And he goeth up into a mountain, and calleth unto him whom he would: and they came unto him.

MARK 3:13KJV
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Mark 3:13 (KJV)

What does Mark 3:13 mean?

Mark 3:13 describes Jesus going up onto a mountain and calling certain people to come to him, and those he called responded by coming. This verse shows Jesus taking the initiative to gather a specific group of followers, setting the stage for what he will do next.

In this scene, Jesus is the one acting—he chooses the location (a mountain), decides whom to call, and those he calls respond. The mountain setting often signals something important or set apart in the Bible. This moment marks the beginning of Jesus selecting his closest disciples, highlighting both his authority and the willing response of those he chooses.

The Greek behind Mark 3:13

  • The word "καλεῖ" (kalei, "calleth") means to summon or invite. In this context, it emphasizes that Jesus is the one initiating the relationship; the people do not volunteer themselves.
  • The phrase "οὓς ἤθελεν" (hous ēthelen, "whom he would") means those whom he wanted or desired. This underlines that Jesus’ choice is deliberate and personal, not random or forced by others.
  • The verb "ἀνέρχονται" (anerchontai, "came") shows the response of those called—they come to Jesus, indicating a willing and positive answer to his invitation.

Why Mark 3:13 matters

  • Mark 3:13 clarifies that Jesus personally selects his followers, rather than accepting anyone who happens to be nearby, which shows intentionality in forming his group of disciples.
  • The verse sets up the next section, where Jesus officially appoints the twelve apostles, making this a turning point in the story.
  • The mountain setting connects this moment to other significant events in the Bible that happen on mountains, hinting at the importance of what is about to unfold.

Where else these words appear

“calleth” Greek G4341 · used in 30 verses

  • Matthew 10:1 And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.
  • Mark 8:1 In those days the multitude being very great, and having nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples unto him, and saith unto them,
  • Acts 5:40 And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

“mountain” Greek G3735 · used in 65 verses

  • Matthew 4:8 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;
  • Mark 11:1 And when they came nigh to Jerusalem, unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount of Olives, he sendeth forth two of his disciples,
  • John 6:15 When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.

“up” Greek G305 · used in 77 verses

  • Matthew 3:16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
  • John 2:13 And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem,
  • Acts 21:4 And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem.

“came” Greek G565 · used in 118 verses

  • Matthew 2:22 But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:
  • Mark 5:20 And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel.
  • Luke 24:12 Then arose Peter, and ran unto the sepulchre; and stooping down, he beheld the linen clothes laid by themselves, and departed, wondering in himself at that which was come to pass.