Mark 6:8

KJV

And commanded them that they should take nothing for [their] journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in [their] purse:

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} commanded {G3853} them {G846} that {G2443} they should take {G142} nothing {G3367} for {G1519} their journey {G3598}, save {G1508} a staff {G4464} only {G3440}; no {G3361} scrip {G4082}, no {G3361} bread {G740}, no {G3361} money {G5475} in {G1519} their purse {G2223}:

Complete Jewish Bible

He instructed them, "Take nothing for your trip except a walking stick -- no bread, no pack, no money in your belt.

Berean Standard Bible

He instructed them to take nothing but a staff for the journey—no bread, no bag, no money in their belts—

American Standard Version

and he charged them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no bread, no wallet, no money in their purse;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 6:8 details Jesus' specific and radical instructions to His twelve disciples as He commissions them for their first significant missionary journey. This command, given as they are sent out "two by two," emphasizes an extraordinary level of trust in divine provision and a complete detachment from material encumbrances, allowing them to focus solely on the urgent proclamation of the Kingdom of God and the exercise of the authority Jesus had granted them.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Mark 6:8 is an integral part of Jesus' commissioning of the twelve apostles, following His earlier ministry and the disciples' initial exposure to His teachings and miracles. The preceding verse, [Mark 6:7](/mark/6-7 "Mark 6:7 - Jesus Sends Out the Twelve"), explicitly states that Jesus "began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits." This immediate context highlights the authority granted to them and the strategic nature of their mission. The instructions in verse 8, therefore, are not merely practical advice but a theological statement about the nature of their ministry, immediately preceding their active engagement in healing and preaching repentance, as described in [Mark 6:12-13](/mark/6-12-13 "Mark 6:12-13 - The Disciples Preach and Heal"). Their subsequent return and report in [Mark 6:30](/mark/6-30 "Mark 6:30 - The Apostles Return") underscore the completion of this specific phase of their training and mission.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, travel often involved carrying provisions, money, and extra clothing for sustenance and trade, especially when embarking on journeys through diverse towns and villages where hospitality might not always be guaranteed or sufficient. Travelers would typically carry a "scrip" (a leather bag for food), bread, and money in their belt or purse for daily needs. Jesus' command to take "nothing" save a staff only, was a radical departure from these norms. It challenged the conventional wisdom of self-reliance and preparedness, placing the disciples in a position of complete vulnerability and dependence. This counter-cultural directive would have been startling to the disciples, forcing them to rely entirely on the hospitality of strangers and the direct provision of God, thereby demonstrating the unique nature and divine backing of their mission.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Mark's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. The most prominent is **Radical Dependence on God**, where the disciples are called to absolute trust in divine provision over self-sufficiency. This theme is echoed in Jesus' teaching on worry in [Matthew 6:25-34](/matthew/6-25-34 "Matthew 6:25-34 - Do Not Worry About Your Life"). Another key theme is the **Urgency and Focus of the Mission**, as the lack of provisions removes any hindrances or distractions, allowing the disciples to move swiftly and concentrate solely on proclaiming the Kingdom of God and healing. This also highlights the **Authority and Power of the Gospel**, demonstrating that the mission is not sustained by human resources but by divine power. Finally, it underscores the theme of **Simplicity in Discipleship**, advocating for a lifestyle unburdened by material possessions, which aligns with Jesus' call to discipleship found in passages like [Luke 9:23](/luke/9-23 "Luke 9:23 - Take Up Your Cross Daily").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **commanded (Greek, _parangéllō'_):** This word signifies more than a mere suggestion; it denotes a formal injunction, a strict order, or a charge. Jesus is not offering advice but issuing an authoritative directive. This highlights the non-negotiable nature of the instructions and the absolute authority by which Jesus sends out His disciples.
* **take (Greek, _aírō'_):** Meaning "to lift up" or "to take up or away," this verb emphasizes the act of carrying or picking up. In this context, it specifically refers to what they were *not* to carry for their journey, underscoring the active prohibition against self-provision. The disciples were to actively refrain from gathering typical travel necessities.
* **purse (Greek, _zṓnē'_):** While literally meaning "belt" or "girdle," in this context, it functions as a "purse" or a place where money was commonly carried by travelers in ancient times. The prohibition against carrying money in their belt explicitly removes any financial self-reliance, forcing them to depend on the hospitality of others for their monetary needs.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey":** This opening clause establishes the absolute nature of Jesus' directive. The disciples were to embark on their mission utterly devoid of the typical provisions that any traveler would consider essential. This command immediately sets a radical tone, emphasizing complete reliance on God rather than human foresight or preparation. It signifies a profound act of faith and a departure from worldly security.
* **"save a staff only;":** This is the single exception to the otherwise absolute prohibition. A staff (or rod) was a common and necessary item for walking in rough terrain, providing support, defense against animals, or even as a symbol of authority (though here, likely practical). Its allowance underscores that while material provision was forbidden, basic, functional tools for the journey were permitted, distinguishing between essential practicalities and provisions for comfort or self-sufficiency.
* **"no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse:":** This final clause provides specific examples of what "nothing" entails, reinforcing the radical nature of the command. "Scrip" (a leather bag for provisions) and "bread" directly address food, meaning they were not to carry their own sustenance. "Money in their purse" (or belt) explicitly forbids financial resources. These prohibitions collectively strip the disciples of all conventional means of self-support, compelling them to trust in God's daily provision through the hospitality of those they encountered.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 6:8 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Hyperbole** is evident in the extreme nature of the command to take "nothing" for the journey. While a staff is permitted, the overall directive is an exaggeration of typical travel preparations, designed to shock and impress upon the disciples the radical nature of their dependence on God. **Symbolism** is also at play: the absence of scrip, bread, and money symbolizes a complete surrender of self-reliance and a tangible expression of faith in divine provision. Conversely, the permitted **staff** can symbolize the basic, functional support provided by God, or perhaps even the authority with which they were sent, distinguishing it from items of comfort or self-sufficiency. The verse also utilizes **Contrast**, setting Jesus' counter-cultural instructions against the common practices of the day, thereby highlighting the unique and divinely empowered nature of the disciples' mission.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 6:8 is a powerful theological statement about the nature of discipleship and mission, emphasizing radical trust in God's provision and a single-minded focus on the Kingdom. It teaches that God's work is sustained not by human resources or foresight, but by divine power and faithfulness. This command forces the disciples into a position of absolute dependence, where every need met becomes a direct testimony to God's care. It challenges the common human tendency to rely on material security, redirecting faith towards the unseen hand of God. This principle transcends the specific historical context, calling believers in every age to prioritize spiritual mission over worldly accumulation, trusting that God will supply all that is truly needed for His purposes.

