Mark 5:24

KJV

And [Jesus] went with him; and much people followed him, and thronged him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} Jesus went {G565} with {G3326} him {G846}; and {G2532} much {G4183} people {G3793} followed {G190} him {G846}, and {G2532} thronged {G4918} him {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He went with him; and a large crowd followed, pressing all around him.

Berean Standard Bible

So Jesus went with him, and a large crowd followed and pressed around Him.

American Standard Version

And he went with him; and a great multitude followed him, and they thronged him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 5:24 describes Jesus's immediate departure with Jairus, a synagogue official, in response to his desperate plea for his dying daughter. As they set out, a vast multitude of people eagerly followed Jesus, pressing in on Him from all sides. This verse not only highlights Jesus's compassionate accessibility but also vividly portrays the immense popularity and constant demands placed upon His ministry by the crowds seeking healing, teaching, or simply His presence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Mark 5:24 serves as a crucial transition point in a narrative sandwich, often called a Markan intercalation or "sandwich" structure. The outer layers are the story of Jairus's daughter ([Mark 5:21-24](/mark/5-21-24 "Jairus's Plea and Jesus's Journey") and [Mark 5:35-43](/mark/5-35-43 "Jairus's Daughter Raised")), and the inner layer is the healing of the woman with the issue of blood ([Mark 5:25-34](/mark/5-25-34 "The Woman with the Issue of Blood")). This verse initiates Jesus's journey to Jairus's house, setting the scene for the miraculous interruption that follows. Immediately prior, Jesus had just returned from the Gerasene region, where He cast out a legion of demons ([Mark 5:1-20](/mark/5-1-20 "The Gerasene Demoniac")), demonstrating His authority over spiritual forces. Upon His return to Capernaum, a large crowd had already gathered, indicating His widespread fame and the people's eagerness to encounter Him. Jairus, a leader in the synagogue, approaches Jesus with a desperate plea for his dying daughter, falling at His feet in an act of profound humility and faith ([Mark 5:22-23](/mark/5-22-23 "Jairus's Urgent Request")). Jesus's immediate agreement to go with him underscores His compassion and willingness to respond to genuine human need, even amidst the clamor of the crowd.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Galilee, particularly Capernaum where Jesus had established His base, was a densely populated region. News of Jesus's miracles and teachings spread rapidly, drawing large crowds from surrounding towns and villages. People traveled significant distances, often on foot, to see and hear Him. The concept of a "rabbi" or spiritual teacher attracting disciples and followers was common, but the sheer scale of Jesus's following was unprecedented. The "thronging" described in the verse reflects the typical conditions of public gatherings in ancient times, where personal space was limited, and people pressed close to hear or touch influential figures. Furthermore, the desperation of Jairus, a synagogue ruler, highlights the social and religious context; for such a figure to publicly humble himself before Jesus indicates the profound cultural significance of Jesus's perceived power and the severity of his family crisis. The synagogue was the center of Jewish community life, and a ruler's appeal to Jesus would have been a remarkable and public act of faith.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes in the Gospel of Mark. It powerfully illustrates **Jesus's Compassion and Accessibility**, showing His immediate and personal response to Jairus's urgent plea, despite His recent return from a demanding ministry encounter in the Gerasenes. The description of the "much people" following and "thronging" Him emphasizes the **Demands of Ministry** and the constant pressure Jesus faced, highlighting His unwavering commitment to those in need even amidst overwhelming public attention. It also sets the stage for the theme of **Faith**, as Jairus's desperate belief initiates Jesus's journey, and subsequently, the woman's healing will further explore the power of faith ([Mark 5:34](/mark/5-34 "Your Faith Has Made You Well")). Crucially, Mark 5:24 also introduces the theme of **Divine Interruption and God's Sovereign Timing**. The journey to Jairus's house is unexpectedly "interrupted" by the healing of the woman with the issue of blood, demonstrating Jesus's awareness of individual suffering within the larger crowd and His sovereign control over events, revealing that seemingly unplanned detours are part of God's perfect plan. This narrative structure underscores that God's compassion extends to every individual, regardless of their social standing or the immediacy of their plea.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **people (Greek, _óchlos'_):** From a derivative meaning "a vehicle," this word properly denotes "a throng (as borne along)." By implication, it refers to the rabble, a class of people, or figuratively, a riot. In this context, it signifies a large, undifferentiated crowd, emphasizing their collective movement and the sheer number of individuals pressing in on Jesus. It suggests a spontaneous, perhaps somewhat unruly, gathering rather than an organized assembly.
