And he went out from thence, and came into his own country; and his disciples follow him.

MARK 6:1KJV
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Mark 6:1 (KJV)

What does Mark 6:1 mean?

Mark 6:1 describes Jesus leaving the place where he had previously been and returning to his hometown, with his disciples accompanying him. The verse sets the scene for what will happen next by showing Jesus coming back to the place where he grew up, now followed by his close followers.

In this verse, the Gospel writer Mark is narrating Jesus’ movements. Jesus has just finished teaching and performing miracles elsewhere, and now he travels back to his “own country,” which is generally understood to mean Nazareth. The mention of his disciples following him highlights that Jesus is no longer acting alone; he is now recognized as a teacher with a group of committed followers.

The Greek behind Mark 6:1

  • The word χώρα (chōra, transliterated as "country") is often used for a region or hometown, not just any land, emphasizing that Jesus is returning to his roots.
  • The verb ἀκολουθέω (akoloutheō, transliterated as "follow") means to go along with or accompany, and in the context of disciples, it suggests intentional learning and loyalty, not just physical movement.
  • The phrase ἐξῆλθεν ἐκεῖθεν (exēlthen ekeithen, "went out from thence") uses a form that often marks a significant transition or change in setting, signaling a new episode in the narrative.

Why Mark 6:1 matters

  • Mark 6:1 prepares the reader for the contrast between Jesus’ reception in other places and the reaction he will face in his hometown, which becomes a key theme in the following verses.
  • The verse highlights the growing role of the disciples, showing that Jesus’ ministry is expanding and that he is intentionally involving others in his mission.
  • By specifying that Jesus returns to his “own country,” Mark invites readers to consider how familiarity can affect people’s openness to new ideas or change, setting up a lesson about acceptance and rejection.

Where else these words appear

“country” Greek G3968 · used in 8 verses

  • Matthew 13:54 And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works?
  • Mark 6:4 But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house.
  • Luke 4:24 And he said, Verily I say unto you, No prophet is accepted in his own country.

“thence” Greek G1564 · used in 27 verses

  • Matthew 4:21 And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them.
  • Matthew 14:13 When Jesus heard of it, he departed thence by ship into a desert place apart: and when the people had heard thereof, they followed him on foot out of the cities.
  • Luke 9:4 And whatsoever house ye enter into, there abide, and thence depart.

“follow” Greek G190 · used in 88 verses

  • Matthew 4:20 And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.
  • Mark 8:34 And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
  • John 1:38 Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi,(which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou?