Mark 3:7

KJV

But Jesus withdrew himself with his disciples to the sea: and a great multitude from Galilee followed him, and from Judaea,

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G2532} Jesus {G2424} withdrew himself {G402} with {G3326} his {G846} disciples {G3101} to {G4314} the sea {G2281}: and {G2532} a great {G4183} multitude {G4128} from {G575} Galilee {G1056} followed {G190} him {G846}, and {G2532} from {G575} Judaea {G2449},

Complete Jewish Bible

Yeshua went off with his talmidim to the lake, and great numbers followed him from the Galil.

Berean Standard Bible

So Jesus withdrew with His disciples to the sea, accompanied by a large crowd from Galilee, Judea,

American Standard Version

And Jesus with his disciples withdrew to the sea: and a great multitude from Galilee followed; and from Judæa,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 3:7 describes Jesus' strategic withdrawal from a synagogue, where He faced growing opposition, to the familiar shores of the Sea of Galilee. This deliberate move allowed Him to manage the burgeoning crowds and continue His ministry effectively. The verse highlights the remarkable expansion of His influence, as vast multitudes from both Galilee and the more distant Judea eagerly sought Him out, demonstrating the widespread impact of His authoritative teaching and miraculous works.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows a pivotal and confrontational moment in Jesus' ministry. In [Mark 3:1-6](/mark/3-1-6 "Mark 3:1-6 - Jesus Heals on the Sabbath"), Jesus intentionally healed a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath in a synagogue, directly challenging the rigid interpretations of the Mosaic Law by the Pharisees. This act of compassion, performed on a day they deemed unlawful for such work, provoked intense anger, leading the Pharisees to conspire with the Herodians to destroy Him ([Mark 3:6](/mark/3-6 "Mark 3:6 - Pharisees Plot Against Jesus")). Jesus' subsequent withdrawal is not an act of fear, but a strategic and prudent move to de-escalate the immediate confrontation, avoid premature conflict, and reposition Himself to better accommodate the overwhelming numbers of people who were increasingly seeking Him out for healing and teaching. It marks a shift from the confined, hostile synagogue to the open, accessible environment of the sea.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Sea of Galilee, a freshwater lake in northern Israel, was the epicenter of Jesus' Galilean ministry. Its shores were dotted with fishing villages and towns, making it a natural gathering place for large crowds. The region of Galilee itself was culturally diverse, often viewed with disdain by the more religiously orthodox Judeans. The mention of crowds from "Galilee" and "Judaea" signifies the broad geographical reach of Jesus' fame, extending beyond His primary operating base. Judea, home to Jerusalem and the religious establishment, was a considerable distance, implying that people were traveling extensively due to the profound impact of Jesus' ministry. The political landscape was tense, with Roman occupation and various Jewish factions vying for influence, contributing to the volatile environment in which Jesus operated.
* **Key Themes:** Mark 3:7 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the Gospel of Mark. Firstly, it underscores the **Strategic Wisdom of Jesus**. His withdrawal demonstrates His divine insight and human prudence in navigating both intense opposition and overwhelming popular demand, ensuring His ministry could continue effectively without being prematurely curtailed by His adversaries. Secondly, the verse highlights the **Expanding Influence and Popularity** of Jesus. The "great multitude" from diverse regions illustrates the rapid spread of His fame and the powerful attraction of His message and miracles, a theme consistently seen throughout Mark's Gospel, from His early healings in [Capernaum](/mark/1-32-34 "Mark 1:32-34 - Jesus Heals Many") to His extensive teaching by the sea ([Mark 4:1-2](/mark/4-1-2 "Mark 4:1-2 - Parable of the Sower")). Finally, it subtly points to the **Human Seeking and Desperation** for divine intervention. The persistent pursuit of the crowds, even after Jesus withdrew, speaks to the profound spiritual and physical needs of the people, who saw in Jesus the answer to their deepest longings, setting the stage for the extensive healing ministry that immediately follows in [Mark 3:10](/mark/3-10 "Mark 3:10 - Jesus Heals Many").