Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. New Living Translation His clothes were woven from coarse camel hair, and he wore a leather belt around his waist. For food he ate locusts and wild honey. English Standard Version Now John was clothed with camel’s hair and wore a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey. Berean Standard Bible John was clothed in camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. Berean Literal Bible And John was clothed in camel's hair and a belt of leather around his waist; and he is eating locusts and wild honey. King James Bible And John was clothed with camel's hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins; and he did eat locusts and wild honey; New King James Version Now John was clothed with camel’s hair and with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. New American Standard Bible John was clothed with camel’s hair and wore a leather belt around his waist, and his diet was locusts and wild honey. NASB 1995 John was clothed with camel’s hair and wore a leather belt around his waist, and his diet was locusts and wild honey. NASB 1977 And John was clothed with camel’s hair and wore a leather belt around his waist, and his diet was locusts and wild honey. Legacy Standard Bible And John was clothed with camel’s hair and wore a leather belt around his waist and was eating locusts and wild honey. Amplified Bible John wore clothing made of camel’s hair and had a [wide] leather band around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. Christian Standard Bible John wore a camel-hair garment with a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey. Holman Christian Standard Bible John wore a camel-hair garment with a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey. American Standard Version And John was clothed with camel's hair, and had a leathern girdle about his loins, and did eat locusts and wild honey. Contemporary English Version John wore clothes made of camel's hair. He had a leather strap around his waist and ate grasshoppers and wild honey. English Revised Version And John was clothed with camel's hair, and had a leathern girdle about his loins, and did eat locusts and wild honey. GOD'S WORD® Translation John was dressed in clothes made from camel's hair. He wore a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey. Good News Translation John wore clothes made of camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. International Standard Version Now John was dressed in camel's hair with a leather belt around his waist. He ate grasshoppers and wild honey. NET Bible John wore a garment made of camel's hair with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. New Heart English Bible And John was clothed with camel's hair and a leather belt around his waist. He ate locusts and wild honey. Webster's Bible Translation And John was clothed with camels hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins; and he ate locusts and wild honey; Weymouth New Testament As for John, his garment was of camel's hair, and he wore a loincloth of leather; and his food was locusts and wild honey. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleJohn was clothed in camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. World English Bible John was clothed with camel’s hair and a leather belt around his waist. He ate locusts and wild honey. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd John was clothed with camel’s hair, and a girdle of skin around his loins, and eating locusts and honey of the field, Berean Literal Bible And John was clothed in camel's hair and a belt of leather around his waist; and he is eating locusts and wild honey. Young's Literal Translation And John was clothed with camel's hair, and a girdle of skin around his loins, and eating locusts and honey of the field, Smith's Literal Translation And John was dressed in camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and eating locusts and wild honey; Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd John was clothed with camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and he ate locusts and wild honey. Catholic Public Domain Version And John was clothed with camel’s hair and with a leather belt around his waist. And he ate locusts and wild honey. New American Bible John was clothed in camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. He fed on locusts and wild honey. New Revised Standard Version Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleJohn wore a dress of camel’s hair, with a girdle of leather fastened around his loins; and his food was locusts and wild honey. Aramaic Bible in Plain English But the same Yohannan was clothed with clothing of hair of the camel and he was bound with a belt of leather at his waist and his food was locusts and honey of the field. