Mark 3 7

Mark 3:7 kjv

But Jesus withdrew himself with his disciples to the sea: and a great multitude from Galilee followed him, and from Judaea,

Mark 3:7 nkjv

But Jesus withdrew with His disciples to the sea. And a great multitude from Galilee followed Him, and from Judea

Mark 3:7 niv

Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the lake, and a large crowd from Galilee followed.

Mark 3:7 esv

Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the sea, and a great crowd followed, from Galilee and Judea

Mark 3:7 nlt

Jesus went out to the lake with his disciples, and a large crowd followed him. They came from all over Galilee, Judea,

Mark 3 verses

Mark 3 7 Meaning

Mark 3:7 depicts Jesus strategically withdrawing from an immediate threat posed by religious authorities to a location by the Sea of Galilee. This move was not an abandonment of his ministry but a wise redirection, leading him and his core disciples to an accessible place where immense crowds from his home region of Galilee could continue to gather and follow him. It highlights Jesus' popularity and his unwavering commitment to his mission despite escalating opposition.

Mark 3 7 Context

Mark 3:7 follows directly after a critical confrontation between Jesus and the religious authorities in Mark 3:1-6. In the synagogue, Jesus healed a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath, directly challenging the Pharisees' rigid interpretation of the law. This act provoked the Pharisees and the Herodians (political supporters of Herod) to immediately conspire together on how to destroy Jesus (Mark 3:6). Jesus' withdrawal with his disciples to the sea, therefore, is not a retreat out of fear, but a strategic move to avoid an immediate, dangerous confrontation while simultaneously continuing his ministry to the vast number of people seeking him. Historically, Galilee was a fertile region with a diverse population, often simmering with nationalistic fervor, and a major hub for Jesus' early public ministry. It was distinct from Judea, where the more stringent Jewish leadership resided. Jesus’ movement to the Sea of Galilee allowed for open-air teaching to larger, less restricted crowds, avoiding the confined spaces of synagogues where religious opposition often arose.

Mark 3 7 Word analysis

• But (καὶ - kai): Though often translated 'and,' here it signals a change of action or consequence in response to the preceding events (the plotting against Jesus), functioning adversatively, 'but' or 'therefore.'
• Jesus: The central figure; His actions are deliberate and purposed.
• withdrew (ἀνεχώρησεν - anechōrēsen): This Greek verb means "to go back, retreat, retire, withdraw." It signifies a deliberate and strategic movement away from a place of conflict or danger. It implies a conscious avoidance of direct confrontation at that specific moment, reflecting prudence rather than fear, and often serves as a tactical response to hostility (cf. Mt 12:15, 14:13).
• with his disciples (μετὰ τῶν μαθητῶν αὐτοῦ - meta tōn mathētōn autou): The disciples are inseparable from Jesus' movements, learning from his example and sharing in his mission. Their presence underscores the importance of the core group being trained.
• to the sea (πρὸς τὴν θάλασσαν - pros tēn thalassan): Refers to the Sea of Galilee. This location offered a broad, open space ideal for addressing large crowds without the constraints or scrutinizing eyes of synagogue officials. It also provided logistical advantages, allowing Jesus to teach from a boat while crowds gathered on the shore (Mark 4:1).
• and a great multitude (καὶ πλῆθος πολὺ - kai plēthos poly): "And a multitude much/great." The phrase emphasizes the vast number of people drawn to Jesus. Plēthos denotes a large quantity, while poly stresses its great size, signaling Jesus' immense popularity. This highlights the powerful draw Jesus had despite (or perhaps in contrast to) the elite opposition.
• from Galilee (ἀπὸ τῆς Γαλιλαίας - apo tēs Galilaias): Identifies the primary origin of the initial crowd. Galilee was the heartland of Jesus' ministry, and his fame had already spread widely there (Mark 1:28, 1:45).
• followed him (ἠκολούθησεν - ēkolouthēsen): The verb means "to accompany, follow," indicating a deliberate movement by the crowds toward Jesus. It suggests not mere passive observation but an active seeking of his presence, teaching, or healing. It subtly echoes the call to discipleship on a broader scale, reflecting a powerful attraction to Jesus.

• "But Jesus withdrew with his disciples": This phrase immediately sets up a contrast with the preceding verse, highlighting Jesus' intelligent response to a lethal plot. He's not simply running, but executing a strategic tactical retreat with his core group, ensuring their safety and continuing his mission. It's a leadership move, demonstrating wisdom under pressure.
• "to the sea, and a great multitude from Galilee followed him": This illustrates a paradox. The very opposition intended to hinder Jesus instead indirectly leads to a greater gathering of people. By moving to the expansive shore of the Sea of Galilee, Jesus facilitated an even larger assembly, proving his drawing power was not limited by specific venues or the hostility of religious leaders. The "great multitude" underlines the scale of his influence among the common people of Galilee.

Mark 3 7 Bonus section

• The term anechōrēsen (withdrew) is used elsewhere in Matthew (e.g., Mt 2:12-14, 2:22) to denote a divinely guided, cautious retreat from danger or the fulfillment of prophecy, further highlighting its intentional and significant nature here.
• This verse sets the stage for the narrative expansion of Jesus' ministry to "great multitudes" (often called "crowds" in English translations, ochloi). The immediate effect of opposition is not diminution, but growth in audience.
• The Sea of Galilee itself becomes a "pulpit" for Jesus, often using a boat to teach the crowds gathered on the shore (Mark 4:1-2), a practical solution to manage and reach vast numbers effectively.
• The fact that the multitude came "from Galilee" signifies the deeply rooted and widespread acceptance Jesus had in his home region before his fame expanded more broadly, as described in Mark 3:8, to areas outside Galilee.

Mark 3 7 Commentary

Mark 3:7 is a pivotal transition point, showcasing Jesus' divine wisdom and unwavering commitment to his mission. Facing a deadly conspiracy from the religious and political powers (Pharisees and Herodians), Jesus does not engage in a futile direct confrontation but rather makes a strategic, deliberate withdrawal. This act of "withdrawal" is not a sign of weakness or fear, but a practical and purposeful shift in location, allowing him to bypass immediate danger while continuing his ministry without interruption. By moving to the Sea of Galilee, he provides an open and accessible space for the multitudes who earnestly sought him, underscoring his immense popularity among the common people. The verse beautifully juxtaposes the elite's desire to destroy him with the masses' fervent desire to follow him, confirming that even hostility can unwittingly contribute to the spread of Jesus' message and influence. It is a powerful display of adaptive leadership, focusing on the welfare of his disciples and the needs of the eager crowds over direct conflict.