Mark 3:9
And he spake to his disciples, that a small ship should wait on him because of the multitude, lest they should throng him.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτόν·
him
G846
αὐτόν·
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
5 of 16
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
προσκαρτερῇ
should wait on
G4342
προσκαρτερῇ
should wait on
Strong's:
G4342
Word #:
8 of 16
to be earnest towards, i.e., (to a thing) to persevere, be constantly diligent, or (in a place) to attend assiduously all the exercises, or (to a pers
αὐτόν·
him
G846
αὐτόν·
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
9 of 16
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
διὰ
because
G1223
διὰ
because
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
10 of 16
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὄχλον
of the multitude
G3793
ὄχλον
of the multitude
Strong's:
G3793
Word #:
12 of 16
a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
14 of 16
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
Historical Context
The Sea of Galilee's shore provided natural amphitheater. A boat slightly offshore allowed addressing crowds while maintaining safe distance. Small fishing boats (πλοιάριον) were common, typically 20-30 feet long. Jesus' regular use suggests close relationship with fishing disciples who provided transport. This detail reflects eyewitness testimony, likely from Peter.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' need for physical boundaries challenge expectations of unlimited availability?
- What wisdom can you learn from Jesus' practical measures to manage demands?
- How do you balance accessibility with necessary self-care?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus commanded disciples to keep 'a small ship' ready 'because of the multitude, lest they should throng him.' The verb 'throng' (θλίβω) means press, crush—the crowd's enthusiasm threatened to overwhelm Him physically. This practical measure demonstrates wisdom in managing ministry demands. The boat served dual purposes: escape from crowds and floating platform for teaching (Mark 4:1). This reveals Jesus' full humanity—experiencing physical limitations, fatigue, need for space. Reformed Christology affirms Christ's full deity and full humanity.