Mark 6:2

And when the sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing [him] were astonished, saying, From whence hath this [man] these things? and what wisdom [is] this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands?

And {G2532} when the sabbath day {G4521} was come {G1096}, he began {G756} to teach {G1321} in {G1722} the synagogue {G4864}: and {G2532} many {G4183} hearing {G191} him were astonished {G1605}, saying {G3004}, From whence {G4159} hath this {G5129} man these things {G5023}? and {G2532} what {G5101} wisdom {G4678} is this which is given {G1325} unto him {G846}, that {G3754} even {G2532} such {G5108} mighty works {G1411} are wrought {G1096} by {G1223} his {G846} hands {G5495}?

On Shabbat he started to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astounded. They asked, "Where did this man get all this? What is this wisdom he has been given? What are these miracles worked through him?

When the Sabbath came, He began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard Him were astonished. “Where did this man get these ideas?” they asked. “What is this wisdom He has been given? And how can He perform such miracles?

And when the sabbath was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were astonished, saying, Whence hath this man these things? and, What is the wisdom that is given unto this man, and what mean such mighty works wrought by his hands?

Mark 6:2 describes a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry, capturing the immediate reaction of those who heard Him teach in His hometown synagogue. The verse highlights the profound impact of His words and deeds, even as it sets the stage for the skepticism He would face.

Context

This verse immediately follows Jesus' arrival in His "own country" (Mark 6:1), understood to be Nazareth. On the Sabbath day, the traditional day for worship and instruction, Jesus takes the opportunity to teach in the local synagogue. Synagogues were community centers where the Scriptures were read and expounded upon. The audience was familiar with Jesus, likely knowing Him as a carpenter from their midst, which makes their reaction of astonishment particularly significant.

Key Themes

  • Divine Authority and Wisdom: The people were struck by the unique quality of Jesus' teaching and the source of His power. They questioned, "From whence hath this man these things? and what wisdom is this which is given unto him?" This acknowledges a profound, unexplainable wisdom and power, far beyond what they expected from a local tradesman. His authority was not derived from rabbinical training but was inherent, as noted in other accounts like Matthew 7:29.
  • Astonishment and Skepticism: The crowd's reaction was one of profound amazement (Greek: ekplēssomai), indicating a shock or overwhelming wonder. However, this astonishment quickly turned into questioning and doubt about His origins, leading to a lack of faith that would hinder His mighty works there (Mark 6:5). This tension between awe and unbelief is a recurring theme in the Gospels.
  • The Nature of Jesus' Works: The phrase "mighty works" (Greek: dynameis) refers to miracles and acts of divine power. The people recognized that these were not ordinary feats but supernatural demonstrations of power, further fueling their wonder about His identity.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "astonished," ekplēssomai, means to be struck out of one's senses, to be utterly amazed or dumbfounded. It conveys a stronger sense of wonder than mere surprise. The term "wisdom," sophia, points to a profound, divine insight, not merely human intellect. And "mighty works," dynameis, literally means "powers," emphasizing the supernatural origin of Jesus' miracles and healing abilities.

Practical Application

This verse challenges us to consider our own reactions to Jesus. Do we approach Him with an open mind, ready to receive His truth and witness His power, or do our preconceived notions and familiarities hinder our faith? The people of Nazareth, knowing Jesus from childhood, struggled to reconcile His humble background with His extraordinary wisdom and divine power. For us today, it's a reminder that God often works through unexpected channels, and true wisdom and authority come from Him, not necessarily from human credentials or origins. We are called to recognize and respond to the divine truth manifest in Jesus Christ, regardless of our biases.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • John 6:42

    And they said, Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? how is it then that he saith, I came down from heaven?

  • Mark 1:21

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

  • Mark 1:22

    And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes.

  • 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.

  • Acts 4:13

    Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.

  • Acts 4:14

    And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.

  • John 7:15

    And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?

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