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Mark 4

And he began again to teach by the sea side: and there was gathered unto him a great multitude, so that he entered into a ship, and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land.

And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine,

Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow:

And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up.

And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth:

But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away.

And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit.

And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred.

And he said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable.

And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables:

That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them.

And he said unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?

The sower soweth the word.

And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts.

And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness;

And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake, immediately they are offended.

And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word,

And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.

And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.

And he said unto them, Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick?

For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad.

If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.

And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.

For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath.

And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;

And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.

For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.

But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.

And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it?

It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth:

But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it.

And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear it.

But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples.

And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side.

And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships.

And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.

And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?

And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?

And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?

What does Mark 4:36 mean?

Explanation

The verse Mark 4:36 depicts a scene from the New Testament where Jesus has just finished teaching a crowd by the shore of the Sea of Galilee, primarily through parables. After dismissing the crowd, Jesus and His disciples set off across the lake in a boat.

It is noted that Jesus was taken "even as he was in the ship," suggesting perhaps that Jesus was in the same state as He was while teaching, without making special preparations for the journey.

The mention of "other little ships" indicates that there were additional boats accompanying the main vessel carrying Jesus and His disciples, suggesting that others were following Jesus even as He transitioned from teaching to traveling.

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Historical Context

Mark 4:36 is situated in the context of Jesus' ministry in Galilee.

The Sea of Galilee was a central location for Jesus' teachings and miracles.

During this time, travel by boat was a common means of transport across the sea, due to the fishing industry and the geographical layout of the area.

The Jewish people in this region were under Roman occupation, which influenced the sociopolitical landscape.

The presence of other boats might imply Jesus' growing influence and the desire of others to stay near Him.

Theological Insights

Christian theologians often view this passage as a prelude to the miracles that demonstrate Jesus' authority over nature, such as the calming of the storm that follows in verses 37-41.

Theologically, this verse suggests Jesus' continuous role as a teacher and leader, even when transitioning from public ministry to a more private setting with His disciples.

Additionally, the reference to other boats following Him can be seen as an indication of His expanding impact and possibly the inclusive nature of His ministry.

Practical Applications

Practically, Mark 4:36 can inspire individuals to follow Christ's example of moving from public ministry to personal retreats without losing their sense of purpose or identity. It also encourages the continuing pursuit of spiritual leadership even when transitioning between life activities.

Furthermore, believers might find a practical lesson in the importance of community, as indicated by the presence of other boats, and the value of companionship in their journey of faith.

Cross-References

Matthew 8:23: "And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him."
Mark 3:9: "And he spake to his disciples, that a small ship should wait on him because of the multitude, lest they should throng him."
Luke 8:22: "Now it came to pass on a certain day, that he went into a ship with his disciples: and he said unto them, Let us go over unto the other side of the lake.

And they launched forth."

Language Study

The key words in the original Greek from this verse require analysis to understand their meanings:

"Sent away" (ἀπολύω - apolyo): Often used to mean "dismiss" or "release," indicating that Jesus formally finished His teaching and released the crowd.
"Took him" (παραλαμβάνω - paralambano): Meaning "to receive" or "to take with," showing that the disciples willingly brought Jesus onboard.
"Even as he was" (ὥσπερ - hosper): A comparative phrase suggesting that there were no special arrangements made for Jesus before setting sail; Jesus was taken as He was.
"In the ship" (ἐν τῷ πλοίῳ - en to ploioni): Referring to being inside or on board a boat or ship.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In other ancient cultures, narratives of important figures crossing bodies of water are common and often symbolize transition or testing. For instance, in Greek mythology, crossings are sometimes associated with journeys to the afterlife or to new realms of knowledge.

In a religious sense, the Jewish faith has a rich tradition of water symbolism, with water often representing chaos that is tamed by divine intervention, such as the parting of the Red Sea in the Exodus.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, traveling by boat was a practical and efficient method to traverse the Sea of Galilee.

This freshwater lake is known for its sudden and violent storms, which can arise due to the topography and weather patterns in the region.

This scientific fact adds context to the subsequent passages that describe a storm while Jesus and His disciples are on the water.

Commentaries

Various Bible commentators have provided insights into Mark 4:36.

Matthew Henry's commentary emphasizes the immediacy of Jesus' departure without delays, which shows His dedication and avoidance of distractions.

John Gill mentions the commonality of ships on the Sea of Galilee, alluding to the geographical reality of the place.

Others like Barnes' Notes on the Bible remark on the significance of Jesus' calm demeanor, undisturbed by the crowd or the upcoming journey, which stands as a testament to His divine tranquility and assurance.

Mark 4

Mark 4

What does Mark 4:36 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Mark Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Mark 4:36 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Mark Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?