Mark 6:31

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.

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}.

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."

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.

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

Context of Mark 6:31

This verse captures a pivotal moment shortly after the disciples' first missionary journey, as described earlier in Mark 6:7-13. They had just returned, likely exhausted and exhilarated, reporting their experiences to Jesus. The immediate context highlights the immense pressure they were under: "for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat." This paints a vivid picture of constant demands from the crowds who followed Jesus and His disciples, making it impossible for them to find a moment of peace or even basic sustenance. Jesus' instruction here immediately precedes the miraculous feeding of the five thousand, further emphasizing the relentless pace of their ministry.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Necessity of Rest: Jesus, being fully human and divine, understood the physical and spiritual limitations of His disciples. His command to "rest a while" was not a suggestion but a compassionate directive, recognizing their deep need for respite from the relentless demands of ministry and crowds. This underscores the biblical principle that rest is not a luxury but a vital component of sustainable service and well-being.
  • Solitude and Retreat: The phrase "Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place" emphasizes the importance of intentional withdrawal from the noise and demands of the world. A "desert place" (Greek: erēmon topon) refers to a solitary, unpopulated area, a place of quiet reflection away from the multitude. This reflects Jesus' own consistent practice of seeking solitude for prayer and communion with God, as seen in Mark 1:35 and Luke 5:16.
  • Compassionate Leadership: Jesus' instruction reveals His profound care and understanding for His followers. He prioritized their well-being over continuous activity, demonstrating a compassionate leadership that valued their spiritual and physical health. This serves as a model for all leaders to care for those under their charge.
  • Balance in Ministry: The verse teaches a crucial balance between active service and personal replenishment. While the disciples were called to diligent work, Jesus showed that sustainable ministry requires intentional pauses for rest and spiritual renewal. This prevents burnout and fosters long-term effectiveness.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "desert place" translates the Greek erēmon topon, which signifies a desolate or uninhabited area, not necessarily a barren desert, but simply a place away from the bustling activity of the towns and people. It speaks to the need for a truly solitary environment. The word "rest" comes from the Greek anapauō, meaning to cause to cease from labor, to refresh, to give rest. It implies a restorative and invigorating pause, not mere idleness, but a necessary cessation of activity for rejuvenation.

Practical Application

Mark 6:31 offers timeless wisdom for modern life. In a world characterized by constant connectivity and pressure to be productive, the call to "come ye yourselves apart and rest a while" is more relevant than ever. This verse encourages us to:

  • Prioritize Rest: Recognize the vital importance of physical, mental, and spiritual rest. Ignoring this need can lead to burnout, resentment, and decreased effectiveness in all areas of life.
  • Seek Solitude: Intentionally create space for quiet reflection, prayer, and communion with God, away from distractions. This allows for spiritual refreshment and clarity.
  • Practice Self-Care: Understand that caring for oneself is not selfish but essential for being able to serve others effectively. Jesus Himself modeled this principle.
  • Avoid Burnout: Learn to recognize the signs of being overwhelmed and proactively step back, just as Jesus instructed His disciples. This echoes Jesus' invitation in Matthew 11:28: "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."

This verse reminds us that even in the midst of urgent and important work for the Kingdom of God, taking time to rest and reconnect with the source of our strength is not merely advisable, but commanded by our compassionate Lord.

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Cross-References

  • Mark 3:20 (7 votes)

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

  • Mark 1:45 (4 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

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

  • John 6:1 (3 votes)

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

  • Matthew 14:13 (2 votes)

    ¶ 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.