Mark 3:7

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

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},

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

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

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

Commentary

Mark 3:7 describes a pivotal moment in Jesus' early ministry, highlighting His strategic movements and the ever-growing reach of His influence. Following a tense encounter with the religious authorities, Jesus withdraws from the synagogue to the Sea of Galilee, a familiar location for His teaching and healing.

Context

Immediately preceding this verse, Jesus had performed a miraculous healing on the Sabbath day in a synagogue, much to the anger of the Pharisees and Herodians. This act of compassion, performed on a day they deemed unlawful for such work, prompted them to begin plotting against Him (Mark 3:6). Jesus' withdrawal was not an act of fear, but a strategic move to de-escalate the immediate confrontation and manage the overwhelming crowds that were increasingly seeking Him out. The "sea" refers to the Sea of Galilee, a central hub for His Galilean ministry.

Key Themes

  • Strategic Wisdom of Jesus: Jesus frequently demonstrated wisdom in navigating the challenges of His ministry. His withdrawal here, from the synagogue to the open space by the sea, was a deliberate tactical move to avoid premature conflict with His adversaries and to better accommodate the vast numbers of people flocking to Him. This highlights His divine insight and human prudence.
  • Expanding Influence and Popularity: The phrase "a great multitude from Galilee followed him, and from Judaea" underscores the rapidly expanding fame and drawing power of Jesus. People were traveling significant distances, not just from the immediate region of Galilee but also from the more distant Judea, demonstrating the widespread impact of His authoritative teaching and miraculous works (Mark 1:32-34).
  • Human Seeking and Desperation: The persistent pursuit of the crowds, even after Jesus withdrew, speaks to the profound spiritual and physical needs of the people. They were desperate for healing, hope, and truth, seeing in Jesus the answer to their deepest longings. This sets the stage for the extensive healing ministry that immediately follows in Mark 3:10.

Linguistic Insight

The Greek word translated "withdrew" is ἀνεχώρησεν (anechōrēsen), which implies a deliberate and strategic departure. It's not merely leaving, but a purposeful retreat or withdrawal, often for safety or to achieve a specific aim. In this context, it signifies Jesus' intentional management of His ministry in the face of both opposition and overwhelming popular demand.

Practical Application

This verse offers valuable lessons for us today. Just as Jesus strategically managed His ministry, we too are called to exercise wisdom in navigating life's demands and oppositions, sometimes requiring us to step back or change course. Furthermore, the eager pursuit of the multitudes reminds us of the universal human hunger for spiritual truth and healing. It encourages us to actively seek Jesus, knowing that He is the source of genuine hope and transformation, drawing all people to Himself through His grace and power, much like the crowds drawn to the Sea of Galilee.

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Cross-References

  • Luke 6:17 (5 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

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

  • Luke 6:12 (2 votes)

    ¶ 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 (2 votes)

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

  • John 11:54 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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