New International VersionAt once they left their nets and followed him.
New Living TranslationAnd they left their nets at once and followed him.
English Standard VersionAnd immediately they left their nets and followed him.
Berean Standard BibleAnd at once they left their nets and followed Him.
Berean Literal BibleAnd immediately, having left the nets, they followed Him.
King James BibleAnd straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him.
New King James VersionThey immediately left their nets and followed Him.
New American Standard BibleImmediately they left their nets and followed Him.
NASB 1995Immediately they left their nets and followed Him.
NASB 1977And they immediately left the nets and followed Him.
Legacy Standard BibleAnd immediately they left their nets and followed Him.
Amplified BibleImmediately they left their nets and followed Him [becoming His disciples, believing and trusting in Him and following His example].
Christian Standard BibleImmediately they left their nets and followed him.
Holman Christian Standard BibleImmediately they left their nets and followed Him.
American Standard VersionAnd straightway they left the nets, and followed him.
Contemporary English VersionRight then the two brothers dropped their nets and went with him.
English Revised VersionAnd straightway they left the nets, and followed him.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationThey immediately left their nets and followed him.
Good News TranslationAt once they left their nets and went with him.
International Standard VersionSo immediately they left their nets and followed him.
NET BibleThey left their nets immediately and followed him.
New Heart English BibleAnd immediately they left the nets, and followed him.
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd immediately they forsook their nets, and followed him.
Weymouth New TestamentAt once they left their nets and followed Him. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAnd at once they left their nets and followed Him.
World English BibleImmediately they left their nets, and followed him. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand immediately, having left their nets, they followed Him.
Berean Literal BibleAnd immediately, having left the nets, they followed Him.
Young's Literal Translation and immediately, having left their nets, they followed him.
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd quickly having left their nets, they followed him. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd immediately leaving their nets, they followed him.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd at once abandoning their nets, they followed him.
New American BibleThen they abandoned their nets and followed him.
New Revised Standard VersionAnd immediately they left their nets and followed him. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd straightway they left their nets, and went after him.
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishAnd at once they left their nets and went after him. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentAnd immediately they left their nets, and followed him.
Godbey New Testament
And immediately, having left their nets, they followed Him.
Haweis New Testament
and immediately leaving their nets, they followed him.
Mace New Testament
immediately they quitted their nets, and followed him.
Weymouth New Testament
At once they left their nets and followed Him.
Worrell New Testament
And straightway, leaving the nets, they followed Him.
Worsley New Testament
and immediately they left their nets and followed Him.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The First Disciples… 17“Come, follow Me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” 18Andat oncethey lefttheirnetsand followedHim.19Going on a little farther, He saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat, mending their nets.…
Cross References Matthew 4:19-20“Come, follow Me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” / And at once they left their nets and followed Him.
Luke 5:10-11and 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.” / And when they had brought their boats ashore, they left everything and followed Him.
John 1:35-42The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. / When he saw Jesus walking by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!” / And when the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. ...
Matthew 19:27“Look,” Peter replied, “we have left everything to follow You. What then will there be for us?”
John 21:15-19When they had finished eating, Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love Me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he answered, “You know I love You.” Jesus replied, “Feed My lambs.” / Jesus asked a second time, “Simon son of John, do you love Me?” “Yes, Lord,” he answered, “You know I love You.” Jesus told him, “Shepherd My sheep.” / Jesus asked a third time, “Simon son of John, do you love Me?” Peter was deeply hurt that Jesus had asked him a third time, “Do you love Me?” “Lord, You know all things,” he replied. “You know I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep. ...
Acts 2:37-41When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and asked Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” / 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. / This promise belongs to you and your children and to all who are far off—to all whom the Lord our God will call to Himself.” ...
Matthew 9:9As Jesus went on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax booth. “Follow Me,” He told him, and Matthew got up and followed Him.
Luke 18:28“Look,” said Peter, “we have left all we had to follow You.”
John 12:26If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, My servant will be as well. If anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him.
Acts 9:20Saul promptly began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, declaring, “He is the Son of God.”
