Mark 6:47
And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land.
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
ὀψίας
when even
G3798
ὀψίας
when even
Strong's:
G3798
Word #:
2 of 16
late; feminine (as noun) afternoon (early eve) or nightfall (later eve)
γενομένης
was come
G1096
γενομένης
was come
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
3 of 16
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτὸς
he
G846
αὐτὸς
he
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
12 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
ἐπὶ
on
G1909
ἐπὶ
on
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
14 of 16
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
Historical Context
Sea of Galilee is 13x8 miles. 'Midst of sea' suggests 3-4 miles from shore. Evening crossings were risky due to sudden storms from surrounding mountains. Experienced fishermen disciples knew the dangers. First-century boats were 26-27 feet long wooden vessels. Rowing in darkness against wind would be exhausting work requiring supernatural intervention.
Questions for Reflection
- What does this verse teach about Christ's nature and work?
- How should this truth shape our daily discipleship?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land. Evening/night, disciples mid-sea, Jesus alone on land—physical separation set stage for walking-on-water miracle. The contrast emphasizes isolation: disciples struggling, Jesus solitary. Yet Jesus wasn't alone—He communed with Father. Geographic separation would be overcome miraculously, illustrating Christ's power to transcend barriers and reach struggling disciples.