Mark 4 36

Mark 4:36 kjv

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.

Mark 4:36 nkjv

Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him.

Mark 4:36 niv

Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him.

Mark 4:36 esv

And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him.

Mark 4:36 nlt

So they took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowds behind (although other boats followed).

Mark 4 verses

Mark 4 36 Meaning

Mark 4:36 describes the immediate actions taken after Jesus had finished teaching the multitudes from a boat. The disciples dismissed the large crowd, then took Jesus directly into the boat He was in, "just as He was," without any delay or preparation. Furthermore, other smaller boats also accompanied them, implying a larger group undertaking the voyage across the Sea of Galilee. This sets the stage for the ensuing incident of Jesus calming the storm.

Mark 4 36 Context

Mark 4:36 occurs at a pivotal transition in Jesus' ministry. Jesus has just finished a period of intensive public teaching, specifically delivering the Parable of the Sower and other parables about the Kingdom of God, all while sitting in a boat by the shore to address the massive crowd. The immediate context of verse 35 establishes Jesus' instruction to "let us go over to the other side" when evening came. This verse marks the physical departure from the Capernaum area (or near) across the Sea of Galilee, a significant journey often accompanied by unpredictable and sudden storms. The "multitude" had likely been with Him for an extended period, reflecting the immense popularity and widespread interest in His teachings. The disciples' action of taking Jesus "even as he was" highlights a moment of spontaneous movement, perhaps due to His fatigue or their immediate obedience to His command, just before the renowned calming of the storm narrative.

Mark 4 36 Word analysis

• And when they had sent away (Καὶ ἀφέντες - Kai aphentes): "And having dismissed" or "And having sent off." The Greek verb aphentes (from aphiēmi) indicates the action of sending away or dismissing. This highlights the active role of the disciples in managing the crowd, implying a direct instruction or responsibility they took on behalf of Jesus. It marks a transition from public ministry to a more private interaction.

• the multitude (τὸν ὄχλον - ton ochlon): Refers to the large crowd that had gathered to hear Jesus teach. Ochlos signifies a multitude, often disorganized or a common mass of people, contrasting with the smaller, more intimate group of disciples.

• they took him (παραλαμβάνουσιν αὐτόν - paralambanousin auton): "They take him alongside" or "They receive him." The verb paralambanō implies taking someone with oneself, often in companionship or for a specific purpose. It's a present tense verb in the Greek, which can imply immediate, ongoing, or historical present action, emphasizing the swiftness and directness of their act.

• even as he was (ὡς ἦν - hōs ēn): A crucial and unique phrase. Hōs means "as" or "just as," and ēn is the imperfect form of "to be." This idiom means "without changing anything," "just in that condition," "immediately," or "without special preparation." It suggests that Jesus did not disembark, gather belongings, or make any personal arrangements. He remained in the same position, likely fatigued, simply transitioning from teaching to being transported. This underscores a lack of ceremony and the urgency of their departure, as well as Jesus' trust in His disciples. It portrays His human vulnerability and their readiness to serve Him spontaneously.

• in the ship (ἐν τῷ πλοίῳ - en tō ploiō): Refers to the specific boat Jesus had been using for teaching. Ploion is a general term for a boat or ship, often referring to a fishing vessel in the context of the Sea of Galilee. It implies the primary vessel, distinguishing it from the other "little ships."

• And there were also with him (καὶ ἄλλα πλοιάρια ἦν μετ’ αὐτοῦ - kai alla ploiaria ēn met' autou): "And other little boats were with Him." The term ploiaria (plural of ploiarion) denotes smaller boats. Their presence indicates that not only Jesus and His immediate disciples were involved in this crossing, but others also followed. This suggests a larger flotilla and possibly points to the general movement of people and fishermen on the Sea of Galilee, adding scale to the event. The fate of these other boats during the storm is not explicitly stated in Mark's narrative, but Matthew (8:26) mentions Jesus rebuking the winds and sea for them.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him": This phrase highlights the disciples' initiative and executive role in managing the situation. It shifts the scene from a large, anonymous crowd to a more intimate interaction centered on Jesus and His close followers. This demonstrates the practical service of the disciples in facilitating Jesus' movements.
  • "even as he was in the ship": This powerfully communicates Jesus' state and the immediate, unhesitating response of the disciples. It implies Jesus' potential weariness from intense ministry, his simple attire or state, and the disciples' swift obedience without concern for convention or preparation. This vivid detail draws attention to the spontaneous, urgent nature of the departure, emphasizing availability and discipleship. It suggests that following Jesus doesn't always involve elaborate planning, but immediate responsiveness.

Mark 4 36 Bonus section

• The immediate transition from teaching parables to experiencing a literal storm serves as a parabolic lesson in itself, where the Word sown (parables) gives way to a practical test of faith for those who follow Him "even as He was."
• The "ship" (τὸ πλοῖον) becomes a symbol throughout the Gospels: a place of teaching, a place of encounter with the divine (calming the storm, walking on water), and a microcosm of the church where Jesus dwells amidst the "little ships" of other believers or the larger world.
• The detail of "other little ships" might suggest that some members of the larger crowd, particularly those most fervent or curious, were also eager to continue following Jesus across the sea, perhaps unaware of the trial that lay ahead. This adds a layer of broader witness to the impending miracle.

Mark 4 36 Commentary

Mark 4:36 provides a concise yet profound snapshot of a moment in Jesus' earthly ministry, serving as a vital bridge between His public teaching and a significant demonstration of His divine power. The phrase "even as he was" offers a striking insight into Jesus' humanity, implying He was possibly exhausted after addressing the vast crowd from the boat. It reveals His complete reliance on the Father's timing and His disciples' care. The disciples' action in dismissing the multitude and immediately taking Jesus speaks to their emerging sense of responsibility and obedience, reflecting a core aspect of true discipleship: being ready to serve and follow the Master without delay or concern for earthly comforts. The presence of "other little ships" is significant; it indicates that the upcoming miraculous calming of the storm would not just be witnessed by the inner circle, but by a wider group, underscoring the public scope of His authority even in private moments of travel. The verse beautifully sets the scene for the divine revelation to come, moving from the word taught to the power displayed, challenging both disciples and followers to trust in Christ, regardless of circumstances.