Mark 2:14
New International Version
As he walked along, he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax collector’s booth. “Follow me,” Jesus told him, and Levi got up and followed him.

New Living Translation
As he walked along, he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at his tax collector’s booth. “Follow me and be my disciple,” Jesus said to him. So Levi got up and followed him.

English Standard Version
And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him.

Berean Standard Bible
As 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.

Berean Literal Bible
And passing on, He saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax booth, and says to him, "Follow Me." And having arisen, he followed Him.

King James Bible
And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the receipt of custom, and said unto him, Follow me. And he arose and followed him.

New King James Version
As He passed by, He saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, “Follow Me.” So he arose and followed Him.

New American Standard Bible
As He passed by, He saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting in the tax office, and He said to him, “Follow Me!” And he got up and followed Him.

NASB 1995
As He passed by, He saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting in the tax booth, and He said to him, “Follow Me!” And he got up and followed Him.

NASB 1977
And as He passed by, He saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting in the tax office, and He said to him, “Follow Me!” And he rose and followed Him.

Legacy Standard Bible
And as He passed by, He saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting in the tax office, and He said to him, “Follow Me!” And he stood up and followed Him.

Amplified Bible
As He was passing by, He saw Levi (Matthew) the son of Alphaeus sitting in the tax collector’s booth, and He said to him, “Follow Me [as My disciple, accepting Me as your Master and Teacher and walking the same path of life that I walk].” And he got up and followed Him [becoming His disciple, believing and trusting in Him and following His example].

Christian Standard Bible
Then, passing by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax office, and he said to him, “Follow me,” and he got up and followed him.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then, moving on, He saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax office, and He said to him, “Follow Me!” So he got up and followed Him.

American Standard Version
And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphæus sitting at the place of toll, and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose and followed him.

Contemporary English Version
As he walked along, he saw Levi, the son of Alphaeus. Levi was sitting at the place for paying taxes, and Jesus said to him, "Follow me!" So he got up and went with Jesus.

English Revised Version
And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the place of toll, and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose and followed him.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
When Jesus was leaving, he saw Levi, son of Alphaeus, sitting in a tax office. Jesus said to him, "Follow me!" So Levi got up and followed him.

Good News Translation
As he walked along, he saw a tax collector, Levi son of Alphaeus, sitting in his office. Jesus said to him, "Follow me." Levi got up and followed him.

International Standard Version
As he was walking along, he saw Levi, the son of Alphaeus, sitting at the tax collector's desk. Jesus told him, "Follow me!" So Levi got up and followed him.

Majority Standard Bible
As 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.

NET Bible
As he went along, he saw Levi, the son of Alphaeus, sitting at the tax booth. "Follow me," he said to him. And he got up and followed him.

New Heart English Bible
And as he passed by, he saw Levi, the son of Alphaeus, sitting at the tax office, and he said to him, "Follow me." And he arose and followed him.

Webster's Bible Translation
And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alpheus, sitting at the receipt of custom, and said to him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.

Weymouth New Testament
And as He passed by, He saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the Toll Office, and said to him, "Follow me." So he rose and followed Him.

World English Bible
As he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax office. He said to him, “Follow me.” And he arose and followed him.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and passing by, He saw Levi of Alpheus sitting at the tax office, and says to him, “Follow Me,” and he, having risen, followed Him.

Berean Literal Bible
And passing on, He saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax booth, and says to him, "Follow Me." And having arisen, he followed Him.

Young's Literal Translation
and passing by, he saw Levi of Alpheus sitting at the tax-office, and saith to him, 'Be following me,' and he, having risen, did follow him.

Smith's Literal Translation
And passing by, he saw Levi, him of Alpheus, sitting by the customhouse, and he says to him, Follow me. And having risen, he followed him.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And when he was passing by, he saw Levi the son of Alpheus sitting at the receipt of custom; and he saith to him: Follow me. And rising up, he followed him.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And as he was passing by, he saw Levi of Alphaeus, sitting at the customs office. And he said to him, “Follow me.” And rising up, he followed him.

