Mark 1:20
New International Version
Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.

New Living Translation
He called them at once, and they also followed him, leaving their father, Zebedee, in the boat with the hired men.

English Standard Version
And immediately he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants and followed him.

Berean Standard Bible
Immediately Jesus called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed Him.

Berean Literal Bible
And immediately He called them, and having left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants, they went away after Him.

King James Bible
And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants, and went after him.

New King James Version
And immediately He called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants, and went after Him.

New American Standard Bible
Immediately He called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and went away to follow Him.

NASB 1995
Immediately He called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants, and went away to follow Him.

NASB 1977
And immediately He called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants, and went away to follow Him.

Legacy Standard Bible
And immediately He called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants, and went away to follow Him.

Amplified Bible
Immediately Jesus called to them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired workers, and went away to follow Him [becoming His disciples, believing and trusting in Him and following His example].

Christian Standard Bible
Immediately he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Immediately He called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed Him.

American Standard Version
And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants, and went after him.

Contemporary English Version
At once Jesus asked them to come with him. They left their father in the boat with the hired workers and went with him.

English Revised Version
And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants, and went after him.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
He immediately called them, and they left their father Zebedee and the hired men in the boat and followed Jesus.

Good News Translation
As soon as Jesus saw them, he called them; they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and went with Jesus.

International Standard Version
He immediately called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.

Majority Standard Bible
Immediately Jesus called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed Him.

NET Bible
Immediately he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.

New Heart English Bible
And immediately he called them, and they left their father, Zebedee, in the boat with the hired servants, and went after him.

Webster's Bible Translation
And immediately he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants, and went after him.

Weymouth New Testament
They therefore left their father Zabdi in the boat with the hired men, and went and followed Him.

World English Bible
Immediately he called them, and they left their father, Zebedee, in the boat with the hired servants, and went after him.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and immediately He called them, and having left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants, they went away after Him.

Berean Literal Bible
And immediately He called them, and having left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants, they went away after Him.

Young's Literal Translation
and immediately he called them, and, having left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants, they went away after him.

Smith's Literal Translation
And quickly he called them: and having left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hirelings; they went after him.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And forthwith he called them. And leaving their father Zebedee in the ship with his hired men, they followed him.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And immediately he called them. And leaving behind their father Zebedee in the boat with his hired hands, they followed him.

New American Bible
Then he called them. So they left their father Zebedee in the boat along with the hired men and followed him.

New Revised Standard Version
Immediately he called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and followed him.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And he called them; and immediately they left their father Zebedee with the hired men, and went after him.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And he called them and at once they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants and they went after him.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And he immediately called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants, and went after him.

Godbey New Testament
and immediately He called them. And having left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired hands, they departed after Him.

Haweis New Testament
And immediately he called them: and leaving their father Zebedee in the vessel with the hirelings, they went after him.

Mace New Testament
and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the people he had hired, and went after him.

Weymouth New Testament
They therefore left their father Zabdi in the boat with the hired men, and went and followed Him.

Worrell New Testament
And straightway He called them; and leaving their father Zebedee in the boat, with the hired servants, they went away after Him.

Worsley New Testament
and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the men he had hired, and went along with Him.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The First Disciples
19Going on a little farther, He saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat, mending their nets. 20 Immediately Jesus called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed Him. 21Then Jesus and His companions went to Capernaum, and right away Jesus entered the synagogue on the Sabbath and began to teach.…

Cross References
Matthew 4:21-22
Going on from there, He saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets. Jesus called them, / and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed Him.

Luke 5:10-11
and 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 1:35-42
The 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 21:2-3
Simon Peter, Thomas called Didymus, Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. / Simon Peter told them, “I am going fishing.” “We will go with you,” they said. So they went out and got into the boat, but caught nothing that night.

Acts 1:13
When they arrived, they went to the upper room where they were staying: Peter and John, James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James.

Matthew 10:2
These are the names of the twelve apostles: first Simon, called Peter, and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John;

Luke 6:14
Simon, whom He named Peter, and his brother Andrew; James and John; Philip and Bartholomew;

John 15:16
You did not choose Me, but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will remain—so that whatever you ask the Father in My name, He will give you.

Acts 4:13
When they saw the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they marveled and took note that these men had been with Jesus.

1 Corinthians 1:26-29
Brothers, consider the time of your calling: Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were powerful; not many were of noble birth. / But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. / He chose the lowly and despised things of the world, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are, ...

1 Kings 19:19-21
So 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.

Exodus 4:20
So Moses took his wife and sons, put them on a donkey, and headed back to Egypt. And he took the staff of God in his hand.

