New Testament
Mark 16:18
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Mark 16:18, Jesus speaks about the signs that will accompany those who believe in Him.
- Author
- John Mark
- Written
- Around AD 55-65
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Roman and Gentile Christians
They will pick up serpents, and if they drink anything deadly, it won't harm them. They will place their hands on the sick, and the sick will be healed."
They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Mark 16:18, Jesus speaks about the signs that will accompany those who believe in Him. The mention of picking up serpents and drinking deadly things without harm symbolizes divine protection and power over danger. This does not encourage reckless behavior but emphasizes faith in God's ability to protect His followers. The act of laying hands on the sick signifies the healing ministry that believers will carry out, demonstrating compassion and the power of prayer. This verse highlights the miraculous signs that can occur through faith, reinforcing the idea that believers are empowered to act in Jesus' name, bringing healing and hope to those in need. It serves as a reminder of the spiritual authority given to believers and the importance of faith in their actions. Overall, this passage encourages believers to trust in God's protection and to actively engage in healing and helping others, reflecting the love and power of Christ in their lives.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Mark 16:18 to your life
As believers, we can take comfort in knowing that God protects us in dangerous situations. This verse encourages us to step out in faith, whether it’s praying for the sick or facing challenges, trusting that God will guide and protect us in our actions.
Curated for this public verse page. Mark Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Mark 16:18 mean about picking up serpents?
In Mark 16:18, the reference to picking up serpents symbolizes the divine protection and authority that believers have through faith in Jesus. It does not encourage reckless behavior but rather illustrates that God will safeguard His followers from harm as they carry out their mission. This verse emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in God's power to protect us in dangerous situations.
Is it safe to drink poison based on Mark 16:18?
Mark 16:18 mentions that believers will not be harmed by drinking deadly things, but this should not be interpreted as a directive to test God or engage in dangerous activities. The verse highlights God's protective power over His followers, not an invitation to act recklessly. It serves as a reminder to trust in God's protection while exercising wisdom and caution in our actions.
How does Mark 16:18 relate to healing the sick?
The latter part of Mark 16:18 states that believers will lay hands on the sick and they will recover. This emphasizes the healing ministry that Jesus empowers His followers to carry out. It reflects the compassion of believers and the belief in the power of prayer. This verse encourages Christians to actively engage in healing and support for those in need, demonstrating their faith in action.
What are the signs mentioned in Mark 16:18?
Mark 16:18 outlines several signs that will accompany those who believe in Jesus, including picking up serpents, drinking poison without harm, and healing the sick. These signs are meant to demonstrate the divine authority and protection believers have through their faith. They serve as a testament to the power of God working through His followers as they spread the message of Christ.
The Book of Mark
Mark 1: John the Baptist and the Beginning of Jesus's Ministry
John the Baptist appears in the wilderness and preaches a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. People from Judaea and Jerusalem come to him, confess their sins, and are baptized in the river Jordan. John wears camel's hair and a leather belt and eats locusts and wild honey. He announces that someone stronger than he is coming after him and says he is not worthy to stoop down and untie his sandals. He baptizes with water, but the one coming will baptize with the Holy Ghost.
Unlock the full Mark summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Mark — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 16 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Mark summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.