Mark 2:17

KJV

When Jesus heard [it], he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

KJV (with Strong's)

When {G2532} Jesus {G2424} heard {G191} it, he saith {G3004} unto them {G846}, They that are whole {G2480} have {G2192} no {G3756} need {G5532} of the physician {G2395}, but {G235} they that are {G2192} sick {G2560}: I came {G2064} not {G3756} to call {G2564} the righteous {G1342}, but {G235} sinners {G268} to {G1519} repentance {G3341}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But, hearing the question, Yeshua answered them, "The ones who need a doctor aren't the healthy but the sick. I didn't come to call the `righteous' but sinners!"

Berean Standard Bible

On hearing this, Jesus told them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

American Standard Version

And when Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of a physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 2:17 encapsulates Jesus' profound declaration regarding the purpose of His ministry: to extend grace and healing to those who recognize their spiritual brokenness, rather than affirming the self-perceived righteousness of the religious elite. This pivotal statement, delivered in response to criticism for His association with tax collectors and "sinners," reveals Jesus as the divine physician who came not for the spiritually well, but for the sick, inviting them to a transformative change of heart and life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This powerful declaration by Jesus immediately follows a significant and controversial event: His calling of Levi (also known as Matthew), a tax collector, to be His disciple. In [Mark 2:14](/mark/2-14 "Mark 2:14 - The Calling of Levi"), Jesus calls Levi, who then hosts a dinner at his house. Present at this dinner are many other tax collectors and "sinners," who are eating with Jesus and His disciples ([Mark 2:15](/mark/2-15 "Mark 2:15 - Jesus Eats with Sinners")). The scribes and Pharisees, witnessing this unconventional association, question Jesus' disciples, asking, "How is it that he eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners?" ([Mark 2:16](/mark/2-16 "Mark 2:16 - The Pharisees' Question")). Jesus' response in [Mark 2:17](/mark/2-17 "Mark 2:17 - Jesus' Answer to the Pharisees") is a direct, profound answer to their self-righteous indignation, clarifying His mission and challenging their assumptions about who truly needs God's intervention. This exchange sets the stage for further conflicts with religious authorities throughout the Gospel of Mark.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Judea, tax collectors (like Levi) were deeply despised by their fellow Jews. They were seen as traitors who collaborated with the Roman occupying power and often extorted money beyond what was due, making them ritually unclean and social outcasts. The term "sinners" (Greek: *hamartōloi*) referred not just to those who committed individual sins, but to a broader class of people who lived outside the strictures of the Mosaic Law as interpreted by the Pharisees, including prostitutes, common laborers, and others deemed morally or ritually impure. The Pharisees, on the other hand, were a prominent religious sect known for their zealous adherence to the Law, both written and oral. They meticulously observed purity laws and social segregation, believing that association with "sinners" would defile them. For Jesus, a respected teacher, to openly associate and share a meal with such individuals was a radical act that challenged the established social and religious norms, provoking the Pharisees' outrage and leading to the direct confrontation recorded in this passage.

