Mark 6:46

KJV

And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} when he had sent {G657} them {G846} away {G657}, he departed {G565} into {G1519} a mountain {G3735} to pray {G4336}.

Complete Jewish Bible

After he had left them, he went into the hills to pray.

Berean Standard Bible

After bidding them farewell, He went up on the mountain to pray.

American Standard Version

And after he had taken leave of them, he departed into the mountain to pray.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 6:46 presents a profound glimpse into the spiritual discipline of Jesus Christ, immediately following the miraculous feeding of the five thousand. After dismissing the crowds and sending His disciples ahead, Jesus intentionally withdraws to a solitary mountain to engage in private prayer, underscoring His deep reliance on the Father and His commitment to spiritual replenishment amidst intense public ministry.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within Mark's narrative, directly following the feeding of the five thousand [Mark 6:30-44](/mark/6-30-44 "Mark 6:30-44 - Feeding the Five Thousand"), one of Jesus's most dramatic public miracles. The disciples had just returned from their mission trip, reporting their activities [Mark 6:30](/mark/6-30 "Mark 6:30 - Disciples Return"), and Jesus had sought to provide them a place of rest, which was interrupted by the massive crowd. The day was one of immense physical and spiritual exertion, culminating in Jesus's compassionate provision for thousands. His subsequent action of sending away the crowds and dispatching His disciples by boat, before withdrawing Himself, highlights a deliberate choice for solitude and spiritual renewal after significant public engagement. This act sets the stage for the subsequent narrative of Jesus walking on water [Mark 6:47-52](/mark/6-47-52 "Mark 6:47-52 - Jesus Walks on Water"), where He again demonstrates His divine authority.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, mountains often served as significant locations for divine encounters, revelation, and prayer. Moses received the Law on Mount Sinai [Exodus 19](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - Mount Sinai Covenant"), Elijah encountered God on Mount Horeb [1 Kings 19:8-18](/1_kings/19-8-18 "1 Kings 19:8-18 - Elijah on Mount Horeb"), and Jesus Himself would later deliver the Sermon on the Mount [Matthew 5-7](/matthew/5-7 "Matthew 5-7 - Sermon on the Mount") and be transfigured on a high mountain [Mark 9:2-8](/mark/9-2-8 "Mark 9:2-8 - The Transfiguration"). This cultural understanding would have imbued Jesus's choice of a mountain with symbolic weight, signifying a place set apart for intimate communion with God. His practice of retreating to solitary places for prayer was a consistent pattern throughout His ministry, reflecting a deep-seated Jewish tradition of seeking God in quietude.
* **Key Themes:** Mark 6:46 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Mark's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **The Priority of Prayer** in Jesus's life, demonstrating that even the Son of God, in His humanity, was utterly dependent on communion with the Father for strength and guidance. This act serves as a model for all believers, emphasizing that effective ministry and spiritual vitality flow from a vibrant prayer life. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Solitude for Spiritual Strength**, illustrating the necessity of withdrawing from the demands and distractions of the world to find replenishment in God's presence. Jesus's regular retreats to deserted places or mountains, as seen elsewhere (e.g., [Luke 5:16](/luke/5-16 "Luke 5:16 - Jesus Often Withdrew to Pray")), establish this as a vital spiritual discipline. Lastly, it exemplifies **Leadership by Example**, as Jesus consistently models the very spiritual practices He encourages in His followers, demonstrating that true spiritual authority is rooted in intimate fellowship with God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **sent away (Greek, _apotássomai'_):** This verb, derived from `apó` (from) and `tássō` (to arrange, assign), literally means "to say adieu (by departing or dismissing)" or figuratively "to renounce." Here, it signifies Jesus's deliberate act of dismissing the crowds and His disciples, creating the necessary space for His private communion with God. It implies a purposeful detachment from immediate responsibilities and relationships to pursue a higher spiritual priority.
