Mark 6:5
And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οὐκ
he could
G3756
οὐκ
he could
Strong's:
G3756
Word #:
2 of 15
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
οὐδεμίαν
no
G3762
οὐδεμίαν
no
Strong's:
G3762
Word #:
5 of 15
not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing
δύναμιν
mighty work
G1411
δύναμιν
mighty work
Strong's:
G1411
Word #:
6 of 15
force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)
ποιῆσαι
do
G4160
ποιῆσαι
do
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
7 of 15
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
9 of 15
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ὀλίγοις
upon a few
G3641
ὀλίγοις
upon a few
Strong's:
G3641
Word #:
10 of 15
puny (in extent, degree, number, duration or value); especially neuter (adverbially) somewhat
τὰς
G3588
τὰς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Matthew 13:58And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.Mark 9:23Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.Mark 5:23And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live.Hebrews 4:2For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.Genesis 19:22Haste thee, escape thither; for I cannot do any thing till thou be come thither. Therefore the name of the city was called Zoar.
Historical Context
Jesus could do miracle physically but did not because lacked faith environment. Miracles require faith not always healed person faith but someone faith. Lack of miracles often due to unbelief not lack of God power. Early church saw mighty works but also faced opposition unbelief limiting effectiveness some areas.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Jesus limited mighty works in Nazareth teach about relationship between faith and miracles?
- How does this verse challenge presumption that God must prove Himself to skeptics?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
He could do no mighty work there save healed few sick folk. Not could not in absolute sense but would not due to unbelief. Faith is prerequisite for miracle ministry. Jesus chooses not to perform signs for unbelievers demand proof. Miracles signs pointing to truth require faith response. Reformed theology affirms God sovereignty He performs miracles according to purposes not human demand.