* **Key Themes:** Mark 2:17 contributes significantly to several key themes within the Gospel of Mark and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights **Jesus' authority** not only over disease and demons but also over social and religious conventions, demonstrating His power to redefine spiritual purity and inclusion. Secondly, it profoundly illustrates the **nature of true righteousness** as perceived by God, contrasting it sharply with the self-righteousness of the Pharisees. While the Pharisees believed their strict adherence to the Law made them "whole" and acceptable to God, Jesus reveals that genuine spiritual health begins with the humble acknowledgment of one's sin and need for a Savior. Thirdly, the verse underscores **divine compassion and inclusion**, showcasing Jesus' willingness to break down social and religious barriers to reach those marginalized and despised by society. This theme is central to Jesus' ministry, as seen in His interactions with lepers, women, and the demon-possessed, all of whom were often ostracized. Finally, the verse explicitly states the **call to repentance** as the core purpose of Jesus' mission, emphasizing that His coming was to invite a transformative change of heart and direction, leading individuals from spiritual sickness to healing and new life in the Kingdom of God, a message echoed throughout [the Gospels](/matthew/4-17 "Matthew 4:17 - Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand") and [the New Testament](/acts/17-30 "Acts 17:30 - God commands all people everywhere to repent").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Physician (Greek, _iatrós_):** From *iaomai*, meaning "to heal." This term immediately evokes the idea of healing and restoration. Jesus presents Himself not as a judge condemning the sick, but as a compassionate doctor offering a cure. The analogy is powerful, suggesting that sin is a spiritual illness requiring divine intervention.
* **Righteous (Greek, _díkaios_):** From *dikē*, meaning "equitable; by implication, innocent, holy." In this context, Jesus uses "the righteous" to refer to those who perceive themselves as morally upright and in no need of spiritual healing or repentance. This term, when applied to the Pharisees, carries an ironic undertone, as their self-perception of righteousness blinded them to their true spiritual condition and need for God's grace.
* **Repentance (Greek, _metánoia_):** From *metanoeō*, meaning "to change one's mind, compunction for guilt, including reformation; by implication, reversal of decision." This word is crucial, signifying far more than mere regret or sorrow for sin. It denotes a fundamental, transformative shift in one's mindset, a turning away from sin and a turning towards God. It implies a reorientation of one's entire life, acknowledging one's spiritual sickness and embracing God's path to healing.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"When Jesus heard [it], he saith unto them,"**: This clause establishes Jesus' direct response to the Pharisees' criticism (implied by "it," referring to their questioning in [Mark 2:16](/mark/2-16 "Mark 2:16 - The Pharisees' Question")). It highlights Jesus' awareness of their accusations and His readiness to articulate the divine rationale behind His actions. His immediate and authoritative reply underscores His understanding of His mission.
* **"They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick:"**: Jesus employs a common-sense analogy to illustrate a profound spiritual truth. Just as physically healthy individuals do not require a doctor's care, those who perceive themselves as spiritually "whole" or righteous will not recognize their need for Him. Conversely, those who acknowledge their spiritual sickness—their sinfulness and brokenness—are precisely the ones who will seek and receive the healing Jesus offers. This statement subtly critiques the Pharisees' self-sufficiency and spiritual blindness.
* **"I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."**: This is the core declaration of Jesus' mission. He clarifies that His purpose is not to affirm the self-righteousness of those who believe they are already acceptable to God, but to extend an invitation (a "call") to those who recognize their sinfulness ("sinners"). The ultimate goal of this call is "repentance," a radical change of heart and direction that leads to spiritual transformation and reconciliation with God. This statement encapsulates the inclusive and redemptive nature of His ministry.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 2:17 is rich in literary devices that amplify its theological message. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, where Jesus likens Himself to a "physician" and humanity to the "sick" or "whole." This metaphor effectively communicates His role as a spiritual healer and the nature of sin as a spiritual ailment requiring divine intervention. Closely related is **Analogy**, as Jesus draws a parallel between physical health/sickness and spiritual health/sickness to make His point relatable and impactful. There is also a clear **Contrast** established between "the whole" and "the sick," and between "the righteous" and "sinners." This antithetical parallelism highlights the two distinct groups Jesus addresses and the fundamental difference in their perceived spiritual needs. Furthermore, the verse employs a subtle **Irony**, as the "righteous" Jesus refers to are ironically the ones most in need of spiritual healing, yet they are blind to it, while the "sinners" are the ones who, by acknowledging their need, are open to repentance and receive His call.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 2:17 is a cornerstone passage for understanding the heart of Jesus' ministry and the nature of God's redemptive plan. It reveals that God's grace is not reserved for the "deserving" but is freely offered to those who humbly acknowledge their need. This challenges the human tendency towards self-justification and highlights that true righteousness comes not from adherence to external laws or social standing, but from a transformed heart that recognizes its spiritual bankruptcy and turns to God for mercy. Jesus, as the divine physician, embodies God's compassionate pursuit of humanity, seeking to heal the deepest spiritual wounds and restore broken relationships with the Creator. His mission is fundamentally about reconciliation, bridging the chasm between a holy God and sinful humanity through the invitation to repentance.

* [Luke 15:7](/luke/15-7 "Luke 15:7 - Joy over one sinner who repents")
* [1 Timothy 1:15](/1_timothy/1-15 "1 Timothy 1:15 - Christ Jesus came to save sinners")
* [Matthew 9:13](/matthew/9-13 "Matthew 9:13 - Go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 2:17 serves as a profound mirror for self-reflection and a powerful mandate for compassionate engagement with the world. It compels us to honestly assess our own spiritual condition: Do we, like the Pharisees, believe ourselves to be "whole," relying on our own efforts, morality, or religious performance for acceptance before God? Or do we, like the "sinners" Jesus called, humbly acknowledge our brokenness, our need for a divine physician, and our constant need for repentance? True spiritual health begins not with self-sufficiency, but with a vulnerable admission of our sinfulness and an open heart to receive God's unmerited grace. This verse also challenges us to embody Jesus' mission in our own lives. If Jesus came for the sick, then His followers must also go to the sick. We are called to extend compassion, not condemnation, to those who are spiritually lost, marginalized, or struggling, breaking down social and religious barriers just as He did. Our mission is to share the good news of healing and transformation, inviting others to the life-altering repentance that leads to reconciliation with God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be subtly acting like the "whole" or "righteous" people Jesus refers to, believing I don't need His healing or further repentance?**
* **How does Jesus' willingness to associate with "sinners" challenge my own comfort zones or prejudices in reaching out to others?**
* **What does "repentance" truly mean in my daily life, beyond a one-time decision, and how can I cultivate a posture of ongoing turning towards God?**
* **How can I, as a follower of Christ, better embody the compassion of the "divine physician" in my interactions with those who are spiritually "sick" around me?**