* **departed (Greek, _apérchomai'_):** Formed from `apó` (from) and `érchomai` (to come, go), this word means "to go off (i.e. depart), aside (i.e. apart) or behind (i.e. follow)." It emphasizes Jesus's physical movement away from the scene of public ministry, signifying His withdrawal to a secluded location. This departure is not merely a change of place but a purposeful separation for the sake of prayer.
* **mountain (Greek, _óros'_):** Probably from an obsolete root meaning "to rise or 'rear'," this noun refers to "a mountain (as lifting itself above the plain)" or a hill. In this context, the "mountain" is not just a geographical feature but a symbolic space. Its elevation and isolation make it an ideal location for undisturbed prayer and intimate communion with God, echoing other biblical narratives where mountains are sites of divine encounter.
* **to pray (Greek, _proseúchomai'_):** Derived from `prós` (towards) and `eúchomai` (to wish, pray), this verb means "to pray to God, i.e. supplicate, worship." It highlights the specific purpose of Jesus's withdrawal. This was not a mere rest or escape, but a dedicated time of communication, supplication, and worship directed towards His Heavenly Father, revealing the essential nature of His relationship with God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when he had sent them away":** This clause describes Jesus's decisive action of dismissing both the large crowd, who had just been miraculously fed, and His disciples. This act of "sending away" is crucial, as it creates the necessary solitude for what follows. It demonstrates Jesus's authority and His intentionality in seeking private time with the Father, prioritizing spiritual replenishment over continued public engagement or immediate interaction with His closest followers.
* **"he departed into a mountain":** Following the dismissal, Jesus physically withdraws to an elevated, isolated location. The "mountain" serves as a place of separation from the clamor of the multitudes and the demands of ministry. This choice of setting is deliberate, providing an environment conducive to deep, uninterrupted communion with God, a consistent pattern in Jesus's life where mountains often signify places of divine encounter and spiritual retreat.
* **"to pray":** This final phrase reveals the ultimate purpose of Jesus's withdrawal. His departure to the mountain was not for rest or escape, but specifically for prayer. This highlights the absolute priority of prayer in Jesus's life, even after performing a great miracle and enduring a demanding day. It underscores His dependence on the Father, His need for spiritual sustenance, and His commitment to maintaining an intimate relationship with God through fervent supplication and worship.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 6:46 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Modeling**, where Jesus's actions serve as a direct example for His disciples and all believers. His deliberate withdrawal to pray after intense ministry models the essential spiritual discipline of seeking solitude and communion with God for replenishment. This act also carries strong **Symbolism**, as the "mountain" frequently represents a place of divine encounter and revelation in biblical narratives. By ascending a mountain to pray, Jesus evokes the imagery of Moses on Sinai or Elijah on Horeb, underscoring the sacred nature of His communion with the Father. Furthermore, this verse presents a form of **Contrast** – the contrast between the public, demanding ministry of feeding thousands and the private, quiet intimacy of prayer. This juxtaposition emphasizes the cyclical nature of ministry and spiritual replenishment. Finally, there is an element of **Foreshadowing**, as Jesus's consistent practice of solitary prayer anticipates other crucial moments of prayer in His ministry, such as His all-night prayer before choosing the twelve [Luke 6:12](/luke/6-12 "Luke 6:12 - Jesus Prays All Night") or His agonizing prayer in Gethsemane before His crucifixion [Mark 14:32-42](/mark/14-32-42 "Mark 14:32-42 - Jesus Prays in Gethsemane").

