Bible Strands
Mark 1:17
“Come, follow Me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.”
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Jesus speaks to Simon and Andrew while walking beside the Sea of Galilee as they cast their nets. He issues a direct command at the moment they are engaged in their daily occupation.
The words — δεῦτε (deute) is an imperative meaning "come," urging immediate movement toward him. ὀπίσω (opisō) translates to "after," establishing a continuous posture of pursuit rather than a static visit.
The thread — This exact commission appears in Matthew 4:19 and surfaces in the parallel narrative of Luke 5:10. The promised transformation later shapes Peter’s instruction in Acts 2:38 regarding repentance and baptism.
Why it lands — Jesus commands immediate departure from their nets to pursue him personally. The text requires abandoning one’s current livelihood to accept a new assignment under his authority.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.
Cross-references
- Luke 5:10 and so were his partners James and John, the sons of Zebedee. “Do not be afraid,” Jesus said to Simon. “From now on you will catch men.”
- Matthew 4:19 “Come, follow Me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.”
- Acts 2:38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
- Ezekiel 47:10 Fishermen will stand by the shore; from En-gedi to En-eglaim they will spread their nets to catch fish of many kinds, like the fish of the Great Sea.