And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him.

MARK 1:18KJV
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Mark 1:18 (KJV)

What does Mark 1:18 mean?

Mark 1:18 describes how Simon (Peter) and Andrew, upon hearing Jesus call them, immediately left their fishing nets behind and began to follow him. This verse shows their quick and decisive response to Jesus’s invitation, leaving their work and livelihood to become his disciples.

In the setting of Mark 1:18, Jesus is walking by the Sea of Galilee and calls out to two fishermen, Simon and Andrew, inviting them to follow him. The verse highlights their immediate action—they do not hesitate or ask questions, but abandon their nets on the spot. This moment marks the beginning of their journey as Jesus’s followers and sets the tone for the kind of commitment Jesus’s call can inspire.

The Greek behind Mark 1:18

  • εὐθέως (eutheōs, "straightway"): This word means "immediately" or "at once." Its use here emphasizes how quickly Simon and Andrew responded, without delay or second thoughts.
  • ἀφέντες (aphentes, "forsook"): This verb means "to leave behind" or "to abandon." It suggests a complete break from their previous way of life, not just a temporary pause.
  • ἠκολούθησαν (ēkolouthēsan, "followed"): This word means "to go after" or "to accompany." In this context, it often carries the sense of becoming a disciple or student, not just physically walking behind someone.

Why Mark 1:18 matters

  • Mark 1:18 clears up any idea that following Jesus was a gradual or half-hearted decision for Simon and Andrew; the verse stresses their immediate and total commitment.
  • The verse sets a pattern for how Mark’s Gospel often describes people responding to Jesus—decisively and with urgency.
  • Understanding the strong language of leaving and following helps readers see the cost and seriousness of discipleship as Mark presents it.

Where else these words appear

“nets” Greek G1350 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 4:20 And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.
  • Luke 5:2 And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets.
  • Luke 5:6 And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake.

“straightway” Greek G2112 · used in 80 verses

  • Matthew 4:20 And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.
  • Mark 3:6 And the Pharisees went forth, and straightway took counsel with the Herodians against him, how they might destroy him.
  • Mark 14:45 And as soon as he was come, he goeth straightway to him, and saith, Master, master; and kissed him.

“followed” Greek G190 · used in 88 verses

  • Matthew 4:20 And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.
  • Mark 8:34 And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
  • John 1:38 Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi,(which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou?

“forsook” Greek G863 · used in 133 verses

  • Matthew 3:15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.
  • Mark 2:7 Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?
  • Luke 11:42 But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.