Mark 2:1

KJV

¶ And again he entered into Capernaum after [some] days; and it was noised that he was in the house.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} again {G3825} he entered {G1525} into {G1519} Capernaum {G2584} after {G1223} some days {G2250}; and {G2532} it was noised {G191} that {G3754} he was {G2076} in {G1519} the house {G3624}.

Complete Jewish Bible

After a while, Yeshua returned to K'far-Nachum. The word spread that he was back,

Berean Standard Bible

A few days later Jesus went back to Capernaum. And when the people heard that He was home,

American Standard Version

And when he entered again into Capernaum after some days, it was noised that he was in the house.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 2:1 serves as a pivotal transition, marking Jesus' deliberate return to Capernaum, a town that had become the strategic center of His Galilean ministry. After a period of widespread public activity, the news of His presence in a specific house quickly circulated, creating an immediate and eager gathering of people. This verse sets the stage for a series of significant encounters and teachings that highlight Jesus' authority, His compassion, and the profound impact of His presence on those who sought Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows a period of intense and widespread ministry in Galilee, where Jesus had been teaching in synagogues and healing many, including a leper, whose cleansing led to Jesus' inability to openly enter towns due to the immense crowds ([Mark 1:40-45](/mark/1-40-45 "Mark 1:40-45 - Jesus Cleanses a Leper")). The phrase "again he entered" signals a deliberate return to a familiar base, allowing for a more focused, albeit still public, ministry. It transitions from Jesus' initial, broad proclamation of the kingdom to more specific encounters that reveal His authority over sin and sickness, directly setting up the dramatic healing of the paralytic that follows in [Mark 2:2-12](/mark/2-2-12 "Mark 2:2-12 - Healing of the Paralytic").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Capernaum was a thriving fishing village on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee, strategically located on a major trade route. It served as Jesus' adopted hometown or primary base of operations during His Galilean ministry, as also noted in [Matthew 4:13](/matthew/4-13 "Matthew 4:13 - Jesus Settles in Capernaum"). The "house" mentioned is widely believed to be the home of Peter, which archaeological evidence suggests was a significant gathering place. In ancient Jewish communities, news traveled rapidly by word of mouth, especially concerning a figure as renowned as Jesus. Houses in this region typically had central courtyards and flat roofs accessible by external stairs, which becomes highly relevant for the events immediately following this verse.
* **Key Themes:** Mark 2:1 introduces or reinforces several crucial themes. Firstly, **Jesus' Spreading Fame and Authority** is evident; His reputation as a healer and teacher precedes Him, creating an immediate stir upon His return. The phrase "it was noised" underscores the widespread public awareness and the magnetic draw of His presence. Secondly, the verse highlights **Capernaum's Centrality as a Ministry Hub** for Jesus. It was a place where He consistently returned, taught, and healed, becoming a known point of access for those seeking His intervention. Finally, the rapid gathering of people demonstrates the **Immense Anticipation and Eagerness** for Jesus' ministry, setting the stage for the dramatic events that unfold, particularly the extraordinary lengths people would go to reach Him, as seen in the subsequent account of the paralytic.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **again (Greek, _pálin'_):** This adverb signifies a return or repetition, indicating that Jesus had been in Capernaum before and was now coming back. It suggests a deliberate re-entry into a known and significant location for His ministry, not a random arrival.
* **entered (Greek, _eisérchomai'_):** Derived from "into" (eis) and "come" (erchomai), this verb denotes the act of coming or going into a place, literally or figuratively. Here, it emphasizes Jesus' physical movement into the town, implying intentionality and purpose in His return to Capernaum.
* **noised (Greek, _akoúō'_):** This primary verb means "to hear" in various senses. In the passive voice ("it was noised"), it conveys that the news of Jesus' presence was heard or reported widely and rapidly, indicating spontaneous and widespread dissemination of information among the community. It highlights the immediate public awareness of His return.
* **house (Greek, _oîkos'_):** This noun refers to a dwelling, which can be a literal house or, by implication, a household or family. In this context, it specifies the location of Jesus' presence, likely a private residence (traditionally Peter's house), which quickly became a public gathering point for ministry.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And again he entered into Capernaum after [some] days":** This clause establishes the setting and timing of Jesus' return. The adverb "again" (pálin) implies a previous departure and a deliberate re-entry into Capernaum, a familiar base of operations. The phrase "after some days" suggests a brief interval, during which Jesus was likely ministering elsewhere in Galilee, before returning to this strategic hub. His re-entry was purposeful, indicating a continuation of His mission.
* **"and it was noised that he was in the house":** This clause highlights the immediate and widespread impact of Jesus' arrival. The passive voice "it was noised" (ēkousthē) emphasizes the rapid, almost spontaneous, spread of the news by word of mouth throughout the community. The specific mention of "the house" (oîkos) indicates that His presence was known to be in a particular dwelling, likely Peter's home, which served as a temporary residence and ministry center for Jesus. This detail sets the immediate scene for the crowds that would soon gather.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 2:1 effectively employs several literary devices. The use of **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as the rapid "noising" and gathering of crowds immediately sets the stage for the dramatic events that follow, particularly the healing of the paralytic and the subsequent theological debates. The phrase "it was noised" can be seen as a form of **Metonymy**, where the effect (the news being heard) stands for the cause (the widespread public awareness and excitement). The specific mention of "the house" serves as a crucial element of **Setting**, narrowing the focus from the broader town to a particular, intimate location that will become the site of significant divine action and human faith. Furthermore, the adverb "again" (pálin) provides **Emphasis** through repetition, underscoring Jesus' consistent and strategic return to Capernaum as a key center for His ministry, reinforcing its importance in the narrative.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 2:1, though brief, is rich in theological implications. It reveals the magnetic power of Jesus' presence, demonstrating that the Good News of His arrival could not be contained. The immediate "noising" of His being "in the house" underscores the profound human longing for divine intervention and the accessibility of God in Christ. Jesus, the Son of God, does not remain distant but enters human spaces, making Himself available to those who seek Him. This verse sets the stage for a ministry characterized by intimate encounters, where the divine intersects with the mundane, transforming lives from within the confines of a simple dwelling. It highlights that God's redemptive work often begins in unexpected, seemingly ordinary places, drawing people together in anticipation of His power and grace.

