And when the sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were astonished, saying, From whence hath this man these things? and what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands?

MARK 6:2KJV
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Mark 6:2 (KJV)

What does Mark 6:2 mean?

Mark 6:2 describes how, on the Sabbath, Jesus began teaching in the synagogue, and many people who heard him were amazed, questioning where he got his wisdom and how he could perform such powerful deeds. The crowd is surprised that someone they know could speak and act with such authority and power.

In this verse, Jesus is in his hometown, teaching in the local synagogue on the Sabbath—a day set apart for worship and instruction. The people listening are not outsiders but his neighbors and possibly even relatives. Their astonishment is not just about his teaching, but also about the miracles ("mighty works") they have heard he has done, leading them to wonder about the source of his wisdom and abilities.

The Greek behind Mark 6:2

  • The word for "astonished" is ἐκπλήσσομαι (ekplēssomai), which means to be struck with amazement or overwhelmed. This shows the crowd’s reaction is not mild surprise but a deep sense of shock at Jesus’ teaching and deeds.
  • The word for "wisdom" is σοφία (sophia), which in Greek often refers to practical insight or skill, not just knowledge. The people recognize that Jesus’ teaching is not ordinary but carries a depth and authority that stands out.
  • The phrase "mighty works" uses the word δυνάμεις (dynameis), meaning acts of power or miracles. This highlights that the crowd is responding not only to Jesus’ words but also to reports of supernatural acts done by him.

Why Mark 6:2 matters

  • Mark 6:2 shows that even those who grew up with Jesus struggled to understand how someone so familiar could display such wisdom and power, highlighting the theme of a prophet not being honored in his own hometown.
  • The verse sets up the tension in the story: Jesus’ authority and miracles are undeniable, but the people’s familiarity with him creates doubt and confusion rather than faith.
  • This moment connects to the wider passage by showing the contrast between Jesus’ reception in other places and the skepticism he faces among those who think they know him best.

Where else these words appear

“astonished” Greek G1605 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 7:28 And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:
  • Mark 1:22 And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes.
  • Luke 2:48 And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.

“whence” Greek G4159 · used in 26 verses

  • Matthew 13:27 So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares?
  • Luke 13:25 When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are:
  • John 7:27 Howbeit we know this man whence he is: but when Christ cometh, no man knoweth whence he is.

“wisdom” Greek G4678 · used in 49 verses

  • Matthew 11:19 The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.
  • 1 Corinthians 1:20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?
  • Ephesians 3:10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,

“synagogue” Greek G4864 · used in 57 verses

  • Matthew 4:23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.
  • Luke 4:20 And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him.
  • Acts 13:14 But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down.