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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Mark 2:15 While Jesus was dining at Levi's house, many tax collectors and sinners were eating with Him and His disciples--for there were many who followed Him.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/mark/2-15.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/41_Mrk_02_15.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Mark 2:15 - The Calling of Levi" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="While Jesus was dining at Levi's house, many tax collectors and sinners were eating with Him and His disciples--for there were many who followed Him." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/mark/2-15.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/mark/2-15.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/mark/">Mark</a> > <a href="/mark/2.htm">Chapter 2</a> > Verse 15</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad15.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/mark/2-14.htm" title="Mark 2:14">◄</a> Mark 2:15 <a href="/mark/2-16.htm" title="Mark 2:16">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/mark/2.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/mark/2.htm">New International Version</a> While Jesus was having dinner at Levi&#8217s house, many tax collectors and sinners were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. <a href="/nlt/mark/2.htm">New Living Translation</a> Later, Levi invited Jesus and his disciples to his home as dinner guests, along with many tax collectors and other disreputable sinners. (There were many people of this kind among Jesus’ followers.) <a href="/esv/mark/2.htm">English Standard Version</a> And as he reclined at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners were reclining with Jesus and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. <a href="/bsb/mark/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> While Jesus was dining at Levi’s house, many tax collectors and sinners were eating with Him and His disciples—for there were many who followed Him. <a href="/blb/mark/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And it came to pass in His reclining in his house, that many tax collectors and sinners were reclining with Jesus and His disciples; for there were many, and they were following Him. <a href="/kjv/mark/2.htm">King James Bible</a> And it came to pass, that, as Jesus sat at meat in his house, many publicans and sinners sat also together with Jesus and his disciples: for there were many, and they followed him. <a href="/nkjv/mark/2.htm">New King James Version</a> Now it happened, as He was dining in Levi’s house, that many tax collectors and sinners also sat together with Jesus and His disciples; for there were many, and they followed Him. <a href="/nasb_/mark/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> And it happened that He was reclining at the table in his house, and many tax collectors and sinners were dining with Jesus and His disciples; for there were many of them, and they were following Him. <a href="/nasb/mark/2.htm">NASB 1995</a> And it happened that He was reclining at the table in his house, and many tax collectors and sinners were dining with Jesus and His disciples; for there were many of them, and they were following Him. <a href="/nasb77/mark/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And it came about that He was reclining at the table in his house, and many tax-gatherers and sinners were dining with Jesus and His disciples; for there were many of them, and they were following Him. <a href="/lsb/mark/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And it happened that as He was reclining at the table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners were reclining with Jesus and His disciples. For there were many of them, and they were following Him. <a href="/amp/mark/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a> And it happened that Jesus was reclining at the table in Levi’s house, and many tax collectors and sinners [including non-observant Jews] were eating with Him and His disciples; for there were many of them and they were following Him. <a href="/csb/mark/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> While he was reclining at the table in Levi’s house, many tax collectors and sinners were eating with Jesus and his disciples, for there were many who were following him. <a href="/hcsb/mark/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> While He was reclining at the table in Levi&#8217s house, many tax collectors and sinners were also guests with Jesus and His disciples, because there were many who were following Him. <a href="/asv/mark/2.htm">American Standard Version</a> And it came to pass, that he was sitting at meat in his house, and many publicans and sinners sat down with Jesus and his disciples: for there were many, and they followed him. <a href="/cev/mark/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Later, Jesus and his disciples were having dinner at Levi's house. Many tax collectors and other sinners had become followers of Jesus, and they were also guests at the dinner. <a href="/erv/mark/2.htm">English Revised Version</a> And it came to pass, that he was sitting at meat in his house, and many publicans and sinners sat down with Jesus and his disciples: for there were many, and they followed