not merely a lack of knowledge but an active rejection that carries eternal consequences. This passage, therefore, serves as a foundational text for understanding the urgency of evangelism and the critical importance of a decisive commitment to Christ.

* [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love and Eternal Life Through Belief")
* [Acts 2:38](/acts/2-38 "Acts 2:38 - Repentance, Baptism, and Forgiveness of Sins")
* [Romans 10:9-10](/romans/10-9-10 "Romans 10:9-10 - Confession, Belief, and Salvation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 16:16 calls every individual to a profound and decisive response to the person and work of Jesus Christ. For the believer, it affirms the foundational nature of their faith and the significance of their baptism as a public declaration of that faith and identification with Christ's death and resurrection. It serves as a powerful reminder of the covenant entered into and the new life received. For those who have yet to believe, the verse presents a stark and urgent call to consider the eternal implications of their choice. It underscores that the gospel is not merely good advice but a life-or-death proposition, demanding a personal, transformative trust in Jesus. This passage compels believers to share the gospel with compassion and urgency, recognizing the eternal stakes involved for every person. It also encourages a deeper appreciation for the grace of God that provides salvation through faith, while simultaneously acknowledging the sobering reality of divine justice for those who willfully reject His offer.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "believeth" truly mean in your life, beyond intellectual assent?**
* **How does your baptism (or the call to be baptized) serve as a public declaration and ongoing reminder of your identification with Christ?**
* **In what ways does this verse motivate you to share the gospel with greater urgency and compassion?**
* **How does the stark contrast between salvation and damnation shape your understanding of God's justice and mercy?**

### FAQ

**Is baptism absolutely necessary for salvation according to this verse?**

Answer: Mark 16:16 states that "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved." This verse links belief and baptism together. Theologically, most traditions view belief as the primary and indispensable condition for salvation, as salvation is consistently presented as a gift received by grace through faith in Christ throughout the New Testament (e.g., [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith")). Baptism is understood as an essential act of obedience, a public declaration of faith, and a symbol of spiritual reality (identification with Christ's death and resurrection, cleansing from sin). While the verse connects them, the second part of the verse, "but he that believeth not shall be damned," omits baptism, implying that unbelief alone is sufficient for condemnation. This suggests that while baptism is commanded for believers and is a vital part of Christian discipleship and initiation, it is faith in Christ that ultimately saves.

**Does "damned" mean eternal hell?**

Answer: The Greek word translated "damned" is *katakrínō* (G2632), which means "to judge against" or "to sentence." In the context of Mark 16:16 and broader biblical theology, this condemnation refers to the ultimate negative consequence of rejecting Jesus Christ. It signifies a state of eternal separation from God and His presence, often described in other scriptures as eternal punishment or destruction (e.g., [Matthew 25:46](/matthew/25-46 "Matthew 25:46 - Eternal Punishment and Eternal Life"), [2 Thessalonians 1:9](/2_thessalonians/1-9 "2 Thessalonians 1:9 - Eternal Destruction From the Presence of the Lord")). Therefore, "damned" in this verse points to the eternal, irreversible judgment and separation from God that awaits those who refuse to believe in His Son.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 16:16 finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in the finished work of Jesus Christ. Salvation, whether through belief or signified by baptism, is not earned by human effort but is a gracious gift made possible solely by Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross and His victorious resurrection. He is the object of the "belief" (G4100, *pisteúō*) that leads to salvation, for it is His perfect life, substitutionary death, and triumphant resurrection that provide the means for humanity's deliverance from sin and condemnation. Baptism, too, derives its significance from Christ; it is a symbolic act of being "[buried with him in baptism, in which you also were raised with him through faith](/colossians/2-12 "Colossians 2:12 - Buried and Raised with Christ in Baptism")" through the power of God. The "salvation" (G4982, *sṓzō*) promised is the very rescue Christ accomplished, delivering believers from the dominion of darkness and transferring them into His kingdom ([Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from Darkness to Light")). Conversely, the "damnation" (G2632, *katakrínō*) is the just consequence for rejecting the only One who can save, for Christ Himself declared, "[He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him](/john/3-36 "John 3:36 - Belief in the Son and Eternal Life")". Thus, Mark 16:16 powerfully underscores that Christ is the exclusive way, truth, and life, and humanity's eternal destiny hinges entirely on their response to Him.

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

John 11:25

Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:

John 11:26

And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?

John 3:36

He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

Romans 10:9

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

Romans 10:14

How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?

John 3:18

He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

John 3:19

And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.