Mark 6:1

¶ And he went out from thence, and came into his own country; and his disciples follow him.

And {G2532} he went out {G1831} from thence {G1564}, and {G2532} came {G2064} into {G1519} his own {G846} country {G3968}; and {G2532} his {G846} disciples {G3101} follow {G190} him {G846}.

Then Yeshua left and went to his home town, and his talmidim followed him.

Jesus went on from there and came to His hometown, accompanied by His disciples.

And he went out from thence; and he cometh into his own country; and his disciples follow him.

Commentary

Context

Mark 6:1 marks a significant transition in Jesus's ministry. Having just performed powerful miracles in the region of Capernaum, including raising Jairus's daughter from the dead and healing a woman with a chronic issue of blood, Jesus deliberately returns to His "own country." This refers to Nazareth, the Galilean village where He grew up and was known to the community, including His family and neighbors. This return sets the stage for a poignant encounter with those who knew Him best.

Key Themes

  • Return to Familiarity: Jesus’s journey back to Nazareth highlights His humanity and His connection to His roots. This return is crucial for understanding the subsequent narrative, as it contrasts the widespread acceptance He received elsewhere with the skepticism He would face in His hometown.
  • The Nature of Discipleship: The phrase "and his disciples follow him" emphasizes the continuous and unwavering commitment of Jesus's followers. They were constant companions, observing His actions, learning from His teachings, and witnessing His interactions in various settings, including the challenging environment of His own familiar territory. This reinforces the active and constant nature of following Christ.
  • Anticipation of Rejection: Though not explicitly stated in this verse, the visit to His "own country" immediately foreshadows the principle that "A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country," which Jesus Himself articulates later in this chapter. This verse subtly introduces the theme of familiarity breeding skepticism, setting up the narrative of limited miracles performed there.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "his own country" translates the Greek word patris (πατρίς), which means "fatherland" or "hometown." This term underscores the deeply personal and familial connection Jesus had to Nazareth. It's not just a geographical location, but the place of His upbringing and personal history, making the subsequent lack of honor even more significant.

Practical Application

Mark 6:1 serves as a reminder that even those with a divine calling are rooted in their earthly communities. It prompts us to reflect on how we perceive and accept spiritual truth, especially when it comes from individuals we know well. Sometimes, our familiarity with a person's past or background can hinder our ability to recognize God's hand working through them. This verse encourages us to cultivate an open mind and heart, acknowledging that God can use anyone, regardless of their past or our preconceived notions, to deliver His message. It also highlights the steadfastness required in discipleship, as followers are called to accompany their Lord into all circumstances, even those marked by resistance or skepticism.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Luke 4:16 (12 votes)

    And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.

  • Luke 4:30 (12 votes)

    But he passing through the midst of them went his way,

  • Matthew 13:54 (9 votes)

    And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this [man] this wisdom, and [these] mighty works?

  • Matthew 13:58 (9 votes)

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

  • Matthew 2:23 (6 votes)

    And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.

  • Matthew 13:4 (-1 votes)

    And when he sowed, some [seeds] fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up: