Mark 6:33

KJV

And the people saw them departing, and many knew him, and ran afoot thither out of all cities, and outwent them, and came together unto him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} the people {G3793} saw {G1492} them {G846} departing {G5217}, and {G2532} many {G4183} knew {G1921} him {G846}, and {G2532} ran {G4936} afoot {G3979} thither {G1563} out of {G575} all {G3956} cities {G4172}, and {G2532} outwent {G4281} them {G846}, and {G2532} came together {G4905} unto {G4314} him {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

but many people, seeing them leave and recognizing them, ran ahead on foot from all the towns and got there first.

Berean Standard Bible

But many people saw them leaving and recognized them. They ran together on foot from all the towns and arrived before them.

American Standard Version

And the people saw them going, and many knew them, and they ran together there on foot from all the cities, and outwent them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 6:33 powerfully illustrates the overwhelming spiritual hunger and relentless pursuit of Jesus by the multitudes during His earthly ministry. Despite Jesus and His disciples seeking a secluded place for rest, the crowds, recognizing their departure and destination, exhibited extraordinary zeal, running along the shore from various cities to arrive at the intended location even before the boat, eager to be in His presence. This verse sets the immediate context for one of Jesus' most iconic miracles, the feeding of the five thousand, highlighting the profound impact of His ministry and the people's desperate need for Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Jesus' attempt to withdraw with His disciples for rest after their first missionary journey, where they had been sent out with authority to preach and heal [Mark 6:7-13](/mark/6-7-13 "Mark 6:7-13 - Jesus Sends Out the Twelve"). The disciples had just returned, reporting on their activities [Mark 6:30](/mark/6-30 "Mark 6:30 - The Apostles Return"). Jesus, observing their exhaustion and the ceaseless demands of the crowds, had compassionately suggested they go to a desolate place to rest [Mark 6:31](/mark/6-31 "Mark 6:31 - Jesus Seeks Rest for His Disciples"). Mark 6:33 describes the unexpected and overwhelming response of the people, who thwarted this attempt at solitude, setting the stage for Jesus' subsequent compassion and the miraculous feeding of the five thousand [Mark 6:34-44](/mark/6-34-44 "Mark 6:34-44 - The Feeding of the Five Thousand").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Galilee, during Jesus' ministry, was a densely populated region with numerous towns and villages. Travel by boat across the Sea of Galilee was common and often quicker than walking around its shores, especially for reaching less populated areas. The crowds following Jesus were not merely curious spectators; many were desperate for healing, deliverance, or spiritual teaching, having heard of His miracles and authoritative teaching. This era was marked by Roman occupation and a deep yearning among the Jewish people for a Messiah who would bring liberation and restoration. The widespread recognition of Jesus ("many knew him") indicates the extensive reach of His fame, which had spread rapidly through word of mouth across the region.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Mark's Gospel. It underscores the **intense spiritual hunger** of the people, who prioritize access to Jesus over physical comfort, demonstrating their profound need for His presence and ministry. It highlights **Jesus' immense popularity and the relentless demands of His ministry**, showing that even His attempts at privacy were often overwhelmed by the crowds. Furthermore, it subtly introduces the theme of **Jesus' compassion** for the "sheep without a shepherd" [Mark 6:34](/mark/6-34 "Mark 6:34 - Jesus' Compassion for the Crowds"), which immediately follows this verse and motivates His teaching and miraculous provision. The crowds' extraordinary effort also serves as a powerful illustration of **active pursuit of God**, a theme echoed throughout the Scriptures, as seen in passages like [Psalm 42:1-2](/psalms/42-1-2 "Psalm 42:1-2 - Thirsting for God").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **People (Greek, _óchlos'_):** This term refers to a "throng," "multitude," or "press." It emphasizes the sheer number of individuals gathered, often implying a less organized, perhaps even unruly, crowd. In this context, it highlights the vast scale of Jesus' following and the collective, almost spontaneous, movement of a large group.
* **Knew (Greek, _epiginṓskō'_):** More than just "saw" or "recognized superficially," this word implies becoming "fully acquainted with" or "acknowledging." It suggests that many in the crowd had a deeper understanding or personal experience of Jesus, perhaps having witnessed His miracles or heard His teaching previously, leading to a more profound recognition and conviction to follow Him.
* **Outwent (Greek, _proérchomai'_):** This verb means "to go onward," "precede," or "arrive before." It underscores the remarkable speed and determination of the crowds. Despite Jesus and His disciples traveling by boat, the people, running "afoot" along the shore, managed to reach the destination ahead of them, demonstrating extraordinary zeal and eagerness to be in Jesus' presence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the people saw them departing":** The large multitude observed Jesus and His disciples embarking on their boat, indicating that Jesus' movements were constantly monitored and His desire for solitude was difficult to achieve.
* **"and many knew him":** A significant portion of the crowd had personal knowledge or recognition of Jesus, likely from previous encounters with His ministry, confirming His widespread fame and the personal impact He had on individuals.
* **"and ran afoot thither out of all cities":** This clause vividly describes the immediate and intense response of the crowds. They did not merely walk but "ran" on foot, demonstrating an urgent and determined pursuit, gathering from numerous surrounding towns and villages to follow Him to His perceived destination.
* **"and outwent them":** This highlights the extraordinary effort and zeal of the people. Despite the disciples traveling by boat, the crowds, moving along the land, managed to arrive at the intended location before them, showcasing their relentless desire to be near Jesus.
* **"and came together unto him":** The ultimate outcome of their pursuit was to gather around Jesus, signifying their collective desire for His teaching, healing, or simply His presence, setting the stage for further interaction.

