Mark 6:5

KJV

And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed [them].

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he could {G3756}{G1410} there {G1563} do {G4160} no {G3762} mighty work {G1411}, save {G1508} that he laid {G2007} his hands {G5495} upon a few {G3641} sick folk {G732}, and healed {G2323} them.

Complete Jewish Bible

So he could do no miracles there, other than lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them.

Berean Standard Bible

So He could not perform any miracles there, except to lay His hands on a few of the sick and heal them.

American Standard Version

And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 6:5 presents a striking and often perplexing scene where Jesus, in His hometown of Nazareth, was unable to perform many "mighty works" due to the pervasive unbelief of the people. While His divine power remained undiminished, the lack of faith among those familiar with Him created an environment where large-scale miraculous activity was hindered, though He still demonstrated compassion by healing a few individuals. This verse underscores the profound impact of human receptivity on the manifestation of God's power.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the narrative of Jesus' return to His hometown of Nazareth, as detailed in [Mark 6:1-6](/mark/6-1-6 "Jesus Rejected in Nazareth"). Having previously performed numerous miracles and taught with authority throughout Galilee, Jesus arrives in Nazareth with His disciples. The people of Nazareth, who knew Him as "the carpenter, the son of Mary" ([Mark 6:3](/mark/6-3 "Mark 6:3 - Jesus, the Carpenter")), were astonished by His wisdom and mighty works, yet their familiarity bred contempt and skepticism. They questioned His authority and origin, leading to profound unbelief. Mark 6:5 directly follows Jesus' poignant observation in [Mark 6:4](/mark/6-4 "Mark 6:4 - A Prophet Without Honor") that "A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house." This sets the stage for the unusual limitation on His miraculous activity, emphasizing that the hindrance was not in Jesus' power but in the people's hardened hearts.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Nazareth was a small, unassuming village in Galilee, not a center of Jewish learning or power. For Jesus to return as a prophet and miracle-worker, after being known as a local craftsman, challenged the social hierarchy and expectations of His community. In ancient Jewish culture, a prophet's authority was often tied to their perceived divine origin and miraculous signs. However, the people of Nazareth struggled to reconcile the humble origins of Jesus, whom they had seen grow up, with the extraordinary claims and power He now demonstrated. Their familiarity led to a lack of honor and a deep-seated skepticism, viewing Him as "just" one of them rather than the Messiah. This communal disbelief created a spiritual climate that was unreceptive to the full outpouring of divine power, highlighting the cultural challenge of a prophet being accepted in their own land.
* **Key Themes:** The most prominent theme in [Mark 6:5](/mark/6-5 "Mark 6:5 - Unbelief in Nazareth") is the **Impact of Unbelief** on the manifestation of divine power. It powerfully illustrates that while Jesus' inherent omnipotence is absolute, its *expression* can be conditioned by human receptivity and faith. This is not a limitation on God's power but on the *opportunity* for it to be fully displayed in a given context. A secondary theme is **Jesus' Compassion Amidst Rejection**. Despite the pervasive unbelief that restricted His mighty works, Jesus still extended grace and healing to "a few sick folk," demonstrating that His mercy was not entirely quenched by their resistance. This highlights His persistent love and willingness to respond to even a glimmer of need or openness. This passage also subtly introduces the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Human Agency**, showing a dynamic interplay where God's will and power intersect with human free will and response, a concept also seen in [Matthew 13:58](/matthew/13-58 "Matthew 13:58 - Jesus' Miracles Limited by Unbelief").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **could (Greek, _dýnamai'_):** G1410, meaning "to be able or possible." In this context, it does not imply a lack of inherent ability or omnipotence on Jesus' part. Rather, it signifies a limitation on the *exercise* or *opportunity* for His power to be manifested on a large scale due to the prevailing spiritual conditions. The verb indicates a circumstantial inability, not an essential one.
* **mighty work (Greek, _dýnamis'_):** G1411, from the same root as _dýnamai_, meaning "force, miraculous power, a miracle itself." This word is consistently used throughout the Gospels to describe Jesus' powerful miracles. The phrase "no mighty work" therefore indicates that the usual, large-scale, and public demonstrations of miraculous power that characterized Jesus' ministry elsewhere were absent in Nazareth.
* **save (Greek, _ei mḗ'_):** G1508, meaning "if not, but, except that." This conjunction introduces a crucial exception to the general statement. It highlights that while Jesus could not perform *many* mighty works, He was still able to perform *some* acts of healing, indicating that His compassion and power were not entirely nullified, but rather restricted in their scope.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he could there do no mighty work":** This clause presents a startling and unique situation in Jesus' ministry. The word "could" (G1410, _dýnamai_) does not suggest a deficiency in Jesus' divine power, but rather a circumstantial inability to *perform* or *manifest* many miracles in that specific location ("there," G1563, _ekeî_). The "no mighty work" (G3762, _oudeís_ + G1411, _dýnamis_) indicates a significant absence of the usual, widespread miraculous activity that characterized Jesus' ministry elsewhere. This limitation is directly attributed to the unbelief of the people, as the broader context of [Mark 6:1-6](/mark/6-1-6 "Jesus Rejected in Nazareth") makes clear.
* **"save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk":** The conjunction "save that" (G1508, _ei mḗ_) introduces a critical exception to the preceding statement. Despite the general hindrance, Jesus still engaged in acts of healing. The act of "laying hands" (G2007, _epitíthēmi_ + G5495, _cheír_) was a common method of healing and blessing in the ancient world, often associated with the transfer of power or authority. The phrase "a few sick folk" (G3641, _olígos_ + G732, _árrhōstos_) underscores the limited scope of His activity in Nazareth, contrasting sharply with the multitudes He healed elsewhere.
* **"and healed [them].":** This final clause confirms that despite the overall spiritual resistance, Jesus' compassion and power were still effective for those individuals who, perhaps, had a measure of receptivity or were simply brought to Him in their need. The verb "healed" (G2323, _therapeúō_) signifies the restoration of health, demonstrating that even in an environment of unbelief, Jesus' divine ability to cure disease remained active on a personal level.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 6:5 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Irony** is central, as the all-powerful Son of God is depicted as being "unable" to perform His usual mighty works in His own hometown, a place where one might expect the greatest acceptance. This highlights the paradox of divine power encountering human resistance. There is also a strong **Contrast** between the "no mighty work" and the subsequent "few sick folk" who were healed, emphasizing the limited yet persistent outflow of Jesus' compassion. The phrase "a few sick folk" can be seen as an **Understatement** or a stark **Juxtaposition** against the backdrop of His typical ministry, which involved healing many. The act of "laying hands" functions as **Symbolism**, representing the transfer of divine power and personal touch, even in a context of general unbelief.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 6:5 is a critical passage for understanding the dynamic interplay between divine power and human faith. It does not suggest a limitation on Jesus' omnipotence, but rather on the *expression* of that power in a specific context where unbelief was rampant. God's power is absolute, yet His miraculous intervention often operates within the framework of human receptivity and faith. This verse teaches that while God is sovereign, He often chooses to work in partnership with human faith, and a lack of faith can indeed hinder the visible manifestation of His power in a community. It serves as a sober reminder that our spiritual posture—whether of open-hearted belief or hardened skepticism—can profoundly impact the extent to which we experience God's transformative work.

