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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Mark 6:45–56. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
This passage of story we had Mat 14:22, etc., only what was there related concerning Peter, is omitted here. Here we have,
I.The dispersing of the assembly; Christ constrained his disciples to go before by ship to Bethsaida, intending to follow them, as they supposed, by land. The people were loth to scatter, so that it cost him some time and pains to send them away. For now that they had got a good supper, they were in no haste to leave him. But as long as we are here in this world, we have no continuing city, no not in communion with Christ. The everlasting feast is reserved for the future state.
II.Christ departed into a mountain, to pray. Observe,
1.He prayed; though he had so much preaching-work upon his hands, yet he was much in prayer; he prayed often, and prayed long, which is an encouragement to us to depend upon the intercession he is making for us at the right hand of the Father, that continual intercession.
2.He went alone, to pray; though he needed not to retire for the avoiding either of distraction or of ostentation, yet, to set us an example, and to encourage us in our secret addresses to God, he prayed alone, and, for want of a closet, went up into a mountain, to pray. A good man is never less alone than when alone with God.
III.The disciples were in distress at sea; The wind was contrary (Mar 6:48), so that they toiled in rowing, and could not get forward.
This was a specimen of the hardships they were to expect, when hereafter he should send them abroad to preach the gospel; it would be like sending them to sea at this time with the wind in their teeth: they must expect to toil in rowing, they must work hard to strive against so strong a stream; they must likewise expect to be tossed with waves, to be persecuted by their enemies; and by exposing them now he intended to train them up for such difficulties, that they might learn to endure hardness. The church is often like a ship at sea, tossed with tempests, and not comforted we may have Christ for us, and yet wind and tide against us; but it is a comfort to Christ's disciples in a storm, that their Master is in the heavenly mount, interceding for them.
IV.Christ made them a kind visit upon the water.
He could have checked the winds, where he was, or have sent an angel to their relief; but he chose to help them in the most endearing manner possible, and therefore came to them himself.
1.He did not come till the fourth watch of the night, not till after three o'clock in the morning; but then he came. Note, If Christ's visits to his people be deferred long, yet at length he will come; and their extremity is his opportunity to appear for them so much the more seasonably. Though the salvation tarry, yet we must wait for it; at the end it shall speak, in the fourth watch of the night, and not lie.
2.He came, walking upon the waters. The sea was now tossed with waves, and yet Christ came, walking upon it; for though the floods lift up their voice, the Lord on high is mightier, Psa 93:3, Psa 93:4. No difficulties can obstruct Christ's gracious appearances for his people, when the set time is come. He will either find, or force, a way through the most tempestuous sea, for their deliverance, Psa 42:7, Psa 42:8,
3.He would have passed by them, that is, he set his face and steered his course, as if he would have gone further, and took no notice of them; this he did, to awaken them to call to him. Note, Providence, when it is acting designedly and directly for the succour of God's people, yet sometimes seems as if it were giving them the go-by, and regarded not their case. They thought that he would, but we may be sure that he would not, have passed by them.
4.They were frightened at the sight of him, supposing him to have been an apparition; They all saw him, and were troubled (Mar 6:50), thinking it had been some daemon, or evil genius, that haunted them, and raised this storm. We often perplex and frighten ourselves with phantasms, the creatures of our own fancy and imagination.
5.He encouraged them, and silenced their fears, by making himself known to them; he talked familiarly with them, saying, Be of good cheer, it is I; be not afraid. Note, (1.) We know not Christ till he is pleased to reveal himself to us. "It is I; I your Master, I your friend, I your Redeemer and Saviour. It is I, that came to a troublesome earth, and now to a tempestuous sea, to look after you." (2.) The knowledge of Christ, as he is in himself, and near to us, is enough to make the disciples of Christ cheerful even in a storm, and no longer fearful. If it be so, why am I thus? If it is Christ that is with thee, be of good cheer, be not afraid. Our fears are soon satisfied, if our mistakes be but rectified, especially our mistakes concerning Christ. See Gen 21:19; Kg2 6:15-17. Christ's presence with us in a stormy day, is enough to make us of good cheer, though clouds and darkness be round about us. He said, It is I. He doth not tell them who he was (there was no occasion), they knew his voice, as the sheep know the voice of their own shepherd, Joh 10:4. How readily doth the spouse say, once and again, It is the voice of my beloved! Sol 2:8; Sol 5:2. He said, egō eimi - I am he; or I am; it is God's name, when he comes to deliver Israel, Exo 3:14. So it is Christ's, now that he comes to deliver his disciples. When Christ said to those that came to apprehend him by force, I am he, they were struck down by it, Joh 18:6. When he saith to those that come to apprehend him by faith, I am he, they are raised up by it, and comforted.
