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Verse

Mark 2:15

ESV 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.
NIV While Jesus was having dinner at Levi’s house, many tax collectors and sinners were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him.
NASB 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.
CSB 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.
NLT 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.)
KJV 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.
NKJV 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.

What does Mark 2:15 mean?

The passage is vague regarding whose table is mentioned and who is hosting the dinner. However, Luke 5:29 is clear that Levi has invited Jesus and others for a great feast. They recline at the table, laying on their sides or bellies with their legs behind them, leaning on their left arms and eating with their right hand.

Tax collectors are easy enough to identify, but Levi also invites "sinners." This is a technical term given by the Pharisees to Jews who do not have the time or inclination to attempt to follow their excessive rules. They aren't necessarily breakers of the Mosaic Law, although undoubtedly some are. "Sinners" are also called "people of the land."

These "tax collectors and sinners" are identified in contrast with Jesus and His disciples. The ungodly Levi and his friends are dining with the Son of God and His followers. This contrast angers the devout Jewish religious leaders and other people in the community (Mark 2:16). Yet Mark notes "there were many who followed" Jesus, including people who typically would not be identified as religious. The appeal of Jesus has spread far beyond the synagogue to the "sinners" in the community who respond positively to His message.
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