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **withdrew himself (Greek, _anachōréō'_):** This verb (G402) signifies a deliberate and strategic departure or retreat, often for safety or to achieve a specific aim. It is not merely leaving but a purposeful "giving place" or "turning aside." In this context, it emphasizes Jesus' intentional management of His ministry in the face of both escalating opposition and overwhelming popular demand, demonstrating His prudence rather than fear.
* **disciples (Greek, _mathētḗs'_):** The term (G3101) denotes a "learner" or "pupil." Here, it refers to those who had committed to following Jesus, learning from Him, and participating in His ministry. Their presence with Jesus during this withdrawal highlights their close association with Him and their role in His itinerant ministry, even in moments of strategic repositioning.
* **multitude (Greek, _plēthos'_):** This noun (G4128) refers to "a large number, throng, or populace." Coupled with "great" (G4183, _polýs_), it vividly conveys the immense size and density of the crowd that followed Jesus. This word choice underscores the widespread appeal of Jesus and the sheer scale of the public's response to His ministry, indicating a significant and growing movement.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But Jesus withdrew himself with his disciples to the sea:"** This opening clause highlights Jesus' proactive and strategic decision. Following the intense confrontation with the religious authorities, Jesus deliberately removes Himself and His inner circle from the immediate danger and confines of the synagogue. The "sea" refers to the Sea of Galilee, a familiar and open location conducive to accommodating large gatherings and continuing His teaching and healing ministry without the immediate scrutiny of His adversaries. This action demonstrates Jesus' wisdom in managing His public ministry.
* **"and a great multitude from Galilee followed him, and from Judaea,"** This second clause reveals the remarkable extent of Jesus' influence and popularity. Despite His withdrawal, the crowds were not deterred; instead, they actively "followed" Him. The description "a great multitude" emphasizes the sheer volume of people, while specifying their origins "from Galilee" (His primary region of ministry) and "from Judaea" (the more distant and religiously conservative southern region) underscores the widespread, even national, interest in Jesus. This indicates that His fame and the reports of His works had spread far and wide, drawing people from diverse geographical and cultural backgrounds.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 3:7 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its message. The narrative uses **Contrast** by juxtaposing Jesus' strategic withdrawal from the hostile synagogue environment with the eager pursuit of the vast, receptive crowds. This highlights the growing chasm between the religious establishment and the common people's response to Jesus. There is an element of **Hyperbole** in the phrase "a great multitude," which, while likely reflecting a genuinely large gathering, also serves to emphasize the overwhelming and expansive nature of Jesus' popular appeal. The "sea" functions as a **Symbol** of openness, accessibility, and a natural arena for public ministry, contrasting with the restrictive and contentious synagogue. Furthermore, the verse serves as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the immense scope of Jesus' future ministry and the global reach of the Gospel, which would eventually draw people from "every nation, tribe, people and language" ([Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - A Multitude from Every Nation")).