6.He went up to them into the ship, embarked in the same bottom with them, and so made them perfectly easy. Let them but have their Master with them, and all is well. And as soon as he was come into the ship, the wind ceased. In the former storm that they were in, it is said, He arose, and rebuked the winds, and said to the sea, Peace, be still (Mar 4:39); but here we read of no such formal command given, only the wind ceased all of a sudden. note, Our Lord Jesus will be sure to do his own work always effectually, though not always alike solemnly, and with observation. Though we hear not the command given, yet, if thus the wind cease, and we have the comfort of a calm, say, It is because Christ is in the ship, and his decree is gone forth or ever we are aware, Sol 6:12. When we come with Christ to heaven, the wind ceaseth presently; there are no storms in the upper region.
7.They were more surprised and astonished at this miracle than did become them, and there was that at the bottom of their astonishment, which was really culpable; They were sore amazed in themselves, were in a perfect ecstasy; as if it were a new and unaccountable thing, as if Christ had never done the like before, and they had no reason to expect he should do it now; they ought to admire the power of Christ, and to be confirmed hereby in their belief of his being the Son of God: but why all this confusion about it? It was because they considered not the miracle of the loaves; had they given that its due weight, they would not have been so much surprised at this; for his multiplying the bread was as great an instance of his power as his walking on the water. They were strangely stupid and unthinking, and their heart was hardened, or else they would not have thought it a thing incredible that Christ should command a calm. It is for want of a right understanding of Christ's former works, that we are transported at the thought of his present works, as if there never were the like before.
V.When they came to the land of Gennesaret, which lay between Bethsaida and Capernaum, the people bid them very welcome; The men of that place presently knew Jesus (Mar 6:54), and knew what mighty works he did wherever he came, what a universal Healer he was; they knew likewise that he used to stay but a little while at a place, and therefore they were concerned to improve the opportunity of this kind visit which he made them; They ran through that whole region round about, with all possible expedition, and began to carry about in beds those that were sick, and not able to go themselves; there was no danger of their getting cold when they hoped to get a cure, Mar 6:55. Let him go where he would, he was crowded with patients - in towns, in the cities, in the villages about the cities; they laid the sick in the streets, to be in his way, and begged leave for them to touch if it were but the border of his garment, as the woman with the bloody issue did, by whom, it should seem, this method of application was first brought in; and as many as touched, were made whole. We do not find that they were desirous to be taught by him, only to be healed. If ministers could not cure people's bodily diseases, what multitudes would attend them! But it is sad to think how much more concerned the most of men are about their bodies than about their souls.
Historical interpretation
Eight Centuries of Reception
6 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
Or, in the gathering of the twelve baskets full of fragments, is signified the time, when they shall sit on thrones, judging all who are left of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the twelve tribes of Israel, when the remnant of Israel shall be saved.
And He says to them, Be of good cheer, it is I, because we shall see Him as He is. But the wind and the storm ceased when Jesus sat down, that is, reigned in the ship, which is the Catholic Church.
(Vict. Ant. e Cat. in Marc.) He dismisses indeed the people with His blessing and with some cures. But He constrained His disciples, because they could not without pain separate themselves from Him, and that, not only on account of the very great affection which they had for Him, but also because they were at a loss how He would join them.
(Vict. Ant. e Cat. in Marc.) This we must understand of Christ, in that He is man; He does it also to teach us to be constant in prayer.
(Vict. Ant. e Cat. in Marc.) Holy Scripture reckons four watches in the night, making each division three hours; wherefore by the fourth watch it means that which is after the ninth hour, that is, in the tenth or some following hour. There follows, And would have passed them.
(Vict. Ant. e Cat. in Marc.) Or else, the first watch means the time up to the deluge; the second, up to Moses; the third, up to the coming of the Lord; in the fourth the Lord came and spoke to His disciples.