him. <a href="/gwt/mark/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Later Jesus was having dinner at Levi's house. Many tax collectors and sinners who were followers of Jesus were eating with him and his disciples. <a href="/gnt/mark/2.htm">Good News Translation</a> Later on Jesus was having a meal in Levi's house. A large number of tax collectors and other outcasts was following Jesus, and many of them joined him and his disciples at the table. <a href="/isv/mark/2.htm">International Standard Version</a> Later, he was having dinner at Levi's house. Many tax collectors and sinners were also eating with Jesus and his disciples, because there were many who were following him. <a href="/msb/mark/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> While Jesus was dining at Levi?s house, many tax collectors and sinners were eating with Him and His disciples?for there were many who followed Him. <a href="/net/mark/2.htm">NET Bible</a> As Jesus was having a meal in Levi's home, many tax collectors and sinners were eating with Jesus and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. <a href="/nheb/mark/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> It happened, that he was reclining at the table in his house, and many tax collectors and sinners sat down with Jesus and his disciples, for there were many, and they followed him. <a href="/wbt/mark/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And it came to pass, that as Jesus sat at table in his house, many publicans and sinners sat also together with Jesus and his disciples; for there were many, and they followed him. <a href="/wey/mark/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> When He was sitting at table in Levi's house, a large number of tax-gatherers and notorious sinners were at table with Jesus and His disciples; for there were many such who habitually followed Him. <a href="/web/mark/2.htm">World English Bible</a> He was reclining at the table in his house, and many tax collectors and sinners sat down with Jesus and his disciples, for there were many, and they followed him. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/mark/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And it came to pass, in His reclining in his house, that many tax collectors and sinners were dining with Jesus and His disciples, for there were many, and they followed Him. <a href="/blb/mark/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And it came to pass in His reclining in his house, that many tax collectors and sinners were reclining with Jesus and His disciples; for there were many, and they were following Him. <a href="/ylt/mark/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And it came to pass, in his reclining (at meat) in his house, that many tax-gatherers and sinners were reclining (at meat) with Jesus and his disciples, for there were many, and they followed him. <a href="/slt/mark/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And it was in his reclining at table in his house, and many publicans and sinful reclined together with Jesus and his disciples: for they were many, and they followed him.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/mark/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And it came to pass, that as he sat at meat in his house, many publicans and sinners sat down together with Jesus and his disciples. For they were many, who also followed him. <a href="/cpdv/mark/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And it happened that, as he sat at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners sat at table together with Jesus and his disciples. For those who followed him were many. <a href="/nabre/mark/2.htm">New American Bible</a> While he was at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners sat with Jesus and his disciples; for there were many who followed him. <a href="/nrsvce/mark/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> And as he sat at dinner in Levi’s house, many tax collectors and sinners were also sitting with Jesus and his disciples—for there were many who followed him.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/mark/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And it happened that while he was a guest at his house, a great many publicans and sinners were also guests with Jesus and his disciples; for there were many, and they followed him. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/mark/2.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And it was that as he reclined at supper in his house, there were many Tax Collectors and sinners reclining at supper with Yeshua and with his disciples, for many had come, and they were following him.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/mark/2.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> And it came to pass, as Jesus reclined at table in his house, that many publicans and sinners reclined with him and his disciples; for there were many, and they followed him. <a href="/godbey/mark/2.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> And it came to pass, while He was sitting at the table in his house, and many publicans and sinners were sitting along with Jesus and his disciples: for they were many, and they followed Him. <a href="/haweis/mark/2.