New American Bible
As he passed by, he saw Levi, son of Alphaeus, sitting at the customs post. He said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed him.

New Revised Standard Version
As he was walking along, he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed him.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus, sitting at the custom house, and he said to him, Follow me; and he got up and followed him.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
As he passed, he saw Levi, son of Khalphi, sitting down at the place of taxation and he said to him, “Come after me”, and rising he went after him.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the custom-house; and he said to him: Follow me. And he arose and followed him.

Godbey New Testament
And passing along, he saw Levi, the son of Alpheus sitting at the toll, and says to him, Follow me. And rising up, he followed Him.

Haweis New Testament
And passing by, he saw Levi the son of Alpheus sitting at the custom-house, and he saith to him, Follow me. And he arose and followed him

Mace New Testament
as he passed along, he saw Levi the son of Alpheus, sitting at the custom-house, and said to him, follow me, accordingly he arose and followed him.

Weymouth New Testament
And as He passed by, He saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the Toll Office, and said to him, "Follow me." So he rose and followed Him.

Worrell New Testament
And passing by, He saw Levi, the son of Alphaeus, sitting at the tax-office, and saith to him, "Follow Me." And, rising up, he followed Him.

Worsley New Testament
And as He went along, He saw Levi the son of Alpheus, sitting at the receit of custom, and saith unto him, Follow me: and he rose up and followed Him.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Calling of Levi
13Once again Jesus went out beside the sea. All the people came to Him, and He taught them there. 14 As 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. 15While 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.…

Cross References
Matthew 9:9
As Jesus went on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax booth. “Follow Me,” He told him, and Matthew got up and followed Him.

Luke 5:27-28
After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at the tax booth. “Follow Me,” He told him, / and Levi got up, left everything, and followed Him.

Matthew 10:3
Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus;

Luke 6:15
Matthew and Thomas; James son of Alphaeus and Simon called the Zealot;

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 21:31-32
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.

Luke 19:2-10
And there was a man named Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector, who was very wealthy. / He was trying to see who Jesus was, but could not see over the crowd because he was small in stature. / So he ran on ahead and climbed a sycamore tree to see Him, since Jesus was about to pass that way. ...

Matthew 11:19
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.”

Luke 7:34
The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look at this glutton and drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’

Acts 9:11
“Get up!” the Lord told him. “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying.

Hosea 6:6
For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.

1 Samuel 16:7
But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.”

Isaiah 1:18
“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.

Ezekiel 18:27
But if a wicked man turns from the wickedness he has committed and does what is just and right, he will save his life.

Micah 6:8
He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?


Treasury of Scripture

And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the receipt of custom, and said to him, Follow me. And he arose and followed him.

he saw.

Mark 3:18
And Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Canaanite,

Matthew 9:9
And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.

Luke 5:27
And after these things he went forth, and saw a publican, named Levi, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he said unto him, Follow me.

Alphaeus.

Mark 3:18
And Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Canaanite,

Luke 6:15
Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called Zelotes,

Acts 1:13
And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James.

receipt of custom.

Mark 1:17-20
And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men…

Matthew 4:19-22
And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men…

Jump to Previous
Alphaeus Alpheus Booth Collector's Custom Follow Followed Following Jesus Levi Office Passed Receipt Risen Rose Seated Sitting Tax Taxes Tax-Office Toll Walked
Jump to Next
Alphaeus Alpheus Booth Collector's Custom Follow Followed Following Jesus Levi Office Passed Receipt Risen Rose Seated Sitting Tax Taxes Tax-Office Toll Walked
Mark 2
1. Jesus followed by multitudes,
3. heals a paralytic;
13. calls Matthew;
15. eats with tax collectors and sinners;
18. excuses his disciples for not fasting;
23. and for picking the heads of grain on the Sabbath day.














As He was walking along
This phrase sets the scene for the narrative, indicating Jesus' active ministry and His movement through the region. The Greek word used here for "walking" is "peripateō," which implies a continuous action, suggesting that Jesus was consistently engaged in His mission. This reflects the itinerant nature of His ministry, emphasizing His accessibility and willingness to meet people where they are. Historically, this movement would have been along the roads and pathways of Galilee, a region bustling with trade and diverse populations, providing Jesus with ample opportunity to reach a wide audience.

