Mark 6 47

Mark 6:47 kjv

And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land.

Mark 6:47 nkjv

Now when evening came, the boat was in the middle of the sea; and He was alone on the land.

Mark 6:47 niv

Later that night, the boat was in the middle of the lake, and he was alone on land.

Mark 6:47 esv

And when evening came, the boat was out on the sea, and he was alone on the land.

Mark 6:47 nlt

Late that night, the disciples were in their boat in the middle of the lake, and Jesus was alone on land.

Mark 6 verses

Mark 6 47 Meaning

Mark 6:47 sets the scene for Jesus' walking on water miracle. It describes the disciples' boat as being far out in the Sea of Galilee when evening arrived, while Jesus was physically separate from them, alone on the land. This establishes a physical and situational distance between the vulnerable disciples caught in the open water and Jesus, who is in solitude on shore, preparing to reveal His divine power and watchful care.

Mark 6 47 Context

Mark 6:47 is chronologically set directly after the miraculous feeding of the five thousand (Mark 6:30-44). Following this monumental display of power and provision, Jesus intentionally sends His disciples ahead in a boat across the Sea of Galilee, while He disperses the large crowds and then goes up a mountain alone to pray. This verse, therefore, marks the critical transitional moment between Jesus' period of private prayer and His subsequent divine intervention by walking on water. Historically and culturally, the Sea of Galilee was prone to sudden, violent storms due to its geographical depression. Traveling by boat at night, especially without Jesus, placed the disciples in a position of extreme vulnerability, a common peril for fishermen of that era. This situation, carefully orchestrated by Jesus, would provide a powerful lesson for the disciples about His omnipotence and omnipresence, even when He seems physically distant.

Mark 6 47 Word analysis

• When evening came, (ὀψίας γενομένης - opsias genomenēs)
  • Opsia typically refers to the later part of the day, specifically the "second evening" (around 6-9 PM), in Jewish reckoning. This implies the fading light, moving into full darkness.
  • Significance: Symbolizes the increasing difficulty and isolation for the disciples as they move from the light of day to the dangers of night. It sets the stage for a period of vulnerability where only divine intervention could save them.
• the boat (τὸ πλοῖον - to ploion)
  • Ploion means "boat" or "ship."
  • Significance: The boat represents the disciples, and often in broader Christian thought, it symbolizes the Church. Its fragility and dependence on external forces (wind, waves) underscore the Church's dependence on Christ.
• was in the middle (ἐν μέσῳ - en mesō)
  • En mesō literally means "in the midst," "in the middle."
  • Significance: This emphasizes the boat's complete exposure and distance from safety (land). They are in the heart of the unpredictable, potentially deadly sea, far from help. This illustrates a state of extreme vulnerability and crisis.
• of the lake, (τῆς λίμνης - tēs limnēs)
  • Limne refers specifically to the Sea of Galilee, a large freshwater lake known for its sudden, violent storms.
  • Significance: The lake, particularly in a storm, is an archetypal place of chaos and danger in biblical narrative, often symbolizing forces beyond human control. Jesus' later mastery over it demonstrates divine authority.
• and he was alone (καὶ αὐτὸς μόνος - kai autos monos)
  • Autos is an emphatic pronoun, "He himself," pointing directly to Jesus.
  • Monos means "alone" or "only."
  • Significance: This highlights Jesus' deliberate choice of solitude for prayer and spiritual preparation after the intense activity of feeding the multitudes. His aloneness also contrasts with the disciples huddled together in the boat. It underscores His singular, unique identity and purpose. It is not an accidental separation but a purposeful one, allowing Him to exercise His unique role.
• on land. (ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς - epi tēs gēs)
  • Epi tēs gēs means "on the land" or "on the earth."
  • Significance: Land provides a contrast to the tumultuous sea, representing stability and safety. The physical separation between Jesus (on stable land) and the disciples (on chaotic sea) underscores the perilous situation of the disciples and prepares for the supernatural bridge that Jesus will create by walking from land to sea.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• When evening came, the boat was in the middle of the lake, This phrase precisely sets the perilous scene: timing (darkness), location (vulnerable vessel), and condition (deep water, far from safety). It emphasizes the natural challenges faced by the disciples without the presence of Jesus. The progression into evening, far from shore, intensifies their growing distress which will be elaborated upon in subsequent verses.
• and he was alone on land. This sharply contrasts the disciples' situation with Jesus' position. His chosen solitude on land, after sending them away, indicates a sovereign oversight. He is not just isolated; He is in a place of prayer and calm, waiting to manifest His power at the precise moment. This also underscores His humanity (praying) preparing for the display of His divinity (walking on water).

Mark 6 47 Bonus section

The timing "when evening came" (opsias genomenēs) in this passage, combined with information from the parallel accounts, implies the disciples were in the storm for a considerable portion of the night. This extended period of struggle amplifies the disciples' weariness and desperation, making Jesus' eventual appearance a true rescue "in the fourth watch of the night" (Matthew 14:25), or "towards morning." This detail signifies Jesus' willingness to allow His disciples to experience trial for a time, not for His neglect, but for them to fully grasp His unique power and to teach them patient reliance on Him. The setting, directly after a feeding miracle, subtly foreshadows how the disciples, still lacking complete understanding of Jesus' true identity, would need further miraculous experiences to truly see and believe in Him as more than a prophet, but as the Divine Son.

Mark 6 47 Commentary

Mark 6:47 serves as a poignant transitional verse, meticulously establishing the dramatic circumstances that will lead to Jesus' miraculous walk on water. It deliberately highlights the contrasting situations of the disciples and Jesus: they are in dire straits, alone and vulnerable "in the middle of the lake" as darkness falls, while Jesus is safely "alone on land," having sent them ahead. This setup is crucial for several theological insights. First, it underscores Jesus' foreknowledge and divine orchestration; He sent them into this situation, not unknowingly, but with intent to demonstrate His power and care. Second, His solitude on the mountain for prayer reinforces His consistent reliance on His Father, even when about to perform a staggering miracle. Third, the spatial separation—Jesus on solid ground, the disciples on the volatile sea—magnifies the disciples' sense of helplessness and fear, making His subsequent appearance and control over the elements an undeniable display of His unique identity and authority over creation. It illustrates that even when Jesus appears distant, He is watching over His people in their struggles, perfectly aware of their condition and prepared to intervene.