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentAnd John was clothed with camel's hair, and had a girdle of leather around his loins, and he ate locusts and wild honey: Godbey New Testament And John was clothed with camel's hair and a leathern girdle about his loins, and eating locusts and wild honey; Haweis New Testament Now John was clothed with a camel’s hair garment, and a girdle of leather about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey. Mace New Testament now John was clothed with camels hair, with a leathern girdle about his waist: and his food was locusts and wild honey. Weymouth New Testament As for John, his garment was of camel's hair, and he wore a loincloth of leather; and his food was locusts and wild honey. Worrell New Testament And John was clothed with camel's hair, and had a leathern girdle about his loins, and ate locusts and wild honey. Worsley New Testament And John was clothed with camels hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins, and he lived upon locusts and wild honey: and he preached, Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Mission of John the Baptist…5People went out to him from all of Jerusalem and the countryside of Judea. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. 6 John was clothed in camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. 7And he began to proclaim: “After me will come One more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie.… Cross References Matthew 3:4 John wore a garment of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. 2 Kings 1:8 “He was a hairy man,” they answered, “with a leather belt around his waist.” “It was Elijah the Tishbite,” said the king. Leviticus 11:22 Of these you may eat any kind of locust, katydid, cricket, or grasshopper. Zechariah 13:4 And on that day every prophet who prophesies will be ashamed of his vision, and he will not put on a hairy cloak in order to deceive. Malachi 4:5 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and awesome Day of the LORD. Matthew 11:8-10 Otherwise, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? Look, those who wear fine clothing are found in kings’ palaces. / What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. / This is the one about whom it is written: ‘Behold, I will send My messenger ahead of You, who will prepare Your way before You.’ Luke 7:24-27 After John’s messengers had left, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swaying in the wind? / Otherwise, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? Look, those who wear elegant clothing and live in luxury are found in palaces. / What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. ... John 1:19-23 And this was John’s testimony when the Jews of Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him, “Who are you?” / He did not refuse to confess, but openly declared, “I am not the Christ.” / “Then who are you?” they inquired. “Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.” ... John 3:27-30 John replied, “A man can receive only what is given him from heaven. / You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but am sent ahead of Him.’ / The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom stands and listens for him, and is overjoyed to hear the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. ... Acts 13:24-25 Before the arrival of Jesus, John preached a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. / As John was completing his course, he said, ‘Who do you suppose I am? I am not that One. But there is One coming after me whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.’ Isaiah 40:3 A voice of one calling: “Prepare the way for the LORD in the wilderness; make a straight highway for our God in the desert. 1 Kings 18:4 for when Jezebel had slaughtered the prophets of the LORD, Obadiah had taken a hundred prophets and hidden them, fifty men per cave, providing them with food and water.) 2 Kings 2:8 And Elijah took his cloak, rolled it up, and struck the waters, which parted to the right and to the left, so that the two of them crossed over on dry ground. 2 Kings 2:13-14 Elisha also picked up the cloak that had fallen from Elijah, and he went back and stood on the bank of the Jordan. / Then he took the cloak of Elijah that had fallen from him and struck the waters. “Where now is the LORD, the God of Elijah?” he asked. And when he had struck the waters, they parted to the right and to the left, and Elisha crossed over. Hebrews 11:37-38 They were stoned, they were sawed in two, they were put to death by the sword. They went around in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, oppressed, and mistreated. / The world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and hid in caves and holes in the ground. Treasury of Scripture And John was clothed with camel's hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins; and he did eat locusts and wild honey; clothed. 