Mark Chapter 1 · Verse 20
And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants, and went after him.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐκάλεσεν
he called
G2564
ἐκάλεσεν
he called
Strong's:
G2564
Word #:
3 of 19
to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 19
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
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πατέρα
father
G3962
πατέρα
father
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
8 of 19
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
9 of 19
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
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μετὰ
with
G3326
μετὰ
with
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
14 of 19
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀπῆλθον
and went
G565
ἀπῆλθον
and went
Strong's:
G565
Word #:
17 of 19
to go off (i.e., depart), aside (i.e., apart) or behind (i.e., follow), literally or figuratively
Cross References
Mark 10:29And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's,Matthew 10:37He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.Luke 14:26If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.2 Corinthians 5:16Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.1 Kings 19:20And he left the oxen, and ran after Elijah, and said, Let me, I pray thee, kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow thee. And he said unto him, Go back again: for what have I done to thee?
Historical Context
James John became prominent. James first apostle martyred (Acts 12:2) by Herod AD 44. John became beloved disciple authored Fourth Gospel three epistles Revelation leader until death around AD 100 after Patmos exile. Jesus nicknamed them Boanerges sons of thunder reflecting fiery temperaments. Mother requested they sit at Jesus right left showing family ambition Jesus corrected. Zebedee owned boats plural employed servants indicating wealth their sacrifice substantial. Leaving father fulfilled teaching discipleship prioritizes Him above family.
Questions for Reflection
- What does calling ordinary workers teach about God interrupting any life?
- How does leaving wealth family business father demonstrate supremacy of Christ call?
Analysis & Commentary
He saw James and John mending nets. Immediately after calling Peter Andrew Jesus continues building apostolic team. Detail mending nets indicates responsible businessmen maintaining equipment. The verb means restore repair prepare same word spiritual restoration. Jesus calls people in daily life not special spiritual moments. James John were partners with Peter Andrew suggesting prosperous cooperative. Zebedee present with hired servants indicating wealth. Jesus calls them to abandon prosperity for discipleship. God sovereign call comes in various circumstances transcends earthly considerations.