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> And it came to pass, as he sat at table in his house, many publicans also, and sinners, sat down with Jesus and his disciples; for they were numerous, and they followed him. <a href="/mace/mark/2.htm">Mace New Testament</a> at length as Jesus sat at table in Levi's house, several publicans and loose people sat down likewise in company with Jesus, and his disciples: for a good number of them had followed him. <a href="/wey/mark/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> When He was sitting at table in Levi's house, a large number of tax-gatherers and notorious sinners were at table with Jesus and His disciples; for there were many such who habitually followed Him. <a href="/worrell/mark/2.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> And it comes to pass that He reclines at table in his house, and many tax-collectors and sinners recline with Him and His disciples; for there were many, and they were following Him. <a href="/worsley/mark/2.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> And as He sat at table in his house, many publicans and sinners also sat down with Jesus and his disciples: for there were many, and they followed Him. <a href="/parallel/mark/2-15.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DmwDTC71zvQ?start=475" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/mark/2.htm">The Calling of Levi</a> …14As He was walking along, He saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax booth. “Follow Me,” He told him, and Levi got up and followed Him. 15<a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: Kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">While</a> <a href="/greek/1096.htm" title="1096: ginetai (V-PIM/P-3S) -- A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude."></a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: auton (PPro-AM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">Jesus</a> <a href="/greek/2621.htm" title="2621: katakeisthai (V-PNM/P) -- From kata and keimai; to lie down, i.e. be sick; specially, to recline at a meal.">was dining</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">at</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autou (PPro-GM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">Levi’s</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tē (Art-DFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3614.htm" title="3614: oikia (N-DFS) -- From oikos; properly, residence, but usually an abode; by implication, a family.">house,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/4183.htm" title="4183: polloi (Adj-NMP) -- Much, many; often. ">many</a> <a href="/greek/5057.htm" title="5057: telōnai (N-NMP) -- A publican, collector of taxes. From telos and oneomai; a tax-farmer, i.e. Collector of public revenue.">tax collectors</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/268.htm" title="268: hamartōloi (Adj-NMP) -- Sinning, sinful, depraved, detestable. From hamartano; sinful, i.e. A sinner.">sinners</a> <a href="/greek/4873.htm" title="4873: synanekeinto (V-IIM/P-3P) -- To recline at table with. From sun and anakeimai; to recline in company with.">were eating with</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tō (Art-DMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2424.htm" title="2424: Iēsou (N-DMS) -- Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.">Him</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autou (PPro-GM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">His</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tois (Art-DMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3101.htm" title="3101: mathētais (N-DMP) -- A learner, disciple, pupil. From manthano; a learner, i.e. Pupil.">disciples—</a> <a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.">for</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: ēsan (V-IIA-3P) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">there were</a> <a href="/greek/4183.htm" title="4183: polloi (Adj-NMP) -- Much, many; often. ">many</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/190.htm" title="190: ēkolouthoun (V-IIA-3P) -- To accompany, attend, follow. Properly, to be in the same way with, i.e. To accompany.">who followed</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autō (PPro-DM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">Him.</a> 16When the scribes who were Pharisees saw Jesus eating with these people, they asked His disciples, “Why does He eat with tax collectors and sinners?”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/matthew/9-10.htm">Matthew 9:10-13</a> Later, as Jesus was dining at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with Him and His disciples. / When the Pharisees saw this, they asked His disciples, “Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” / On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. ... <a href="/luke/5-29.htm">Luke 5:29-32</a> Then Levi hosted a great banquet for Jesus at his house. A large crowd of tax collectors was there, along with others who were eating with them. / But the Pharisees and their scribes complained to Jesus’ disciples, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” / Jesus answered, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. ... <a href="/matthew/11-19.htm">Matthew 11:19</a> The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at this glutton and drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ But wisdom is vindicated by her actions.” <a