What Does Mark 1:20 Mean in the King James?

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

Mark 1:20 · KJV

The analysis reads the King James wording.

King James Version The King James Version, first published in 1611. Selah Verse shows the standard text.

This verse in the Selah Decoded Version

THE KEY

The same Greek verb that can mean “forgive” names their leaving: following begins as a release.

THE MEANING

The call meets you in the middle of ordinary work, while family bonds and responsibilities remain visible. It moves the brothers at once: they leave their father in the boat, where hired workers remain with him.

THE ROOT

ἀφῆκαν

aphēkan

GROWS FROM

⁨ἀφίημι⁩ (apó + hiēmi)

Send away; let go; release.

The verb behind “left” is ⁨ἀφίημι⁩ (aphiēmi), whose range includes leaving, sending away, and forgiving or releasing. English separates departure from forgiveness, while the shared verb holds both in the image of letting go; here, that release is literal.

ALSO GROWS

aphiēmi: A verb for leaving or letting something go; it can also mean forgive.

ἀφίημι

The brothers’ departure is expressed with the same verb that can describe releasing an offense.

aphesis: A noun meaning release or forgiveness.

ἄφεσις

This related word makes the link between departure and forgiveness visible: both carry the sense of release.

THE PATTERN

A call becomes visible in the movement it sets in motion away from familiar ties.

Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee:

Genesis 12:1 · KJVAbram’s call takes shape as a departure from country, kin, and his father’s house.

And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him.

Mark 1:18 · KJVThe call draws the fishermen away from their nets and into following.

By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.

Hebrews 11:8 · KJVAbraham’s call moves him out before the destination is known.

THE THREAD

Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.

Luke 17:3 · KJV

The Greek verb translated “left” here is ⁨ἀφίημι⁩ (aphiēmi), the same verb translated “forgive” in Luke 17:3. One verb holds literal departure and the release of an offense together, without making those acts identical.

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