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.

MARK 6:4KJV
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Mark 6:4 (KJV)

What does Mark 6:4 mean?

Mark 6:4 means that Jesus is saying a prophet is usually respected everywhere except in his own hometown, among his relatives, and in his own family. People who know the prophet best are often the least likely to honor him.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to the people in his hometown of Nazareth after they questioned his authority and miracles. The verse highlights how familiarity can breed contempt, making it hard for people to accept greatness or divine calling in someone they have known as ordinary. Jesus uses this saying to explain why he is not honored by those closest to him, even though others elsewhere respect him.

The Greek behind Mark 6:4

  • προφήτης (prophētēs): This word means "prophet," referring to someone who speaks on behalf of God. Here, Jesus applies it to himself, showing that even those with a special calling can be dismissed by their own community.
  • τιμή (timē): This word means "honor" or "respect." The Greek carries the sense of public recognition or value, not just private feelings. The lack of τιμή in one's own country points to a deep social rejection, not just mild disregard.
  • συγγενής (syngenēs): This word means "kin" or "relatives." It emphasizes that the lack of honor extends beyond just neighbors to one's wider family network, showing the breadth of the rejection Jesus experienced.

Why Mark 6:4 matters

  • Mark 6:4 clears up why Jesus was not widely accepted in Nazareth, even though he performed miracles elsewhere, helping readers understand the resistance he faced from those who knew him growing up.
  • The verse reveals a broader truth about human nature: people often struggle to see the extraordinary in those they consider ordinary, which can apply to many situations beyond Jesus’ life.
  • This saying sets the stage for the following verses, where Jesus is limited in what he can do in Nazareth because of their lack of faith, highlighting the importance of openness to God’s work regardless of familiarity.

Where else these words appear

“honour” Greek G820 · used in 4 verses

  • Matthew 13:57 And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house.
  • 1 Corinthians 4:10 We are fools for Christ's sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised.
  • 1 Corinthians 12:23 And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.

“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 6:1 And he went out from thence, and came into his own country; and his disciples follow him.
  • Luke 4:24 And he said, Verily I say unto you, No prophet is accepted in his own country.

“kin” Greek G4773 · used in 12 verses

  • Luke 1:36 And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.
  • Luke 14:12 Then said he also to him that bade him, When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbours; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompence be made thee.
  • Romans 9:3 For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:

“house” Greek G3614 · used in 85 verses

  • Matthew 2:11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
  • Mark 3:27 No man can enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he will first bind the strong man; and then he will spoil his house.
  • Luke 18:29 And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake,