Mark Chapter 4 · Verse 36
And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀφέντες
when they had sent away
G863
ἀφέντες
when they had sent away
Strong's:
G863
Word #:
2 of 18
to send forth, in various applications (as follow)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὄχλον
the multitude
G3793
ὄχλον
the multitude
Strong's:
G3793
Word #:
4 of 18
a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot
παραλαμβάνουσιν
they took
G3880
παραλαμβάνουσιν
they took
Strong's:
G3880
Word #:
5 of 18
to receive near, i.e., associate with oneself (in any familiar or intimate act or relation); by analogy, to assume an office; figuratively, to learn
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
6 of 18
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
ὡς
even as
G5613
ὡς
even as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
7 of 18
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Mark 4:1And 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.Mark 3:9And he spake to his disciples, that a small ship should wait on him because of the multitude, lest they should throng him.Mark 5:2And when he was come out of the ship, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit,
Historical Context
Small fishing boats on Sea of Galilee typically held 10-15 people. Multiple boats suggest large group accompanying Jesus. Evening crossings allowed fishermen to avoid daytime heat while positioning for night fishing. The detail of 'other ships' provides multiple witnesses to coming storm and miracle. Ancient boats used sails when wind permitted, oars when necessary. The Sea of Galilee's unpredictable weather made crossings potentially dangerous, though experienced fishermen usually navigated safely. This crossing would test even veterans.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' genuine exhaustion demonstrate His full humanity and make His deity more remarkable?
- What does immediate obedience 'even as he was' teach about responding to Jesus' commands without delay?
- How do you respond when Jesus calls you to action despite exhaustion or lack of preparation?
Analysis & Commentary
The disciples took Jesus 'even as he was in the ship'—no preparation or provisions, just immediate departure. The phrase 'even as he was' (ὡς ἦν) suggests Jesus remained in the teaching boat, exhausted from ministry. 'There were also with him other little ships'—multiple boats crossed together. This detail, characteristic of Mark's vivid eyewitness account, sets stage for miracle witnessed by many. Jesus' exhaustion is significant: the incarnate Son experienced genuine human limitations, fatigue requiring rest. His humanity makes His deity's revelation more striking—tired man who commands storms demonstrates two natures united.