Mark 3:20
And the multitude cometh together again, so that they could not so much as eat bread.
Original Language Analysis
Καὶ
And
G2532
Καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 11
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
συνέρχεται
cometh together
G4905
συνέρχεται
cometh together
Strong's:
G4905
Word #:
2 of 11
to convene, depart in company with, associate with, or (specially), cohabit (conjugally)
πάλιν
again
G3825
πάλιν
again
Strong's:
G3825
Word #:
3 of 11
(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand
ὄχλος
the multitude
G3793
ὄχλος
the multitude
Strong's:
G3793
Word #:
4 of 11
a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot
ὥστε
so that
G5620
ὥστε
so that
Strong's:
G5620
Word #:
5 of 11
so too, i.e., thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow)
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
6 of 11
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
αὐτοὺς
they
G846
αὐτοὺς
they
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
8 of 11
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
Historical Context
Ancient Palestinian houses consisted of small rooms with limited privacy. Extended families and visitors crowded together. Jesus' fame made privacy impossible. This detail suggests eyewitness observation, likely from Peter or apostles who experienced this pressure. Constant demand contributed to need for periodic withdrawal to deserted places (Mark 6:31-32). The scene illustrates both Jesus' accessibility and exhausting reality of public ministry.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' inability to eat due to ministry demands challenge understanding of healthy boundaries?
- What balance should exist between compassionate availability and necessary self-care?
- How does this encourage those overwhelmed by ministry demands?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus and disciples entered 'into an house' seeking rest, but 'the multitude cometh together again, so that they could not so much as eat bread.' The crowd's relentless pursuit prevented basic self-care. The phrase emphasizes extreme pressure—not even time for meals. This reveals Jesus' full humanity—experiencing physical needs and limitations. His response demonstrates compassion overcoming personal inconvenience. Reformed theology affirms Christ's true humanity while maintaining deity—He experienced genuine limitations without sin.