Mark 1:17
And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτοῖς
unto them
G846
αὐτοῖς
unto them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 14
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
5 of 14
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
ὀπίσω
after
G3694
ὀπίσω
after
Strong's:
G3694
Word #:
7 of 14
to the back, i.e., aback (as adverb or preposition of time or place; or as noun)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ποιήσω
I will make
G4160
ποιήσω
I will make
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
10 of 14
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
γενέσθαι
to become
G1096
γενέσθαι
to become
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
12 of 14
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
Historical Context
The fishers of men metaphor resonated with their experience. Successful fishing required knowledge of fish behavior timing locations technique. Similarly evangelism requires understanding people cultural sensitivity opportune timing Spirit-led wisdom. Jesus took natural abilities and redirected them for kingdom. This call was to extended training approximately three years before Great Commission. Apprenticeship preceded ministry.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus promise I will make you demonstrate that effective ministry depends on Christ transforming work not natural talent alone?
- In what ways does fishers of men challenge Christians to view evangelism as core calling requiring skill and dependence on the Spirit?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Come ye after me, and I will make you fishers of men. The imperative Come demands response. After me indicates discipleship. I will make you demonstrates Jesus transforms followers progressively. Fishers of men employs occupational knowledge for kingdom purposes. This has Old Testament background (Jeremiah 16:16) but here is redemptive—catching people for salvation. The call implies mission through evangelism. Reformed theology emphasizes Christ call is effectual—those He calls, He empowers for service.