Mark 6:31

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

εἶπεν

G2036

he said

to speak or say (by word or writing)

αὐτοὶ

G846

unto them

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

Δεῦτε

G1205

Come

come hither!

ὑμεῖς

G5210

you (as subjective of verb)

αὐτοὶ

G846

unto them

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'

G2596

apart

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

ἰδίαν

G2398

pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate

εἰς

G1519

into

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

#10

ἔρημον

G2048

a desert

lonesome, i.e., (by implication) waste (usually as a noun, g5561 being implied)

#11

τόπον

G5117

place

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

#12

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#13

ἀναπαύεσθε

G373

rest

(reflexively) to repose (literally or figuratively (be exempt), remain); by implication, to refresh

#14

ὀλίγον

G3641

a while

puny (in extent, degree, number, duration or value); especially neuter (adverbially) somewhat

#15

ἦσαν

G2258

there were

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

#16

γὰρ

G1063

for

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

#17

οἱ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#18

ἐρχόμενοι

G2064

coming

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

#19

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#20

οἱ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#21

ὑπάγοντες

G5217

going

to lead (oneself) under, i.e., withdraw or retire (as if sinking out of sight), literally or figuratively

#22

πολλοί

G4183

many

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

#23

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#24

οὐδὲ

G3761

so much as

not however, i.e., neither, nor, not even

#25

φαγεῖν

G5315

to eat

to eat (literally or figuratively)

#26

ηὐκαίρουν

G2119

leisure

to have good time, i.e., opportunity or leisure

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Mark Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?

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