Mark 3:9 kjv
And he spake to his disciples, that a small ship should wait on him because of the multitude, lest they should throng him.
Mark 3:9 nkjv
So He told His disciples that a small boat should be kept ready for Him because of the multitude, lest they should crush Him.
Mark 3:9 niv
Because of the crowd he told his disciples to have a small boat ready for him, to keep the people from crowding him.
Mark 3:9 esv
And he told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, lest they crush him,
Mark 3:9 nlt
Jesus instructed his disciples to have a boat ready so the crowd would not crush him.
Mark 3 9 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Mk 1:33 | And the whole city was gathered at the door. | Crowds overwhelming location |
| Mk 2:2 | ...so that there was no longer room, even at the door; and he preached... | Crowds filled space, limited access |
| Mk 3:7-8 | ...and a great multitude from Galilee followed him... and all knew what he was doing | Large diverse crowds follow for healing |
| Mk 3:10 | For he had healed many, with the result that all who had diseases were pressing around him to touch him. | Immediate context: fervent pressing for healing |
| Mk 4:1 | ...he began to teach again by the sea... So a great crowd gathered... so he got into a boat and sat in it on the sea... | Jesus teaching from the boat (application) |
| Mk 5:24 | And a great crowd followed him and was pressing in on him. | Another instance of crowd pressure |
| Mk 5:31 | And his disciples said to him, “You see the crowd pressing in on you, and yet you say, ‘Who touched me?’” | Disciples acknowledge crowd pressure |
| Mk 6:31-34 | For there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. And he said to them, “Come away... | Jesus seeks respite from relentless demands |
| Lk 5:1 | As the crowd was pressing in on Him to hear the word of God, He was standing by the lake... | Crowds pressing to hear, setting for boat ministry |
| Lk 5:3 | And He got into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, and asked him to put out a little from the land. | Jesus using boat for teaching (Luke's account) |
| Jn 6:2 | And a large crowd followed Him, because they saw the signs which He was performing on those who were sick. | Large crowd follows due to healing miracles |
| Mat 4:23-25 | Jesus... healing every disease and every affliction among the people. And His fame spread... | Extensive healing ministry attracts multitudes |
| Mat 9:35-36 | ...and healing every disease and every affliction... he saw the crowds, he felt compassion for them... | Jesus' ministry context, large crowds |
| Mat 10:16 | "Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves." | Principle of strategic wisdom in ministry |
| Acts 5:16 | And also the people from the surrounding cities were coming... and all were being healed. | Early Church healing ministry attracting crowds |
| 2 Cor 4:8-9 | We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed... | Concept of enduring pressure/affliction (θλίψεις) |
| Phil 4:6 | Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication... | Proactive trust, not anxiety in managing demands |
| Prov 22:3 | The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it. | Wisdom in foreseeing and avoiding problems |
| Ex 18:18 | "You will surely wear out, both you and these people... because the task is too heavy for you..." | Necessity of managing workload and crowds (Jethro to Moses) |
| Ps 40:2 | He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock... | God's provision for stability in overwhelming circumstances |
| Is 40:11 | He will tend His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs in His arms... | Shepherd's care, includes guiding and protecting flock from dangers |
Mark 3 verses
Mark 3 9 Meaning
Jesus commanded His disciples to prepare a small boat for Him as a strategic measure. This was to provide a functional platform for effective ministry and to manage the overwhelming pressure from the vast crowds who, in their fervent desire for healing, were physically pressing in on Him. It demonstrated Jesus' practical wisdom in adapting to challenging circumstances for the furtherance of His mission.
Mark 3 9 Context
Mark chapter 3 narrates a critical period in Jesus' Galilean ministry, marked by a surge in popularity, widespread healing, and intensifying opposition from religious leaders. Prior to verse 9, Jesus performs numerous miracles, including healing a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath, which provokes the Pharisees and Herodians to conspire against Him (Mk 3:1-6). Immediately following this confrontation, Jesus retreats to the Sea of Galilee, where an enormous influx of people from diverse regions across Palestine and beyond gather around Him, desperate for healing from diseases and deliverance from unclean spirits (Mk 3:7-8). The sheer magnitude and fervent actions of this crowd, pressing upon Him to simply touch Him for healing (as explicitly stated in Mk 3:10), prompted Jesus' command in verse 9. This verse highlights Jesus' pragmatic approach to crowd management, enabling Him to continue His expansive healing ministry and public teaching without being physically overwhelmed or impeded.
