Mark 4:36

KJV

And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} when they had sent away {G863} the multitude {G3793}, they took {G3880} him {G846} even as {G5613} he was {G2258} in {G1722} the ship {G4143}. And {G1161} there were {G2258} also {G2532} with {G3326} him {G846} other {G243} little ships {G4142}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So, leaving the crowd behind, they took him just as he was, in the boat; and there were other boats with him.

Berean Standard Bible

After they had dismissed the crowd, they took Jesus with them, since He was already in the boat. And there were other boats with Him.

American Standard Version

And leaving the multitude, they take him with them, even as he was, in the boat. And other boats were with him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 4:36 serves as a pivotal narrative transition, marking Jesus's departure from a period of extensive public teaching by the Sea of Galilee to embark on a journey across its waters with His disciples. This verse vividly portrays the immediacy of their departure, emphasizing that Jesus was taken into the boat "even as He was," without special preparation, and notes the presence of other smaller vessels accompanying them. It sets the stage for the dramatic demonstration of Jesus's authority over creation, immediately preceding the iconic account of Him calming the storm.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Mark 4:36 concludes a significant section of Jesus's ministry dedicated to parables, often referred to as the "Parable Discourse." Immediately prior, Jesus had been teaching vast crowds from a boat on the Sea of Galilee, using illustrative stories like the [Parable of the Sower](/mark/4-3 "Mark 4:3 - The Parable of the Sower"), the [Parable of the Lamp under a Basket](/mark/4-21 "Mark 4:21 - The Parable of the Lamp"), and the [Parable of the Mustard Seed](/mark/4-30 "Mark 4:30 - The Parable of the Mustard Seed"). He had also privately explained these parables to His disciples, revealing deeper truths about the Kingdom of God. This verse signals a shift from verbal instruction to a powerful display of divine authority, transitioning the narrative from teaching to action, which culminates in the [calming of the storm](/mark/4-35-41 "Mark 4:35-41 - Jesus Calms the Storm").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Sea of Galilee (also known as Lake Gennesaret or Tiberias) was a bustling hub of fishing and trade in Jesus's time, surrounded by numerous towns and villages. It was common for teachers to address large crowds from boats near the shore, allowing their voices to carry over the water. Travel by boat was a practical and efficient means of transport between the towns on its eastern and western shores. The mention of "other little ships" is historically plausible, as people often followed popular teachers or sought to continue hearing their words, especially if they were moving to another location. The sudden storms on the Sea of Galilee, caused by cold air rushing down from the surrounding hills, were also a well-known and dangerous phenomenon for fishermen and travelers.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes in Mark's Gospel. Firstly, it highlights Jesus's **humanity and accessibility**, as He departs "even as He was," suggesting weariness after a long day of teaching (a theme further developed in [Mark 4:38](/mark/4-38 "Mark 4:38 - Jesus Asleep in the Storm")). Secondly, it underscores the **disciples' proximity to Jesus** and their unique position as His immediate companions, distinguishing them from the general "multitude." This close companionship is crucial for their spiritual formation, as they are about to witness a profound revelation of His power. Finally, the verse acts as a **narrative bridge**, setting the stage for the subsequent demonstration of Jesus's **divine authority over creation**, a theme central to understanding His identity as the Son of God throughout the Gospel of Mark.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **sent away (Greek, _aphíēmi'_):** This verb, G863, means "to send forth" or "to dismiss." In this context, it signifies the formal dismissal of the multitude, indicating a clear end to the public teaching session. It implies a deliberate act of concluding one phase of ministry to transition to the next, emphasizing the intentionality of Jesus's departure.
* **took (Greek, _paralambánō'_):** G3880, meaning "to receive near" or "to associate with oneself." This word highlights the disciples' active role in taking Jesus into the ship. It suggests a close, intimate act of association, underscoring their privileged position as those who accompany Him on His private journeys, distinct from the general crowd.
* **ship (Greek, _ploîon'_); little ships (Greek, _ploiárion'_):** G4143 refers to a larger "vessel" or "ship," likely the fishing boat Jesus had been teaching from. G4142, a diminutive form, refers to "a boat" or "little ship." The distinction emphasizes that Jesus and His disciples were in the primary, larger vessel, while other, smaller boats followed. This detail broadens the scope of the subsequent miracle's potential witnesses and adds a layer of realism to the scene.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when they had sent away the multitude":** This clause signifies the conclusion of Jesus's public teaching session. The "multitude" (G3793, _óchlos_), representing the large crowd of listeners, is formally dismissed, indicating a shift from public ministry to a more private interaction with the disciples.
* **"they took him even as he was in the ship":** This is a crucial phrase. "They" refers to the disciples. "Took him" (G3880, _paralambánō_) implies that the disciples received Jesus into their vessel. The phrase "even as he was" (G5613, _hōs_ G2258, _ēn_) conveys immediacy and naturalness. Jesus entered the boat without any special preparation, change of clothes, or delay, perhaps still physically weary from His extensive teaching. It highlights His humble, accessible nature and the urgency of their departure. "In the ship" (G1722, _en_ G4143, _ploîon_) specifies the primary vessel in which Jesus and His disciples traveled.
* **"And there were also with him other little ships":** This final clause adds an important detail. "Other little ships" (G243, _állos_ G4142, _ploiárion_) indicates that some of the general public, or perhaps other followers, also embarked on the journey across the sea, accompanying Jesus's vessel. This detail suggests that the subsequent miracle of calming the storm might have had a broader audience than just the twelve disciples, adding to its impact and verification.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 4:36 effectively uses several literary devices. **Transition** is paramount, as the verse explicitly moves the narrative from Jesus's teaching ministry to a demonstration of His power, setting the stage for the dramatic calming of the storm. The phrase "even as he was" employs **Realism and Immediacy**, painting a vivid picture of Jesus's unadorned state and the spontaneous nature of their departure, making the scene feel authentic and relatable. The mention of "other little ships" uses **Amplification**, expanding the scope of the event beyond just Jesus and His inner circle, suggesting a larger context for the upcoming miracle and potentially more witnesses. This detail also adds a layer of **Verisimilitude**, making the narrative more believable by including incidental, yet realistic, elements of a journey across a busy body of water.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 4:36, though brief, is rich in theological implications. It reveals Jesus's humanity—His need for rest and His physical weariness after ministering to vast crowds—yet simultaneously underscores His divine authority as He commands the elements in the subsequent verses. The disciples' act of "taking Him even as He was" speaks to the nature of true discipleship: following Christ not under ideal circumstances or with perfect understanding, but in the raw, immediate reality of life. This journey across the sea, fraught with impending danger, symbolizes the often unpredictable and challenging nature of the Christian walk, where faith is tested, and Christ's presence becomes the sole anchor. The presence of "other little ships" subtly suggests that the journey of faith is not always solitary; there is a broader community of believers, some closer to the Master, others following from a distance, all part of the unfolding divine plan.

* [Matthew 8:23-27](/matthew/8-23-27 "Matthew 8:23-27 - Jesus Calms the Storm")
* [Luke 8:22-25](/luke/8-22-25 "Luke 8:22-25 - Jesus Calms a Storm")
* [Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sympathetic High Priest")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 4:36 invites us to consider the practicalities and profound implications of following Jesus. The phrase "they took him even as he was" is a powerful call to embrace Christ in our lives without demanding perfect conditions or waiting for an ideal moment. It challenges us to follow Him in our weariness, in our uncertainty, and in the midst of our unpolished realities. Just as the disciples embarked on a journey that would test their faith, our walk with Christ will inevitably lead us into unforeseen challenges and "storms." This verse reminds us that His presence in our "ship"—our life—is the most crucial element, regardless of the external circumstances. It encourages us to trust that He is with us, even when He appears to be resting or silent, and that His authority extends over every aspect of our lives, including the tumultuous ones. The "other little ships" serve as a reminder that we are part of a larger community of faith, all navigating the seas of life, some closer to the Lord, others perhaps just observing, but all part of His grand design. Our journey is shared, and His presence is sufficient for all who embark with Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you waiting for "ideal conditions" before fully committing to follow Christ?**
* **How does the idea of taking Jesus "even as He was" challenge your expectations of discipleship?**
* **When facing unexpected "storms" in life, how does the knowledge of Jesus's presence in your "ship" bring comfort or challenge your faith?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of Jesus being taken "even as he was" in the ship?**

Answer: The phrase "even as he was" (Greek: _hōs ēn_) emphasizes the immediacy and unadorned reality of Jesus's departure. It suggests that Jesus, likely weary from a long day of teaching the multitudes, entered the boat without any special preparation, change of clothes, or delay. This detail highlights His authentic humanity and accessibility, showing that He was not aloof or requiring special conditions, but was ready to move directly into the next phase of His ministry, even in His physical exhaustion. It underscores a sense of urgency and naturalness to the event.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 4:36, while a simple narrative transition, profoundly foreshadows Christ's ongoing relationship with His disciples and His ultimate redemptive work. Jesus, taken "even as He was" into the ship, prefigures His willingness to enter into the full scope of human experience, including its weariness and vulnerability, for our sake. This journey across the stormy sea, where Jesus demonstrates His authority over creation, points to His greater authority over sin and death. The "ship" becomes a metaphor for the church, the community of believers with whom Christ journeys through the storms of life. Just as He was physically present with His disciples in that boat, He promises His spiritual presence with us always, even to the end of the age ([Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - The Great Commission")). His calm presence in the face of the storm (as seen in the subsequent verses) reveals Him as the sovereign Lord, who not only created all things but sustains them by His powerful word ([Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16-17 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ, Creator and Sustainer")). Ultimately, His willingness to enter the "ship" of human existence, to experience its trials and tribulations, culminates in His journey to the cross, where He faced the ultimate storm of God's wrath against sin, securing peace and salvation for all who trust in Him ([Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - The Suffering Servant")).

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

Mark 4:1

¶ And he began again to teach by the sea side: and there was gathered unto him a great multitude, so that he entered into a ship, and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land.

Mark 3:9

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

Mark 5:2

And when he was come out of the ship, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit,

Mark 5:21

¶ And when Jesus was passed over again by ship unto the other side, much people gathered unto him: and he was nigh unto the sea.