And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.

MARK 16:20KJV
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Mark 16:20 (KJV)

What does Mark 16:20 mean?

Mark 16:20 describes how the followers of Jesus went out to spread his message everywhere, and the Lord supported them by confirming what they preached with miraculous signs that followed. The verse emphasizes that their work was not done alone, but with God actively helping and validating their message.

This verse comes at the end of Mark’s Gospel, summarizing what happened after Jesus’ resurrection. The disciples are the ones being described, and the focus is on their mission to share Jesus’ teachings. The verse highlights both their obedience in going out and the visible ways God backed up their words, showing that their message had divine approval.

The Greek behind Mark 16:20

  • συνεργέω (synergeō, "working with them"): This Greek word means to work together or cooperate. The verse uses it to show that the Lord was not distant; he was actively involved alongside the disciples as they preached.
  • βεβαιόω (bebaioō, "confirming"): This word means to make something firm or certain. Here, it means that God made the disciples’ message trustworthy by providing signs as evidence.
  • σημεῖον (sēmeion, "signs"): This word refers to miraculous events or wonders. The use of this word highlights that the confirmation was not just in words, but in visible, extraordinary acts that followed the preaching.

Why Mark 16:20 matters

  • Mark 16:20 clarifies that the early Christian mission was not just a human effort; it was accompanied by God’s active participation, which would have reassured early readers.
  • The verse connects the disciples’ preaching with visible signs, underlining that their message was not only spoken but also demonstrated through God’s power.
  • This summary ties the end of Mark’s Gospel to the beginning of the book of Acts, where the story of the apostles’ ministry and miracles continues, showing a consistent theme of divine partnership.

Where else these words appear

“following” Greek G1872 · used in 4 verses

  • 1 Timothy 5:10 Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.
  • 1 Timothy 5:24 Some men's sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after.
  • 1 Peter 2:21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

“with” Greek G4903 · used in 5 verses

  • Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
  • 1 Corinthians 16:16 That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth.
  • 2 Corinthians 6:1 We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.

“where” Greek G3837 · used in 7 verses

  • Luke 9:6 And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing every where.
  • Acts 21:28 Crying out, Men of Israel, help: This is the man, that teacheth all men every where against the people, and the law, and this place: and further brought Greeks also into the temple, and hath polluted this holy place.
  • Acts 28:22 But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against.

“confirming” Greek G950 · used in 8 verses

  • Romans 15:8 Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers:
  • 1 Corinthians 1:8 Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
  • Colossians 2:7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.