What does Mark 6:7 mean?

"¶ And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits;" - Mark 6:7

"¶ And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits;" - Mark 6:7

The verse Mark 6:7 from the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible reads: "And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits."

This verse is a significant moment in the gospel of Mark as it marks the moment when Jesus commissions his twelve disciples to go out and spread the message of the kingdom of God. The act of Jesus sending out his disciples illustrates the authority and power that he bestows upon them, as well as the role they will play in the larger mission of bringing salvation to the world.

The context of this verse is important to understand its significance. In the preceding verses, Jesus had been teaching and performing miracles in his own hometown of Nazareth, but he was not well-received by the people there. This rejection led Jesus to widen his sphere of influence and ministry by sending out his disciples to nearby towns and villages to continue his work. This act not only demonstrates Jesus' strategic approach to his ministry but also foreshadows the spreading of the gospel message to the ends of the earth.

The theme of authority and power is central to this verse. By giving his disciples the authority to cast out unclean spirits and heal the sick, Jesus is demonstrating that they are representatives of His kingdom and are entrusted with the same power and authority that He possesses. This act is significant because it shows that Jesus is not working alone but is empowering others to continue his work. It also serves as a foreshadowing of the Great Commission, where Jesus will later command his disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19).

Another important theme in this verse is the idea of partnership and community. Jesus sends out his disciples "by two and two," emphasizing the importance of working together and supporting one another in their mission. This model of ministry highlights the significance of companionship and collaboration in the spreading of the gospel. It also serves as a form of protection and accountability for the disciples as they embark on their journey.

The symbolism in this verse is also noteworthy. The number twelve holds symbolic significance in the Bible, representing completeness and order. The twelve disciples were specifically chosen by Jesus to represent the twelve tribes of Israel, emphasizing the continuity between the Old and New Testaments. By commissioning the twelve disciples, Jesus is establishing a new order and community of believers who will carry on his work after he is gone.

In addition, the power given to the disciples over unclean spirits symbolizes the authority and victory of the kingdom of God over the forces of darkness. It demonstrates that the disciples are engaged in a spiritual battle and are equipped with the necessary tools to overcome evil and bring liberation to those who are oppressed.

In conclusion, Mark 6:7 from the King James Version of the Bible is a pivotal verse that marks the commissioning of the twelve disciples by Jesus. It speaks to the themes of authority, power, partnership, and community, as well as containing significant symbolism that underscores the spiritual significance of this act. This verse serves as a foundation for the disciples' ministry and foreshadows the expansion of the gospel message to the ends of the earth.

Have questions about Mark 6:7?

Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.

Mark 6:7 Artwork

Mark 6:7 - "¶ And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits;"

Mark 6:7 - "¶ And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits;"

Mark 6:7 says that Jesus called his twelve disciples and began to send them out two by two, giving them authority over unclean spirits.

Mark 6:7 says that Jesus called his twelve disciples and began to send them out two by two, giving them authority over unclean spirits.

"¶ And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits;" - Mark 6:7

"¶ And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits;" - Mark 6:7

Mark 7:6 - "He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me."

Mark 7:6 - "He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me."

Mark 6:1-6

Mark 6:1-6

Mark 13:7

Mark 13:7

Mark 13:7

Mark 13:7

Mark 8:7

Mark 8:7

Mark 13:7

Mark 13:7

Mark 7:7 - "Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men."

Mark 7:7 - "Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men."

Mark 16:6-8

Mark 16:6-8

Mark 16:6-8

Mark 16:6-8

Mark 6:6 - "And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching."

Mark 6:6 - "And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching."

Mark 16:6-8

Mark 16:6-8

Mark 7:31-37

Mark 7:31-37

Mark 7:31-37

Mark 7:31-37

Mark 6:52 - "For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened."

Mark 6:52 - "For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened."

Mark 6:32 - "And they departed into a desert place by ship privately."

Mark 6:32 - "And they departed into a desert place by ship privately."

Mark 6:9 - "But be shod with sandals; and not put on two coats."

Mark 6:9 - "But be shod with sandals; and not put on two coats."

Mark 6:40 - "And they sat down in ranks, by hundreds, and by fifties."

Mark 6:40 - "And they sat down in ranks, by hundreds, and by fifties."

Mark 6:42 - "And they did all eat, and were filled."

Mark 6:42 - "And they did all eat, and were filled."

Mark 2:6 - "But there were certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts,"

Mark 2:6 - "But there were certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts,"

Mark 6:12 - "And they went out, and preached that men should repent."

Mark 6:12 - "And they went out, and preached that men should repent."

Mark 7:7 (KJVA)
7 Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

Mark 7:7 (KJVA) 7 Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

Mark 7:7 (KJVA)
7 Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

Mark 7:7 (KJVA) 7 Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

Mark 7:7 (KJVA)
7 Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

Mark 7:7 (KJVA) 7 Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

Mark 7:7 (KJVA)
7 Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

Mark 7:7 (KJVA) 7 Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

Mark 6:43 - "And they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments, and of the fishes."

Mark 6:43 - "And they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments, and of the fishes."

Mark 9:6 - "For he wist not what to say; for they were sore afraid."

Mark 9:6 - "For he wist not what to say; for they were sore afraid."

Mark 7:7 (KJVA)
7 Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

Mark 7:7 (KJVA) 7 Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.