Mark 3:7
But Jesus withdrew himself with his disciples to the sea: and a great multitude from Galilee followed him, and from Judaea,
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
But
G2532
καὶ
But
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
3 of 23
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
μετὰ
with
G3326
μετὰ
with
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
5 of 23
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτῶ,
him
G846
αὐτῶ,
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
8 of 23
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
πρὸς
to
G4314
πρὸς
to
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
9 of 23
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
But
G2532
καὶ
But
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πολὺ
a great
G4183
πολὺ
a great
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
13 of 23
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
15 of 23
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Γαλιλαίας
Galilee
G1056
Γαλιλαίας
Galilee
Strong's:
G1056
Word #:
17 of 23
galilaea (i.e., the heathen circle), a region of palestine
ἠκολούθησαν
followed
G190
ἠκολούθησαν
followed
Strong's:
G190
Word #:
18 of 23
properly, to be in the same way with, i.e., to accompany (specially, as a disciple)
αὐτῶ,
him
G846
αὐτῶ,
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
19 of 23
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
καὶ
But
G2532
καὶ
But
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
20 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
21 of 23
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
Cross References
Matthew 4:25And there followed him great multitudes of people from Galilee, and from Decapolis, and from Jerusalem, and from Judaea, and from beyond Jordan.Luke 6:17And he came down with them, and stood in the plain, and the company of his disciples, and a great multitude of people out of all Judaea and Jerusalem, and from the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon, which came to hear him, and to be healed of their diseases;Matthew 12:15But when Jesus knew it, he withdrew himself from thence: and great multitudes followed him, and he healed them all;
Historical Context
The geographical scope is remarkable. Galilee (northern) was Jesus' ministry base. Judea and Jerusalem (south) represented religious establishment. Idumea (ancient Edom) was semi-Gentile. 'Beyond Jordan' refers to Perea (east). Tyre and Sidon (northwest coastal) were Gentile Phoenician territories. This diverse crowd fulfills prophecies of Messiah drawing all nations (Isaiah 49:6; 60:3).
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' strategic withdrawal teach wisdom in facing opposition?
- What does the diverse crowd reveal about the gospel's universal appeal?
- How does this encourage you when facing rejection from religious authorities?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus 'withdrew...to the sea'—strategic retreat, not cowardly flight. 'A great multitude from Galilee followed' despite religious leaders' opposition. The list of regions (Galilee, Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, beyond Jordan, Tyre, Sidon) demonstrates widespread fame extending into Gentile regions. This foreshadows gospel expansion to all nations. The multitude's size and diversity reveals common people recognized Jesus' authority despite official rejection. Reformed theology: evidence of God's sovereign election from every tribe and nation.