* [Matthew 13:58](/matthew/13-58 "Matthew 13:58 - Jesus' Miracles Limited by Unbelief")
* [Hebrews 11:6](/hebrews/11-6 "Hebrews 11:6 - Faith is Essential to Please God")
* [James 2:17](/james/2-17 "James 2:17 - Faith Without Works is Dead")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 6:5 challenges us to honestly examine the state of our own faith and the spiritual climate of our communities. Are we, like the people of Nazareth, allowing familiarity, preconceived notions, or skepticism to create barriers to God's work in our lives? This verse serves as a potent reminder that while God's power is boundless, our receptivity to it is crucial for its manifestation. It calls us to cultivate a childlike faith, an openness to God's miraculous intervention, and a willingness to believe beyond what our senses or past experiences dictate. By actively pursuing a posture of trust and expectation, we invite God to work powerfully and unhindered, not only in our personal lives but also in the broader spheres of our influence, allowing His compassion and power to flow freely.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might a lack of faith be hindering God's mighty work?**
* **How does familiarity with religious concepts or even with Jesus Himself sometimes breed skepticism rather than deeper faith?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a more receptive and believing heart, allowing God to work more freely in your life and community?**
* **How does Jesus' continued compassion for the "few sick folk" in Nazareth encourage you about His character, even when faced with widespread unbelief?**

### FAQ

**Did Jesus lack power in Nazareth, or was His omnipotence limited?**

Answer: No, Jesus did not lack inherent power or omnipotence. The text states "he could there do no mighty work," but this refers to a circumstantial limitation, not a deficiency in His divine nature. The Greek word _dýnamai_ (G1410) indicates an inability to *perform* or *manifest* mighty works on a large scale due to the prevailing spiritual conditions. The surrounding verses in [Mark 6:1-4](/mark/6-1-4 "Jesus Rejected in Nazareth") clearly show that the hindrance came from the people's "unbelief" and skepticism. Jesus' power remained absolute, but the environment of hardened hearts and lack of faith prevented the widespread outpouring of miracles that characterized His ministry elsewhere. He still had the power to heal, as evidenced by His healing of "a few sick folk."

**Why does unbelief limit God's work, if God is sovereign?**

Answer: While God is absolutely sovereign and His power is infinite, the Bible often portrays a dynamic interaction between divine action and human response. In numerous instances, God chooses to work through or in response to human faith. Unbelief creates a spiritual barrier, a closed heart that is unreceptive to God's activity. It's not that God *cannot* act, but that He often *chooses not to* force His miraculous intervention upon those who are unwilling to believe or receive it. This respects human free will and the principle that faith is often a prerequisite for experiencing God's miraculous power, as seen in passages like [Hebrews 11:6](/hebrews/11-6 "Hebrews 11:6 - Faith is Essential to Please God"). The limitation is on the *opportunity* for God's power to be displayed in a context of receptive faith, not on God's inherent ability.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 6:5, though seemingly a moment of limitation for Jesus, profoundly underscores His true identity and the nature of His mission. While the people of Nazareth, blinded by familiarity, could not perceive the divine power dwelling among them, Jesus' willingness to humble Himself and endure such rejection foreshadows His ultimate act of condescension. The one who "could there do no mighty work" would ultimately perform the greatest "mighty work" of all on the cross, conquering sin and death, not through a display of overwhelming power, but through sacrificial love ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")). His compassion for the "few sick folk" in Nazareth, even amidst widespread unbelief, points to His enduring mercy for the individual, a mercy that culminates in His role as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Ultimately, the "mighty work" that truly transforms hearts is not merely physical healing, but the spiritual regeneration offered through His atoning sacrifice, which is received by faith, transcending any human limitation or unbelief ([Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through 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 13:58

And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.

Mark 9:23

Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things [are] possible to him that believeth.

Mark 5:23

And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: [I pray thee], come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live.

Hebrews 4:2

For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard [it].

Isaiah 59:1

¶ Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear:

Isaiah 59:2

But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid [his] face from you, that he will not hear.

Genesis 19:22

Haste thee, escape thither; for I cannot do any thing till thou be come thither. Therefore the name of the city was called Zoar.