Mark 6:31

KJV

And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he said {G2036} unto them {G846}, Come {G1205} ye {G5210} yourselves {G846} apart {G2596}{G2398} into {G1519} a desert {G2048} place {G5117}, and {G2532} rest {G373} a while {G3641}: for {G1063} there were {G2258} many {G4183} coming {G2064} and {G2532} going {G5217}, and {G2532} they had no {G3761} leisure {G2119} so much as {G3761} to eat {G5315}.

Complete Jewish Bible

There were so many people coming and going that they couldn't even take time to eat, so he said to them, "Come with me by yourselves to a place where we can be alone, and you can get some rest."

Berean Standard Bible

And He said to them, “Come with Me privately to a solitary place, and let us rest for a while.” For many people were coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.

American Standard Version

And he saith unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while. For there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 6:31 presents Jesus' compassionate directive to His disciples to withdraw for rest and solitude amidst overwhelming ministry demands. Following their return from a successful evangelistic mission, the constant influx of people left them no time even to eat. Jesus, keenly aware of their physical and spiritual exhaustion, calls them to a "desert place" to "rest a while," underscoring the vital necessity of intentional respite and spiritual replenishment for sustainable service in the Kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated immediately after the disciples' return from their first missionary journey, where Jesus had sent them out two by two with authority over unclean spirits ([Mark 6:7](/mark/6-7 "Mark 6:7 - Jesus Sends Out the Twelve")). They had just reported back to Jesus all they had done and taught ([Mark 6:30](/mark/6-30 "Mark 6:30 - Disciples Report Back")). The narrative then swiftly moves to the urgent need for rest, directly preceding the miraculous feeding of the five thousand, which highlights the continued intense demands of the crowds even in their attempt to find solitude ([Mark 6:32-44](/mark/6-32-44 "Mark 6:32-44 - The Feeding of the Five Thousand")). The relentless pace of ministry and the disciples' physical exhaustion set the stage for Jesus' compassionate command.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Galilee, the concept of a "desert place" (Greek: _erēmos topos_) did not necessarily imply a barren, sandy desert, but rather an uninhabited, solitary, or uncultivated area, often just outside a village or town. Such places offered a retreat from the bustling crowds and the demands of daily life and ministry. Jesus himself frequently sought out such solitary places for prayer and communion with God, modeling a practice common among spiritual leaders of the time who valued periods of withdrawal for spiritual renewal. The constant "coming and going" described reflects the typical experience of popular teachers and healers in that era, where crowds would follow them relentlessly, seeking healing, teaching, or even just a glimpse.
* **Key Themes:** Mark 6:31 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the Gospel of Mark. It reinforces the theme of **Jesus' compassionate leadership**, demonstrating His concern for the holistic well-being of His disciples, not just their productivity. It highlights the **demands and pressures of ministry**, showing that even divinely empowered service can lead to exhaustion. Crucially, it introduces the theme of **the necessity of rest and solitude** for spiritual and physical replenishment, a practice Jesus Himself frequently modeled ([Mark 1:35](/mark/1-35 "Mark 1:35 - Jesus Prays in Solitude"), [Luke 5:16](/luke/5-16 "Luke 5:16 - Jesus Withdraws to Pray")). This verse also subtly foreshadows the **overwhelming needs of the multitude**, which will immediately follow in the feeding miracle, emphasizing that even rest must sometimes yield to urgent compassion, yet the principle of rest remains vital.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Come (Greek, _deûte'_):** This word is an imperative, meaning "come hither!" or "come here!" It is a direct, urgent command, not merely an invitation. Its use here underscores the authority and earnestness with which Jesus calls His disciples to withdraw, emphasizing the non-negotiable nature of their need for rest.
* **desert (Greek, _érēmos'_):** While often translated as "desert," this term broadly refers to a solitary, uninhabited, or desolate place. It implies a location away from the noise, demands, and crowds of populated areas. The choice of this word highlights the intentionality of seeking true isolation for the purpose of rest and reflection, a place where external distractions are minimized.
* **rest (Greek, _anapaúō'_):** This verb means "to cause to cease from labor," "to refresh," or "to give rest." It implies a restorative and invigorating pause, not mere idleness, but a necessary cessation of activity that leads to rejuvenation and renewed strength. It encompasses both physical and spiritual recuperation.
* **for (Greek, _gár'_):** This primary particle is crucial as it introduces the reason or explanation for Jesus' command. It directly links the disciples' overwhelming activity ("many coming and going") and lack of basic sustenance ("they had no leisure so much as to eat") to the necessity of their withdrawal for rest. It functions as a causal conjunction, justifying the urgency of Jesus' directive.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said unto them, "Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while:"**: Jesus, observing the exhausted state of His disciples after their intense missionary work, issues a direct and compassionate command. The phrase "ye yourselves apart" (Greek: _kat' idian_) emphasizes a personal, private withdrawal, distinct from the crowds. The destination, a "desert place" (_erēmon topon_), signifies a secluded, uninhabited area, providing the necessary quietude. The purpose is clearly stated: "and rest a while" (_anapaúō olígon_), indicating a restorative pause, a brief period of recuperation from their labors. This highlights Jesus' profound care for His followers' well-being.
* **"for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat."**: This clause provides the immediate and compelling reason for Jesus' command. The conjunction "for" (_gar_) introduces the explanation. The phrase "many coming and going" (_polloi erchomenoi kai hypagontes_) paints a vivid picture of constant activity and relentless demands from the crowds. This incessant flow of people meant that the disciples were so overwhelmed that they "had no leisure" (_oudé eukairéō_), literally "no good time" or "no opportunity," even for the most basic human need: "so much as to eat" (_phágō_). This detail underscores the severity of their exhaustion and the urgency of Jesus' intervention.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Irony** is present in the disciples' inability to eat despite being in the presence of Jesus, who would soon miraculously feed thousands. This highlights the practical, physical toll of ministry. **Hyperbole** is used in the description "no leisure so much as to eat," emphasizing the extreme level of busyness and the complete lack of personal time. The phrase "desert place" functions as **Symbolism**, representing not merely a geographical location but a spiritual and emotional space of withdrawal, quiet, and renewal, contrasting sharply with the chaotic demands of the crowd. The entire scene serves as a **Foreshadowing** of the subsequent feeding of the five thousand, where the disciples' need for rest is momentarily deferred by the greater need of the multitude, yet Jesus' initial command underscores the principle of rest.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 6:31 offers profound theological insights into the nature of ministry, leadership, and human well-being. It reveals Jesus as a compassionate leader who understands the physical and spiritual limitations of His followers, prioritizing their health over relentless activity. This command to rest is not merely practical advice but a divine injunction, underscoring that rest is a vital component of sustainable service and spiritual flourishing, not a luxury or a sign of weakness. It challenges the modern tendency to equate constant activity with spiritual fervor, reminding us that even in the most urgent work of the Kingdom, intentional pauses for replenishment are essential for avoiding burnout and maintaining effectiveness. The "desert place" symbolizes the necessity of intentional withdrawal for communion with God, mirroring Jesus' own consistent practice of solitude and prayer.