### FAQ

**What does Jesus mean by "the righteous" and "sinners" in this verse?**

Answer: When Jesus says, "I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance," He is using the terms to highlight a spiritual reality, not necessarily an absolute moral classification. "The righteous" refers to those who, like the Pharisees, are self-perceived as morally upright, religiously observant, and therefore believe they have no need of a savior or a fundamental change of heart. They are spiritually blind to their own sin. "Sinners," in contrast, refers to those who, whether by societal label (like tax collectors) or personal conviction, recognize their spiritual brokenness, their failure to meet God's standards, and their desperate need for divine mercy and healing. Jesus came for those who acknowledge their spiritual sickness, as they are the ones open to His transformative call.

**Why is "repentance" so central to Jesus' mission here?**

Answer: Repentance (Greek: *metánoia*) is central because it signifies the necessary turning point for spiritual healing and reconciliation with God. It is more than just feeling sorry for one's sins; it is a fundamental "change of mind" that leads to a change in direction and behavior. It means acknowledging one's sin, turning away from it, and turning towards God in faith and obedience. Without this reorientation, the spiritual "sickness" persists, and the "physician's" healing cannot be received. Jesus' call to repentance is an invitation to new life and a restored relationship with God, foundational to the Kingdom message He proclaimed throughout [His ministry](/mark/1-15 "Mark 1:15 - Repent and believe the good news").

**Does this verse mean Jesus doesn't care about righteous people?**

Answer: No, this verse does not mean Jesus doesn't care about righteous people. Rather, it highlights that His primary mission was to address the core problem of sin and offer salvation to those who need it most—those who are aware of their spiritual illness. The "righteous" He speaks of are those who *believe* they are righteous and therefore see no need for Him. Jesus' statement is a critique of spiritual pride and self-sufficiency, not a dismissal of genuinely righteous living. In fact, true righteousness, as defined by God, is a fruit of repentance and faith, not a prerequisite for His call. Jesus desires all to come to repentance, as [2 Peter 3:9](/2_peter/3-9 "2 Peter 3:9 - God desires all to come to repentance") affirms.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 2:17 finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ Himself. He is not merely *a* physician, but *the* Divine Physician, the only one capable of diagnosing and curing the terminal illness of sin that afflicts all humanity. His "coming" (Greek: *érchomai*) was not a casual visit but a purposeful incarnation, a divine invasion into a fallen world to achieve a specific redemptive mission. He came not to affirm human efforts at self-righteousness, which are ultimately futile ([Isaiah 64:6](/isaiah/64-6 "Isaiah 64:6 - Our righteousness is like filthy rags")), but to offer a righteousness that is imputed by faith in Him ([Romans 3:21-26](/romans/3-21-26 "Romans 3:21-26 - Righteousness through faith")). The call to "sinners to repentance" culminates in His atoning sacrifice on the cross, where He, the sinless Lamb of God, bore the spiritual sickness of the world, offering the ultimate cure for sin and death ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - He who knew no sin became sin for us")). Through His death and resurrection, Jesus provides the means for true repentance and forgiveness, offering not just a change of mind, but a new heart and a new spirit, transforming the spiritually sick into new creations in Him ([Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26-27 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - A new heart and a new spirit")). Thus, Mark 2:17 is a prophetic declaration of the very essence of the Gospel: Jesus came to save sinners, and He accomplished this through His life, death, and resurrection, making Him the sole source of spiritual healing and eternal life for all who turn to Him in faith.

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 9:12

But when Jesus heard [that], he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.

Matthew 9:13

But go ye and learn what [that] meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

Luke 15:7

I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.

Luke 5:31

And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick.

Luke 5:32

I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

1 Timothy 1:15

This [is] a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

1 Timothy 1:16

Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.