Paragraph 6:4–6a

This paragraph shows how Jesus responded to the people’s rejection in 6:3e. He quoted a saying that they would recognize (6:4). He did not perform many miracles (6:5). In fact, he was amazed that they refused to believe (6:6a).

6:4a

Then Jesus said to them: Jesus said the words in 6:4–6b immediately after the people’s rhetorical questions in 6:2d–3c. In some languages, it may be natural to begin this paragraph with a time word or phrase. For example, the Berean Standard Bible and the New Living Translation both use the word “Then.”

Then Jesus told them (New Living Translation)

In other languages, no time word or phrase is necessary.

6:4b

Only in his hometown, among his relatives, and in his own household is a prophet without honor: This was a saying or proverb that was familiar to the Jewish people at the time that Jesus lived. Jesus quoted this saying or proverb to show that people in his hometown treated him without honor. They did not believe that Jesus was a prophet or anyone important. Therefore they did not show him honor/respect.

in his hometown: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as hometown is the same word that Mark used in 6:1b. This word refers to the town where a person lived with his parents while he was growing up.

among his relatives: The word relatives refers to the extended family and clan. These people are also called kinsmen.

in his own household: The phrase his own household refers to “his own family.”

Here are some other ways to translate this:

in his own house (New International Version)
-or-
among…his own family (Revised English Bible)

is a prophet without honor: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as honor refers to the praise and respect people give to someone who deserves it.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

• Translate the noun honor as a verb. For example, the Greek is literally:

a prophet is not dishonored except…

• State this in a positive way. For example, the New Living Translation says:

A prophet is honored everywhere except…

• Use an active verb. For example:

People honor a prophet everywhere except…

prophet: A prophet is a man who speaks on behalf of God. He tells people what God has revealed to him, and he also gives them messages from God.

Here are some other ways to translate prophet:

a spokesman for God
-or-
a man who speaks God’s words
-or-
God’s message-speaker

When choosing a term for prophet, consider how you will translate other words which are similar in meaning such as “angel,” “apostle,” and “preacher.”

While prophets did foretell the future, this was not their only function. Avoid using a word that focuses on telling the future.

See how you translated this word in 1:2a. See also prophet in the Glossary.

General Comment on 6:4b

In some languages, it may be more natural to translate the two terms “relatives” and “his own household” as one term. For example:

A prophet is respected/honored everywhere except in his own hometown, and among his own people.
-or-
Only the people of a prophet’s hometown and his family disrespect him.

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