Mark 3 9 Word analysis
- And he told (Καὶ εἶπεν - Kai eipen): Establishes continuity from the preceding narrative, emphasizing Jesus' active leadership and issuing a direct, authoritative instruction to His disciples.
- his disciples (τοῖς μαθηταῖς αὐτοῦ - tois mathētais autou): Specifies that this command was directed to His chosen followers, highlighting their practical role in assisting Jesus' ministry by providing logistical support.
- that a small boat (ἵνα πλοιάριον - hina ploiarion): The Greek term ploiarion is a diminutive of ploion (boat), suggesting a common, readily available, perhaps even an average fishing skiff rather than a large ship. This indicates a practical, immediate solution.
- should be ready for him (προσκαρτερῇ αὐτῷ - proskarterei autō): The verb proskartereo conveys the sense of persistent attendance, constant readiness, or being steadfastly devoted to a task. It implies the boat was to be kept continuously at hand for Jesus' use.
- because of the crowd (διὰ τὸν ὄχλον - dia ton ochlon): Ochlos refers to an unorganized multitude, a throng of common people. It indicates the vast numbers and potentially chaotic nature of the populace seeking Jesus, creating the pressing problem.
- lest they press upon him (ἵνα μὴ θλίβωσιν αὐτόν - hina mē thlibōsin auton): The verb thlibo means to press, crowd, compress, or crush. It denotes severe physical constriction or pressure. This phrase explains the dire need for the boat, suggesting Jesus was at risk of being physically overwhelmed, crushed, or simply rendered unable to move or speak effectively by the fervent throngs attempting to touch Him.
Words-group by words-group analysis
- "And he told his disciples that a small boat": This opening phrase underlines Jesus' delegation and foresight. He involves His disciples in the practical needs of His ministry, and the choice of a "small boat" (πλοιάριον) denotes a specific, manageable solution for an immediate problem. It also subtly hints at Jesus' intention to use it as a mobile base for operations.
- "should be ready for him because of the crowd": This grouping reveals Jesus' strategic awareness. He anticipates a logistical challenge posed by the popular appeal of His healing ministry. The emphasis is on proactive preparedness (ready for Him) due to the overwhelming presence of the "crowd" (ὄχλον), whose numbers make conventional ministry difficult.
- "lest they press upon him": This critical clause defines the immediate threat. The verb "press" (θλίβωσιν) signifies intense physical force, illustrating the real danger Jesus faced from the masses eager to reach and touch Him. It's not just discomfort, but a potential incapacitation, showcasing the physical demands of His earthly ministry and the human aspect of His endurance.
Mark 3 9 Bonus section
- This verse contributes to Mark's distinctive portrayal of Jesus as a man of action, frequently "on the move," often pressed for time or space, yet always driven by divine purpose and compassion.
- The detail of the boat provides a visual and practical context for subsequent events, especially the parables taught from the boat in Mark 4. This detail serves not only as crowd control but as an elevated pulpit for mass communication.
- The human dimension of Jesus needing to manage His physical proximity to the demanding crowds underscores His full humanity, experiencing the practical strains of an intensely popular ministry, despite His divine power.
Mark 3 9 Commentary
Mark 3:9 provides a sharp, vivid snapshot of Jesus' wisdom and adaptability in the face of overwhelming demand during His public ministry. The relentless stream of people, driven by the desire for healing, created such a dense press that Jesus' physical well-being and ability to minister effectively were threatened. His instruction to have a "small boat" kept "ready" demonstrates remarkable foresight and strategic thinking. This wasn't a request for comfort or retreat from ministry, but a practical solution to maintain order, create space, and facilitate better audibility and visibility for teaching (as seen shortly after in Mark 4:1). The urgency indicated by "lest they press upon him" underscores the literal intensity of the crowds, highlighting that even positive attention from vast numbers required careful, proactive management. It shows that even in the midst of divine power and compassion, Jesus operated with earthly wisdom to sustain His mission effectively.