Mark 1:45
But he went out, and began to publish it much, and to blaze abroad the matter, insomuch that Jesus could no more openly enter into the city, but was without in desert places: and they came to him from every quarter.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κηρύσσειν
to publish
G2784
κηρύσσειν
to publish
Strong's:
G2784
Word #:
5 of 29
to herald (as a public crier), especially divine truth (the gospel)
πολλὰ
it much
G4183
πολλὰ
it much
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
6 of 29
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 29
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 #:
9 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λόγον
the matter
G3056
λόγον
the matter
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
10 of 29
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
ὥστε
insomuch that
G5620
ὥστε
insomuch that
Strong's:
G5620
Word #:
11 of 29
so too, i.e., thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow)
αὐτὸν
Jesus
G846
αὐτὸν
Jesus
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
13 of 29
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
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
16 of 29
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
πόλιν
the city
G4172
πόλιν
the city
Strong's:
G4172
Word #:
17 of 29
a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
19 of 29
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
ἐρήμοις
desert
G2048
ἐρήμοις
desert
Strong's:
G2048
Word #:
22 of 29
lonesome, i.e., (by implication) waste (usually as a noun, g5561 being implied)
τόποις
places
G5117
τόποις
places
Strong's:
G5117
Word #:
23 of 29
a spot (general in space, but limited by occupancy; whereas g5561 is a large but participle locality), i.e., location (as a position, home, tract, etc
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
25 of 29
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἤρχοντο
they came
G2064
ἤρχοντο
they came
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
26 of 29
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
πρὸς
to
G4314
πρὸς
to
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
27 of 29
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
Cross References
Mark 2:13And he went forth again by the sea side; and all the multitude resorted unto him, and he taught them.Matthew 9:31But they, when they were departed, spread abroad his fame in all that country.John 6:2And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased.Psalms 77:11I will remember the works of the LORD: surely I will remember thy wonders of old.
Historical Context
The leper's public proclamation would have drawn massive crowds, as leprosy healings were virtually unknown. This forced Jesus into 'desert places' to avoid mob scenes that could trigger Roman intervention. Despite this, people still sought Him out, demonstrating the unstoppable nature of divine purpose despite human failure.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this example warn us against substituting enthusiastic testimony for careful obedience to Christ's specific instructions?
- What does Christ's continued ministry despite this setback teach us about God's sovereignty over human failures?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The healed leper's disobedience ('he went out, and began to publish it much') illustrates that zeal without obedience displeases God. His public testimony, though well-intentioned, hindered Christ's ministry by attracting crowds seeking physical healing rather than spiritual truth. The consequence—Christ could not 'openly enter into the city'—shows how our disobedience, even from good motives, can obstruct God's work. True discipleship requires submission to Christ's commands, not merely enthusiasm.