1 Kings 19:19-21So Elijah departed and found Elisha son of Shaphat. He was plowing with twelve teams of oxen, and he was with the twelfth team. Elijah passed by him and threw his cloak around him. / So Elisha left the oxen, ran after Elijah, and said, “Please let me kiss my father and mother goodbye, and then I will follow you.” “Go on back,” Elijah replied, “for what have I done to you?” / So Elisha turned back from him, took his pair of oxen, and slaughtered them. Using the oxen’s equipment for fuel, he cooked the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out to follow and serve Elijah.
Genesis 12:1-4Then the LORD said to Abram, “Leave your country, your kindred, and your father’s household, and go to the land I will show you. / I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. / I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you; and all the families of the earth will be blessed through you.” ...
Exodus 3:10-12Therefore, go! I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring My people the Israelites out of Egypt.” / But Moses asked God, “Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” / “I will surely be with you,” God said, “and this will be the sign to you that I have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, all of you will worship God on this mountain.”
Isaiah 6:8Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying: “Whom shall I send? Who will go for Us?” And I said: “Here am I. Send me!”
Jeremiah 1:4-8The word of the LORD came to me, saying: / “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” / “Ah, Lord GOD,” I said, “I surely do not know how to speak, for I am only a child!” ...
Treasury of Scripture And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him. forsook. Mark 10:28-31 Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee… Matthew 19:27-30 Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore? … Luke 5:11 And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him. Jump to Previous FollowedForsookImmediatelyLeavingNetsOnceStraightStraightwayTrawl-NetsJump to Next FollowedForsookImmediatelyLeavingNetsOnceStraightStraightwayTrawl-NetsMark 1 1.The office of John the Baptist.9.Jesus is baptized;12.tempted;14.he preaches;16.calls Peter, Andrew, James, and John;23.heals one that had a demon;29.Peter's mother in law;32.many diseased persons;40.and cleanses the leper.And at onceThe immediacy of the disciples' response highlights the urgency and authority of Jesus' call. This phrase underscores the decisive nature of true discipleship, which requires prompt obedience. In the cultural context of the time, leaving one's occupation without hesitation was a significant act, indicating the compelling nature of Jesus' presence and message. This immediate response is a recurring theme in Mark's Gospel, emphasizing action and the breaking in of God's kingdom. they left their nets
The nets symbolize the disciples' livelihood and former way of life. By leaving their nets, Simon and Andrew demonstrate a willingness to abandon their previous identities and securities to embrace a new mission. This act of leaving behind their profession as fishermen is symbolic of the call to leave behind worldly attachments to follow Christ. In a broader biblical context, this mirrors the call of Elisha, who left his oxen to follow Elijah (1 Kings 19:19-21), signifying a complete commitment to God's call. and followed Him
Following Jesus implies a radical reorientation of life. In the first-century Jewish context, discipleship involved not just learning from a teacher but also living in close relationship with them, adopting their way of life. This phrase indicates a personal commitment to Jesus, aligning with the broader biblical theme of following God’s chosen leaders, as seen with figures like Moses and Joshua. The act of following Jesus is a precursor to the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20), where the disciples are later sent to make followers of all nations. This following is not just physical but spiritual, indicating a transformation and alignment with Jesus' mission and purpose. Persons / Places / Events 1. Simon Peter and AndrewThese two brothers were fishermen by trade. They are the first disciples called by Jesus in the Gospel of Mark. Their immediate response to Jesus' call is a significant act of faith and obedience. 2. The Sea of GalileeThis is the location where Jesus called Simon Peter and Andrew. It was a hub of fishing activity and a central place in Jesus' early ministry. 3. JesusThe central figure in this passage, Jesus calls Simon Peter and Andrew to follow Him, initiating His ministry and the formation of His group of disciples. 4. The Call to DiscipleshipThis event marks the beginning of Jesus' public ministry and the calling of His first disciples, setting the stage for His teachings and miracles. 5. The Act of LeavingThe immediate action of leaving their nets symbolizes a radical commitment and willingness to abandon their former lives for the sake of following Jesus. Teaching Points Immediate ObedienceThe disciples' response to Jesus' call was immediate. As believers, we are called to respond promptly to God's direction in our lives. Sacrificial CommitmentFollowing Jesus often requires leaving behind our comfort zones and previous priorities. True discipleship involves a willingness to sacrifice for the sake of Christ. Faith in ActionThe act of leaving their nets demonstrates faith in action. Our faith should be evident in our willingness to follow Jesus, even when it requires significant changes. Trust in Jesus' LeadershipThe disciples trusted Jesus enough to leave their livelihoods. We are called to trust in Jesus' guidance and provision as we follow Him. The Call to EvangelismJust as the disciples were called to be "fishers of men," we are called to share the Gospel and make disciples, participating in Jesus' mission. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Mark 1:18?