1 Samuel 10:2
When you leave me today, you will find two men at Rachel’s tomb in Zelzah on the border of Benjamin. They will say to you, ‘The donkeys you seek have been found, and now your father has stopped worrying about the donkeys and started worrying about you, asking, “What should I do about my son?”’

1 Samuel 16:11-12
And Samuel asked him, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse replied, “but he is tending the sheep.” “Send for him,” Samuel replied. “For we will not sit down to eat until he arrives.” / So Jesse sent for his youngest son and brought him in. He was ruddy, with beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance. And the LORD said, “Rise and anoint him, for he is the one.”


Treasury of Scripture

And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants, and went after him.

they left.

Mark 10:29
And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's,

Deuteronomy 33:9
Who said unto his father and to his mother, I have not seen him; neither did he acknowledge his brethren, nor knew his own children: for they have observed thy word, and kept thy covenant.

1 Kings 19:20
And he left the oxen, and ran after Elijah, and said, Let me, I pray thee, kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow thee. And he said unto him, Go back again: for what have I done to thee?

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Boat Delay Follow Followed Hired Immediately Leaving Servants Ship Straightway Zabdi Zebedee Zeb'edee
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Boat Delay Follow Followed Hired Immediately Leaving Servants Ship Straightway Zabdi Zebedee Zeb'edee
Mark 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.














Immediately Jesus called them
The word "immediately" (Greek: εὐθύς, euthys) is a hallmark of the Gospel of Mark, emphasizing the urgency and divine authority of Jesus' mission. This immediacy reflects the compelling nature of Jesus' call, which transcends ordinary human deliberation. In the context of first-century Judea, a rabbi calling disciples was not uncommon, but the immediacy with which Jesus calls and the response it elicits underscores His unique authority and the divine imperative of His mission.

and they left their father Zebedee in the boat
The act of leaving their father Zebedee signifies a radical commitment to Jesus. In Jewish culture, family ties were paramount, and the family business was often passed down through generations. By leaving their father, James and John demonstrate a willingness to prioritize their spiritual calling over familial and economic obligations. This act of leaving is reminiscent of the call of Elisha by Elijah (1 Kings 19:19-21), where Elisha leaves his oxen and family to follow the prophet, symbolizing a total dedication to God's call.

with the hired men
The mention of "hired men" indicates that Zebedee's fishing business was substantial enough to employ others, suggesting a level of affluence. This detail highlights the sacrifice James and John made in leaving not just their family but also a potentially prosperous future. It underscores the cost of discipleship, where following Jesus may require leaving behind material security and social status.

and followed Him
The phrase "followed Him" (Greek: ἀκολουθέω, akoloutheō) is central to the concept of discipleship in the New Testament. It implies more than just physical following; it denotes a commitment to learn from, emulate, and adhere to the teachings of Jesus. In the historical context, discipleship involved a close, personal relationship with the teacher, where the disciple would adopt the teacher's lifestyle and values. This call to follow is an invitation to participate in the Kingdom of God, requiring faith, obedience, and a willingness to embrace the unknown journey with Christ.

(20) With the hired servants.--Peculiar to this Gospel, and of some interest as throwing light on the relative social position of the sons of Zebedee.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Immediately
εὐθὺς (euthys)
Adverb
Strong's 2112: Immediately, soon, at once. Adverb from euthus; directly, i.e. At once or soon.

[Jesus] called
ἐκάλεσεν (ekalesen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2564: (a) I call, summon, invite, (b) I call, name. Akin to the base of keleuo; to 'call'.

them,
αὐτούς (autous)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Plural
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.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

leaving
ἀφέντες (aphentes)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 863: From apo and hiemi; to send forth, in various applications.

their
αὐτῶν (autōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Plural
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.

father
πατέρα (patera)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3962: Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a 'father'.

Zebedee
Ζεβεδαῖον (Zebedaion)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2199: Zebedee, father of the apostles James and John. Of Hebrew origin; Zebedaeus, an Israelite.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

the
τῷ (tō)
Article - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

boat
πλοίῳ (ploiō)
Noun - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4143: A ship, vessel, boat. From pleo; a sailer, i.e. Vessel.

with
μετὰ (meta)
Preposition
Strong's 3326: (a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives.

the
τῶν (tōn)
Article - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

hired men,
μισθωτῶν (misthōtōn)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3411: A hired servant, hireling. From misthoo; a wage-worker.

they followed
ἀπῆλθον (apēlthon)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 565: From apo and erchomai; to go off, aside or behind, literally or figuratively.

Him.
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 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 1:20 Immediately he called them and they left (Mar Mk Mr)
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