href="/luke/15-1.htm">Luke 15:1-2</a> Now all the tax collectors and sinners were gathering around to listen to Jesus. / So the Pharisees and scribes began to grumble: “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” <a href="/1_corinthians/5-9.htm">1 Corinthians 5:9-11</a> I wrote you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people. / I was not including the sexually immoral of this world, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world. / But now I am writing you not to associate with anyone who claims to be a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a verbal abuser, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat. <a href="/romans/14-1.htm">Romans 14:1-3</a> Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on his opinions. / For one person has faith to eat all things, while another, who is weak, eats only vegetables. / The one who eats everything must not belittle the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted him. <a href="/acts/10-28.htm">Acts 10:28</a> He said to them, “You know how unlawful it is for a Jew to associate with a foreigner or visit him. But God has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean. <a href="/galatians/2-12.htm">Galatians 2:12-13</a> For before certain men came from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles. But when they arrived, he began to draw back and separate himself, for fear of those in the circumcision group. / The other Jews joined him in his hypocrisy, so that by their hypocrisy even Barnabas was led astray. <a href="/matthew/21-31.htm">Matthew 21:31-32</a> Which of the two did the will of his father?” “The first,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you. / For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him. <a href="/luke/19-5.htm">Luke 19:5-7</a> When Jesus came to that place, He looked up and said, “Zacchaeus, hurry down, for I must stay at your house today.” / So Zacchaeus hurried down and welcomed Him joyfully. / And all who saw this began to grumble, saying, “He has gone to be the guest of a sinful man!” <a href="/isaiah/1-18.htm">Isaiah 1:18</a> “Come now, let us reason together,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are as red as crimson, they will become like wool. <a href="/hosea/6-6.htm">Hosea 6:6</a> For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings. <a href="/proverbs/23-20.htm">Proverbs 23:20-21</a> Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat. / For the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and drowsiness will clothe them in rags. <a href="/ezekiel/34-16.htm">Ezekiel 34:16</a> I will seek the lost, bring back the strays, bind up the broken, and strengthen the weak; but the sleek and strong I will destroy. I will shepherd them with justice.’ <a href="/psalms/1-1.htm">Psalm 1:1</a> Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, or set foot on the path of sinners, or sit in the seat of mockers.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And it came to pass, that, as Jesus sat at meat in his house, many publicans and sinners sat also together with Jesus and his disciples: for there were many, and they followed him.<a href="/matthew/9-10.htm">Matthew 9:10,11</a> And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples… <a href="/matthew/21-31.htm">Matthew 21:31,32</a> Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you… <a href="/luke/5-29.htm">Luke 5:29,30</a> And Levi made him a great feast in his own house: and there was a great company of publicans and of others that sat down with them… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/matthew/21-32.htm">Collectors</a> <a href="/matthew/9-10.htm">Dining</a> <a href="/matthew/23-6.htm">Dinner</a> <a href="/matthew/28-19.htm">Disciples</a> <a href="/mark/2-14.htm">Followed</a> <a href="/mark/2-14.htm">Following</a> <a href="/mark/2-2.htm">Great</a> <a href="/mark/2-11.htm">House</a> <a href="/mark/2-14.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/exodus/6-16.htm">Levi's</a> <a href="/matthew/26-20.htm">Meat</a> <a href="/matthew/27-16.htm">Notorious</a> <a href="/matthew/21-32.htm">Publicans</a> <a href="/matthew/26-20.htm">Reclining</a> <a href="/matthew/28-2.htm">Sat</a> <a href="/mark/2-14.htm">Seated</a> <a href="/mark/1-5.htm">Sinners</a> <a href="/mark/2-14.htm">Sitting</a> <a href="/matthew/26-20.htm">Table</a> <a href="/mark/2-14.htm">Tax</a> <a href="/matthew/21-32.htm">Tax-Farmers</a> <a href="/matthew/21-32.htm">Tax-Gatherers</a> <a href="/mark/2-2.htm">Together</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/mark/2-16.htm">Collectors</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/8-10.htm">Dining</a> <a href="/mark/6-22.htm">Dinner</a> <a href="/mark/2-16.htm">Disciples</a> <a href="/mark/3-7.htm">Followed</a> <a href="/mark/5-24.htm">Following</a> <a href="/mark/3-7.htm">Great</a> <a href="/mark/2-26.htm">House</a> <a href="/mark/2-17.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/exodus/6-16.htm">Levi's</a> <a href="/mark/6-26.htm">Meat</a> <a href="/luke/5-31.htm">Notorious</a> <a href="/mark/2-16.htm">Publicans</a> <a href="/mark/6-26.htm">Reclining</a> <a href="/mark/3-32.htm">Sat</a> <a href="/mark/3-32.htm">Seated</a> <a href="/mark/2-16.htm">Sinners</a> <a href="/mark/3-32.htm">Sitting</a> <a href="/mark/4-21.htm">Table</a> <a href="/mark/2-16.htm">Tax</a> <a href="/luke/3-12.htm">Tax-Farmers</a> <a href="/mark/2-16.htm">Tax-Gatherers</a> <a href="/mark/3-20.htm">Together</a><div class="vheading2">Mark 2</div>1. <a href="/mark/2-1.htm">Jesus followed by multitudes,</a> 3. <a href="/mark/2-3.htm">heals a paralytic;</a> 13. <a href="/mark/2-13.htm">calls Matthew;</a> 15. <a href="/mark/2-15.htm">eats with tax collectors and sinners;</a> 18. <a href="/mark/2-18.htm">excuses his disciples for not fasting;</a> 23. <a href="/mark/2-23.htm">and for picking the heads of grain on the Sabbath day.