2 Kings 1:8 And they answered him, He was an hairy man, and girt with a girdle of leather about his loins. And he said, It is Elijah the Tishbite. Zechariah 13:4 And it shall come to pass in that day, that the prophets shall be ashamed every one of his vision, when he hath prophesied; neither shall they wear a rough garment to deceive: Matthew 3:4 And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey. eat. Leviticus 11:22 Even these of them ye may eat; the locust after his kind, and the bald locust after his kind, and the beetle after his kind, and the grasshopper after his kind. Jump to Previous Ate Band Belt Camels Camel's Clothed Clothing Diet Eat Eating Field Food Garment Girdle Hair Honey John Leather Loincloth Skin Waist Wild WoreJump to Next Ate Band Belt Camels Camel's Clothed Clothing Diet Eat Eating Field Food Garment Girdle Hair Honey John Leather Loincloth Skin Waist Wild WoreMark 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. John was clothed in camel’s hair John the Baptist's clothing of camel's hair is significant as it reflects the attire of a prophet, reminiscent of Elijah, who is described similarly in 2 Kings 1:8. This connection to Elijah is important because John is seen as the forerunner to Christ, fulfilling the prophecy in Malachi 4:5-6 about Elijah's return before the "great and dreadful day of the Lord." Camel's hair was a coarse material, symbolizing John's ascetic lifestyle and his separation from worldly comforts, emphasizing his role as a prophet calling for repentance. with a leather belt around his waist His food was locusts and wild honey Persons / Places / Events 1. John the BaptistA prophetic figure who prepared the way for Jesus Christ. Known for his ascetic lifestyle and powerful preaching of repentance. 2. Camel’s Hair The material of John’s clothing, symbolizing simplicity and a prophetic connection to Elijah, who also wore similar attire. 3. Leather Belt A practical accessory for John’s clothing, further linking him to the prophet Elijah, who is described similarly in the Old Testament. 4. Locusts Part of John’s diet, permissible under Jewish law, representing his reliance on God’s provision in the wilderness. 5. Wild Honey Another component of John’s diet, symbolizing sustenance from God and a life lived in harmony with nature. Teaching Points Simplicity and FocusJohn’s lifestyle teaches us the value of simplicity and focus on God’s mission. In a world full of distractions, we are called to prioritize spiritual over material wealth. Prophetic Identity John’s attire and diet connect him to the prophets of old, reminding us of the importance of understanding our spiritual heritage and identity in Christ. Dependence on God By relying on locusts and wild honey, John exemplifies trust in God’s provision. We are encouraged to trust God for our needs, even in challenging circumstances. Preparation for Christ John’s role was to prepare the way for Jesus. We, too, are called to prepare our hearts and the hearts of others for Christ’s work in our lives. Counter-Cultural Living John’s life was counter-cultural, challenging societal norms. As Christians, we are often called to live differently from the world, reflecting God’s values. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Mark 1:6?2. How does John’s attire in Mark 1:6 reflect his prophetic role? 3. What significance does John’s diet have for his ministry and message? 4. How can we emulate John’s humility and simplicity in our daily lives? 5. How does Mark 1:6 connect with Old Testament prophets like Elijah? 6. What lessons can we learn from John’s lifestyle for our spiritual discipline? 7. Why did John the Baptist wear camel's hair and a leather belt in Mark 1:6? 8. What is the significance of John eating locusts and wild honey in Mark 1:6? 9. How does John the Baptist's lifestyle in Mark 1:6 reflect his prophetic role? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Mark 1? 11. Who was John the Baptist and what was his role? 12. Is John’s attire of camel hair and his diet of locusts and wild honey historically realistic, or does it contradict local cultural practices? (Matthew 3:4) 13. What is the connection between John the Baptist and Elijah? 14. What does the Bible say about minimalism vs. maximalism? What Does Mark 1:6 Mean Clothed in camel’s hair– Mark immediately paints the prophet as unmistakably counter-cultural. John’s rough garment is literal, but it also signals: • Continuity with Elijah, who “was a hairy man… with a leather belt girded around his waist” (2 Kings 1:8). Malachi 4:5 and Luke 1:17 connect that Elijah-like appearance with the promised forerunner of Messiah. • A rejection of the soft fabrics worn in royal courts (Matthew 11:8). John’s clothing shouts humility, separation from worldly luxury, and total devotion to his calling. • Prophetic authenticity: Zechariah 13:4 mentions the “hairy cloak” once typical of true prophets. John’s attire quietly announces, “God has spoken—I’m here on His business.” A leather belt around his waist – The belt is more than a fashion detail: • Practically, it cinched the loose camel-hair garment, freeing John to move quickly through the rugged Judean wilderness. • Spiritually, it pictures readiness and truthfulness. Just as soldiers “stand firm… with the belt of truth buckled” (Ephesians 6:14), John stands for uncompromising truth, calling Israel to repent. • In Scripture, to “gird up” often means to prepare for action (1 Peter 1:13). John’s belt says he is alert, prepared, and single-minded about the coming King. His food was locusts – The text means exactly what it says. John ate the large, protein-rich insects common to the region. • Locusts are specifically