* [Matthew 4:13](/matthew/4-13 "Matthew Makes His Home in Capernaum")
* [Luke 5:1](/luke/5-1 "Crowds Pressing on Jesus")
* [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "The Spread of the Gospel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 2:1 invites us to consider our own responsiveness to the presence of Jesus. Just as the people of Capernaum immediately converged upon hearing of His arrival, we are called to cultivate a similar eagerness and attentiveness to His presence in our lives, our communities, and our world. This verse reminds us that Jesus is not a distant figure but one who desires to "enter into" our lives, our homes, and our circumstances. The spontaneous spread of news about Jesus highlights the power of authentic, word-of-mouth testimony; the good news of His transformative power is inherently contagious. We are encouraged to be diligent in seeking out Jesus, knowing that His presence brings hope, healing, and profound transformation, and to be active participants in "noising" His presence to others, inviting them to encounter Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How readily do I respond to the "news" of Jesus' presence and invitation in my daily life?**
* **What "house" or context in my life (e.g., family, community, personal space) serves as a gathering point where Jesus' presence can be encountered and shared?**
* **In what ways can I actively participate in "noising" the good news of Jesus' transformative power to those around me?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus return to Capernaum after some days?**

Answer: Jesus returned to Capernaum because it served as His primary base of operations and a strategic hub for His Galilean ministry. After a period of intense public activity that made it difficult to enter towns openly (as seen in [Mark 1:45](/mark/1-45 "Mark 1:45 - Jesus' Fame Spreads")), returning to a known "home base" like Capernaum allowed Him to continue His work, albeit initially in a more contained setting. Capernaum was a bustling town on the Sea of Galilee, making it an ideal location to reach many people.

**What is the significance of "the house" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: "The house" is widely understood to be the home of Simon Peter, one of Jesus' first disciples. This house likely served as Jesus' local residence and a central gathering place for His ministry in Capernaum. Its significance is immediately apparent in the subsequent narrative, as it becomes the crowded setting for the dramatic healing of the paralytic, where the roof had to be opened to bring the man to Jesus ([Mark 2:4](/mark/2-4 "Mark 2:4 - The Paralytic Lowered Through the Roof")). It represents a place of intimate encounter and powerful demonstration of Jesus' authority.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 2:1, with Jesus' deliberate return to Capernaum and the immediate "noising" of His presence in "the house," beautifully foreshadows the broader mission of Christ and His ongoing relationship with humanity. His re-entry signifies the persistent and intentional pursuit of humanity by God, who "entered into" our world through the incarnation ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). The rapid spread of news about His presence anticipates the global dissemination of the Gospel, where the good news of Jesus' saving power would be "noised" to the ends of the earth, drawing all people to Himself ([John 12:32](/john/12-32 "John 12:32 - Jesus Draws All People")). Furthermore, Jesus' presence in "the house" points to His desire not just to visit, but to dwell among His people, making His home with them. This finds its ultimate fulfillment in the Church, which is built on Christ as the cornerstone, becoming a dwelling place for God's Spirit ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Christ as the Cornerstone of the Church")), and in the personal indwelling of Christ in believers. Thus, this verse is a microcosm of Christ's mission: to seek and save the lost ([Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - Jesus Came to Seek and Save the Lost")) by making Himself accessible, drawing crowds, and transforming lives from within the very fabric of human existence.

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

Mark 7:24

¶ And from thence he arose, and went into the borders of Tyre and Sidon, and entered into an house, and would have no man know [it]: but he could not be hid.

John 4:47

When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judaea into Galilee, he went unto him, and besought him that he would come down, and heal his son: for he was at the point of death.

Luke 5:18

And, behold, men brought in a bed a man which was taken with a palsy: and they sought [means] to bring him in, and to lay [him] before him.

Mark 1:45

But he went out, and began to publish [it] much, and to blaze abroad the matter, insomuch that Jesus could no more openly enter into the city, but was without in desert places: and they came to him from every quarter.

Matthew 9:1

¶ And he entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into his own city.

Luke 18:35

¶ And it came to pass, that as he was come nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way side begging:

Luke 18:38

And he cried, saying, Jesus, [thou] Son of David, have mercy on me.