* [Matthew 6:25-34](/matthew/6-25-34 "Matthew 6:25-34 - Do Not Worry About Your Life or Tomorrow")
* [Luke 22:35](/luke/22-35 "Luke 22:35 - Jesus Asks About Their Past Journey")
* [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Will Supply All Your Needs")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The radical instructions in Mark 6:8 serve as a profound challenge to contemporary believers, urging us to examine the true source of our security and provision. While few of us are literally sent out on missionary journeys without a wallet or food, the underlying principles remain profoundly relevant. This passage calls us to cultivate a deeper trust in God's faithfulness, prioritizing His Kingdom and mission above personal comfort or material accumulation. It encourages a lifestyle of simplicity, detaching ourselves from the anxieties that often accompany the pursuit of worldly possessions, and freeing us to be more responsive and available for God's call. When we step out in faith, even in small acts of obedience that feel vulnerable, we often experience God's provision in unexpected and miraculous ways, which profoundly strengthens our faith and deepens our relationship with Him. This verse reminds us that true security is found not in what we possess, but in the One who possesses us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "scrip," "bread," or "money" do I tend to rely on more than God for my security and provision?**
* **How might a greater trust in God's provision free me to pursue His mission with more urgency and less distraction?**
* **In what areas of my life am I called to embrace greater simplicity and dependence on God?**

### FAQ
**Was this command for all disciples for all time, or specific to this mission?**

Answer: While the immediate context of [Mark 6:8](/mark/6-8 "Mark 6:8 - Instructions for the Disciples' Journey") indicates these instructions were specific to the initial commissioning of the twelve disciples for *this particular journey*, the underlying principles of radical dependence on God, urgency in mission, and simplicity in lifestyle are enduring truths for all believers. Jesus later revisits the topic of provisions in [Luke 22:35-36](/luke/22-35-36 "Luke 22:35-36 - Jesus' Later Instructions on Provisions"), where He asks if they lacked anything during their first journey (to which they replied "Nothing") and then gives different instructions for future missions, including taking a purse and a scrip. This suggests that the literal application of Mark 6:8 was for a specific pedagogical purpose—to teach the disciples absolute reliance on God and experience His miraculous provision firsthand—rather than a universal, perpetual command for all Christian ministry. However, the spiritual lessons of trust and focus remain timeless.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 6:8, with its radical call to dependence and simplicity for the sake of mission, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Christ Himself. Jesus, the one who "commanded" these instructions, perfectly embodied this radical trust in His Father's provision throughout His earthly ministry. He had "nowhere to lay His head" ([Matthew 8:20](/matthew/8-20 "Matthew 8:20 - The Son of Man Has Nowhere to Lay His Head")), relying entirely on the Father for sustenance and direction, even as He ministered to thousands. He is the ultimate "bread of life" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")) and the true "staff" of His people, the very source of their strength and provision. The disciples' mission, stripped of worldly encumbrances, foreshadows the unburdened nature of the Gospel itself—a message of grace freely given, not earned or purchased. Their reliance on hospitality points to Christ as the ultimate host, inviting all into His Kingdom. Ultimately, their journey, undertaken in faith, mirrors Christ's own journey of self-emptying ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")) and complete dependence on God to accomplish the greatest mission of all: the salvation of humanity, secured not by earthly means, but by divine power and sacrificial love.

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 10:9

Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses,

Matthew 10:10

Nor scrip for [your] journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.

Luke 9:3

And he said unto them, Take nothing for [your] journey, neither staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece.

Luke 10:4

Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way.

Luke 22:35

And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing.