Verse (Click for Chapter) 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 by, He saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax booth, and He says to him, “Follow Me.” And having risen up, 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]. Berean Annotated Bible As He was walking along, He saw Levi (attached to) son of Alphaeus (exchange) sitting at the tax booth. “Follow (accompany) Me, He told him, and Levi got up and followed Him. 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. 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. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAs 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. 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 Versionand 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 by, He saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax booth, and He says to him, “Follow Me.” And having risen up, 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 BibleAnd 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 BibleAnd 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 TestamentAnd 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, 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, 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, Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Calling of Levi13Once 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 As He was walking along, 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. 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. He saw Levi son of Alphaeus Luke 5:27 After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at the tax booth. “Follow Me,” He told him, 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. sitting at the tax booth. Luke 15:1 Now all the tax collectors and sinners were gathering around to listen to Jesus. 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 7:29 All the people who heard this, even the tax collectors, acknowledged God’s justice. For they had received the baptism of John. “Follow Me,” He told him, Mark 1:17 “Come, follow Me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” Matthew 19:21 Jesus told him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me.” John 21:19 Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. And after He had said this, He told him, “Follow Me.” and Levi got up and followed Him. Luke 5:28 and Levi got up, left everything, and followed Him. Mark 1:18 And at once they left their nets and followed Him. Matthew 19:27 “Look,” Peter replied, “we have left everything to follow You. What then will there be for us?” 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. 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; 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 WalkedJump 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 WalkedMark 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 indicates Jesus' active ministry, often characterized by movement and engagement with the people. Jesus frequently traveled through towns and villages, teaching and performing miracles. His itinerant lifestyle reflects the urgency and outreach of His mission, as seen in other passages like Matthew 9:35. He saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax booth “Follow Me,” He told him and Levi got up and followed Him Persons / Places / Events 1. JesusThe central figure of the New Testament, the Son of God, who calls Levi to follow Him. 2. Levi (Matthew) Also known as Matthew, he is a tax collector, a profession often despised by the Jewish people for its association with Roman oppression and corruption. 3. Alphaeus The father of Levi, mentioned to identify Levi's lineage. 4. Tax Booth The place where Levi was working when Jesus called him. It symbolizes Levi's old life and profession. 5. Capernaum While not mentioned directly in this verse, it is the setting for much of Jesus' early ministry, including this event. Teaching Points The Call of Jesus is Personal and DirectJesus calls Levi by name, indicating that His call to follow Him is personal. We, too, are called individually by Christ to follow Him. Immediate Obedience Levi's response to Jesus' call is immediate. This teaches us the importance of responding promptly to God's call in our lives. Leaving the Old Life Behind Levi leaves his tax booth, symbolizing a departure from his old life. Following Jesus often requires us to leave behind our past and embrace a new identity in Christ. Inclusivity of Jesus' Call Jesus calls a tax collector, someone marginalized and despised, showing that His call is for everyone, regardless of their past or social status. Transformation and Purpose Levi's transformation from a tax collector to an apostle demonstrates the transformative power of Jesus' call and the new purpose He gives to our lives. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Mark 2:14?2. How does Jesus' call to Levi in Mark 2:14 demonstrate His authority? 3. What does Levi's immediate response teach about obedience to Jesus' call? 4. How can we apply "Follow Me" from Mark 2:14 in our daily lives? 5. What Old Testament examples parallel Levi's response to Jesus' invitation? 6. How does Levi's transformation challenge our understanding of repentance and discipleship? 7. Why did Jesus choose a tax collector like Levi in Mark 2:14? 8. What does Levi's immediate response to Jesus' call signify about discipleship? 9. How does Mark 2:14 challenge societal norms regarding sinners and outcasts? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Mark 2? 11. Mark 2:14 – Given the uncertainty around “Levi” and “Matthew,” could this naming discrepancy indicate a historical or textual inconsistency? 12. Who is the author of the Book of Matthew? 13. Matthew 9:9: Is there any historical evidence that a tax collector named Matthew abruptly abandoned his profession to follow Jesus? 14. Is Christianity a religion or a personal relationship? What Does Mark 2:14 Mean As He was walking along- “As He was walking along” (Mark 2:14) pictures Jesus in motion, moving purposefully through Galilee just after healing the paralytic. - His life on earth was not static; He continually sought the lost (Mark 1:38; Luke 19:10). - Every step is directed by the Father (John 5:19), reminding us that ordinary moments—like a simple walk—can become divine appointments. He saw Levi son of Alphaeus - Jesus “saw” Levi; the gaze is intentional, not accidental. Just as the Lord saw Hagar in her distress (Genesis 16:13) and Nathanael under the fig tree (John 1:48), He notices people others overlook. - Levi (also called Matthew, cf. Matthew 9:9) is identified by name and family, underscoring that God’s call comes to real, specific individuals—people with histories, jobs, and families. sitting at the tax booth - Levi’s workplace was a customs station on the trade route by Capernaum. Tax collectors were despised as collaborators with Rome (Luke 3:12-13; Luke 7:34). - The setting highlights grace: Jesus does not wait for Levi to abandon his compromised position; He meets him there. - Our Lord repeatedly reaches into unlikely places—whether a Samaritan well (John 4) or a sycamore tree with Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10). Follow Me - Two words, a lifetime call. The same summons came to fishermen earlier (Mark 1:17) and will later define discipleship: “If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself … and follow Me” (Mark 8:34). - This is not an invitation to admire Jesus from a distance but to walk behind Him, adopting His teachings, priorities, and mission (John 12:26). - The authority of the command rests in who speaks; the One who forgives sins (Mark 2:10-12) now claims Levi’s allegiance. Levi got up and followed Him - Immediate obedience: “Levi got up” (Mark 2:14). Luke adds that he “left everything behind” (Luke 5:28). - Rising from the tax booth symbolizes turning from an old identity to a new one in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). - Quick, decisive responses mark genuine faith: see Andrew and Peter leaving nets (Mark 1:18) and Bartimaeus tossing aside his cloak (Mark 10:50). - The absence of hesitation contrasts with those who delayed (Luke 9:59-62), reminding us that today is the day of obedience (Hebrews 3:15). summary Mark 2:14 shows the Lord of glory walking into ordinary life, seeing an outcast, and calling him with sovereign authority. Levi’s instant response models saving faith: hear Jesus, leave the old life, and follow wherever He leads. The verse proclaims that no one is beyond Christ’s reach and that true discipleship begins the moment we rise to walk after Him. (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.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. Links Mark 2:14 NIVMark 2:14 NLT Mark 2:14 ESV Mark 2:14 NASB Mark 2:14 KJV Mark 2:14 BibleApps.com Mark 2:14 Biblia Paralela Mark 2:14 Chinese Bible Mark 2:14 French Bible Mark 2:14 Catholic Bible NT Gospels: Mark 2:14 As he passed by he saw Levi (Mar Mk Mr) |
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