Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,

MARK 1:14KJV
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Mark 1:14 (KJV)

What does Mark 1:14 mean?

Mark 1:14 describes how, after John the Baptist was put in prison, Jesus went into the region of Galilee and began publicly announcing the good news about God's kingdom. This verse marks a turning point, showing the start of Jesus’ ministry after John’s arrest.

Mark is narrating the transition from John’s work to Jesus’ own mission. The verse sets the scene: John has been imprisoned, and now Jesus steps forward, focusing his message in Galilee. The main idea is that Jesus begins proclaiming the "gospel"—the joyful announcement—about the reign or rule of God, which is central to his teaching.

The Greek behind Mark 1:14

  • εὐαγγέλιον (euangelion, "gospel"): This word means "good news" or "joyful announcement." In this context, it refers to the message Jesus brings about God's kingdom, not just any news, but a life-changing proclamation.
  • βασιλεία (basileia, "kingdom"): This term often means a reign or rule, not just a physical place. Here, it points to God’s active rule breaking into the world, which is what Jesus is announcing.
  • παραδίδωμι (paradidōmi, "put in prison"): The word used for John being "put in prison" can also mean "handed over" or "delivered up," hinting at a sense of betrayal or being given over to authorities, which adds a layer of seriousness to the transition between John and Jesus.

Why Mark 1:14 matters

  • Mark 1:14 clarifies that Jesus’ public ministry begins only after John the Baptist is removed from the scene, showing a clear handoff between their roles.
  • The verse emphasizes that the core of Jesus’ message is the "gospel of the kingdom of God," highlighting the importance of God’s reign as the main theme of his teaching.
  • This verse connects the story to the wider narrative: it sets up the next events in Galilee and signals a new phase in God’s plan, as Jesus begins to act and speak publicly.

Where else these words appear

“preaching” Greek G2784 · used in 60 verses

  • Matthew 3:1 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,
  • Mark 14:9 Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.
  • Romans 2:21 Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal?

“Galilee” Greek G1056 · used in 62 verses

  • Matthew 2:22 But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:
  • Mark 3:7 But Jesus withdrew himself with his disciples to the sea: and a great multitude from Galilee followed him, and from Judaea,
  • Luke 23:55 And the women also, which came with him from Galilee, followed after, and beheld the sepulchre, and how his body was laid.

“gospel” Greek G2098 · used in 74 verses

  • Matthew 4:23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.
  • 1 Corinthians 9:12 If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ.
  • Philippians 1:5 For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;

“prison” Greek G3860 · used in 118 verses

  • Matthew 4:12 Now when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison, he departed into Galilee;
  • Mark 14:10 And Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went unto the chief priests, to betray him unto them.
  • John 19:16 Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away.