And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him.

MARK 1:27KJV
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Mark 1:27 (KJV)

What does Mark 1:27 mean?

Mark 1:27 describes how the people who witnessed Jesus casting out an unclean spirit were astonished and began discussing among themselves what had happened, recognizing that Jesus taught a new teaching and had authority even over evil spirits, who obeyed him. The crowd is struck not just by the miracle, but by the unique authority Jesus displays in both his teaching and his command over supernatural forces.

The setting is a synagogue in Capernaum, where Jesus has just driven an unclean spirit out of a man. The people witnessing this are everyday Jewish worshippers, and their reaction is one of amazement and questioning. They notice that Jesus’ authority is different from what they are used to, both in his teaching ("doctrine") and in his power over unclean spirits, which sets him apart from other teachers and religious leaders of their time.

The Greek behind Mark 1:27

  • ἐξουσία (exousia, "authority"): This word means more than just power; it carries the sense of a right or legitimate authority. The crowd recognizes that Jesus’ authority is not borrowed or ritual-based, but inherent and commanding.
  • καινὴ (kainē, "new"): This word for "new" suggests something fresh and unprecedented, not just a different version of something old. The people sense that Jesus’ teaching is unlike anything they have heard before.
  • ἐπιτάσσει (epitassei, "commandeth"): This verb means to order or command with authority. The verse highlights that Jesus does not plead or negotiate with the unclean spirits; he gives orders, and they obey immediately.
  • ἀκούουσιν (akouousin, "obey"): The word here means to listen and respond, showing that even the unclean spirits recognize and submit to Jesus’ authority, which is remarkable to the witnesses.

Why Mark 1:27 matters

  • Mark 1:27 clears up any idea that Jesus was simply another teacher; the verse emphasizes that his authority is unique and immediately recognized by those who see him in action.
  • The verse connects Jesus’ teaching and his miracles, showing that his words and actions both carry the same divine authority, which was not typical of other religious leaders.
  • This reaction from the crowd sets the stage for the growing reputation of Jesus throughout the region, explaining why people began to follow him and spread news about him so quickly.

Where else these words appear

“were” Greek G2284 · used in 4 verses

  • Mark 10:24 And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!
  • Mark 10:32 And they were in the way going up to Jerusalem; and Jesus went before them: and they were amazed; and as they followed, they were afraid. And he took again the twelve, and began to tell them what things should happen unto him,
  • Acts 9:6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

“questioned” Greek G4802 · used in 10 verses

  • Mark 8:11 And the Pharisees came forth, and began to question with him, seeking of him a sign from heaven, tempting him.
  • Mark 9:16 And he asked the scribes, What question ye with them?
  • Luke 24:15 And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them.

“commandeth” Greek G2004 · used in 10 verses

  • Mark 6:27 And immediately the king sent an executioner, and commanded his head to be brought: and he went and beheaded him in the prison,
  • Luke 4:36 And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word is this! for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out.
  • Luke 14:22 And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room.

“obey” Greek G5219 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 8:27 But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!
  • Romans 6:12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.
  • Colossians 3:20 Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.