Mark 6 32

Mark 6:32 kjv

And they departed into a desert place by ship privately.

Mark 6:32 nkjv

So they departed to a deserted place in the boat by themselves.

Mark 6:32 niv

So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place.

Mark 6:32 esv

And they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves.

Mark 6:32 nlt

So they left by boat for a quiet place, where they could be alone.

Mark 6 verses

Mark 6 32 Meaning

Mark 6:32 describes Jesus and His disciples seeking withdrawal and a time of rest from the pressing crowds and intense ministry demands. It highlights their departure by boat to a desolate, isolated location specifically for their rejuvenation and for private communion with one another, particularly after the disciples had returned from their first mission. This move signifies Jesus' compassion for His weary followers and His recognition of their human need for physical and spiritual recuperation.

Mark 6 32 Context

Immediate Context (Mark 6:7-31): The verse follows directly from Jesus sending out the twelve disciples (apostles) two by two to preach repentance, cast out demons, and heal the sick (Mk 6:7-13). Upon their return, "the apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught" (Mk 6:30). Concurrently, word of John the Baptist's death has reached Jesus (Mk 6:14-29), adding to the weight of events. The ministry was so intense, "many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat" (Mk 6:31). Recognizing their physical exhaustion and perhaps also their need for private reflection and teaching after such significant ministry experience, Jesus takes the initiative to remove them from the overwhelming crowds.

Broader Context: This withdrawal is a significant transition point in Mark's narrative, directly preceding the miracle of the feeding of the five thousand (Mk 6:33-44). The "solitary place" becomes the unexpected setting for a demonstration of Jesus' power and compassion on a massive scale. It illustrates a recurring pattern in Jesus' ministry: periods of intense public service followed by attempts at withdrawal for rest, teaching His disciples privately, and prayer. Despite their efforts to seek seclusion, the persistent crowds often interrupted these moments, showcasing the unyielding demands of Jesus' mission and His eventual compassionate response.

Mark 6 32 Word analysis

• So they went away (Καὶ ἀπῆλθον - Kai apēlthon):
  • Καὶ (Kai): "And" or "So," indicating a direct consequence or continuation of the previous statement (Jesus' invitation in Mk 6:31).
  • ἀπῆλθον (apēlthon): Aorist active indicative of aperchomai, "to go away," "depart." It denotes immediate and decisive action. The disciples' obedience to Jesus' command to seek rest.
• in the boat (ἐν τῷ πλοίῳ - en tō ploiō):
  • ἐν (en): "in," denoting the mode of transportation.
  • τῷ πλοίῳ (tō ploiō): "the boat." The definite article implies a known, perhaps their usual fishing boat on the Sea of Galilee. Using a boat was the most efficient way to bypass land crowds and reach a secluded area across the lake.
• to a solitary place (εἰς ἔρημον τόπον - eis erēmon topon):
  • εἰς (eis): "into," indicating movement towards a destination.
  • ἔρημον (erēmon): Adjective, "solitary," "desert," "desolate," "uninhabited." In the Gospels, eremos often signifies places where spiritual events occur—wilderness experiences, prayer, or miraculous provision. It suggests a place far from human habitation, offering peace and separation.
  • τόπον (topon): "place," "area."
• by themselves (κατ' ἰδίαν - kat' idian):
  • κατ' (kat'): Shortened form of kata, "according to," here functioning to indicate privacy.
  • ἰδίαν (idian): From idios, "one's own," "private." This phrase emphasizes the exclusive and private nature of their withdrawal. It was meant to be a time for Jesus and His core followers, without the presence of the general public.

Words-group Analysis:

• "So they went away in the boat": This phrase highlights the means of their departure, signifying an intentional effort to escape the clamor by the most direct and least interrupted route available—across the water.
• "to a solitary place by themselves": This underscores the purpose of their journey: isolation for the sake of rest, private instruction, and a break from public demands. It signifies the Lord's care for His servants' well-being and His understanding of their need for recuperation from the rigorous work of ministry. The erēmos topos becomes a sanctuary, intended for restorative and intimate moments with their Master.

Mark 6 32 Bonus Section

• Anticipation of Interruption: While Mark 6:32 describes the intent to withdraw, the following verses reveal that this intention was swiftly thwarted as the crowds, recognizing Jesus and knowing His general direction, traveled by land to meet Him (Mk 6:33). This highlights both the intense devotion of the crowds and the relentless nature of Jesus' ministry, even when seeking rest.
• The Wilderness Motif: The "solitary place" (erēmos topos) frequently appears in Mark's Gospel and biblical narrative as a whole. It is a setting for spiritual preparation (Jesus' temptation in the wilderness, Mk 1:12-13), intimate revelation, prayer, and miraculous provision (Manna in the wilderness, Feeding of the Five Thousand). It symbolizes a space removed from societal distractions, conducive to focusing on God.
• Compassion in Action: This short verse sets the stage for one of Jesus' most significant demonstrations of compassion—feeding the five thousand. Jesus' initial desire for the disciples' rest doesn't override His profound empathy for the "sheep without a shepherd" when they arrive. His action here is born from genuine care, not simply strategic planning.

Mark 6 32 Commentary

Mark 6:32 encapsulates a fundamental truth about serving the Lord: the necessity of rest and withdrawal for those engaged in intense ministry. Jesus, fully divine yet also fully human, understood the toll ministry took on His disciples, and indeed on Himself. The initiative for this withdrawal comes directly from Jesus, demonstrating His shepherd-like care for His flock. They sought a "solitary place" not for idleness, but for replenishment, teaching, and re-centering after strenuous spiritual labor.

This verse serves as a reminder that effectiveness in ministry is not solely about continuous activity, but also about strategic pauses for restoration. It provides a divine precedent for spiritual leaders and believers alike to prioritize physical and mental rest, personal devotion, and quiet fellowship. Although their attempt at seclusion was soon interrupted by the eager crowds, Jesus' compassionate intent behind their journey remains paramount. It teaches us the importance of Sabbath principles in our lives, acknowledging our human limitations and dependence on God's strength.