Mark 6:34

And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things.

And {G2532} Jesus {G2424}, when he came out {G1831}, saw {G1492} much {G4183} people {G3793}, and {G2532} was moved with compassion {G4697} toward {G1909} them {G846}, because {G3754} they were {G2258} as {G5613} sheep {G4263} not {G3361} having {G2192} a shepherd {G4166}: and {G2532} he began {G756} to teach {G1321} them {G846} many things {G4183}.

When Yeshua came ashore, he saw a huge crowd. Filled with compassion for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd, he began teaching them many things.

When Jesus stepped ashore and saw a large crowd, He had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And He began to teach them many things.

And he came forth and saw a great multitude, and he had compassion on them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things.

Mark 6:34 captures a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry, revealing His profound character and the immediate needs of the people. It sets the stage for the famous feeding of the five thousand, emphasizing Jesus' compassion as the driving force behind His actions.

Context

This verse follows a period of intense ministry for Jesus and His disciples. The disciples had just returned from their first missionary journey, and they were weary. Furthermore, the news of John the Baptist's execution had reached Jesus, prompting Him to seek a solitary place for rest and reflection (Mark 6:31). However, as they crossed the Sea of Galilee, the crowds anticipated their arrival, running ahead and gathering. Upon disembarking, Jesus was met by a vast multitude.

Key Themes

  • Jesus' Compassion (Splagchnizomai): The core of this verse is Jesus' deep emotional response. The Greek word splagchnizomai (σπλαγχνίζομαι) denotes a profound, visceral pity, literally being "moved in one's bowels." This was not just sympathy but an empathetic identification with their plight, leading to action. It highlights Jesus' tender heart towards humanity's spiritual and physical needs.
  • Sheep Without a Shepherd: This powerful metaphor, common in Old Testament prophecy (e.g., Numbers 27:17, Ezekiel 34:5), perfectly describes the spiritual condition of the crowd. They lacked proper guidance, protection, and nourishment. They were vulnerable, lost, and hungry for truth, wandering aimlessly.
  • Teaching as a Primary Ministry: Jesus' immediate response to their desperate state was to "teach them many things." This underscores the vital role of spiritual instruction and the Word of God in addressing humanity's deepest needs. He recognized their hunger for truth and guidance, providing spiritual food before addressing their physical hunger later (Mark 6:35-44).

Linguistic Insight

The term "moved with compassion" (Greek: splagchnizomai) is significant. It describes a deep, internal feeling, often translated as "to have pity" or "to feel heartfelt sympathy." It’s used throughout the Gospels to describe Jesus' response to suffering, whether it's the sick, the hungry, or the spiritually lost, demonstrating His divine empathy and active love.

Reflection and Application

Mark 6:34 offers timeless insights for believers today:

  • See with Jesus' Eyes: We are called to develop a similar compassion for those who are spiritually lost or without guidance in our world. Recognizing the vast number of people who are "sheep not having a shepherd" can motivate us to action.
  • Respond with Truth and Love: Like Jesus, our primary response to spiritual need should be to share the truth of God's Word and offer loving guidance. This involves both teaching and demonstrating the care of the Good Shepherd.
  • Prioritize Spiritual Nourishment: Jesus prioritized teaching even when He was exhausted. This reminds us of the paramount importance of spiritual feeding and discipleship in ministry.

This verse beautifully portrays Jesus as the compassionate Shepherd, always ready to meet the deepest needs of His flock, primarily through the life-giving power of His teaching.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Matthew 9:36

    But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.

  • Numbers 27:17

    Which may go out before them, and which may go in before them, and which may lead them out, and which may bring them in; that the congregation of the LORD be not as sheep which have no shepherd.

  • 2 Chronicles 18:16

    Then he said, I did see all Israel scattered upon the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd: and the LORD said, These have no master; let them return [therefore] every man to his house in peace.

  • Jeremiah 50:6

    My people hath been lost sheep: their shepherds have caused them to go astray, they have turned them away [on] the mountains: they have gone from mountain to hill, they have forgotten their restingplace.

  • Luke 9:11

    And the people, when they knew [it], followed him: and he received them, and spake unto them of the kingdom of God, and healed them that had need of healing.

  • 1 Kings 22:17

    And he said, I saw all Israel scattered upon the hills, as sheep that have not a shepherd: and the LORD said, These have no master: let them return every man to his house in peace.

  • Isaiah 61:1

    ¶ The Spirit of the Lord GOD [is] upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to [them that are] bound;

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