And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse:

MARK 6:8KJV
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Mark 6:8 (KJV)

What does Mark 6:8 mean?

Mark 6:8 describes how Jesus instructed his disciples to take nothing with them for their journey except a staff—no bag, no food, and no money in their belts. Jesus wanted them to travel simply and rely on hospitality rather than bringing supplies.

In this scene, Jesus is sending out his twelve disciples to travel and spread his message. He gives them specific instructions about what to bring, emphasizing trust and dependence on God and others for their needs. The verse highlights the simplicity and urgency of their mission, as well as their need to let go of material security.

The Greek behind Mark 6:8

  • "σάκκος" (scrip, transliterated as sakkos): This word refers to a small bag or pouch, often used for carrying provisions. Jesus’ instruction to take no "scrip" underlines the idea that the disciples were not to prepare for every need, but to trust they would be provided for.
  • "ζώνη" (purse, transliterated as zōnē): This word means a belt or money belt. By telling them to take no money in their "purse," Jesus is directing them not to rely on financial resources for their journey.
  • "ῥάβδος" (staff, transliterated as rhabdos): The staff was a common walking stick for travelers. Allowing only a staff suggests a basic level of provision for the journey—enough for walking, but nothing extra.

Why Mark 6:8 matters

  • Mark 6:8 clears up the idea that Jesus wanted his disciples to be self-sufficient; instead, he called them to depend on God and the kindness of others.
  • The verse sets the tone for the disciples’ mission, showing that their work was urgent and not about personal comfort or preparation.
  • This instruction connects to the broader theme in Mark 6, where Jesus sends out his followers with authority but also with humility and trust, shaping how they would approach their ministry.

Where else these words appear

“money” Greek G5475 · used in 5 verses

  • Matthew 10:9 Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses,
  • Mark 12:41 And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much.
  • 1 Corinthians 13:1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

“scrip” Greek G4082 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 10:10 Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.
  • Luke 9:3 And he said unto them, Take nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece.
  • Luke 22:35 And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing.

“purse” Greek G2223 · used in 7 verses

  • Matthew 3:4 And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.
  • Mark 1:6 And John was clothed with camel's hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins; and he did eat locusts and wild honey;
  • Revelation 1:13 And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.

“staff” Greek G4464 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 10:10 Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.
  • Hebrews 1:8 But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.
  • Revelation 2:27 And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.