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.
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}.
So, leaving the crowd behind, they took him just as he was, in the boat; and there were other boats with him.
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.
And leaving the multitude, they take him with them, even as he was, in the boat. And other boats were with him.
-
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.
Mark 4:36 marks a pivot point in the Gospel narrative, transitioning from Jesus's extensive teaching by the Sea of Galilee to a dramatic demonstration of His power over creation. This verse sets the stage for one of Jesus's most well-known miracles, the calming of the storm.
Context
Immediately preceding this verse, Jesus had been teaching the multitudes using parables, including the Parable of the Sower and the Parable of the Lamp. He had just finished explaining the Parable of the Mustard Seed, illustrating the growth of the Kingdom of God. Weary from teaching, Jesus desired to cross to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. The crowd, having listened intently, was dismissed, and Jesus, along with His disciples, embarked on this journey.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The phrase "even as he was" (Greek: hos en) is particularly insightful. It literally means "as he was" or "just as he was." This simple phrase conveys a sense of unadorned authenticity and immediacy. Jesus got into the boat without any special preparation, change of clothes, or delay, perhaps still weary from His teaching. It emphasizes His readiness to move and His humble, accessible nature, despite His divine authority.
Practical Application
This verse offers several practical lessons for believers today:
Mark 4:36, though brief, powerfully initiates a narrative sequence that profoundly illustrates Jesus's authority and His intimate relationship with His disciples, preparing them for the greater revelations of His divine nature.