* [Psalm 23:2](/psalms/23-2 "Psalm 23:2 - He Makes Me Lie Down in Green Pastures")
* [Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28-30 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Jesus' Invitation to Rest")
* [Hebrews 4:9-11](/hebrews/4-9-11 "The Promise of Sabbath Rest")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world that often glorifies busyness and constant productivity, Mark 6:31 stands as a powerful counter-cultural directive. It reminds us that even Jesus, in His divine wisdom, recognized the human need for rest and solitude. For those engaged in ministry, demanding professions, or simply navigating the relentless pace of modern life, this verse is a compassionate invitation to pause. It challenges us to re-evaluate our priorities, ensuring that we are not sacrificing our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being on the altar of perpetual activity. True productivity and sustainable service flow from a place of replenishment, not depletion. Just as Jesus cared for His disciples, we are called to care for ourselves and for those under our charge, fostering rhythms of work and rest that honor our created limitations and our dependence on God. Intentional withdrawal, whether for prayer, quiet reflection, or simply physical rest, is not a sign of weakness but a vital act of self-care and spiritual discipline that enables us to serve with renewed strength and clarity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "many coming and going" in your life that prevent you from finding rest?**
* **How intentionally do you seek out "desert places"—moments or spaces of solitude—for spiritual and physical replenishment?**
* **What practical steps can you take this week to prioritize rest and avoid spiritual or physical burnout?**
* **In what ways does Jesus' compassionate leadership in this verse challenge your own approach to work, ministry, or caring for others?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus tell His disciples to go to a "desert place" specifically?**

Answer: The "desert place" (Greek: _erēmos topos_) was not necessarily a barren, sandy desert, but rather an uninhabited, solitary, or uncultivated area. Jesus directed them there precisely because it offered a retreat from the incessant demands of the crowds and the bustling activity of towns. It was a place where they could find true solitude, quiet, and unhindered rest, away from the constant interruptions that prevented them from even eating. This aligns with Jesus' own practice of withdrawing to solitary places for prayer and communion with God ([Mark 1:35](/mark/1-35 "Mark 1:35 - Jesus Prays in Solitude")).

**Is taking "rest" a biblical command or merely a suggestion for ministry?**

Answer: While not always phrased as a direct command to "rest" in every instance, the principle of rest is deeply embedded in biblical teaching, beginning with God's own rest on the seventh day of creation ([Genesis 2:2](/genesis/2-2 "Genesis 2:2 - God Rests on the Seventh Day")) and the institution of the Sabbath ([Exodus 20:8-11](/exodus/20-8-11 "Exodus 20:8-11 - Remember the Sabbath Day")). In Mark 6:31, Jesus' words "Come ye yourselves apart... and rest a while" function as a compassionate yet firm directive, indicating its necessity for the disciples' well-being and sustainable ministry. It underscores that rest is not a luxury but a vital component of a healthy, God-honoring life and service, preventing burnout and fostering spiritual renewal.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 6:31, with Jesus' compassionate call for His disciples to "rest a while," finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus as the true source of rest. While the disciples sought physical and mental respite from the demands of ministry, Jesus Himself embodies the profound spiritual rest that humanity truly needs. He is the one who invites all who are weary and burdened to "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Jesus' Invitation to Rest")). The temporary rest offered by a "desert place" foreshadows the eternal rest found in Him, a rest from the striving of legalism, the burden of sin, and the futility of human effort to earn salvation. Through His finished work on the cross, Jesus provides the ultimate Sabbath rest for the people of God, a rest that transcends physical cessation and speaks to the peace and security found in His completed redemption ([Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9-10 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - The Sabbath Rest for God's People")). Thus, Mark 6:31 not only teaches us the importance of physical rest but also points us to the One who is our true and everlasting rest.

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 3:20

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

Mark 1:45

But he went out, and began to publish [it] much, and to blaze abroad the matter, insomuch that Jesus could no more openly enter into the city, but was without in desert places: and they came to him from every quarter.

Mark 3:7

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

John 6:1

¶ After these things Jesus went over the sea of Galilee, which is [the sea of] Tiberias.

Matthew 14:13

¶ When Jesus heard [of it], he departed thence by ship into a desert place apart: and when the people had heard [thereof], they followed him on foot out of the cities.