Mark 8:13
And he left them, and entering into the ship again departed to the other side.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 12
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτοὺς
them
G846
αὐτοὺς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 12
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
ἐμβὰς
and entering
G1684
ἐμβὰς
and entering
Strong's:
G1684
Word #:
4 of 12
to walk on, i.e., embark (aboard a vessel), reach (a pool)
πάλιν
again
G3825
πάλιν
again
Strong's:
G3825
Word #:
5 of 12
(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
6 of 12
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀπῆλθεν
departed
G565
ἀπῆλθεν
departed
Strong's:
G565
Word #:
9 of 12
to go off (i.e., depart), aside (i.e., apart) or behind (i.e., follow), literally or figuratively
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
10 of 12
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Historical Context
Jesus' departure recalls God's glory leaving Jerusalem's temple (Ezekiel 10-11) before Babylonian destruction. The Pharisees' rejection anticipated Judaism's formal rejection of Jesus, culminating in His crucifixion. Early church saw this pattern repeating—Paul regularly preached in synagogues first, but when Jews rejected the gospel, he turned to Gentiles (Acts 13:46; 18:6; 28:28). The boat's 'other side' represents Gentile mission fields—the church crosses cultural boundaries to reach those willing to receive Christ.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Jesus' departure teach about God's response to persistent, willful rejection of truth?
- How does this verse challenge assumptions that religious heritage or proximity to Jesus guarantees salvation?
- In what ways might Jesus be 'leaving' churches or individuals who have hardened their hearts to His word?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
He left them (ἀφεὶς, apheis)—the participle suggests decisive abandonment. Jesus doesn't argue or attempt to persuade hardened hearts. This foreshadows His ultimate 'leaving' at the ascension and Israel's consequent judgment (AD 70). Matthew 23:38 pronounces Jerusalem's 'house left desolate.' When people persistently reject light, God eventually withdraws it—a sobering warning about the danger of hardened unbelief.
Entering into the ship again departed to the other side—Jesus returns to Gentile territory, symbolizing the gospel's movement from unbelieving Israel to receptive Gentiles (Acts 13:46; 28:28). The boat represents the church, carrying Christ's presence away from those who reject Him to those who will receive Him. This verse creates dramatic tension—Jesus has just fed 4,000 Gentiles (demonstrating messianic provision), only to face Jewish religious leaders demanding signs. The contrast exposes Israel's tragic irony: Gentiles receive bread while Jewish leaders reject the Bread of Life.