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/mark/2.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/mark/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/mark/2.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>While Jesus was dining at Levi’s house This event takes place shortly after Jesus calls Levi, also known as Matthew, to follow Him. Levi was a tax collector, a profession despised by the Jewish people due to its association with Roman oppression and corruption. By dining at Levi's house, Jesus demonstrates His willingness to associate with those considered outcasts and sinners, challenging social norms and religious expectations. This act foreshadows the inclusive nature of the Gospel, which is extended to all people, regardless of their past or social standing.many tax collectors and sinners were eating with Him and His disciples The presence of tax collectors and sinners highlights the radical nature of Jesus' ministry. Tax collectors were often viewed as traitors and were socially ostracized. Sinners, in this context, likely refers to those who were not strictly observant of the Jewish law. Jesus' willingness to eat with them signifies acceptance and fellowship, breaking down barriers between the righteous and the unrighteous. This gathering prefigures the Kingdom of God, where all are invited to the table. It also reflects the prophetic vision of <a href="/isaiah/25-6.htm">Isaiah 25:6</a>, where a feast is prepared for all peoples.for there were many who followed Him The phrase indicates that Jesus' message and actions were attracting a diverse group of followers, not limited to the religious elite or those considered righteous by societal standards. This growing following underscores the transformative power of Jesus' teachings and His ability to reach those marginalized by society. It also fulfills the prophecy of <a href="/isaiah/9-2.htm">Isaiah 9:2</a>, where people walking in darkness see a great light, symbolizing the hope and redemption Jesus brings to all who follow Him.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jesus.htm">Jesus</a> Central figure in the New Testament, the Son of God, who came to seek and save the lost. 2. <a href="/topical/l/levi.htm">Levi</a> Also known as Matthew, a tax collector who became one of Jesus' disciples. His house serves as the setting for this event. 3. <a href="/topical/t/tax_collectors.htm">Tax Collectors</a> Often despised by the Jewish people for their collaboration with the Roman authorities and perceived dishonesty. 4. <a href="/topical/s/sinners.htm">Sinners</a> A term used to describe those who were considered morally or ritually unclean by the religious leaders. 5. <a href="/topical/d/disciples.htm">Disciples</a> Followers of Jesus who were learning from His teachings and example.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/j/jesus'_inclusive_love.htm">Jesus' Inclusive Love</a> Jesus' willingness to dine with tax collectors and sinners demonstrates His inclusive love and mission to reach the lost. We are called to extend love and grace to those society may marginalize. <a href="/topical/b/breaking_social_barriers.htm">Breaking Social Barriers</a> Jesus challenges societal norms by associating with those deemed unworthy. As followers of Christ, we should be willing to break social barriers to share the Gospel. <a href="/topical/t/the_call_to_repentance.htm">The Call to Repentance</a> Jesus' presence among sinners is not an endorsement of sin but a call to repentance and transformation. We should encourage others to turn to Christ for forgiveness and new life. <a href="/topical/c/community_and_fellowship.htm">Community and Fellowship</a> The gathering at Levi's house illustrates the importance of community and fellowship in the Christian life. We should seek to build relationships that foster spiritual growth and support. <a href="/topical/f/following_jesus'_example.htm">Following Jesus' Example</a> As disciples, we are to follow Jesus' example in reaching out to those who are lost, offering them hope and the message of salvation.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_mark_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Mark 2</a> <a href="/q/what_was_the_tax_collectors'_role_in_the_bible.htm">What role did tax collectors have in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/why_did_jesus_eat_with_sinners.htm">What is the meaning of Jesus eating with sinners?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_the_concept_of_solipsism.htm">What is the concept of solipsism?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_the_tangible_kingdom_movement.htm">What is the Tangible Kingdom Movement?