And when evening was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land. And seeing them toiling in rowing, for the wind was contrary to them. The labor of the disciples in rowing, and the wind being contrary to them, signifies the various labors of the holy Church, which, among the waves of the opposing world and the foul flows of spirits strives to reach the rest of the heavenly homeland as if to the safe station of the shore. Where it is well said, that the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land. Because sometimes the Church, by such pressures of the pagans, is not only afflicted but also defiled to such an extent that (if it could be done) its Redeemer seems to have entirely deserted it for a time. Whence comes that voice of it amidst the waves and storms of sweeping temptations, and seeking the help of his protection with groaning clamor, “Why, O Lord, have you withdrawn far off? You despise in times of necessity, in tribulation” (Ps. IX)? Which likewise exposes the voice of the persecuting enemy, adjoining the following of the Psalm: “For he has said in his heart, God has forgotten; he has turned away his face, that he see not to the end” (Ibid.). But indeed He does not forget the prayer of the poor, nor does He turn away his face from those who hope in Him: rather, He both helps those struggling with enemies to overcome and crowns the victors forever. Whence also here it is openly said, that he saw them toiling in rowing. For the Lord saw them laboring in the sea, although he was himself placed on the land, because even if sometimes he seems to delay imparting help to the troubled, nonetheless he supports them with the regard of his mercy so they do not fail in tribulations, and sometimes even with manifest help, having conquered adversities, as if treading upon and calming the waves, he liberates, as here also it is subsequently insinuated when it is said:
(in Marc. 2, 27) But it is with reason that we wonder how Mark says, that after the miracle of the loaves the disciples crossed the sea of Bethsaida, when Luke relates that the miracle was done in the parts of Bethsaida, unless we understand that Luke means by the desert which is Bethsaida not the country immediately around the town, but the desert places belonging to it. (Luke 9:10.) But when Mark says that they should go before unto Bethsaida, the town itself is meant. It goes on: And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray.
(in Marc. 2, 28) Not every man, however, who prays goes up into a mountain, but he alone prays well, who seeks God in prayer. But he who prays for riches or worldly labour, or for the death of his enemy, sends up from the lowest depths his vile prayers to God. John says, When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force and make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone. (John 6:15) It goes on: And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land.
(ubi sup.) Buty Theodorus, who was Bishop of Phanara, wrote that the Lord had no bodily weight in His flesh, and walked on the sea without weight; but the Catholic faith declares that He had weight according to the flesh. For Dionysius says, We know not how without plunging in His feet, which had bodily weight and the gravity of matter, He could walk on the wet and unstable subtance.
(ubi sup.) The disciples indeed, who were still carnal, were amazed at the greatness of His virtue, they could not yet however recognise in Him the truth of the Divine Majesty. Wherefore it goes on, For their hearts were hardened. But mystically, the toil of the disciples in rowing, and the contrary wind, mark out the labours of the Holy Church, who amidst the beating waves of the world, and the blasts of unclean spirits, strives to reach the repose of her celestial country. And well is it said that the ship was in the midst of the sea, and He alone on land, for sometimes the Church is afflicted by a pressure from the Gentiles so overwhelming, that her Redeemer seems to have entirely deserted her. But the Lord sees His own, toiling on the sea, for, lest they faint in tribulations, He strengthens them by the look of His love, and sometimes frees them by a visible assistance. Further, in the fourth watch He came to them as daylight approached, for when man lifts up his mind to the light of guidance from on high, the Lord will be with him, and the dangers of temptations will be laid asleep.
(ubi sup.) Often then does the love of heaven seem to have deserted the faithful in tribulation, so that it may be thought that Jesus wishes to pass by His disciples, as it were, toiling in the sea. And still do heretics suppose that the Lord was a phantom, and did not take upon Him real flesh from the Virgin1.
(ubi sup.) In whatsoever heart, also, He is present by the grace of His love, there soon all the strivings of vices, and of the adverse world, or of evil spirits, are kept under and put to rest.
But when He had dismissed the crowd, He goes up to pray, for prayer requires rest and silence.
Now the Lord permitted His disciples to be in danger, that they might learn patience; wherefore He did not immediately come to their aid, but allowed them to remain in danger all night, that He might teach them to wait patiently, and not to hope at once for help in tribulations. For there follows, And he saw them toiling in rowing, for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night, he cometh unto them walking upon the sea.
