Mark 1:17 Meaning and Explanation
“And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The Context of Mark 1:17
Jesus walks beside the Sea of Galilee at the beginning of His ministry and calls His first disciples, Simon and Andrew, who immediately leave their nets to follow Him.
What Does Mark 1:17 Mean?
Mark 1:17 is Jesus' personal call to discipleship. He invites ordinary fishermen to follow Him and promises to transform their life's work into the gathering of people for God. Jesus speaks these words to Simon (Peter) and Andrew as they cast their nets by the Sea of Galilee.
"Come ye after me" is an invitation to follow, to walk behind a teacher and learn from His way of life. In that day a disciple attached himself wholly to his master, sharing his road and his mission. What is striking here is that Jesus takes the initiative; He seeks out these men and calls them. The promise "I will make you to become fishers of men" reshapes their familiar trade into a new calling. They knew how to draw fish from the sea; Jesus would teach them to draw people into the life of God's kingdom. The wording "make you to become" points to a process. Jesus does not expect them to arrive ready-made but commits Himself to forming them over time. The call is both demanding and gracious: it asks for everything, yet it rests on Jesus' own power to do the shaping. Discipleship begins with His summons rather than with our qualifications.
Mark 1:17 in the Original Language
The Greek "deute opiso mou" (come after me) is a call to follow as a disciple walks behind a master. "Halieus" means a fisherman, here applied to the gathering of people.
Bible Verses Related to Mark 1:17
“And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
- Matthew 4:19
“And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.”
- Luke 5:10
“The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me.”
- John 1:43
How to Apply Mark 1:17 Today
Jesus still calls people from ordinary lives and works, promising to shape them for His purposes when they choose to follow Him.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mark 1:17
What does Mark 1:17 mean?
Mark 1:17 is Jesus' personal call to discipleship. He invites ordinary fishermen to follow Him and promises to transform their life's work into the gathering of people for God. Jesus speaks these words to Simon (Peter) and Andrew as they cast their nets by the Sea of Galilee.
What is the context of Mark 1:17?
Jesus walks beside the Sea of Galilee at the beginning of His ministry and calls His first disciples, Simon and Andrew, who immediately leave their nets to follow Him.
How can I apply Mark 1:17 today?
Jesus still calls people from ordinary lives and works, promising to shape them for His purposes when they choose to follow Him.