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 3:7 powerfully illustrates the irresistible drawing power of God's grace manifest in Jesus Christ. Despite opposition and the need for strategic withdrawal, the divine mission of Jesus cannot be thwarted; rather, it expands in scope and influence. This verse underscores the sovereignty of God in orchestrating events to ensure the spread of the Gospel, even utilizing human opposition to propel Jesus into new, more accessible arenas of ministry. It also highlights the profound human need for healing, hope, and truth, demonstrating how people from diverse backgrounds are drawn to the authentic power and compassion of God. The scene sets the stage for Jesus' continued work of teaching, healing, and calling disciples, revealing His unwavering commitment to His redemptive mission.

* [Matthew 12:15](/matthew/12-15 "Matthew 12:15 - Jesus Withdraws and Heals")
* [Luke 5:15](/luke/5-15 "Luke 5:15 - Jesus' Fame Spreads and Crowds Gather")
* [John 6:2](/john/6-2 "John 6:2 - A Great Multitude Follows Jesus")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 3:7 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers, particularly in navigating the complexities of life and ministry. Jesus' strategic withdrawal teaches us the importance of spiritual discernment and practical wisdom. Not every confrontation needs to be met head-on; sometimes, stepping back, repositioning, or seeking a different approach is the wisest course of action for the sake of continuing God's work effectively. This requires humility, prayer, and a clear understanding of our mission. Furthermore, the eager pursuit of the "great multitude" reminds us of the enduring human hunger for truth, healing, and genuine connection with God. In a world still marked by brokenness and searching, this verse serves as a powerful call to compassion and evangelism, urging us to recognize the spiritual desperation around us and to faithfully present Jesus as the answer. It encourages us to be available, accessible, and responsive to those who are seeking, just as Jesus was to the crowds by the sea.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or ministry might I need to exercise strategic wisdom, discerning when to withdraw or reposition rather than confront?**
* **How does the "great multitude" seeking Jesus inspire me to be more intentional in sharing the Gospel with those who are searching for hope and healing today?**
* **What does Jesus' example of managing both opposition and popularity teach me about handling pressure and maintaining focus on my divine calling?**

### FAQ

**Why did Jesus withdraw to the sea after the incident in the synagogue?**

Answer: Jesus' withdrawal was a strategic and intentional act, not a retreat born of fear. Following the Pharisees' plot to destroy Him after He healed on the Sabbath ([Mark 3:6](/mark/3-6 "Mark 3:6 - Pharisees Plot Against Jesus")), Jesus moved from the confined and hostile environment of the synagogue to the open shores of the Sea of Galilee. This allowed Him to de-escalate the immediate confrontation with the religious authorities, avoid premature arrest or conflict that could hinder His ministry, and better accommodate the rapidly growing "great multitude" that was flocking to Him from various regions. It was a tactical repositioning to continue His teaching and healing ministry effectively and safely.

**What is the significance of the "great multitude" coming from both Galilee and Judaea?**

Answer: The mention of a "great multitude" from both Galilee and Judaea highlights the widespread and expanding influence of Jesus' ministry. Galilee was the primary region of His early ministry, but Judaea, being further south and home to Jerusalem and the religious establishment, indicates that His fame and the reports of His miracles and teachings had spread significantly beyond His immediate operational base. People were traveling considerable distances, demonstrating the profound impact Jesus was having across different geographical and cultural segments of Jewish society. This foreshadows the universal appeal of the Gospel, which would eventually reach "all nations" ([Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission")) through the power of the Holy Spirit ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power to Witness")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 3:7, depicting Jesus' strategic withdrawal and the gathering of vast multitudes, finds its Christ-centered fulfillment in the broader narrative of God's redemptive plan to draw all people to Himself through His Son. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, consistently sought to gather His sheep, even those from "other folds" ([John 10:16](/john/10-16 "John 10:16 - Jesus Gathers His Sheep")). His withdrawal to the sea, a place of accessibility, foreshadows His ultimate mission to break down barriers and extend salvation to all who would come to Him, regardless of their origin. The eager pursuit of the crowds from Galilee and Judea symbolizes the universal human longing for a Savior, a longing that is ultimately and perfectly satisfied in Christ. His ongoing ministry of teaching and healing by the sea prefigures the Great Commission, where His disciples are sent out to make disciples of "all nations" ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")), bringing the message of reconciliation and redemption to every corner of the earth. Thus, this scene is a microcosm of the Gospel's expansive power, drawing humanity to the one who is "the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Luke 6:17

And he came down with them, and stood in the plain, and the company of his disciples, and a great multitude of people out of all Judaea and Jerusalem, and from the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon, which came to hear him, and to be healed of their diseases;

Matthew 4:25

And there followed him great multitudes of people from Galilee, and [from] Decapolis, and [from] Jerusalem, and [from] Judaea, and [from] beyond Jordan.

Matthew 12:15

But when Jesus knew [it], he withdrew himself from thence: and great multitudes followed him, and he healed them all;

Luke 6:12

¶ And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.

John 11:53

Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death.

John 11:54

Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews; but went thence unto a country near to the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim, and there continued with his disciples.

Mark 1:39

And he preached in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and cast out devils.