See again how Christ, though He was about to put an end to their dangers, puts them in greater fear. But He immediately reassured them by His voice, for it continues, And immediately he talked with them, and said unto them, It is I, be not afraid.
Then by entering into the ship, the Lord restrained the tempest. For it continues, And he went up unto them into the ship, and the wind ceased. Great indeed is the miracle of our Lord's walking on the sea, but the tempest and the contrary wind were there as well, to make the miracle greater. For the Apostles, not understanding from the miracle of the five loaves the power of Christ, now more fully knew it from the miracle of the sea. Wherefore it goes on, And they were sore amazed in themselves. For they understood not concerning the loaves.
(non occ.) The Lord indeed by the miracle of the loaves showed that He is the Creator of the world: but now by walking on the waves He proved that He had a body free from the weight of all sin, and by appeasing the winds and by calming the rage of the waves, He declared Himself to be the Master of the elements. Wherefore it is said, And straightway he constrained his disciples to get into the ship, and to go to the other side before unto Bethsaida, while he sent away the people.
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Summary
Mark 6:47 serves as a pivotal transitional verse, setting the stage for Jesus' miraculous walk on water. It vividly describes the challenging circumstances of the disciples, who are in a boat far out at sea, struggling against adverse conditions as evening descends. Simultaneously, it highlights Jesus' solitary position on land, engaged in prayer, yet fully aware of His disciples' plight, thereby building profound anticipation for His divine intervention.
Context
Literary Context
This verse immediately follows the profound miracle of the feeding of the five thousand, a powerful demonstration of Jesus' abundant provision and authority. After this event, Jesus intentionally sends His disciples ahead by boat to Bethsaida while He dismisses the large crowd. His subsequent action of withdrawing to a mountain to pray in solitude is crucial, as it underscores His dependence on the Father and His personal spiritual discipline. The disciples' journey by sea, encountering a storm, is not accidental but part of a divine plan that will reveal another aspect of Jesus' power. The verse thus bridges the narrative between Jesus' public ministry and His private, powerful demonstration of sovereignty over creation to His inner circle.
Historical & Cultural Context
The "Sea of Galilee" (also known as Lake Gennesaret or Tiberias) was notorious for its sudden and violent storms. Nestled in a deep basin surrounded by hills, cold air currents could funnel down the valleys, colliding with the warmer air over the lake, creating rapid and dangerous squalls. Fishermen, even experienced ones like many of the disciples, would have been highly vulnerable in such conditions, especially "in the midst of the sea" and at night. The mention of "even" (evening) signifies the onset of darkness, further complicating their situation and increasing their sense of isolation and peril. Jesus' withdrawal to a mountain to pray reflects a common practice of devout Jews seeking solitude for communion with God, yet His awareness of His disciples' distant struggle speaks to His unique divine nature.
Key Themes
This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Mark's Gospel. Firstly, it emphasizes Jesus' Omniscience and Sovereign Care, demonstrating that even when physically separated and engaged in prayer, He is fully aware of His disciples' struggles and imminent danger. This echoes the broader biblical theme of God's watchful eye over His people, as seen in passages like Psalm 121:4. Secondly, it starkly contrasts Human Vulnerability with Divine Power. The disciples, despite their experience, are helpless against the natural forces, highlighting human limitations. Jesus, "alone on the land," represents divine calm and control, poised to reveal His authority over creation, foreshadowing the dramatic intervention in Mark 6:48-52. Finally, the verse functions as a powerful Narrative Device for Anticipation, building tension and setting the stage for one of Jesus' most iconic miracles, underscoring His unique identity as the Son of God.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
Refers to the late evening, typically after sunset, signifying the onset of darkness. This word emphasizes the challenging time of day, adding to the disciples' vulnerability and the dramatic setting.
Denotes being in the middle or center. When applied to the sea, it vividly portrays the disciples' vulnerable position, far from any safe harbor, fully exposed to the elements, and seemingly beyond help.
Refers to the body of water itself. In this context, it is not merely a geographical feature but a symbol of the chaotic and uncontrollable forces of nature, against which human strength is futile.
Signifies being sole or single. This word highlights Jesus' solitary state on land, emphasizing His deliberate separation for prayer and His unique position of observation and authority, distinct from His struggling disciples.
Verse Breakdown
"And when even was come"
This phrase establishes the temporal setting, indicating the arrival of late evening or nightfall. This detail is crucial for understanding the escalating danger the disciples faced, as storms on the Sea of Galilee were particularly perilous in the dark. It also emphasizes the passage of time since Jesus sent them off, suggesting a period of struggle.