listed among the creatures God declared clean and edible (Leviticus 11:22). John’s diet was both lawful and simple. • His choice of food underlines a life free from earthly indulgence, matching the Nazarite-like call announced before his birth: “He is never to take wine or strong drink” (Luke 1:15). • Eating what the wilderness readily provided freed John to focus entirely on preaching, showing that God sustains those who seek His kingdom first (Matthew 6:33). And wild honey – Wild honey balanced the starkness of locusts, offering natural sweetness and energy: • Scripture often links honey with God’s generous provision (Exodus 16:31; Psalm 81:16). Even in barren places, the Lord supplied what His servant needed. • The combination of locusts and honey underscores how God’s creation can fully sustain His people when they obey His call. • Honey also reminds us of the promised “land flowing with milk and honey,” hinting that John’s message is the doorway to covenant blessing for those who repent. summary In one vivid sentence, Mark shows us a prophet who looks, lives, and eats differently because he belongs entirely to God. John’s camel-hair cloak and leather belt tie him to Elijah and mark him as an authentic messenger. His austere diet of locusts and wild honey proclaims reliance on the Lord’s provision and rejection of worldly comforts. Taken together, these details reveal a life that backs up the message: “Prepare the way for the Lord.” (6) And John was clothed. . . .--See Note on Matthew 3:4.Verse 6. - Clothed with camel's hair. This was a rough, coarse garment, characteristic of the doctrine which John taught, namely, penitence and contempt of the world. Camels abounded in Syria. And a leathern girdle about his loins. Not only the prophets, but the Jews and the inhabitants of Syria generally, used a girdle to keep the long flowing garment more closely about them, so as to leave them more free for journeying or for labour. Thus our Lord says (Luke 12:35), "Let your loins be girded about, and your lamps burning." And he did eat locusts and wild honey. The insect called the locust (ἀκρὶς) was permitted to be eaten (see Leviticus 11:22). It was used as food by the common people in Judaea. The Arabs eat them to this day; but they are considered as a common and inferior kind of food. They are a sign of temperance, poverty, and penitence. The wild honey (μέλι ἄγριον) was simply honey made by wild bees, either in the trees or in the hollows of the rocks. Isidorus says that it was of an inferior flavour. Both these kinds of food were consistent with the austere life and the solemn preaching of the Baptist.Parallel Commentaries ... Greek JohnἸωάννης (Iōannēs) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 2491: Of Hebrew origin; Joannes, the name of four Israelites. was ἦν (ēn) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. clothed in ἐνδεδυμένος (endedymenos) Verb - Perfect Participle Middle - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 1746: To put on, clothe (another). From en and duno; to invest with clothing. camel’s καμήλου (kamēlou) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular Strong's 2574: A camel or dromedary. Of Hebrew origin; a 'camel'. hair, τρίχας (trichas) Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural Strong's 2359: Hair (of the head or of animals). Genitive case trichos, etc. of uncertain derivation; hair. with καὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. a leather δερματίνην (dermatinēn) Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular Strong's 1193: Made of hide, leathern. From derma; made of hide. belt ζώνην (zōnēn) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular Strong's 2223: Probably akin to the base of zugos; a belt; by implication, a pocket. around περὶ (peri) Preposition Strong's 4012: From the base of peran; properly, through, i.e. Around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time. his 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. waist. ὀσφὺν (osphyn) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular Strong's 3751: The loins. Of uncertain affinity; the loin, i.e. The hip; internally procreative power. His food was ἔσθων (esthōn) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 2068: Strengthened for a primary edo; used only in certain tenses, the rest being supplied by phago; to eat. locusts ἀκρίδας (akridas) Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural Strong's 200: A locust. Apparently from the same as akron; a locust. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. wild ἄγριον (agrion) Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular Strong's 66: Wild, fierce. From agros; wild, literally or figuratively. honey. μέλι (meli) Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular Strong's 3192: Honey. Apparently a primary word; honey. Links Mark 1:6 NIVMark 1:6 NLT Mark 1:6 ESV Mark 1:6 NASB Mark 1:6 KJV Mark 1:6 BibleApps.com Mark 1:6 Biblia Paralela Mark 1:6 Chinese Bible Mark 1:6 French Bible Mark 1:6 Catholic Bible NT Gospels: Mark 1:6 John was clothed with camel's hair (Mar Mk Mr) |
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