Mark 1:16 As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen.

◄ Mark 1:16 ►

New International Version
As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen.

New Living Translation
One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew throwing a net into the water, for they fished for a living.

English Standard Version
Passing alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen.

Berean Standard Bible
As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen.

Berean Literal Bible
And passing by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew, the brother of Simon, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen.

King James Bible
Now as he walked by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.

New King James Version
And as He walked by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen.

New American Standard Bible
As He was going along the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew, the brother of Simon, casting a net in the sea; for they were fishermen.

NASB 1995
As He was going along by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew, the brother of Simon, casting a net in the sea; for they were fishermen.

NASB 1977
And as He was going along by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew, the brother of Simon, casting a net in the sea; for they were fishermen.

Legacy Standard Bible
As He was going along by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew, the brother of Simon, casting a net in the sea; for they were fishermen.

Amplified Bible
As Jesus was walking by the shore of the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon [Peter] and Simon’s brother, Andrew, casting a net in the sea; for they were fishermen.

Christian Standard Bible
As he passed alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew, Simon’s brother, casting a net into the sea —for they were fishermen.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
As He was passing along by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew, Simon’s brother. They were casting a net into the sea, since they were fishermen.

American Standard Version
And passing along by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net in the sea; for they were fishers.

Contemporary English Version
As Jesus was walking along the shore of Lake Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew. They were fishermen and were casting their nets into the lake.

English Revised Version
And passing along by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net in the sea: for they were fishers.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
As he was going along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew. They were throwing a net into the sea because they were fishermen.

Good News Translation
As Jesus walked along the shore of Lake Galilee, he saw two fishermen, Simon and his brother Andrew, catching fish with a net.

International Standard Version
While Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew. They were throwing a net into the sea because they were fishermen.

Majority Standard Bible
As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen.

NET Bible
As he went along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew, Simon's brother, casting a net into the sea (for they were fishermen).

New Heart English Bible
And passing along by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen.

Webster's Bible Translation
Now as he was walking by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.

Weymouth New Testament
One day, passing along the shore of the Lake of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew, Simon's brother, throwing their nets in the Lake; for they were fisherman.

World English Bible
Passing along by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew, the brother of Simon, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And walking by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon, and his brother Andrew, casting a drag into the sea, for they were fishers,

Berean Literal Bible
And passing by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew, the brother of Simon, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen.

Young's Literal Translation
And, walking by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon, and Andrew his brother, casting a drag into the sea, for they were fishers,

Smith's Literal Translation
And walking by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his brother, casting a large sweep-net in the sea: for they were fishermen.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And passing by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his brother, casting nets into the sea (for they were fishermen).

Catholic Public Domain Version
And passing by the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew, casting nets into the sea, for they were fishermen.

New American Bible
As he passed by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting their nets into the sea; they were fishermen.

New Revised Standard Version
As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
While he walked along the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his brother throwing their nets into the sea; for they were fishermen.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And as he walked around the Sea of Galilee, he saw Shimeon and his brother Andraeus who were casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen.

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
And as he walked by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon, and Andrew the brother of Simon, throwing a net about in the sea; for they were fishers.

Godbey New Testament
And walking by the sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting their net in the sea: for they were fishers.

Haweis New Testament
And as he walked near the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen.

Mace New Testament
Now as he walked by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon, and Andrew his brother, casting their net into the sea:

Weymouth New Testament
One day, passing along the shore of the Lake of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew, Simon's brother, throwing their nets in the Lake; for they were fisherman.

Worrell New Testament
And, passing along by the sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew, Simon's brother, casting a net in the sea; for they were fishers.

Worsley New Testament
And as He was walking by the sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea,

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

The First Disciples
15“The time is fulfilled,” He said, “and the kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe in the gospel!” 16As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. 17“Come, follow Me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.”…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Matthew 4:18
As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen.

Luke 5:1-11
On one occasion, while Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret with the crowd pressing in on Him to hear the word of God, / He saw two boats at the edge of the lake. The fishermen had left them and were washing their nets. / Jesus got into the boat belonging to Simon and asked him to put out a little from shore. And sitting down, He taught the people from the boat. ...

John 1:40-42
Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard John’s testimony and followed Jesus. / He first found his brother Simon and told him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated as Christ). / Andrew brought him to Jesus, who looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which is translated as Peter).

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;

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.

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.

Matthew 16:18
And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.

John 6:8
One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to Him,

John 21:15-17
When they had finished eating, Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love Me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he answered, “You know I love You.” Jesus replied, “Feed My lambs.” / Jesus asked a second time, “Simon son of John, do you love Me?” “Yes, Lord,” he answered, “You know I love You.” Jesus told him, “Shepherd My sheep.” / Jesus asked a third time, “Simon son of John, do you love Me?” Peter was deeply hurt that Jesus had asked him a third time, “Do you love Me?” “Lord, You know all things,” he replied. “You know I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep.

