When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

MARK 2:17KJV
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Mark 2:17 (KJV)

What does Mark 2:17 mean?

Mark 2:17 describes Jesus explaining that he came to help those who recognize their need for change, not those who believe they are already righteous. He compares himself to a doctor, saying that just as a physician is needed by the sick, he is here for sinners who need repentance.

In this scene, Jesus is responding to criticism from religious leaders who questioned why he ate with tax collectors and sinners. Jesus uses a simple comparison: healthy people do not need a doctor, but sick people do. By calling himself a physician, Jesus highlights his mission to reach out to people who know they need help, rather than those who think they have no need for it.

The Greek behind Mark 2:17

  • ὑγιαίνοντες (hygiainontes, "whole"): This word means "healthy" or "well." Jesus uses it to describe those who see themselves as spiritually healthy, making the point that they do not seek help.
  • ἰατρός (iatros, "physician"): This word means "doctor" or "healer." Jesus applies it to himself, showing his role as someone who brings healing to those who are spiritually unwell.
  • ἁμαρτωλούς (hamartōlous, "sinners"): This word refers to people who miss the mark or fall short, often used for those seen as morally or spiritually lacking. Jesus says he came for these people, emphasizing his focus on those aware of their faults.
  • μετάνοιαν (metanoian, "repentance"): This word means a change of mind or turning around. Jesus’s call is not just to comfort, but to invite real change in those who recognize their need.

Why Mark 2:17 matters

  • Mark 2:17 clears up the idea that Jesus came only for people who already live good lives; instead, he makes clear that his mission is to reach those who know they are flawed.
  • The verse highlights the difference between outward religious appearance and inward recognition of need, challenging assumptions about who is "righteous."
  • This moment connects to the wider story in Mark, where Jesus often spends time with people on the margins, showing that his message is for anyone willing to admit their need for help and change.

Where else these words appear

“physician” Greek G2395 · used in 7 verses

  • Matthew 9:12 But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.
  • Luke 4:23 And he said unto them, Ye will surely say unto me this proverb, Physician, heal thyself: whatsoever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in thy country.
  • Luke 8:43 And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any,

“sick” Greek G2560 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 4:24 And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.
  • Matthew 17:15 Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is lunatick, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water.
  • Luke 5:31 And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick.

“repentance” Greek G3341 · used in 24 verses

  • Matthew 3:8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:
  • Luke 15:7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.
  • Romans 2:4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?

“whole” Greek G2480 · used in 29 verses

  • Matthew 5:13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
  • Luke 13:24 Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.
  • Acts 19:16 And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.