Chapter
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Verse

Mark 2:2

ESV And many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even at the door. And he was preaching the word to them.
NIV They gathered in such large numbers that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them.
NASB And many were gathered together, so that there was no longer space, not even near the door; and He was speaking the word to them.
CSB So many people gathered together that there was no more room, not even in the doorway, and he was speaking the word to them.
NLT Soon the house where he was staying was so packed with visitors that there was no more room, even outside the door. While he was preaching God’s word to them,
KJV And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and he preached the word unto them.

What does Mark 2:2 mean?

Houses in ancient Israel were typically two or three stories tall. The ground level was reserved for animals and working space. The second was living area. Sons often built onto their parents' house to make their own family's quarters, which explains why Andrew and Peter still lived together.

Again, the house in Capernaum, possibly Andrew and Peter's, is filled to overflowing with people who want to see Jesus (Mark 1:32–34). It's unclear where exactly the crowd has gathered, but there are so many people there isn't even room at the door. We do know there is only the tile roof above them.

This time, the people are letting Jesus speak as well as heal (Luke 5:17). Mark says He is preaching the "word." The Greek root translated as "word" is logos, which is a major theme of the first chapter of the gospel of John. Logos has a complicated definition, combining not only speech, principle, and thought, but also reason and the mindset of God. As such, logos is eternal truth that describes God's thoughts and point of view.

In John chapter 1, Jesus is called the logos. He was with God in the beginning and He is God. In John 1:5, logos is associated with life and light, as both light and truth reveal what is hidden. Creation was made through God's word in Genesis (Genesis 1:3, 6, 9, 11, 14, 20, 24, 26) and likewise through Jesus in John (John 1:3). Jesus is this logos made flesh: the mind and intent of God sent down in human form, full of grace and truth (John 1:14). So, whether the people recognize it or not, by "preaching the word," Jesus is teaching them about Himself.

Though Jesus' message is consistent, Jesus is particularly ecumenical about where He teaches. In this passage, it's in a house. In Mark 1:21, He teaches in a synagogue. He also preaches in a boat (Mark 4:1), in desolate places (Mark 6:30–34), and the temple (Mark 12:35). Jesus models Deuteronomy 6:7 by discussing God's truth in all places and times.
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