Mark 16:17
And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
Original Language Analysis
σημεῖα
signs
G4592
σημεῖα
signs
Strong's:
G4592
Word #:
1 of 15
an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πιστεύσασιν
them that believe
G4100
πιστεύσασιν
them that believe
Strong's:
G4100
Word #:
4 of 15
to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch
παρακολουθήσει·
shall follow
G3877
παρακολουθήσει·
shall follow
Strong's:
G3877
Word #:
6 of 15
to follow near, i.e., (figuratively) attend (as a result), trace out, conform to
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὀνόματί
name
G3686
ὀνόματί
name
Strong's:
G3686
Word #:
9 of 15
a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)
ἐκβαλοῦσιν
shall they cast out
G1544
ἐκβαλοῦσιν
shall they cast out
Strong's:
G1544
Word #:
12 of 15
to eject (literally or figuratively)
γλώσσαις
tongues
G1100
γλώσσαις
tongues
Strong's:
G1100
Word #:
13 of 15
the tongue; by implication, a language (specially, one naturally unacquired)
Cross References
Acts 5:16There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.1 Corinthians 12:28And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.1 Corinthians 12:10To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:Acts 8:7For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.Luke 10:17And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.Acts 10:46For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,John 14:12Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.Acts 19:6And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.1 Corinthians 14:2For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.1 Corinthians 12:30Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?
Historical Context
Acts records believers speaking tongues (Acts 2, 10, 19), casting out demons (Acts 5:16, 8:7, 16:18), performing healings (Acts 3:1-10, 5:12-16). Paul warned against sign-seeking that bypasses the cross (1 Corinthians 1:22). These authenticating miracles established churches before the New Testament canon was complete. The completed Scripture now serves as the primary authentication.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you distinguish between seeking signs that authenticate the gospel versus demanding miracles to bypass faith?
- What role should supernatural gifts play in the church today compared to apostolic times?
- Does "signs shall follow" mean every believer performs miracles, or that miracles accompany gospel proclamation generally?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
These signs shall follow them that believe (σημεῖα δὲ τοῖς πιστεύσασιν ταῦτα παρακολουθήσει, sēmeia de tois pisteusasin tauta parakolouthēsei)—sēmeion (sign) means authenticating miracle confirming divine authority. In my name (ἐν τῷ ὀνόματί μου)—authority derives from Christ, not human power. Casting out demons (ἐκβαλοῦσιν δαιμόνια) and speaking new tongues (γλώσσαις λαλήσουσιν καιναῖς) marked apostolic ministry (Acts 2:4, 8:7, 16:18).
These signs authenticated the gospel's initial proclamation (Hebrews 2:3-4). Whether they continue in the same form or differently is debated: cessationists see them as apostolic-era authentication; continuationists expect them throughout church history. All agree: signs serve the Word, not replace it. Seeking signs without faithfulness perverts the gospel (Matthew 12:39).