Mark 4:1
And he began again to teach by the sea side: and there was gathered unto him a great multitude, so that he entered into a ship, and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 34
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πάλιν
again
G3825
πάλιν
again
Strong's:
G3825
Word #:
2 of 34
(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand
παρὰ
by
G3844
παρὰ
by
Strong's:
G3844
Word #:
5 of 34
properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 34
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 34
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
συνήχθη
there was gathered
G4863
συνήχθη
there was gathered
Strong's:
G4863
Word #:
9 of 34
to lead together, i.e., collect or convene; specially, to entertain (hospitably)
πρὸς
by
G4314
πρὸς
by
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
10 of 34
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,
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
11 of 34
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
ὄχλος
multitude
G3793
ὄχλος
multitude
Strong's:
G3793
Word #:
12 of 34
a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot
πολύς,
a great
G4183
πολύς,
a great
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
13 of 34
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
ὥστε
so that
G5620
ὥστε
so that
Strong's:
G5620
Word #:
14 of 34
so too, i.e., thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow)
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
15 of 34
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
ἐμβάντα
he entered
G1684
ἐμβάντα
he entered
Strong's:
G1684
Word #:
16 of 34
to walk on, i.e., embark (aboard a vessel), reach (a pool)
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
17 of 34
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 34
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καθῆσθαι
and sat
G2521
καθῆσθαι
and sat
Strong's:
G2521
Word #:
20 of 34
and ???? (to sit; akin to the base of g1476); to sit down; figuratively, to remain, reside
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
22 of 34
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
24 of 34
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 #:
26 of 34
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὄχλος
multitude
G3793
ὄχλος
multitude
Strong's:
G3793
Word #:
27 of 34
a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot
πρὸς
by
G4314
πρὸς
by
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
28 of 34
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 #:
29 of 34
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐπὶ
on
G1909
ἐπὶ
on
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
31 of 34
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
32 of 34
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
The Sea of Galilee provided ideal teaching venue—gently sloping shores allowed crowds to gather in amphitheater formation. Boats served as floating platforms, common rabbinic teaching technique. The 'sea' (actually freshwater lake) was 13 miles long, 8 miles wide, central to Galilean economy. Fishing villages dotted shores; Jesus' ministry centered in this region. Using boats required cooperation from fishing disciples who provided transportation and maritime expertise. The scene reflects eyewitness testimony, likely from Peter or other fishermen-apostles.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' adaptation of venue while maintaining message priority challenge rigidity in ministry methods?
- What creative approaches can you employ to communicate gospel effectively in your context?
- How does Jesus' persistence in teaching despite obstacles encourage faithful proclamation?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus 'began again to teach by the sea side'—returning to familiar venue for public instruction. The crowd's size ('very great multitude') forced Him into boat while they stood on shore. This created natural amphitheater—water enhanced acoustics, distance prevented crushing crowds. The phrase 'in the sea' (ἐν τῇ θαλάσσῃ) means 'on the sea,' sitting in boat on water. His teaching method demonstrates adaptation to circumstances while maintaining priority on proclaiming truth. The setting introduces extended parable discourse (chapter 4), Jesus' characteristic teaching style using everyday images to convey spiritual realities.