Mark 2:14 Meaning and Explanation
“And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the receipt of custom, and said unto him, Follow me. And he arose and followed him.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Jesus calls Levi the tax collector, who leaves his booth and follows him.
What Does Mark 2:14 Mean?
Walking on, Jesus sees Levi seated at the tax booth, collecting customs duties—a profession despised by his neighbors and tainted by service to Rome. To this man, of all people, Jesus speaks two words: "Follow me." Levi rises and goes after him, leaving the booth behind.
Grace reaches for the very person the crowd would have passed by. Jesus does not wait for Levi to reform himself first; he calls him as he is and trusts the call to do its work. Levi's immediate rising shows what the word of Christ can accomplish in a heart ready to answer. No occupation and no reputation places anyone beyond the reach of that summons to come and follow him.
Mark 2:14 in the Original Language
akoloutheo (ἀκολουθέω), 'follow' -- to walk the same road as another, to be a disciple.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mark 2:14
What does Mark 2:14 mean?
Jesus calls Levi the tax collector, who leaves his booth and follows him.