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 1:12
What I mean is this: Individuals among you are saying, “I follow Paul,” “I follow Apollos,” “I follow Cephas,” or “I follow Christ.”

1 Corinthians 9:5
Have we no right to take along a believing wife, as do the other apostles and the Lord’s brothers and Cephas?

1 Peter 5:1
As a fellow elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings, and a partaker of the glory to be revealed, I appeal to the elders among you:

Ezekiel 47:10
Fishermen will stand by the shore; from En-gedi to En-eglaim they will spread their nets to catch fish of many kinds, like the fish of the Great Sea.

Jeremiah 16:16
But for now I will send for many fishermen, declares the LORD, and they will catch them. After that I will send for many hunters, and they will hunt them down on every mountain and hill, even from the clefts of the rocks.

Treasury of Scripture

Now as he walked by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.

as he.

Matthew 4:18
And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.

Luke 5:1,4
And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret, …

Simon.

Mark 3:16,18
And Simon he surnamed Peter; …

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

Luke 6:14
Simon, (whom he also named Peter,) and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew,

Jump to Previous

Andrew Casting Drag Fishermen Fishers Galilee Jesus Lake Net Nets Passing Sea Shore Simon Simon's Throwing Walked Walking

Jump to Next

Andrew Casting Drag Fishermen Fishers Galilee Jesus Lake Net Nets Passing Sea Shore Simon Simon's Throwing Walked Walking

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.

Berean Study Bible

As Jesus was walking
The phrase indicates the active and intentional movement of Jesus. The Greek word for "walking" is "peripateō," which often implies a purposeful journey. Jesus' ministry was characterized by movement, symbolizing His mission to reach people where they were. This walking also reflects the itinerant nature of His ministry, emphasizing His accessibility and willingness to engage with ordinary people in their daily lives.

beside the Sea of Galilee
The Sea of Galilee, also known as Lake Gennesaret, is a significant geographical location in the Gospels. It was a hub of economic activity and a place where Jesus performed many miracles. The sea's location in Galilee, a region known for its diverse population and trade routes, underscores the universal scope of Jesus' mission. The setting by the sea also symbolizes the vastness and depth of God's kingdom, which Jesus came to proclaim.

He saw Simon and his brother Andrew
The act of seeing here is more than a casual glance; it is a discerning look. The Greek word "eidō" implies understanding and recognition. Jesus' ability to see Simon and Andrew reflects His divine insight and knowledge of their potential. This moment marks the beginning of their transformation from fishermen to "fishers of men." The mention of Simon and Andrew highlights the personal nature of Jesus' call, emphasizing that He knows each of His followers intimately.

They were casting a net into the sea
This phrase describes the daily labor of Simon and Andrew. The act of casting a net, "amphiballō," suggests a repetitive and skilled task, reflecting their dedication and hard work. The imagery of casting a net is later used metaphorically by Jesus to describe the work of evangelism. This action symbolizes the spreading of the Gospel, where the net represents the message of salvation being cast into the world to gather believers.

