Mark 3:14 Meaning and Explanation
“And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach,”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Jesus appoints twelve to be with Him and to be sent out to preach.
What Does Mark 3:14 Mean?
From those who came, Jesus appoints twelve, a number echoing the twelve tribes of Israel, signaling the gathering of a renewed people of God. Mark names two purposes: that they should be with Him, and that He might send them out to preach. Presence comes first, then mission.
The order matters deeply. Before the Twelve are workers, they are companions; before they speak for Christ, they are to be with Christ. All true ministry flows from this nearness. They cannot give what they have not first received in His presence. The pattern remains for every follower: time spent with Jesus is not a luxury but the wellspring of everything He sends us to do. To be with Him is the first calling.
Mark 3:14 in the Original Language
apostello (ἀποστέλλω), 'send forth' -- to send out as an authorized messenger, the verb behind the word apostle.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mark 3:14
What does Mark 3:14 mean?
Jesus appoints twelve to be with Him and to be sent out to preach.