Keraia
Mark 2

Mark 2:17

Jesus Calls Levi · Mark 2:13–17
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Translations

Modern
On hearing this, Jesus told them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Traditional
When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
Literal
And Jesus, having heard, says to them, “Those being strong have no need of a physician, rather those being ill. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Latin
Hoc audito Jesus ait illis: Non necesse habent sani medico, sed qui male habent: non enim veni vocare justos, sed peccatores.

Interlinear

Greek
English
On hearing this, Jesus told them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

Notes

Mark 2:17

Jesus answered his opponents with a well-known proverb. He compared himself to a doctor and sinners to sick people. Salvation is for those who know they are sinners, not for those who think they are righteous (Luke 16:15; 18:9; Romans 3:23).

Mark 2:13–17

This controversy is about Jesus spending time with sinners who had a bad reputation, such as tax collectors, and eating with them.

Mark 2:1–3:6

Five controversy stories (2:1–12, 13–17, 18–22, 23–28; 3:1–6) are grouped together because they share a common theme. Each story shows a conflict between Jesus and the religious leaders. In these accounts, Jesus says or does things that challenge their beliefs and practices. These stories show the great authority that Jesus has.

Theme notes and profiles

Matthew (Levi)

Events

Parallels

Matthew 9:9–13 Luke 5:27–32

People

Jesus: The Son of God and Savior of the world

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Gospel Judaism Mark, Gospel of Miracle Physician Scribe Sin

Topics

Doctors Irony: Jesus to the Pharisees Jesus, the Christ: Eats with Tax Collectors and Sinners, and Discourses on Fasting (Capernaum) Jesus, the Christ: Mission of Keeping Company with Sinners Physician: Proverbs About Repentance: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Salvation: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Sinners