Mark 6:13

Context

Mark 6:7-13 describes Jesus sending out the Twelve two by two. Jesus gives the disciples power over unclean spirits and instructs them to take no bread or money for the journey, only a staff (Mark 6:7-11). The disciples went out and preached that people should repent (6:12), and this verse summarizes the results of their work: "And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them" (Mark 6:13, KJV).

The following passage, 6:14-29, tells of Herod and the death of John the Baptist, and in 6:30 the disciples return and report. Biblical scholars often regard this arrangement, in which the account of John's death is placed between the sending out and the return of the disciples, as an example of Mark's characteristic "sandwich" structure. The parallel accounts of the mission in Matthew 10 and Luke 9 make no mention of anointing with oil.

Interpretation

• As a means of healing: In the ancient Mediterranean world, olive oil was commonly used to treat wounds and illness. Some interpreters therefore read the anointing as an actual medical practice of the time or as an expression of care. In support, they note that the Greek verb used (aleiphō) generally refers to the ordinary application of oil rather than to ceremonial anointing.
• As a symbolic sign: Many Protestant commentators hold that the oil served less as a remedy in itself than as a sign of God's healing and presence. On this reading, the disciples' healings were signs announcing that the kingdom of God had drawn near.
• Catholic reading: Since the Council of Trent, the Catholic Church has taught that this verse "intimates" the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick and that the sacrament is "promulgated" in James 5:14-15. The Orthodox Church likewise administers a sacrament of anointing the sick (Holy Unction).
• Pentecostal and charismatic reading: Pentecostal and charismatic churches read this verse as evidence that the power to heal and to cast out demons given to the disciples continues in the church today.

Debates

The first issue is whether the anointing is a sacrament. Because Protestants generally recognize only two sacraments, baptism and the Lord's Supper, they do not regard this verse as the basis for instituting a sacrament. The Anglican tradition, however, retains a rite of anointing for the sick.

The second issue is whether the ministry of healing continues today. Cessationism regards this power as a sign limited to the apostolic age, while continuationism holds that the same ministry remains possible today. These views are discussed in detail in the article Cessationism and Continuationism.

In Korean translation, the term byeongin ("sick person") in the Korean Revised Version was changed to byeongja in the New Korean Revised Version. No significant text-critical issues are known for this verse.

In the Korean Church

In the Korean church, this verse is often cited as a biblical basis for divine healing meetings and for prayer for the sick. In some churches, including those of the Full Gospel tradition, and at prayer retreat centers, olive oil is sometimes applied to the sick during prayer, with this verse cited alongside James 5 as support for the practice.

Related Passages

• Mark 6:7-12
• Luke 9:1-6
• Matthew 10:1-8
• James 5:14-16
• Matthew 8:16-17