Mark - 1:9



9 It happened in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized by John in the Jordan.

Verse In-Depth

Explanation and meaning of Mark 1:9.

Differing Translations

Compare verses for better understanding.
And it came to pass in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptised by John at the Jordan.
And it came about in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was given baptism by John in the Jordan.
And it happened that, in those days, Jesus arrived from Nazareth of Galilee. And he was baptized by John in the Jordan.

*Minor differences ignored. Grouped by changes, with first version listed as example.


Historical Commentaries

Scholarly Analysis and Interpretation.

See the subject of these verses which contain the account of our Lord's baptism, explained. Matthew 3:13-17 (note).

(4) And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan.
(4) Christ consecrates our baptism in himself.

And it came to pass in those days,.... Whilst John was preaching and baptizing in the wilderness, and had large crowds of people flocking to him, to see his person, hear his doctrine, and to be baptized by him; some for one thing, and some another;
Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee; the place where he had been brought up, and lived, and dwelt in from his infancy, to this time:
and was baptized of John in Jordan; which was the reason of his coming from Nazareth to him; see Matthew 3:13, where this is observed; and in some verses following, an account is given of what passed between Christ and John, on this occasion.

Christ's baptism was his first public appearance, after he had long lived unknown. How much hidden worth is there, which in this world is not known! But sooner or later it shall be known, as Christ was. He took upon himself the likeness of sinful flesh; and thus, for our sakes, he sanctified himself, that we also might be sanctified, and be baptized with him, John 17:19. See how honourably God owned him, when he submitted to John's baptism. He saw the Spirit descending upon him like a dove. We may see heaven opened to us, when we perceive the Spirit descending and working upon us. God's good work in us, is sure evidence of his good will towards us, and preparations for us. As to Christ's temptation, Mark notices his being in the wilderness and that he was with the wild beasts. It was an instance of his Father's care of him, which encouraged him the more that his Father would provide for him. Special protections are earnests of seasonable supplies. The serpent tempted the first Adam in the garden, the Second Adam in the wilderness; with different success indeed; and ever since he still tempts the children of both, in all places and conditions. Company and conversation have their temptations; and being alone, even in a wilderness, has its own also. No place or state exempts, no business, not lawful labouring, eating, or drinking, not even fasting and praying; often in these duties there are the most assaults, but in them is the sweetest victory. The ministration of the good angels is matter of great comfort in reference to the malignant designs of the evil angels; but much more does it comfort us, to have the indwelling of God the Holy Spirit in our hearts.

In those days. When John had been preaching and baptizing about six months. For the account of the baptism of Jesus see Matthew 3:13-17, and the notes.

*More commentary available at chapter level.


Discussion on Mark 1:9

User discussion of the verse.






*By clicking Submit, you agree to our Privacy Policy & Terms of Use.