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/mark/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 15. - And it came to pass - ἐγένετο seems the best reading - as he was sitting at meat in his house. This was the house of Matthew. St. Matthew (<a href="/matthew/9-10.htm">Matthew 9:10</a>) modestly says, "in the house," keeping himself as much as possible in the background. St. Luke, with greater fullness, says (<a href="/luke/5-29.htm">Luke 5:29</a>) that "Levi made him a great feast in his house." From this it appears that Matthew at once marked the occasion of his call by inviting his associates, publicans and sinners, that they too, being won by the example and teaching of Christ, might be led in like manner to follow him. Good is ever diffusive of itself; and Christian love prompts those who have experienced the love of Christ to draw others to the same fountain of mercy. We find publicans and sinners constantly associated together; for, although there is nothing necessarily unlawful in the office of a tax-gatherer, yet, since men frequently followed that calling because it offered the opportunity for fraud and extortion, hence the "publicans" were, generally speaking, odious to the Jews, and regarded as nothing better than "sinners." More-over the Jews of old maintained that they were Abraham's seed, and protested that as a people dedicated to God, they ought not to be subject to the Romans, who were Gentiles and idolaters. They considered that it was contrary to the liberty and dignity of the children of God that they should pay tribute to them, a view which increased their prejudice against the tax-gatherers. And indeed this was one main cause of the rebellion of the Jews, which led finally to their overthrow by Titus and Vespasian. <a href="/commentaries/mark/2-15.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>While Καὶ (Kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. [Jesus] αὐτὸν (auton) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. was dining κατακεῖσθαι (katakeisthai) Verb - Present Infinitive Middle or Passive <a href="/greek/strongs_2621.htm">Strong's 2621: </a> From kata and keimai; to lie down, i.e. be sick; specially, to recline at a meal. at ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. [Levi’s] αὐτοῦ (autou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. house, οἰκίᾳ (oikia) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3614.htm">Strong's 3614: </a> From oikos; properly, residence, but usually an abode; by implication, a family. many πολλοὶ (polloi) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4183.htm">Strong's 4183: </a> Much, many; often. tax collectors τελῶναι (telōnai) Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5057.htm">Strong's 5057: </a> A publican, collector of taxes. From telos and oneomai; a tax-farmer, i.e. Collector of public revenue. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. sinners ἁμαρτωλοὶ (hamartōloi) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_268.htm">Strong's 268: </a> Sinning, sinful, depraved, detestable. From hamartano; sinful, i.e. A sinner. were eating with συνανέκειντο (synanekeinto) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4873.htm">Strong's 4873: </a> To recline at table with. From sun and anakeimai; to recline in company with. [Him] Ἰησοῦ (Iēsou) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2424.htm">Strong's 2424: </a> Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. His αὐτοῦ (autou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. disciples— μαθηταῖς (mathētais) Noun - Dative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3101.htm">Strong's 3101: </a> A learner, disciple, pupil. From manthano; a learner, i.e. Pupil. for γὰρ (gar) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1063.htm">Strong's 1063: </a> For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason. there were ἦσαν (ēsan) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. many πολλοὶ (polloi) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4183.htm">Strong's 4183: </a> Much, many; often. who followed ἠκολούθουν (ēkolouthoun) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_190.htm">Strong's 190: </a> To accompany, attend, follow. Properly, to be in the same way with, i.e. To accompany. Him. αὐτῷ (autō) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/mark/2-15.htm">Mark 2:15 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/mark/2-15.htm">Mark 2:15 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/mark/2-15.htm">Mark 2:15 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/mark/2-15.htm">Mark 2:15 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/mark/2-15.htm">Mark 2:15 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/mark/2-15.htm">Mark 2:15 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/mark/2-15.htm">Mark 2:15 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/mark/2-15.htm">Mark 2:15 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/mark/2-15.htm">Mark 2:15 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/mark/2-15.htm">Mark 2:15 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/mark/2-15.htm">NT Gospels: Mark 2:15 It happened that he was reclining at (Mar Mk Mr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/mark/2-14.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Mark 2:14"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Mark 2:14" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/mark/2-16.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Mark 2:16"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Mark 2:16" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>