* **followed (Greek, _akolouthéō'_):** Derived from a particle of union and a word for "road," this verb literally means "to be in the same way with." It implies accompanying someone, specifically as a disciple. Here, it describes the crowd's action of moving along with Jesus, indicating their desire to be near Him, to observe, or to interact with Him. It suggests a purposeful pursuit, even if not all were committed disciples.
* **thronged (Greek, _synthlíbō'_):** Formed from the Greek words _sýn_ (together with) and _thlíbō_ (to press, crush), this verb means "to compress" or "to crowd on all sides." It vividly conveys a sense of intense physical pressure, a lack of personal space, and the difficulty of movement due to the sheer density of people surrounding Jesus. This word highlights the fervor and eagerness of the multitude to be in close proximity to Him, creating a challenging environment for Jesus and His immediate companions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And [Jesus] went with him":** This clause signifies Jesus's immediate and compassionate response to Jairus's desperate plea. The verb "went" (Greek _apérchomai_) indicates a departure, a setting out on a journey. Jesus does not hesitate or delay but promptly agrees to accompany Jairus, demonstrating His willingness to enter into human suffering and respond to faith. This action sets the narrative in motion towards the synagogue ruler's home.
* **"and much people followed him":** This phrase describes the immediate consequence of Jesus's movement. "Much people" (Greek _polýs óchlos_) emphasizes the vast size of the crowd that had gathered around Jesus. Their action of "following" Him indicates their intense interest and desire to be near Him, whether out of curiosity, hope for healing, or a desire to hear His teaching. It highlights His widespread fame and the continuous public demand for His presence.
* **"and thronged him":** This final, powerful clause intensifies the description of the crowd's interaction. The word "thronged" (Greek _synthlíbō_) conveys a sense of being pressed, squeezed, or crushed by the sheer number of people. It paints a vivid picture of the physical pressure and lack of personal space Jesus experienced, underscoring the fervor and eagerness of the multitude to get close to Him, perhaps hoping for a touch or a word, and the challenging reality of His public ministry.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 5:24 employs several literary devices to convey its meaning and impact. **Vivid Imagery** is prominent, particularly in the description of the crowd "thronging" Jesus, which creates a palpable sense of physical pressure and overwhelming numbers. This image allows the reader to visualize the scene and feel the intensity of the moment. The use of **Hyperbole** or exaggeration is implied in "much people" and "thronged him," suggesting an almost unmanageable multitude, emphasizing the extraordinary popularity and constant demands on Jesus. Furthermore, the verse serves as an instance of **Foreshadowing**, subtly preparing the reader for the unexpected healing of the woman with the issue of blood that occurs within this very crowd. The "thronging" sets the stage for the woman's desperate attempt to touch Jesus and His subsequent awareness of that touch, even amidst the chaos. This narrative technique builds anticipation and highlights Jesus's divine perception amidst human chaos.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 5:24 deeply connects to the broader biblical themes of divine accessibility, the demands of ministry, and God's attentiveness to individual suffering amidst collective needs. Jesus's willingness to go with Jairus, despite the pressing crowd, exemplifies His incarnational ministry – God entering into the messiness of human life to bring healing and hope. This immediate response to a desperate plea underscores the New Testament's portrayal of God as one who draws near to the brokenhearted and is moved by compassion. The "thronging" of the crowd also highlights the constant pressure and physical toll of Jesus's ministry, yet He never turns away those who seek Him in faith. This scene ultimately sets the stage for the demonstration of Jesus's power to heal and restore, not just in public spectacles but in intimate, personal encounters, even within a chaotic environment.