2.How does Mark 1:18 demonstrate immediate obedience to Jesus' call in our lives?
3.What can we learn from the disciples' response about prioritizing Jesus over worldly pursuits?
4.How does Mark 1:18 connect with Matthew 4:19-20 on following Jesus?
5.In what ways can we "leave our nets" to follow Christ today?
6.How does the disciples' action in Mark 1:18 inspire your faith journey?
7.What does Mark 1:18 reveal about the nature of discipleship?
8.How does Mark 1:18 challenge modern views on commitment and sacrifice?
9.Why did the disciples immediately follow Jesus in Mark 1:18?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Mark 1?
11.Why does Mark frequently use 'immediately'?
12.Why does Mark frequently use "immediately"?
13.In Luke 5:27–28, why would a tax collector immediately abandon a lucrative profession at Jesus’ brief invitation with no apparent hesitation?
14.Does Mark 1:16-20 accurately depict fishermen suddenly abandoning their livelihoods to follow Jesus, or is this detail historically implausible?What Does Mark 1:18 Mean And at once• “And at once” (Mark 1:18) shows immediate obedience. The call of Jesus does not invite delay; it calls for decisive action. • Scripture consistently highlights the blessing of prompt response—seePsalm 119:60, “I hurried and did not delay to keep Your commandments,” andMark 1:20, where James and John respond “without delay.” • The urgency underscores Christ’s authority. When He speaks, His word carries weight much likeGenesis 1:3, where God speaks and light appears. The disciples’ instant reaction affirms the divine power behind Jesus’ call.
they left their nets• Nets represent livelihood, identity, and security. To “leave” them is to relinquish self-reliance in favor of total dependence on the Lord. •Luke 5:11 parallels this moment: “They pulled their boats up on shore, left everything, and followed Him.” Peter later echoes this inMatthew 19:27, “We have left everything to follow You!” • The act fulfills Jesus’ call inLuke 14:33: “Any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be My disciple.” Forsaking the nets pictures repentance—turning from old priorities to God’s will.
and followed Him• Discipleship is more than leaving something; it’s moving toward Someone. “Followed Him” conveys ongoing relationship and obedience (John 10:27: “My sheep listen to My voice... and they follow Me”). • Following entails learning (Matthew 11:29), service (John 12:26), and sacrifice (Mark 8:34). The path centers on Christ Himself, not merely on teachings or miracles. • By walking behind Jesus, the disciples enter His mission to become “fishers of men” (Mark 1:17). Their physical steps illustrate the spiritual journey of every believer (2 Corinthians 5:15).
summaryMark 1:18 reveals the heart of true discipleship: immediate, wholehearted surrender to Jesus’ authority, the forsaking of former securities, and a committed, ongoing walk with Him. The verse calls every believer to the same responsive faith that puts Christ first and follows wherever He leads.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek Andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.at onceεὐθὺς(euthys)Adverb
Strong's 2112:Immediately, soon, at once. Adverb from euthus; directly, i.e. At once or soon.they leftἀφέντες(aphentes)Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 863:From apo and hiemi; to send forth, in various applications.[their]τὰ(ta)Article - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.netsδίκτυα(diktya)Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 1350:A fishing-net. Probably from a primary verb diko; a seine.[and] followedἠκολούθησαν(ēkolouthēsan)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 190:To accompany, attend, follow. Properly, to be in the same way with, i.e. To accompany.Him.αὐτῷ(autō)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.
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NT Gospels: Mark 1:18 Immediately they left their nets and followed (Mar Mk Mr) |
