Mark 6:48
And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 30
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εἶδεν
he saw
G1492
εἶδεν
he saw
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
2 of 30
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
αὐτούς
them
G846
αὐτούς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 30
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
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 30
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
9 of 30
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 30
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἄνεμος
the wind
G417
ἄνεμος
the wind
Strong's:
G417
Word #:
11 of 30
wind; (plural) by implication, (the four) quarters (of the earth)
αὐτούς
them
G846
αὐτούς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
13 of 30
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
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 30
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
περὶ
about
G4012
περὶ
about
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
15 of 30
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
φυλακὴν
watch
G5438
φυλακὴν
watch
Strong's:
G5438
Word #:
17 of 30
a guarding or (concretely, guard), the act, the person; figuratively, the place, the condition, or (specially), the time (as a division of day or nigh
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 30
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔρχεται
he cometh
G2064
ἔρχεται
he cometh
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
20 of 30
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
πρὸς
unto
G4314
πρὸς
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
21 of 30
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,
αὐτούς
them
G846
αὐτούς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
22 of 30
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
περιπατῶν
walking
G4043
περιπατῶν
walking
Strong's:
G4043
Word #:
23 of 30
to tread all around, i.e., walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion or votary)
ἐπὶ
upon
G1909
ἐπὶ
upon
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
24 of 30
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 #:
25 of 30
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
27 of 30
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἤθελεν
would
G2309
ἤθελεν
would
Strong's:
G2309
Word #:
28 of 30
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
Cross References
Job 9:8Which alone spreadeth out the heavens, and treadeth upon the waves of the sea.Luke 24:28And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further.Luke 12:38And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants.
Historical Context
Romans divided night into four watches; fourth watch was pre-dawn (3-6 AM). Walking on water defied natural law, proving Jesus' deity. Ancient Jewish thought held only God trod upon sea's waves (Job 9:8). The phrase 'would have passed by' used theophanic language of God's glory passing before prophets, revealing divine presence.
Questions for Reflection
- What does this verse teach about Christ's nature and work?
- How should this truth shape our daily discipleship?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them. Jesus 'saw them toiling in rowing'—despite physical distance and darkness, He observed their struggle. 'Fourth watch' (3-6 AM) meant hours of exhausting labor. He came 'walking upon the sea,' demonstrating authority over creation. 'Would have passed by them' echoes God's self-revelation to Moses (Exodus 33:19-23) and Elijah (1 Kings 19:11), suggesting theophanic significance.