Others said, That it is Elias. And others said, That it is a prophet, or as one of the prophets.

MARK 6:15KJV
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Mark 6:15 (KJV)

What does Mark 6:15 mean?

Mark 6:15 describes how some people thought Jesus was actually Elijah (Elias in Greek), while others believed he was a prophet or someone like the prophets from Israel’s past. The verse shows that people were trying to make sense of Jesus’ identity by comparing him to famous figures from their religious history.

This verse comes in the middle of a discussion about who Jesus is, as news of his miracles and teachings spreads. The people speaking are ordinary folks and leaders who have heard about Jesus’ actions, and they are offering different explanations based on their expectations and traditions. The mention of Elijah and the prophets shows that Jesus’ ministry reminded people of the powerful figures God had sent before.

The Greek behind Mark 6:15

  • Ἠλίας (Elias, transliterated Ēlías): This is the Greek form of "Elijah," the famous Old Testament prophet. Elijah was expected by some Jews to return before the coming of the Messiah, so calling Jesus "Elias" shows they thought something extraordinary was happening.
  • προφήτης (prophētēs): This word means "prophet." In this context, it refers to someone who speaks for God, and the phrase "as one of the prophets" suggests that people saw Jesus as being in the same line as the great prophets of Israel’s history.
  • ὡς (hōs): This word means "as" or "like." It highlights that some people didn’t claim Jesus was a specific prophet reborn, but rather someone similar in role and authority to the prophets of old.

Why Mark 6:15 matters

  • Mark 6:15 helps clarify that Jesus’ identity was a subject of debate and confusion, even among those who witnessed his works firsthand.
  • The verse connects Jesus to the long tradition of prophets in Israel, showing that people recognized something special and powerful in his ministry, even if they didn’t fully understand it.
  • This verse sets up the contrast with Peter’s later confession that Jesus is the Messiah, highlighting the journey from speculation to revelation in the Gospel narrative.

Where else these words appear

“Elias” Greek G2243 · used in 30 verses

  • Matthew 11:14 And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come.
  • Mark 8:28 And they answered, John the Baptist: but some say, Elias; and others, One of the prophets.
  • Luke 4:26 But unto none of them was Elias sent, save unto Sarepta, a city of Sidon, unto a woman that was a widow.

“Others” Greek G243 · used in 141 verses

  • Matthew 2:12 And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.
  • Mark 14:58 We heard him say, I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands.
  • Acts 15:2 When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.

“prophet” Greek G4396 · used in 143 verses

  • Matthew 1:22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
  • Luke 6:23 Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.
  • Acts 7:42 Then God turned, and gave them up to worship the host of heaven; as it is written in the book of the prophets, O ye house of Israel, have ye offered to me slain beasts and sacrifices by the space of forty years in the wilderness?