And he spake to his disciples, that a small ship should wait on him because of the multitude, lest they should throng him.
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}.
He told his talmidim to have a boat ready for him, so that he could escape the crush of the crowd if necessary,
Jesus asked His disciples to have a boat ready for Him so that the crowd would not crush Him.
And he spake to his disciples, that a little boat should wait on him because of the crowd, lest they should throng him:
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John 6:15
¶ When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone. -
Mark 5:30
And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes?
Context
Mark 3:9 occurs during a period of intense ministry for Jesus in Galilee. Following His selection of the twelve disciples and powerful demonstrations of healing and deliverance, Jesus' fame had spread far and wide. People from Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, beyond Jordan, and even Tyre and Sidon were flocking to Him (Mark 3:7-8). The sheer volume of those seeking healing and teaching was overwhelming, creating a practical challenge for Jesus to minister effectively without being physically crushed by the eager crowds.
Key Themes and Messages
Linguistic Insights
The KJV phrase "lest they should throng him" comes from the Greek word thlibō (θλίβω), which means to press, crowd, or oppress. It conveys a sense of being squeezed or hemmed in, emphasizing the intense pressure the crowds exerted on Jesus. This wasn't merely a polite gathering but a fervent, almost overwhelming, press of people eager to touch Him or hear His words. The term "small ship" is from the Greek ploiarion (πλοιάριον), indicating a modest-sized boat, practical for close-to-shore operations and quick movement.
Related Scriptures
This need for a strategic retreat from overwhelming crowds is seen elsewhere in Jesus' ministry. For instance, in a later account, a similar situation arises when a woman with an issue of blood touches Him, and Jesus asks, "Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?" (Mark 5:31). The use of a boat as a teaching platform is also famously recorded in Mark 4:1, where Jesus "entered into a ship, and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land," allowing Him to address them more effectively.
Practical Application
Mark 3:9 offers several practical insights for believers today. It reminds us that even Jesus, in His divinity, recognized the need for practical wisdom and boundaries to sustain His ministry. Leaders and individuals alike can learn from Jesus' example to:
- Anticipate Challenges: Be proactive in planning and preparing for potential difficulties in ministry or service.
- Manage Demands: Recognize the importance of creating space and maintaining personal boundaries to prevent burnout and ensure effective long-term service.
- Utilize Resources: Be resourceful and strategic in using available tools (like a "small ship") to facilitate ministry and reach people effectively.
This verse highlights Jesus' humanity and His strategic approach to navigate the overwhelming demands of His mission, providing a timeless model for managing the pressures of impactful service.