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 6:46 offers profound theological insights into the nature of Jesus and the essence of spiritual life. It reveals Jesus's perfect blend of divine power and human dependence. Though He had just demonstrated miraculous power by feeding thousands, He did not rely solely on His inherent divinity but embraced His humanity's need for spiritual sustenance through prayer. This act underscores the vital truth that even the Son of God, in His incarnate state, found it essential to commune with the Father, setting a timeless example for all who seek to live a life of spiritual vitality and effective service. It speaks to the necessity of intentional spiritual discipline, recognizing that even after significant accomplishments or periods of intense outward activity, inner replenishment through God's presence is paramount. This verse also implicitly highlights the relational aspect of the Trinity, showcasing the intimate and continuous fellowship between the Father and the Son.

* [Luke 5:16](/luke/5-16 "Luke 5:16 - Jesus Often Withdrew to Pray")
* [Matthew 14:23](/matthew/14-23 "Matthew 14:23 - Jesus Goes Up on the Mountain to Pray")
* [Hebrews 5:7](/hebrews/5-7 "Hebrews 5:7 - Christ's Prayers and Supplications")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world characterized by constant noise, relentless demands, and the pervasive pull of digital distractions, Mark 6:46 stands as a powerful and counter-cultural invitation to intentional solitude and communion with God. Jesus's example teaches us that true spiritual strength and sustainable ministry are not found in perpetual activity but in deliberate withdrawal for the purpose of prayer. It challenges us to recognize our own deep need for spiritual replenishment, especially after periods of intense service or significant achievement. If Jesus, the Son of God, required such intimate time with the Father, how much more do we, His followers, need to cultivate a consistent and fervent prayer life? This verse encourages us to carve out sacred spaces and times in our busy lives, away from the clamor, to simply be present with God, listen to His voice, and draw strength from His inexhaustible well. It reminds us that our doing must always flow from our being – being rooted and nourished in Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What practical steps can I take this week to create intentional space for solitude and prayer, following Jesus's example?**
* **How does my current rhythm of life reflect or neglect the priority of spiritual replenishment through prayer?**
* **In what ways do I tend to rely on my own strength or accomplishments, rather than seeking God's power and guidance through prayer, especially after periods of intense activity?**
* **What distractions or perceived obligations often prevent me from withdrawing to pray, and how can I address them?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus need to pray if He was God?**

Answer: Jesus's prayer life, as exemplified in [Mark 6:46](/mark/6-46 "Mark 6:46 - Jesus Departs to Pray"), reveals the profound mystery of His dual nature: fully God and fully man. While Jesus is indeed God, in His incarnation, He voluntarily took on the limitations and experiences of humanity, including dependence on the Father. His prayers were not born out of a lack of divine power but out of His perfect human obedience and His desire to maintain a continuous, intimate relationship with the Father. His prayer life demonstrates His perfect reliance on God, models true humanity's relationship with its Creator, and underscores His solidarity with us in our need for spiritual sustenance. It was a vital expression of His filial relationship with the Father and an essential component of His earthly mission.

**What is the significance of Jesus going to a "mountain" to pray?**

Answer: The choice of a "mountain" for prayer in [Mark 6:46](/mark/6-46 "Mark 6:46 - Jesus Departs to Pray") carries significant biblical and symbolic weight. Throughout Scripture, mountains are often depicted as places of divine encounter, revelation, and intimate communion with God. Moses received the Law on Mount Sinai [Exodus 19](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - Mount Sinai Covenant"), Elijah encountered God on Mount Horeb [1 Kings 19:8-18](/1_kings/19-8-18 "1 Kings 19:8-18 - Elijah on Mount Horeb"), and Jesus Himself would later be transfigured on a high mountain [Mark 9:2-8](/mark/9-2-8 "Mark 9:2-8 - The Transfiguration"). By ascending a mountain, Jesus sought not just physical solitude but a symbolic elevation, a place set apart from the world's clamor, conducive to a deeper, more focused spiritual connection with His Heavenly Father. It represents a deliberate ascent from the earthly demands to heavenly communion.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 6:46, though depicting Jesus's human need for prayer, profoundly points to His ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment. Jesus's consistent practice of withdrawing to pray, as seen here, reveals His perfect communion with the Father, a relationship that is the very foundation of His redemptive work. His prayers were not merely personal piety but an integral part of His mission to accomplish the Father's will, culminating in His ultimate sacrifice on the cross. This verse foreshadows His later intercessory work, as the resurrected Christ now sits at the right hand of God, continually interceding for His people [Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ Intercedes for Us"); [Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Jesus Lives to Intercede"). The solitude He sought on the mountain anticipates the ultimate solitude of His suffering on Calvary, where He bore the sins of the world, and the profound communion He enjoyed with the Father is the source from which He drew strength to endure the separation from God on the cross for our sake [Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - My God, My God, Why Have You Forsaken Me?"). Thus, Jesus's prayer on the mountain is not just an example to follow, but a revelation of the Son's perfect dependence on the Father, a dependence that empowered Him to fulfill His role as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), and now serves as our great High Priest who ever lives to make intercession for us.

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 1:35

And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.

Matthew 6:6

But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

Luke 6:12

¶ And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.

Matthew 14:23

And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.

1 Peter 2:21

For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: