Mark 2:15-17

Dining with Sinners

15 While He was reclining at the table in Levi's house, many tax collectors and sinners were also guests^[a] with Jesus and His disciples, because there were many who were following Him.

16 When the scribes of the Pharisees^[b] saw that He was eating with sinners and tax collectors, they asked His disciples, "Why does He eat^[c] with tax collectors and sinners?"

17 When Jesus heard this, He told them, "Those who are well don't need a doctor, but the sick [do need one]. I didn't come to call the righteous, but sinners."

Footnotes

• [a] Lit reclining (at the table); at important meals the custom was to recline on a mat at a low table and lean on the left elbow.
• [b] Other mss read scribes and Pharisees
• [c] Other mss add and drink