Mark 6 34

Mark 6:34 kjv

And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things.

Mark 6:34 nkjv

And Jesus, when He came out, saw a great multitude and was moved with compassion for them, because they were like sheep not having a shepherd. So He began to teach them many things.

Mark 6:34 niv

When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.

Mark 6:34 esv

When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And he began to teach them many things.

Mark 6:34 nlt

Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.

Mark 6 verses

Mark 6 34 Meaning

This verse powerfully captures Jesus' deep character and mission. Upon encountering a vast crowd, His weariness gave way to profound, visceral compassion. He perceived their spiritual condition as analogous to "sheep without a shepherd"—disoriented, vulnerable, and lacking proper guidance and nourishment. In response, Jesus immediately prioritized their fundamental need by extensively teaching them, providing the spiritual leadership and truth they desperately required.

Mark 6 34 Context

Mark 6:34 occurs immediately after Jesus' disciples return from their mission (Mk 6:30) and report their activities to Him. Seeking a place for them to rest due to the constant crowds (Mk 6:31), Jesus takes them by boat to a secluded spot. However, the crowds, observing their movement, anticipate their destination and arrive before them (Mk 6:33). Thus, Jesus and His disciples are met by a large multitude, immediately upon disembarking, despite their need for privacy and rest. This direct encounter sets the stage for Jesus' compassionate response, which contrasts with the earlier events of the chapter: His rejection in Nazareth (Mk 6:1-6) and the gruesome account of John the Baptist's death (Mk 6:14-29), highlighting the spiritual void Jesus came to fill.

Mark 6 34 Word analysis

• And Jesus: Indicates continuation of narrative; Jesus is the central actor.
• when he came out: Refers to disembarking from the boat where Jesus and His disciples had sought a quiet place for rest (Mark 6:32).
• saw: Greek: eiden (εἶδεν), simple past tense of horao, to see. Implies a clear perception of the crowd's presence and their deeper condition.
• much people / great crowd: Greek: polyn ochlon (πολὺν ὄχλον). Describes a vast multitude, emphasizing the sheer scale of humanity gathered, a testament to Jesus' growing popularity and the spiritual hunger He addressed.
• and was moved with compassion: Greek: kai esplagchnisthē (καὶ ἐσπλαγχνίσθη). This is a very strong Greek verb, derived from splagchna (σπλάγχνα), referring to the internal organs or bowels, which the ancients considered the seat of deep emotion. It denotes a visceral, gut-wrenching pity or empathy, far beyond mere sympathy. It reflects Jesus' consistent pattern of response to human suffering. This emotion motivates His subsequent actions.
• toward them: Greek: ep' autous (ἐπ' αὐτούς). Directs His compassion specifically to the crowd before Him.
• because: Greek: hoti (ὅτι). Introduces the direct reason or explanation for His profound compassion.
• they were as sheep: Greek: hōs probata (ὡς πρόβατα). A powerful Old Testament metaphor for people who are vulnerable, defenseless, prone to wandering, and completely dependent on a shepherd for guidance, protection, and provision.
• not having a shepherd: Greek: mē echonta poimena (μὴ ἔχοντα ποιμένα). This phrase specifies the precise spiritual deficiency of the people. It points to a profound lack of proper spiritual leadership, guidance, protection, and nourishment. In a society with established religious authorities (Pharisees, Sadducees, Scribes), this implies a severe critique of the existing spiritual care provided by these 'shepherds'. It suggests spiritual destitution and aimlessness.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people": This phrase establishes the immediate, overwhelming reality Jesus faced. His intention for rest was overridden by the sheer human presence.
• "and was moved with compassion toward them": This highlights Jesus' divine nature overriding His human fatigue. His compassion is not a fleeting emotion but a fundamental aspect of His being, directly responsive to the needs He perceives.
• "because they were as sheep not having a shepherd": This provides the theological justification for Jesus' compassion and subsequent action. It frames the people's condition not merely as physical tiredness or hunger (though this comes later), but primarily as a spiritual plight: lacking true, caring, and effective leadership to guide them in God's ways. This condition stood in stark contrast to God's ideal for His people (as seen in Ezekiel 34).
• "and he began to teach them many things": This describes Jesus' concrete, pastoral response. Rather than chastising them for disturbing His rest or immediately performing miracles, His first action is to teach. This emphasizes that spiritual instruction and guidance are the foundational solution to being "sheep without a shepherd," providing nourishment for their disoriented souls. The "many things" implies comprehensive, extensive, and relevant teaching for their spiritual need.

Mark 6 34 Bonus section

• The phrase "sheep without a shepherd" serves as a subtle yet potent critique of the existing religious authorities (Scribes, Pharisees) in Israel who, by their legalism and lack of true pastoral care, had left the common people spiritually adrift and unguided in God's will. Jesus here fulfills the Old Testament prophecies of the "good shepherd" who would genuinely care for God's flock, unlike the false shepherds.
• This verse showcases the core of Jesus' "pastoral heart." His primary concern is the spiritual well-being of the people, seeing past their outward appearance to their profound inner need.
• The transition from seeking rest to engaging in intensive teaching demonstrates Jesus' servant leadership and willingness to sacrifice His own needs for the good of others, a pattern for all who claim to follow Him.
• The immediate focus on "teaching many things" underscores the paramount importance of spiritual truth and discipleship in Jesus' ministry. Miracles often followed teaching, affirming its divine source, but the teaching itself was the central act of leading and nurturing the sheep.

Mark 6 34 Commentary

Mark 6:34 is a pivotal verse, encapsulating Jesus' empathetic nature, His perception of humanity's spiritual crisis, and His chosen method for addressing it. Overriding His personal need for rest and privacy, Jesus responds with splagchnizomai—a deep, visceral compassion that moves Him to act. He identifies the core problem of the multitude: their spiritual leaderlessness. Despite having formal religious structures, the people were like "sheep without a shepherd," disoriented and vulnerable. Jesus does not merely pity them; He responds. His solution is not initially a miracle, but thorough teaching. This highlights that true spiritual nourishment and guidance (the role of a good shepherd) come through truth and instruction. This verse sets the stage for the miraculous feeding of the five thousand, illustrating Jesus as the ultimate provider, meeting both spiritual hunger (through teaching) and physical hunger (through food), but prioritizing the spiritual. His ministry is defined by selfless service, profound empathy, and authoritative, transformative teaching as the ultimate solution to humanity's lostness.