#### Literary Devices
Mark's narrative in this verse employs several effective literary devices. **Vivid Imagery** is prominent, painting a dynamic picture of the crowds "running afoot" and "outgoing" the boat, conveying their extraordinary zeal and the frenetic energy surrounding Jesus' ministry. The phrase "out of all cities" functions as a form of **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the vast geographical reach of Jesus' fame and the sheer multitude of people drawn to Him, rather than a literal count of every single city. This hyperbole underscores the overwhelming nature of the crowds. Furthermore, the verse creates a strong sense of **Anticipation**, building tension for the reader as Jesus' attempt at rest is thwarted, leading directly into the subsequent miraculous feeding, where Jesus' compassion will be fully displayed in response to this pressing need.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 6:33 serves as a powerful testament to humanity's innate spiritual hunger and the magnetic draw of divine presence. The relentless pursuit of the crowds, despite physical exertion and inconvenience, underscores a profound need for truth, healing, and hope that only Jesus could offer. Theologically, it prefigures the universal appeal of the Gospel and the lengths to which people will go when genuinely seeking spiritual fulfillment. This scene also highlights the demanding nature of ministry for Jesus and His disciples, constantly pressed by the needs of the multitude, yet always met with Christ's boundless compassion.

* [John 6:24-27](/john/6-24-27 "John 6:24-27 - The Crowds Seek Jesus for Bread")
* [Matthew 9:35-36](/matthew/9-35-36 "Matthew 9:35-36 - Jesus' Compassion for the Crowds")
* [Luke 5:15-16](/luke/5-15-16 "Luke 5:15-16 - Jesus Withdraws to Pray")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 6:33 presents a compelling challenge to our own spiritual priorities and the depth of our desire for Christ. The crowds' extraordinary effort—running on foot, out-pacing a boat, coming from "all cities"—reveals a profound spiritual hunger that transcended physical comfort or convenience. They sought Jesus with an urgency that should cause us to examine our own pursuit of Him. Do we approach our relationship with Christ with such intentionality and zeal, or do we allow distractions, busyness, or apathy to diminish our hunger for His presence and teaching? This verse encourages us to cultivate a similar fervent desire, to actively seek Him in His Word, in prayer, and in community, prioritizing our spiritual nourishment above all else. When we earnestly pursue Christ, we position ourselves to experience His transformative power and compassionate provision, just as the crowds did in the miracle that followed.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does the crowds' relentless pursuit of Jesus reveal about their spiritual hunger, and how does it compare to my own?**
* **In what ways do I prioritize my relationship with Christ, and what practical steps can I take to increase my "running afoot" toward Him?**
* **How does Jesus' willingness to meet the needs of the persistent crowds encourage me in my own prayers and seeking?**

### FAQ

**Why were the crowds so determined to follow Jesus, even running on foot?**

Answer: The crowds were driven by a profound spiritual and physical need. Jesus had become widely known for His authoritative teaching, miraculous healings, and compassionate ministry. Many were desperate for relief from sickness, demon possession, or simply sought hope and truth in a world under Roman occupation. Their determination to run "afoot" and "outwent" the boat demonstrates their extraordinary zeal and the deep conviction that only Jesus could meet their needs, as seen in the broader context of His ministry in [Mark 6:53-56](/mark/6-53-56 "Mark 6:53-56 - Jesus Heals Many in Gennesaret").

**What does "outwent them" mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "outwent them" means that the crowds, running along the shore, managed to arrive at the intended destination (likely a less populated area on the other side of the Sea of Galilee) before Jesus and His disciples, who were traveling by boat. This highlights the incredible speed, foresight, and determination of the people, who were so eager to be with Jesus that they physically exerted themselves to get there first. This detail emphasizes their intense spiritual hunger and commitment to following Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 6:33, with its vivid portrayal of the crowds' relentless pursuit of Jesus, beautifully foreshadows Christ's ultimate role as the one who draws all people to Himself. The physical running of the multitudes toward Jesus on the shores of Galilee is a tangible illustration of the spiritual yearning for the Messiah that resides in the human heart, a yearning that only Christ can satisfy. Just as these crowds sought Him for physical sustenance and healing, Jesus would later declare Himself the "Bread of Life" [John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life"), the one who provides eternal spiritual nourishment. His compassion for these "sheep without a shepherd" [Mark 6:34](/mark/6-34 "Mark 6:34 - Jesus' Compassion for the Crowds") prefigures His sacrificial love on the cross, where He became the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep [John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd"). The eagerness of the crowds to gather around Him anticipates the gathering of the Church, comprised of those from "every tribe and language and people and nation" [Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - The Lamb's Worthiness"), who are drawn to Him through the power of the Holy Spirit. Thus, this scene is not merely a historical account but a profound testament to Christ's magnetic grace, inviting all to run to Him for salvation and abundant life [Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28-30 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary").

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

Matthew 15:29

¶ And Jesus departed from thence, and came nigh unto the sea of Galilee; and went up into a mountain, and sat down there.

Matthew 15:31

Insomuch that the multitude wondered, when they saw the dumb to speak, the maimed to be whole, the lame to walk, and the blind to see: and they glorified the God of Israel.

John 6:2

And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased.

James 1:19

¶ Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:

Mark 6:54

And when they were come out of the ship, straightway they knew him,

Mark 6:55

And ran through that whole region round about, and began to carry about in beds those that were sick, where they heard he was.