Mark 16:18

they will pick up snakes with their hands, and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not harm them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will be made well.”

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — Jesus addresses the Eleven immediately after His resurrection and just before His ascension recorded in Mark 16:19. He states that specific miraculous signs will accompany those who believe His message.

The words — ἀροῦσιν (arousin) literally means "they will take up" or "pick up," and ὄφεις (opheis) translates directly to "serpents" or "snakes."

The thread — This promise runs parallel to the authority given in Luke 10:19 to tread on snakes and scorpions, mirrors the historical account in Acts 28:3, and aligns with the healing practice described in James 5:14.

Why it lands — The text plainly reports that believers will handle dangerous creatures, survive poison, and heal the sick through physical contact. It asks the reader to recognize these acts as historical markers of apostolic ministry rather than a personal guarantee of physical safety.

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

They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

Cross-references

Luke 10:19 Behold, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy. Nothing will harm you.
James 5:14 Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord.
Acts 28:3 Paul gathered a bundle of sticks, and as he laid them on the fire, a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself to his hand.
Acts 19:12 so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and the diseases and evil spirits left them.
Acts 4:30 as You stretch out Your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of Your holy servant Jesus.”
Acts 28:8 The father of Publius was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him, and after praying and placing his hands on him, he healed the man.
Mark 5:23 and pleaded with Him urgently, “My little daughter is near death. Please come and place Your hands on her, so that she will be healed and live.”
Acts 3:16 By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know has been made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through Him that has given him this complete healing in your presence.
Psalms 91:13 You will tread on the lion and cobra; you will trample the young lion and serpent.
Acts 3:12 And when Peter saw this, he addressed the people: “Men of Israel, why are you surprised by this? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?