Mark 3:9

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

And he spake to his disciples, that a small ship should wait on him because of the multitude, lest they should throng him.

Complete Jewish Bible:

He told his talmidim to have a boat ready for him, so that he could escape the crush of the crowd if necessary,

Berean Standard Bible:

Jesus asked His disciples to have a boat ready for Him so that the crowd would not crush Him.

American Standard Version:

And he spake to his disciples, that a little boat should wait on him because of the crowd, lest they should throng him:

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And^{G2532} he spake^{G2036} to his^{G846} disciples^{G3101}, that^{G2443} a small ship^{G4142} should wait on^{G4342} him^{G846} because^{G1223} of the multitude^{G3793}, lest^{G3363} they should throng^{G2346} him^{G846}.

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Commentary for Mark 3:9

Mark 3:9 is a verse set within the context of Jesus' ministry in the region of Galilee, where he has been gaining popularity and attracting large crowds due to his teachings and miraculous healings. The verse itself captures a moment where Jesus is concerned about the potential for the throngs of people to press upon him to the point of causing a disturbance or even harm. To manage the situation, Jesus instructs his disciples to have a small boat ready for him to use, which would serve two purposes: firstly, it would provide a means of escape should the crowd become too overwhelming, allowing him to maintain safety and control over the situation; secondly, it would allow him to address the multitude from the water, using the boat as a natural pulpit, which would also help in managing the crowd and ensuring that his message could be heard by as many people as possible.

This verse reflects the theme of Jesus' strategic approach to his ministry, showing his foresight and practical wisdom in dealing with large groups of followers. It also highlights the immense popularity of Jesus and the challenges that came with such fame, including the need to balance accessibility to the people with personal safety and the effective communication of his message. The use of a boat as a means of teaching from a distance is reminiscent of other instances in the Gospels where Jesus adopts innovative methods to reach his audience, such as preaching from a mountainside or using parables.

Historically, the Sea of Galilee, where this likely took place, was a central location for Jesus' ministry, with many of his teachings and miracles occurring in its vicinity. The presence of boats and fishing vessels was common, as the sea was a major source of livelihood for the local population, including some of Jesus' disciples who were fishermen by trade. Thus, the directive to have a small ship ready is also a reflection of the everyday life and environment of the region during the time of Jesus' earthly ministry.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: G2532
   There are 5212 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: καί
   Transliteration: kaí
   Pronunciation: kahee
   Description: apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:--and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.
   
2. Strong's Number: G2036
   There are 901 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἔπω
   Transliteration: épō
   Pronunciation: ep'-o
   Description: a primary verb (used only in the definite past tense, the others being borrowed from ἐρέω, ῥέω, and φημί); to speak or say (by word or writing):--answer, bid, bring word, call, command, grant, say (on), speak, tell. Compare λέγω.
   
3. Strong's Number: G846
   There are 3776 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: αὐτός
   Transliteration: autós
   Pronunciation: ow-tos'
   Description: from the particle (perhaps akin to the base of ἀήρ through the idea of a baffling wind) (backward); the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative ἑαυτοῦ) of the third person , and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons:--her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, - by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which. Compare αὑτοῦ.
   
4. Strong's Number: G3101
   There are 252 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: μαθητής
   Transliteration: mathētḗs
   Pronunciation: math-ay-tes'
   Description: from μανθάνω; a learner, i.e. pupil:--disciple.
   
5. Strong's Number: G2443
   There are 535 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἵνα
   Transliteration: hína
   Pronunciation: hin'-ah
   Description: probably from the same as the former part of ἑαυτοῦ (through the demonstrative idea; compare ὁ); in order that (denoting the purpose or the result):--albeit, because, to the intent (that), lest, so as, (so) that, (for) to. Compare ἵνα μή.
   
6. Strong's Number: G4142
   There are 5 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: πλοιάριον
   Transliteration: ploiárion
   Pronunciation: ploy-ar'-ee-on
   Description: neuter of a presumed derivative of πλοῖον; a boat:--boat, little (small) ship.
   
7. Strong's Number: G4342
   There are 10 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: προσκαρτερέω
   Transliteration: proskarteréō
   Pronunciation: pros-kar-ter-eh'-o
   Description: from πρός and καρτερέω; to be earnest towards, i.e. (to a thing) to persevere, be constantly diligent, or (in a place) to attend assiduously all the exercises, or (to a person) to adhere closely to (as a servitor):--attend (give self) continually (upon), continue (in, instant in, with), wait on (continually).
   
8. Strong's Number: G1223
   There are 580 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: διά
   Transliteration: diá
   Pronunciation: dee-ah'
   Description: a primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional):--after, always, among, at, to avoid, because of (that), briefly, by, for (cause) … fore, from, in, by occasion of, of, by reason of, for sake, that, thereby, therefore, X though, through(-out), to, wherefore, with (-in). In composition it retains the same general importance.
   
9. Strong's Number: G3793
   There are 170 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ὄχλος
   Transliteration: óchlos
   Pronunciation: okh'los
   Description: from a derivative of ἔχω (meaning a vehicle); a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot:--company, multitude, number (of people), people, press.
   
10. Strong's Number: G3363
    There are 95 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: ἵνα μή
    Transliteration: hína mḗ
    Pronunciation: hin'-ah may
    Description: i.e. ἵνα and μή; in order (or so) that not:--albeit not, lest, that, no(-t, (-thing)).
    
11. Strong's Number: G2346
    There are 10 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: θλίβω
    Transliteration: thlíbō
    Pronunciation: thlee'-bo
    Description: akin to the base of τρίβος; to crowd (literally or figuratively):--afflict, narrow, throng, suffer tribulation, trouble.