Mark 16:15 Meaning: Preach to Every Creature
He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to the whole creation.
And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to the whole creation.
and he said to them, `Having gone to all the world, proclaim the good news to all the creation;
And he said to them, Go into all the world, and preach the glad tidings to all the creation.
Meaning in one sentence
Jesus commands His followers to preach the gospel to all creation. Discover what this verse means for every Christian today.
Context
This verse comes near the very end of Mark’s Gospel. Jesus has risen from the dead, and He appears to His eleven disciples as they sit at a table. Just before this, He rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, they had not believed those who saw Him alive. Now the risen Lord gives them a command that changes everything. During His earthly ministry, Jesus had sent them only to the lost sheep of Israel. But now the door swings wide open. He says to go into all the world, to every creature. The old boundaries are gone. This is not a suggestion; it is a commission that will carry them to the ends of the earth.
Key Words
Three words from this verse carry the weight of Jesus’ command. The first is preach (kērussō). In the Greek world, a herald would speak with official authority, announcing news that demanded a response. Jesus is not asking for casual conversation. He is sending heralds. The second word is gospel (euangelion), which means good news, specifically the news that God has acted in Christ to save sinners. It is not advice or philosophy; it is an announcement. The third word is creation (ktisis). It can mean the whole created order, but here it clearly points to every human being. No one is left out. These three words together remind us that we are called to speak with authority a specific message of hope to every person we meet.
How Christians Read This Verse
Christians across traditions have read this verse as a clear command for universal evangelism. Wesley said Jesus speaks “without any limitation or restriction.” Barnes noted that “every child of Adam is offered eternal salvation.” The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges sees the commission as “to the whole world of men, not Jews only or Samaritans, but Gentiles of all nations.” Where traditions differ is on how the command applies today. Roman Catholic teaching sees it as given to the apostles and their successors, the bishops and priests. Many Protestant traditions emphasize that all believers share in this calling. Both streams agree on the core: the good news is meant for every human being.
A common misunderstanding
A common mistake is to think this commission only applies to the original apostles or to full-time ministers. Many Christians feel it does not include them. In fact, while the apostles were the first sent ones, the church has always understood this as a command that continues through all generations. Gill wrote that the commission “reaches to all the ministers of the Gospel in succeeding ages.” Wesley added that if any creature has not heard, those who should have preached or heard made void God’s counsel. This verse invites every follower of Christ to take part in spreading the message.
Living This Out
When you wake up tomorrow, you will walk into a world Jesus loves. The people you pass on the street, the coworker who seems distant, the relative who does not know Christ, these are the “every creature” He has in mind. This week, you can ask God for one person to pray for and one opportunity to speak a word of hope. It may feel small. But the herald does not decide who hears; the herald simply delivers the message. The same Lord who sent the apostles sends you into your world with the good news.
Main takeaway: Jesus commands His followers to announce the good news of salvation to every person without exception.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
Jesus told His friends to tell everyone about Him. You can tell someone about Jesus too, like a friend or a family member.
For ages 9, 12
When Jesus rose from the dead, He gave His disciples a huge job: go everywhere and tell everyone the good news. That job is still going on today. You can be part of it by praying for missionaries, telling a friend about what Jesus has done for you, or simply being kind in a way that makes others curious about God’s love.
Questions People Ask
What does 'every creature' mean in Mark 16:15?
It means every human being. The Greek word *ktisis* refers to something created, so the gospel is for all people of all nations, not only the Jews.
Does this verse mean I have to travel to every country?
Not by yourself. The first apostles went in different directions, and Christians have continued that work. You can support missions with prayer and giving, and share the gospel with the people God puts in your path.
Is this command only for the original apostles?
Most Christians believe it applies to all believers. The apostles were the first sent, but the church has always seen this as a continuing commission. Different traditions emphasize different ways of participating, but all agree the gospel must reach everyone.
Does 'creation' include animals and nature?
No. In this context, 'creation' means every human creature. Some verses speak of creation groaning for redemption, but here Jesus is speaking about people who need to hear the good news.
How does this verse relate to the Great Commission in Matthew 28?
Both record Jesus' final command after His resurrection. Matthew emphasizes making disciples and baptizing, while Mark focuses on preaching the gospel. Both make clear that the message is for the whole world.
For pastors & researchers
Greek interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study