And it came to pass, that, as Jesus sat at meat in his house, many publicans and sinners sat also together with Jesus and his disciples: for there were many, and they followed him.

MARK 2:15KJV
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Mark 2:15 (KJV)

What does Mark 2:15 mean?

Mark 2:15 describes how Jesus was eating in a house, and many tax collectors and people known as sinners joined him and his disciples at the table, because there were many of them who were following Jesus. The verse highlights that Jesus was willing to spend time with people who were often looked down on by society.

In this scene, Jesus is at a meal—likely at the house of Levi (Matthew), the tax collector he had just called to follow him. The people gathered are not just Jesus’ close followers, but also many tax collectors (publicans) and others considered morally questionable by religious leaders. Mark points out that these people were drawn to Jesus and were actively following him, showing the wide reach of his message.

The Greek behind Mark 2:15

  • The word for "publicans" is τελῶναι (telōnai), which refers to tax collectors—people often despised in Jewish society for working with the Roman authorities and for their reputation for dishonesty.
  • The word for "sinners" is ἁμαρτωλοί (hamartōloi), a broad term that often meant anyone seen as not living up to religious standards, not just those guilty of obvious wrongdoing.
  • The verb "sat together with" is συνανέκειντο (synanekeinto), which means to recline or eat together in close company, emphasizing the social closeness and acceptance at the meal.
  • The phrase "they followed him" uses the verb ἠκολούθουν (ēkolouthoun), showing that these people were not just present for a meal but were actively choosing to be with Jesus and learn from him.

Why Mark 2:15 matters

  • Mark 2:15 clarifies that Jesus did not avoid people who were seen as outsiders or morally questionable; instead, he welcomed them into close fellowship.
  • The verse sets up the tension in the following verses, where religious leaders question why Jesus would associate with such people, highlighting a key theme in Jesus’ ministry.
  • This scene shows that Jesus’ message was attractive to those on the margins of society, and that his circle of followers was broader than just the religiously respectable.

Where else these words appear

“sat” Greek G4873 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 9:10 And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples.
  • Mark 6:22 And when the daughter of the said Herodias came in, and danced, and pleased Herod and them that sat with him, the king said unto the damsel, Ask of me whatsoever thou wilt, and I will give it thee.
  • Luke 14:10 But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee.

“meat” Greek G2621 · used in 11 verses

  • Mark 1:30 But Simon's wife's mother lay sick of a fever, and anon they tell him of her.
  • Luke 5:25 And immediately he rose up before them, and took up that whereon he lay, and departed to his own house, glorifying God.
  • John 5:6 When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole?

“publicans” Greek G5057 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 5:46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?
  • Matthew 18:17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.
  • Luke 5:30 But their scribes and Pharisees murmured against his disciples, saying, Why do ye eat and drink with publicans and sinners?

“sinners” Greek G268 · used in 45 verses

  • Matthew 9:10 And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples.
  • Luke 6:34 And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again.
  • John 9:31 Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.