He saw Levi
The act of seeing here is significant. The Greek word "eidō" implies more than just a casual glance; it suggests a deep, discerning look. Jesus' ability to see beyond the surface is a recurring theme in the Gospels. Levi, also known as Matthew, is identified here, and his role as a tax collector would have made him a social outcast. Jesus' choice to see Levi indicates His mission to reach those marginalized by society, offering a message of hope and redemption.

son of Alphaeus
This designation helps to identify Levi more specifically, distinguishing him from others with the same name. The mention of his father, Alphaeus, is a common biblical practice to provide clarity and context. It also roots Levi in a familial and cultural context, reminding readers that each disciple had a personal history and background. This detail underscores the personal nature of Jesus' call to each individual.

sitting at the tax booth
The tax booth was a place of business and often a symbol of oppression for the Jewish people, as tax collectors were seen as collaborators with the Roman occupiers. The Greek term "telōnion" refers to the place where taxes were collected, often located along trade routes or near city gates. Levi's presence here highlights his occupation and the societal disdain he would have faced. This setting emphasizes the radical nature of Jesus' call, reaching into the very heart of societal rejection.

‘Follow Me,’
This command is both simple and profound. The Greek word "akoloutheō" means to accompany or to join as a disciple. Jesus' invitation to "Follow Me" is a call to discipleship, requiring a complete reorientation of one's life. It is an invitation to leave behind old ways and to embark on a new journey with Christ. This call is central to the Christian faith, representing the transformative power of Jesus' invitation to all believers.

He told him
The authority of Jesus is evident in His words. The phrase "He told him" underscores the personal nature of the call. Jesus speaks directly to Levi, indicating a personal relationship and a direct invitation. This personal address highlights the intimate nature of Jesus' ministry, where each call is unique and tailored to the individual.

and Levi got up and followed Him
Levi's response is immediate and decisive. The Greek word "anistēmi" for "got up" suggests a rising or standing up, symbolizing a new beginning or resurrection from an old life. His action of following, "akoloutheō," mirrors the call, indicating obedience and commitment. This response exemplifies the ideal reaction to Jesus' call, demonstrating faith and willingness to leave behind the past for a new life with Christ. Levi's transformation from a tax collector to a disciple is a powerful testament to the life-changing impact of Jesus' call.

(14-17) Levi the son of Alphaeus.--See Notes on Matthew 9:9-13. St. Mark and St. Luke agree in giving the name Levi, the former alone describes him as the son of Alphaeus.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
As He was walking along,
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.

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.

Levi
Λευὶν (Leuin)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3018: (Hebrew), Levi, son of Alphaeus, the publican. A form of Leui; Lewis, a Christian.

[son]
τὸν (ton)
Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

of Alphaeus
Ἁλφαίου (Halphaiou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 256: Alphaeus; apparently two persons, (a) father of Levi, and (b) father of James. Of Hebrew origin; Alphoeus, an Israelite.

sitting
καθήμενον (kathēmenon)
Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2521: To sit, be seated, enthroned; I dwell, reside. From kata; and hemai; to sit down; figuratively, to remain, reside.

at
ἐπὶ (epi)
Preposition
Strong's 1909: On, to, against, on the basis of, at.

the
τὸ (to)
Article - Accusative 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.

tax booth.
τελώνιον (telōnion)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5058: A tax-collector's office, toll-house. Neuter of a presumed derivative of telones; a tax-gatherer's place of business.

“Follow
Ἀκολούθει (Akolouthei)
Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 190: To accompany, attend, follow. Properly, to be in the same way with, i.e. To accompany.

Me,”
μοι (moi)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

He told
λέγει (legei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3004: (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command.

him,
αὐτῷ (autō)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 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.

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

[Levi] got up
ἀναστὰς (anastas)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 450: To raise up, set up; I rise from among (the) dead; I arise, appear. From ana and histemi; to stand up.

[and] followed
ἠκολούθησεν (ēkolouthēsen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 190: 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
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 2:14 As he passed by he saw Levi (Mar Mk Mr)
Mark 2:13
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