Mark 6:47

And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land.

And {G2532} when even {G3798} was come {G1096}, the ship {G4143} was {G2258} in {G1722} the midst {G3319} of the sea {G2281}, and {G2532} he {G846} alone {G3441} on {G1909} the land {G1093}.

When night came, the boat was out on the lake, and he was by himself on land.

When evening came, the boat was in the middle of the sea, and Jesus was alone on land.

And when even was come, the boat was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land.

Commentary

Mark 6:47 (KJV) sets the immediate scene for one of Jesus' most iconic miracles: His walking on water. This verse succinctly describes the challenging circumstances of the disciples and the solitary posture of Jesus, building anticipation for the divine intervention that follows.

Context

This verse is crucial in understanding the sequence of events. It occurs immediately after the miracle of the feeding of the five thousand. Having fed the multitude, Jesus compelled His disciples to get into a boat and go ahead of Him to Bethsaida, while He dismissed the crowds. Following this, Jesus Himself withdrew to a mountain to pray in solitude. The phrase "when even was come" indicates the arrival of night, and the disciples, being "in the midst of the sea," were far from shore on the often tempestuous Sea of Galilee, struggling against strong winds. Jesus' solitary presence "on the land" emphasizes His deliberate separation for prayer and His awareness of their plight.

Key Themes

  • Divine Awareness and Oversight: Even though Jesus was physically separated from His disciples and engaged in prayer, He was fully aware of their struggle. His solitary position on land highlights His watchfulness over them, even as they faced hardship in the "midst of the sea." This theme powerfully illustrates God's constant vigilance and care for His people, even when He seems distant.
  • Human Vulnerability vs. Christ's Sovereignty: The disciples, many of whom were seasoned fishermen, were battling a formidable storm, showcasing human limitations and vulnerability against the forces of nature. In stark contrast, Jesus remained sovereign and calm, observing the situation before His miraculous demonstration of authority over creation.
  • Setting the Stage for a Miracle: This verse masterfully builds tension and anticipation for the dramatic event recounted in Mark 6:48-52. The disciples' desperate struggle and Jesus' remote observation are essential elements leading to His powerful and unexpected intervention.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "when even was come" translates the Greek word opsia (ὀψία), which refers to the late evening, typically after sunset, signifying the onset of darkness. "Midst of the sea" (Greek: meson tēs thalassēs) vividly portrays their vulnerable position, far from any safe harbor and fully exposed to the elements. The detail "he alone on the land" (Greek: autos monos epi tēs gēs) emphasizes Jesus' solitude in prayer, a recurring theme in the Gospels highlighting His reliance on the Father.

Practical Application

Mark 6:47 offers profound encouragement for believers today. When we find ourselves in the "midst of the sea"—battling life's storms, feeling isolated, or facing overwhelming challenges—this verse serves as a powerful reminder that Jesus is acutely aware of our situation. Even if He seems distant or silent, He is watching, and His sovereign presence is always with us. It calls us to trust in His timing and His power to intervene, knowing that He sees our struggles and will come to us in our hour of need, just as He did for His disciples.

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Cross-References

  • 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.

  • John 6:16

    And when even was [now] come, his disciples went down unto the sea,

  • John 6:17

    And entered into a ship, and went over the sea toward Capernaum. And it was now dark, and Jesus was not come to them.
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