* [Matthew 9:18-19](/matthew/9-18-19 "Jesus Responds to a Ruler's Plea")
* [Luke 8:40-42](/luke/8-40-42 "Jesus and the Crowds")
* [Mark 3:9-10](/mark/3-9-10 "Jesus's Popularity and Healing Power")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 5:24 offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that Jesus remains accessible and compassionate, even when our lives feel chaotic or we are overwhelmed by the "throngs" of daily demands and distractions. Just as He responded personally to Jairus's desperate plea, He hears and responds to our prayers, often in ways we don't expect. The image of Jesus being pressed by the crowd, yet remaining attentive to individual needs (as seen in the subsequent healing of the woman), challenges us to cultivate a similar awareness and compassion in our own lives. Even when we feel overwhelmed by responsibilities or the demands of others, we are called to emulate Christ's example of selfless service and attentiveness to the Spirit's leading, recognizing that divine appointments can occur in the most unexpected moments and places. This verse encourages us to press through our own "crowds" of doubt, fear, or busyness to reach out to Jesus, trusting that He is always ready to meet us with grace and power.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel "thronged" or overwhelmed, and how might you invite Jesus into those spaces?**
* **How does Jesus's immediate response to Jairus's plea encourage your own faith when facing desperate situations?**
* **What "interruptions" in your plans might God be using to reveal His greater purpose or to meet an unexpected need?**

### FAQ
**Why did so many people follow and throng Jesus?**

Answer: People followed and thronged Jesus for a variety of reasons, primarily because of His reputation for performing miracles, healing the sick, and teaching with unparalleled authority. News of His powerful deeds, such as casting out demons and healing various ailments, spread rapidly throughout Galilee, creating immense public interest. Many sought physical healing for themselves or loved ones, while others were drawn by His compelling teachings and the hope He offered. The sheer number of people indicates a widespread spiritual hunger and a desire to witness or experience His divine power firsthand, as seen in other accounts where crowds gathered to hear Him preach or be healed, such as when He taught by the sea ([Mark 4:1](/mark/4-1 "Jesus Teaches by the Sea")) or fed the five thousand ([Mark 6:34-44](/mark/6-34-44 "Feeding the Five Thousand")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 5:24, with its depiction of Jesus being "followed" and "thronged" by a vast multitude, powerfully foreshadows His ultimate mission and the nature of His redemptive work. The physical pressing and demands placed upon Him by the crowd prefigure the spiritual weight of humanity's sin that He would bear. Just as the eager masses pressed in on Him for healing and hope, humanity, in its brokenness, presses upon the Son of God for salvation. His willingness to be "thronged" and to engage with the immediate needs of individuals, even amidst the chaos, points to His perfect empathy and accessibility as the Great High Priest who can sympathize with our weaknesses ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Jesus, Our High Priest")). Ultimately, this scene of intense human demand culminates in the divine interruption of the woman's healing, revealing that Jesus is not merely a healer but the very source of life, whose power flows out to those who reach out in faith. This anticipates the cross, where Jesus, "pressed" by the weight of sin, allowed Himself to be broken so that spiritual healing and new life could flow freely to all who believe in Him, offering an open invitation to "come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Come to Me")).

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 5:31

And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?

Mark 3:20

And the multitude cometh together again, so that they could not so much as eat bread.

Luke 7:6

Then Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof:

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 3:10

For he had healed many; insomuch that they pressed upon him for to touch him, as many as had plagues.

Luke 12:1

¶ In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.

Acts 10:38

How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.