Mark 6:31
And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτοὶ
unto them
G846
αὐτοὶ
unto them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 26
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
αὐτοὶ
unto them
G846
αὐτοὶ
unto them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
6 of 26
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
κατ'
apart
G2596
κατ'
apart
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
7 of 26
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
ἰδίαν
G2398
ἰδίαν
Strong's:
G2398
Word #:
8 of 26
pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
9 of 26
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
ἔρημον
a desert
G2048
ἔρημον
a desert
Strong's:
G2048
Word #:
10 of 26
lonesome, i.e., (by implication) waste (usually as a noun, g5561 being implied)
τόπον
place
G5117
τόπον
place
Strong's:
G5117
Word #:
11 of 26
a spot (general in space, but limited by occupancy; whereas g5561 is a large but participle locality), i.e., location (as a position, home, tract, etc
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀναπαύεσθε
rest
G373
ἀναπαύεσθε
rest
Strong's:
G373
Word #:
13 of 26
(reflexively) to repose (literally or figuratively (be exempt), remain); by implication, to refresh
ὀλίγον
a while
G3641
ὀλίγον
a while
Strong's:
G3641
Word #:
14 of 26
puny (in extent, degree, number, duration or value); especially neuter (adverbially) somewhat
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
16 of 26
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐρχόμενοι
coming
G2064
ἐρχόμενοι
coming
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
18 of 26
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
19 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὑπάγοντες
going
G5217
ὑπάγοντες
going
Strong's:
G5217
Word #:
21 of 26
to lead (oneself) under, i.e., withdraw or retire (as if sinking out of sight), literally or figuratively
πολλοί
many
G4183
πολλοί
many
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
22 of 26
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
23 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Mark 3:20And the multitude cometh together again, so that they could not so much as eat bread.Mark 1:45But he went out, and began to publish it much, and to blaze abroad the matter, insomuch that Jesus could no more openly enter into the city, but was without in desert places: and they came to him from every quarter.Mark 3:7But Jesus withdrew himself with his disciples to the sea: and a great multitude from Galilee followed him, and from Judaea,John 6:1After these things Jesus went over the sea of Galilee, which is the sea of Tiberias.
Historical Context
Apostles returned excited reporting ministry. But Jesus wisdom directs them to rest first. Ministry effectiveness requires physical spiritual emotional health. Burnout epidemic in ministry driven culture. Jesus example withdraw pray rest must be followed. Desert place allowed privacy crowds constantly pressing. Modern ministers often neglect rest family health ministry demands. This unsustainable unbiblical. Sabbath keeping (principle not legalism) essential for long-term faithful ministry. Early church leaders faced same pressures Acts 6 required delegation to prioritize prayer Word ministry.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Jesus command to rest teach about human limitations and sustainable ministry patterns?
- How should modern ministers balance ministry demands with Christ example of intentional rest withdrawal?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
He said unto them Come ye apart into desert place rest awhile many coming going no leisure eat. Come deute imperativeinvitation. Ye apart humeis idioms privately withdrawn. Desert place erēmon topon isolated location. Rest anapausasthe refresh recuperate. Awhile oligon brief period. Many polloi crowd. Coming going not even opportunity eat. Jesus values rest recognizes human limitations. Ministers need rhythm work rest. Constant ministry without rest leads burnout. Sabbath principle rest one-in-seven pattern. Reformed theology affirms God created humans need rest not machines. Jesus practiced withdrew for prayer solitude despite demands.