Mark 6 31

Mark 6:31 kjv

And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.

Mark 6:31 nkjv

And He said to them, "Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while." For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.

Mark 6:31 niv

Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest."

Mark 6:31 esv

And he said to them, "Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while." For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat.

Mark 6:31 nlt

Then Jesus said, "Let's go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile." He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn't even have time to eat.

Mark 6 verses

Mark 6 31 Meaning

Mark 6:31 describes Jesus observing His disciples' exhaustion after a demanding ministry mission. He calls them to withdraw with Him to a solitary place to rest, recognizing their overwhelming schedule that left no time even for basic necessities like eating. This passage highlights Jesus' compassionate care for His followers and underscores the essential need for periods of rest and spiritual renewal amidst intense service. It teaches that even in the midst of urgent ministry, replenishment is vital for sustained effectiveness and well-being.

Mark 6 31 Context

Mark 6:31 falls immediately after the twelve disciples, having been sent out by Jesus two by two (Mk 6:7-13), return from their first mission. They report to Jesus "all that they had done and taught" (Mk 6:30), indicating a period of intense activity, spiritual warfare, and public engagement. This successful, yet demanding, missionary journey undoubtedly left them physically and emotionally depleted. Prior to their mission, Mark also records the somber account of John the Baptist's death (Mk 6:14-29), which would have contributed to the emotional weight of the period.

The historical context reflects the burgeoning popularity of Jesus' ministry, drawing massive crowds that followed Him everywhere. This constant influx of people, seeking healing, teaching, or simply witnessing miracles, created relentless demands on Jesus and His disciples. This verse directly leads into the feeding of the five thousand (Mk 6:32-44), a monumental event that occurs because their attempt to withdraw for rest is interrupted by even larger crowds, yet Jesus, showing compassion, teaches and then miraculously feeds them.

Mark 6 31 Word analysis

• And he said (Καὶ λέγει – Kai legei): "And he says/is saying." The use of the present tense ("says" or "is saying") for a past action is a common narrative device in Greek, creating vividness and immediacy. It highlights Jesus' authoritative, yet compassionate, directive.
• to them (αὐτοῖς – autois): Refers specifically to the twelve disciples, who have just returned from their mission. Jesus directs this instruction personally to His inner circle, recognizing their specific need.
• "Come away (Δεῦτε – Deute): An urgent, plural imperative. It's a direct invitation and command from Jesus. It signifies a decisive movement of departure from their current surroundings.
• by yourselves (ὑμεῖς αὐτοὶ κατ' ἰδίαν – humeis autoi kat' idian): "You yourselves individually, privately/apart." This phrase emphasizes privacy and personal space, not just distance from the crowd, but exclusive time together as a distinct group. It means withdrawing for personal recuperation.
• to a secluded place (τόπον ἔρημον – topon eremon): "A solitary/deserted place." This isn't just any quiet spot but a place devoid of constant human activity and interaction, characteristic of the wilderness areas Jesus often frequented for prayer and retreat (Mk 1:35; Lk 5:16).
• and rest (καὶ ἀναπαύσασθε – kai anapausasthe): An imperative from anapauō, meaning "to cause to cease, to refresh, to give rest." It's not merely physical inactivity but implies restoration, refreshing of body, mind, and spirit. It connects to the concept of the Sabbath rest, though not strictly within Sabbath observance.
• a while" (ὀλίγον – oligon): "A little," or "for a short time." The rest proposed by Jesus is not a permanent retirement but a temporary pause. It acknowledges the ongoing nature of their mission and the need for cyclical periods of replenishment.
• For (γὰρ – gar): "For," indicating the reason or explanation for Jesus' invitation to rest.
• there were many (ἦσαν... πολλοί – ēsan... polloi): "There were many people." Signifies a continuous and overwhelming influx of individuals.
• coming and going, (οἱ ἐρχόμενοι καὶ οἱ ὑπάγοντες – hoi erchomenoi kai hoi hypagontes): A common expression depicting constant activity and commotion, like a busy marketplace or thoroughfare. It highlights the non-stop nature of the crowd's demands.
• and they did not even have time to eat." (καὶ οὐδὲ φαγεῖν εὐκαίρουν – kai oude phagein eukairoun): "And not even opportunity/leisure to eat." This clause vividly illustrates the extreme level of their busyness. Eating, a basic human need, was being neglected, underscoring their severe physical depletion.

Mark 6 31 Bonus section

The narrative of Mark 6:31, though concise, implicitly highlights Jesus' exceptional leadership qualities. He is not merely a taskmaster, but a compassionate shepherd deeply attuned to the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of His flock, particularly those He had commissioned. This act of inviting His disciples to rest demonstrates a principle of Christian service that values the caregiver as much as the cared-for. It contrasts sharply with many secular and even some religious paradigms that push individuals to constant productivity without sufficient regard for rest or mental health. The example set by Jesus here challenges the pervasive modern idol of unceasing activity and warns against burnout, even in the name of good works. His teaching is that effective ministry flows from a refreshed and renewed spirit.

Mark 6 31 Commentary

Mark 6:31 presents a profound insight into Jesus' pastoral heart and the principles of sustainable ministry. After the disciples' arduous evangelistic tour, Jesus, demonstrating perfect empathy and wisdom, discerns their deep-seated need for respite. This is not an instruction for mere physical idleness, but a call to purposeful, restorative rest in an environment conducive to spiritual and emotional recalibration. The phrase "secluded place" echoes Jesus' own consistent practice of withdrawing for communion with the Father, modeling a crucial rhythm of ministry.

The immediate reason for their need for rest – "many coming and going" and "no time to eat" – paints a vivid picture of overwhelming demands. This serves as a timeless caution for those engaged in service: unbounded busyness can lead to neglect of basic needs and eventual burnout. Jesus’ command to "rest a while" is an act of care, validating their exhaustion and providing the necessary intervention. It underscores that our capacity to serve flows from a place of spiritual and physical replenishment, rather than relentless self-depletion.

Crucially, this moment of proposed rest for the disciples is immediately interrupted by a larger crowd (Mark 6:32-34). This does not negate the importance of Jesus’ instruction, but rather illustrates the tension between the pressing needs of the multitude and the personal well-being of the ministers. In that instance, Jesus’ compassion for the leaderless crowd took precedence. Yet, the principle articulated in verse 31 remains a vital lesson for all who seek to follow Christ and serve Him: proactive and intentional periods of rest are essential for endurance and spiritual vitality, modelled and commanded by our Lord Himself.

Practical Examples:

• A Christian leader scheduling a quiet day away from the office after an intense conference.
• A volunteer group for a mission trip taking dedicated downtime for reflection and debriefing.
• Individuals prioritizing a "sabbath rest" each week, stepping away from work and urgent tasks to focus on God and family.