And he said unto them, Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also: for therefore came I forth.

MARK 1:38KJV
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Mark 1:38 (KJV)

What does Mark 1:38 mean?

Mark 1:38 records Jesus telling his disciples that they should go to the nearby towns so he can preach there as well, because that is the purpose for which he came. Jesus is explaining that his mission is not limited to one place or group, but is meant to reach many people in different areas.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to his disciples after a busy time of healing and teaching in Capernaum. The disciples want him to stay where he is, but Jesus insists on moving to other towns. This shows that spreading his message widely is central to his work, not just staying where he is already known or popular.

The Greek behind Mark 1:38

  • The word for "preach" is κηρύξω (kēryxō), which means to proclaim or announce publicly. This highlights that Jesus’s work involves openly sharing his message, not keeping it private or limited to a select group.
  • The phrase "for therefore came I forth" uses the Greek word ἐξῆλθον (exēlthon), meaning "I came out" or "I went forth." This suggests a sense of being sent with a purpose, emphasizing that Jesus’s movement from place to place is intentional and part of his mission.

Why Mark 1:38 matters

  • Mark 1:38 clarifies that Jesus’s mission is outward-looking and expansive, not focused on building a following in just one location.
  • This verse helps correct the idea that Jesus’s work was only about healing or performing miracles; his main goal was to proclaim his message broadly.
  • Mark 1:38 connects to the wider theme in Mark’s Gospel of Jesus as a traveling teacher and preacher, always moving forward to reach new people.

Where else these words appear

“also” Greek G2546 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 5:23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;
  • Mark 1:35 And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.
  • Acts 17:13 But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of God was preached of Paul at Berea, they came thither also, and stirred up the people.

“preach” 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?

“go” Greek G71 · used in 71 verses

  • Matthew 10:18 And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles.
  • Luke 24:21 But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done.
  • Acts 17:15 And they that conducted Paul brought him unto Athens: and receiving a commandment unto Silas and Timotheus for to come to him with all speed, they departed.