Mark 6:4
But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house.
Original Language Analysis
ἔλεγεν
said
G3004
ἔλεγεν
said
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
1 of 25
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
αὐτοῦ
unto them
G846
αὐτοῦ
unto them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 25
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 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
5 of 25
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
ὅτι
G3754
προφήτης
A prophet
G4396
προφήτης
A prophet
Strong's:
G4396
Word #:
9 of 25
a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet
ἄτιμος
without honour
G820
ἄτιμος
without honour
Strong's:
G820
Word #:
10 of 25
(negatively) unhonored or (positively) dishonored
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
12 of 25
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πατρίδι
country
G3968
πατρίδι
country
Strong's:
G3968
Word #:
15 of 25
a father-land, i.e., native town; (figuratively) heavenly home
αὐτοῦ
unto them
G846
αὐτοῦ
unto them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
16 of 25
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 #:
17 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
συγγενέσιν
his own kin
G4773
συγγενέσιν
his own kin
Strong's:
G4773
Word #:
20 of 25
a relative (by blood); by extension, a fellow countryman
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
21 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
23 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
John 4:44For Jesus himself testified, that a prophet hath no honour in his own country.Luke 4:24And he said, Verily I say unto you, No prophet is accepted in his own country.Matthew 13:57And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house.Jeremiah 12:6For even thy brethren, and the house of thy father, even they have dealt treacherously with thee; yea, they have called a multitude after thee: believe them not, though they speak fair words unto thee.Jeremiah 11:21Therefore thus saith the LORD of the men of Anathoth, that seek thy life, saying, Prophesy not in the name of the LORD, that thou die not by our hand:
Historical Context
Prophets faced rejection hometown Jerusalem stoned prophets. Jesus experienced same. Later sent apostles warned expect persecution. Church history shows missionaries often more fruitful away from home culture. Cross-cultural missions effective because outsider perspective brings fresh hearing of gospel.
Questions for Reflection
- Why are prophets rarely honored in hometown and what does this teach about overcoming familiarity bias?
- How should believers prepared for rejection especially from those who know them best?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus said prophet not without honor but in own country among kin in house. Truth principle prophets rarely honored at home. Familiarity breeds contempt. Those who knew Jesus as child could not accept prophet/Messiah. Similar to Nazareth pattern earlier. Ministry most effective among those without preconceptions. Reformed theology recognizes offense of Christ stumbling block. God uses weak foolish base things confound wise mighty.