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

h2 MeaningDespite escalating opposition from the religious authorities who plotted against Him, Jesus strategically withdrew with His core followers to the Sea of Galilee. Far from deterring His ministry, this movement allowed a significant multitude from the surrounding Galilean region to continue following Him, highlighting His enduring popular appeal and divine purpose amidst human hostility.

h2 Cross References

h2 ContextThis verse immediately follows a peak in conflict with the Jewish authorities. In Mark 3:6, the Pharisees and Herodians conspired to destroy Jesus after He healed a man on the Sabbath in the synagogue. This aggressive plot necessitates Jesus' strategic withdrawal, moving away from their immediate sphere of control. By going to the sea, He moves to an open space, which allows Him to continue His ministry unhindered by synagogue structures and local religious oversight, thus continuing to attract large numbers of people who were eager to hear Him and witness His works, especially from His home region of Galilee.

h2 Word analysis

• But Jesus withdrew (ὁ δὲ Ἰησοῦς ἀνεχώρησεν, ho de Iēsous anechōrēsen): The conjunction "But" signals a shift in action in response to the preceding events (the plot to destroy Him). "Withdrew" (ἀνεχώρησεν, anechōrēsen) denotes a deliberate and strategic retreat or departure, often to avoid danger, unwanted attention, or to find a more suitable environment for a purpose. It indicates Jesus' wisdom and non-confrontational approach in this instance, preserving His life for His redemptive mission while still continuing His work.
• with his disciples (μετὰ τῶν μαθητῶν αὐτοῦ, meta tōn mathētōn autou): Emphasizes Jesus' primary group of followers. This group not only accompanied Him physically but also were the primary recipients of His teachings and models for ministry, learning through observation. Their presence underscores their shared journey and increasing closeness to the Teacher amidst His trials.
• to the sea (πρὸς τὴν θάλασσαν, pros tēn thalassan): Refers to the Sea of Galilee, a vast inland lake. This location provided an expansive open space ideal for gathering large crowds, distinct from the more restrictive synagogues. It was also Jesus' primary base of operations and a familiar setting for His ministry, as many disciples were fishermen from its shores.
• and a great crowd (καὶ πολὺ πλῆθος, kai polu plēthos): Highlights the overwhelming number of people drawn to Jesus. "Great crowd" signifies His widespread appeal and the substantial impact of His ministry. Despite the plots against Him, His popularity with the common people was undiminished and even growing.
• followed (ἠκολούθησεν, ēkolouthēsen): Conveys the active, persistent pursuit of Jesus by the multitude. This "following" suggests a strong desire for His presence, whether for healing, teaching, or witnessing His miraculous power. It points to their responsiveness to His presence.
• from Galilee (ἀπὸ τῆς Γαλιλαίας, apo tēs Galilaias): Specifies the immediate origin of this particular crowd. Galilee, often seen as a less religiously pure region by Judean elites, was Jesus' primary ministry base. Its people showed significant openness to His message. This contrasts the rejection from Jerusalem-based authorities and sets the stage for a broader geographic reach (as seen in Mk 3:8).

Words-group analysis

• "But Jesus withdrew with his disciples": This phrase encapsulates a deliberate, protective, and strategic move by Jesus. It reveals His measured response to intensifying opposition, choosing a course that both ensures His safety and enables Him to continue ministering to those who desired to hear Him, always with His inner circle beside Him.
• "to the sea, and a great crowd followed": This sequence reveals the paradoxical outcome of Jesus' withdrawal from official centers. Instead of limiting His reach, it expanded it. The Sea of Galilee served as a natural amphitheater, and His move there provided an accessible venue for even larger assemblies, showcasing the magnetic pull of His divine presence that transcended structured settings or human plotting.
• "a great crowd followed, from Galilee": This highlights the immediate and localized outpouring of popular support for Jesus. It signifies that even in His home region, despite rejection by leaders, a massive following persisted, demonstrating the powerful draw of His works and words upon the ordinary people of the land. This localized strong support acts as a launchpad for future, wider ministry shown in the subsequent verses.

h2 CommentaryMark 3:7 serves as a pivot point in the unfolding narrative of Jesus' ministry. Following the growing animosity of the religious elite, Jesus' withdrawal to the Sea of Galilee is not a retreat of fear but a strategic shift to maintain the momentum of His public work. The plot to destroy Him (Mk 3:6) inadvertently facilitates an even greater outpouring of popular support. The move to the expansive, open shores of Galilee allows for the aggregation of "a great crowd" —a powerful affirmation that God's plan is not thwarted by human machinations. Instead, opposition paradoxically creates opportunities for wider reach, transforming potential hinderances into platforms for divine manifestation. This highlights Jesus' control and purpose: He does not directly confront the plotters at this moment but strategically positions Himself where the hungry masses can still access Him, emphasizing that the focus remains on His mission to reach people.

h2 Bonus section

• The shift to the Sea of Galilee allowed Jesus to teach from a boat, offering a unique acoustical advantage for addressing large crowds and preventing them from pressing in too closely (e.g., Mk 4:1).
• Jesus' willingness to minister in Galilee, a region sometimes viewed with disdain by Judean religious authorities (e.g., Jn 1:46, 7:52), demonstrates His focus on the marginalized and His disregard for social or religious prejudice, fulfilling prophecies concerning God's light shining in "Galilee of the Gentiles" (Isa 9:1).
• The persistence of the crowds, despite Jesus withdrawing to what might seem a more remote area, speaks to the depth of their spiritual or physical needs and their genuine belief in Jesus' power and authority, even when their leaders rejected Him.