for they were fishermen
This statement provides context for Simon and Andrew's occupation, which was common in the region due to the abundance of fish in the Sea of Galilee. Fishermen were known for their resilience, patience, and teamwork—qualities that would serve them well as disciples. The choice of fishermen as Jesus' first disciples underscores the theme of God using ordinary people for extraordinary purposes. It also highlights the transformative power of Jesus' call, as He takes their existing skills and repurposes them for His kingdom work.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(16) As he walked by the sea of Galilee.--See Notes on Matthew 4:18-22. St. Mark names Simon without the addition of Peter.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 16. - Now as he walked by the sea of Galilee; a better reading is (καὶ παράγων), and passing along. Our Lord came up from the south, passing through Samaria, till he reached Cana of Galilee. He then passed along by the seashore towards Capernaum; and on his way found the four disciples whom he had previously nominated, but who were now engaged in their calling of fishermen. St. Mark then relates the circumstances of their call in the exact words of St. Matthew, which were in all probability those of apostolical tradition ('Speaker's Commentary'). It will be seen that St. Mark's account, in this introductory portion of his Gospel, is very concise, and that there are many things to be supplied from the first chapter of St. John; as, for example, that after our Lord's baptism by John, and afar his fasting and temptation in the desert, the Jews sent messengers to the Baptist, to inquire of him whether he were the Christ. John at once confessed that he was not the Christ, but that there was One even then among them, though they knew him not, who was indeed the Christ And then, the very next day after, Jesus came to him, and John then said to those around him, "Behold the Lamb of God!" Upon this two of John's disciples at once betook-themselves to Jesus. The first was Andrew, who forthwith brought his own brother Simon, afterwards called "Peter," to our Lord. Again, the day after the, our Lord called Philip, a fellow-citizen with Andrew and Peter, of Bethsaida. Then Philip brought Nathanael. Here, then, we have some more disciples nominated, who were with Jesus at the marriage in Cana of Galilee. Then Jesus retched again into Judaea; and those disciples "nominate," as we might call them, went back for a time to their occupation of fishermen. Meanwhile our Lord, while in Judaea, wrought miracles and preached, until the envy of the scribes and Pharisees constrained him to return again into Galilee. And then it was that he solemnly called Andrew and Peter, and James and John, as recorded by St. Mark here. So that St John alone gives some account of the events of the first year of our Lord's ministry. The three synoptic Gospels give the narrative of his public ministry, commencing from the second year. He saw Simon and Andrew, the brother of Simon casting a net in the sea. (βάλλοντας ἀμφίβληστρον ἐν τῇ θαλάσση). Such was the text underlying the Authorized Version; but a better reading is (ἀμφιβάλλοντας ἐν τῇ θαλάσση). St. Mark thinks it unnecessary to mention the net at all; though doubtless it was the ἀμφίβληστρον, or casting-net. When our Lord likens his gospel to a net, he uses the figure of the drag-not (σαγήνη), a net of a much larger size. But whether it be the casting-net or the drag-net, the comparison is a striking one. It is plain that, in the pursuit of his calling, the fisherman has no power to make any separation between the good fish and the worthless. He has little or no insight into what is going on beneath the surface of the water. So with the "fisher of men." He deals with the world spiritual and invisible; and how, then, can he be fully conscious of the results of his work? His work is pre-eminently a work of faith. It may be observed here that St. Mark, in this earlier part of his narrative, speaks of St. Peter as Simon, though afterwards (Mark 3:16) he calls him Peter. We may also notice here, once for all, St. Mark's constant use of the word "straightway" (εὐθέως or εὐθὺς). This word occurs no less than ten times in this chapter. In the Authorized Version the word (εὐθέως)is rendered indifferently by various English synonyms, as "forthwith," "immediately," etc.; whereas in the Revised Version it has been thought fit to note this peculiarity or mannerism in St. Mark's Gospel by the use of the same English synonym, "straightway," throughout this Gospel. The Holy Spirit, while guiding the minds of those whom he moved to write these records, did not use an overpowering influence, so as to interfere with their own natural modes of expression. Each sacred writer, while guarded against error, has reserved to him his own peculiarities of style and expression.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

As
Καὶ (Kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

[Jesus] was walking
παράγων (paragōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3855: To pass by, depart, pass away. From para and ago; to lead near, i.e. to go along or away.

beside
παρὰ (para)
Preposition
Strong's 3844: Gen: from; dat: beside, in the presence of; acc: alongside of.

the
τὴν (tēn)
Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Sea
θάλασσαν (thalassan)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2281: Probably prolonged from hals; the sea.

of Galilee,
Γαλιλαίας (Galilaias)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 1056: Of Hebrew origin; Galiloea, a region of Palestine.

He saw
εἶδεν (eiden)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3708: Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.

Simon
Σίμωνα (Simōna)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4613: Simon. Of Hebrew origin; Simon, the name of nine Israelites.

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

[his]
Σίμωνος (Simōnos)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 4613: Simon. Of Hebrew origin; Simon, the name of nine Israelites.

brother
ἀδελφὸν (adelphon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 80: A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote.

Andrew.
Ἀνδρέαν (Andrean)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 406: From aner; manly; Andreas, an Israelite.

They were casting a net
ἀμφιβάλλοντας (amphiballontas)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 906: (a) I cast, throw, rush, (b) often, in the weaker sense: I place, put, drop. A primary verb; to throw.

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

sea,
θαλάσσῃ (thalassē)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2281: Probably prolonged from hals; the sea.

for
γὰρ (gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

they were
ἦσαν (ēsan)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

fishermen.
ἁλιεῖς (halieis)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 231: A fisherman. From hals; a sailor, i.e. a fisher.

Links

Mark 1:16 NIV
Mark 1:16 NLT
Mark 1:16 ESV
Mark 1:16 NASB
Mark 1:16 KJV

Mark 1:16 BibleApps.com
Mark 1:16 Biblia Paralela
Mark 1:16 Chinese Bible
Mark 1:16 French Bible
Mark 1:16 Catholic Bible

NT Gospels: Mark 1:16 Passing along by the sea of Galilee (Mar Mk Mr)