Mark 1:14-15 in Different Bible Translations:
NIV (New International Version):
“After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. ‘The time has come,’ he said. ‘The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!'”
ESV (English Standard Version):
“Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.'”
KJV (King James Version):
“Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.'”
Greek (SBLGNT):
“Μετὰ δὲ τὸ παραδοθῆναι τὸν Ἰωάννην ἦλθεν ὁ Ἰησοῦς εἰς τὴν Γαλιλαίαν κηρύσσων τὸ εὐαγγέλιον τοῦ Θεοῦ, καὶ λέγων ὅτι Πεπλήρωται ὁ καιρὸς καὶ ἤγγικεν ἡ βασιλεία τοῦ Θεοῦ· μετανοεῖτε καὶ πιστεύετε ἐν τῷ εὐαγγελίῳ.”
Word Studies from the Greek
- Καιρός (Kairos) – “The Time”
- Greek Text: Πεπλήρωται ὁ καιρὸς
- Meaning: Kairos is one of two Greek words for “time” (the other is chronos). While chronos refers to chronological or sequential time, kairos refers to a specific, appointed moment or an opportune time. In Mark 1:15, Jesus is proclaiming that the right or critical moment in God’s plan has arrived. It’s a concept of “God’s timing” that points to a significant moment of action, not just a random time.
- Deeper Insight: The use of kairos suggests a divine appointment or fulfillment of prophecy. It speaks of the “decisive moment” in history where God’s intervention in the world is breaking forth. This adds weight to Jesus’ proclamation, emphasizing that what He is announcing is not just another event but the culmination of God’s plan.
- Μετανοεῖτε (Metanoeite) – “Repent”
- Greek Text: μετανοεῖτε
- Meaning: This verb comes from metanoia, which is a compound of meta (after or beyond) and noeo (to think). Metanoeite means “to change one’s mind” or “to change one’s way of thinking.” It involves more than just feeling regret for past sins; it indicates a transformative change in thought and behavior.
- Deeper Insight: In the context of Mark 1:15, Jesus is calling for a radical reorientation of life, thoughts, and actions toward God’s kingdom. Repentance is not just a sorrowful response but an active turning towards something new—specifically, the kingdom of God. It’s an invitation to realign one’s entire life under the rule of God.
- Πιστεύετε (Pisteuete) – “Believe”
- Greek Text: πιστεύετε
- Meaning: From the root pistis (faith), this verb means “to believe” or “to trust.” It implies not merely intellectual assent but a deep trust and reliance upon something or someone. In this context, Jesus is calling people to trust in the good news (gospel) of God’s kingdom.
- Deeper Insight: The belief that Jesus is referring to here is active and relational, not just acknowledging facts but placing trust in the message of the gospel. This kind of belief requires commitment and loyalty, shaping how a person lives in response to the truth of the kingdom.
- Εὐαγγέλιον (Euangelion) – “Good News” or “Gospel”
- Greek Text: εὐαγγέλιον
- Meaning: This word, from which we get “evangelism,” means “good news” or “good tidings.” It was often used in the ancient world to describe the announcement of a new king or the proclamation of victory in battle.
- Deeper Insight: In the biblical context, euangelion refers to the announcement of the coming kingdom of God and the salvation that comes through Jesus. The use of this term in the Roman context would have resonated strongly, as it was often associated with imperial decrees. Here, it signifies the coming of a new kind of reign—God’s reign—brought through Jesus, which surpasses any earthly power or authority.
- Βασιλεία (Basileia) – “Kingdom”
- Greek Text: βασιλεία τοῦ Θεοῦ
- Meaning: Basileia refers to “kingdom” or “reign.” It can denote both the physical realm of a king’s rule and the authority and power of that rule. In the New Testament, it often points to God’s sovereign rule over all creation, inaugurated by the coming of Jesus.
- Deeper Insight: Jesus’ proclamation that the basileia of God has come near refers not just to a future reality but to the present arrival of God’s reign through His own ministry. The kingdom is both “already” here in Jesus’ presence and “not yet” fully realized, inviting people to enter into God’s rule now by following Him.
Conclusion:
The words Jesus uses in Mark 1:14-15 carry deep theological significance. Words like kairos emphasize the appointed timing of God’s intervention in human history, while metanoeite and pisteuete call for a transformative response. These terms, along with basileia and euangelion, highlight the radical nature of Jesus’ message: the kingdom of God is not just a future hope but a present reality that demands both a change in allegiance and trust in the “good news” that God’s reign has come.
