And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach,

MARK 3:14KJV
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Mark 3:14 (KJV)

What does Mark 3:14 mean?

Mark 3:14 describes how Jesus chose and appointed twelve men to be his close companions and to send them out to preach. This verse highlights both their relationship with Jesus and their future mission to spread his message.

In this scene, Jesus is gathering a specific group—the twelve disciples—out of a larger crowd. The verse points to two main reasons for this choice: first, so they could be with him, learning from his example and teaching; second, so he could send them out to share his message with others. This sets the stage for their special role among his followers.

The Greek behind Mark 3:14

  • The word "ordained" is from the Greek ἐποίησεν (epoiesen), which literally means "made" or "appointed." This shows that Jesus was intentionally forming this group, not just selecting them at random.
  • The phrase "send them forth" comes from the Greek ἀποστέλλῃ (apostellē), which is related to the word "apostle" and means "to send out with a purpose." This underlines that their role involved being sent on a mission, not just staying with Jesus.
  • The word "preach" is from the Greek κηρύσσειν (kēryssein), which means "to proclaim" or "announce publicly." This emphasizes that their task was to spread Jesus’ message openly, not just in private settings.

Why Mark 3:14 matters

  • Mark 3:14 clarifies that being a disciple involved both close relationship with Jesus and an active mission; it was not just about learning but also about being sent out.
  • The verse shows that Jesus’ choice of the twelve was purposeful and foundational for the spread of his teachings, connecting their calling directly to their future work.
  • This verse helps explain why the twelve disciples are often called "apostles"—because their identity is tied to being sent out with a message, not just being followers.

Where else these words appear

“twelve” Greek G1427 · used in 59 verses

  • Matthew 9:20 And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment:
  • Mark 10:32 And they were in the way going up to Jerusalem; and Jesus went before them: and they were amazed; and as they followed, they were afraid. And he took again the twelve, and began to tell them what things should happen unto him,
  • John 6:13 Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten.

“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?

“be” Greek G5600 · used in 62 verses

  • Matthew 6:4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.
  • John 17:21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
  • 2 Corinthians 1:17 When I therefore was thus minded, did I use lightness? or the things that I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there should be yea yea, and nay nay?

“send” Greek G649 · used in 130 verses

  • Matthew 2:16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.
  • Luke 4:43 And he said unto them, I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent.
  • John 17:18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.