"the ship was in the midst of the sea"
This clause describes the precarious position of the disciples. "In the midst of the sea" conveys their isolation and vulnerability, far from the safety of the shore and fully exposed to the elements. It implies a significant distance traveled and a prolonged struggle against the wind, as indicated in the subsequent verse.
"and he alone on the land"
This final clause provides a stark contrast to the disciples' situation. Jesus' solitary presence "on the land" underscores His deliberate separation for prayer and His unique, sovereign position. While they are battling the chaos of the sea, He is in a place of stability and communion with the Father, yet fully aware of their distress.
Literary Devices
Mark 6:47 masterfully employs several literary devices to heighten the drama and theological significance of the narrative. Contrast is central, juxtaposing the disciples' perilous situation "in the midst of the sea" with Jesus' serene solitude "on the land." This highlights the vast difference between human vulnerability and divine sovereignty. The verse also uses Foreshadowing, subtly building tension and anticipation for the miraculous intervention that is about to occur. The description of the disciples' struggle and Jesus' remote observation sets the stage for His powerful demonstration of authority over nature. Furthermore, there is an element of Symbolism, where the "sea" can represent the chaos and trials of life, and Jesus' position "on the land" symbolizes His stable, transcendent power over such chaos. This deliberate setup makes Jesus' subsequent walking on water even more impactful as a revelation of His divine identity.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Mark 6:47 is rich with theological implications, primarily highlighting Jesus' divine awareness and sovereign control, even when seemingly distant. It underscores the profound truth that God is never unaware of His people's struggles, no matter how isolated or overwhelming their circumstances may feel. Jesus' solitary prayer on the mountain signifies His constant communion with the Father and His intercessory role, even as He observes the disciples' plight. This verse sets the stage for a powerful revelation of Christ's authority over creation, demonstrating that even the most formidable forces of nature are subject to His command. It reassures believers that in their deepest trials, the Lord sees, cares, and will intervene according to His perfect timing and power.
Reflection and Application
Mark 6:47 offers profound encouragement and a powerful call to trust in the midst of life's storms. When we find ourselves "in the midst of the sea"—overwhelmed by challenges, feeling isolated, or struggling against seemingly insurmountable forces—this verse serves as a potent reminder that Jesus is acutely aware of our situation. Even if He seems distant, silent, or "alone on the land" in our perception, His eyes are fixed on us, and His sovereign presence is always attentive. Our struggles are not hidden from Him. This passage invites us to cultivate a deeper faith, knowing that our Lord sees our distress and will come to us in our hour of need, demonstrating His power and care. It challenges us to persevere in faith, trusting that His timing is perfect and His intervention is certain, even when the night is long and the winds are strong.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did Jesus send His disciples into the storm alone?
Jesus deliberately sent His disciples ahead into the boat, knowing the conditions they would face. This was not an act of abandonment but a purposeful test and a profound teaching moment. It allowed them to experience their own limitations and vulnerability, creating a context for a powerful revelation of Jesus' divine authority over creation. Their struggle in the storm, followed by His miraculous appearance and calming of the sea, was designed to deepen their faith and understanding of who He truly is, moving them beyond their initial awe at the feeding of the five thousand to a deeper recognition of His unique power.
What is the significance of Jesus being "alone on the land" while the disciples were in the sea?
Jesus being "alone on the land" carries multiple layers of significance. Firstly, it highlights His practice of withdrawing for solitary prayer, a crucial aspect of His spiritual discipline and communion with the Father, as seen in other Gospels (e.g., Luke 5:16). Secondly, it creates a stark visual and thematic contrast with His struggling disciples. While they are in chaos, He is in a place of calm and control. This emphasizes His transcendence and sovereignty, demonstrating that He is not subject to the same limitations as His creation or His followers. Finally, it underscores His unique position as the watchful Shepherd, observing His flock even from a distance, poised to intervene.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Mark 6:47, with its depiction of Jesus observing His struggling disciples from afar, yet fully aware of their plight, powerfully foreshadows and illuminates the ongoing intercessory work of Christ. Just as Jesus saw His disciples toiling against the waves from His solitary place on the land, so too does our ascended Lord, seated at the right hand of the Father, perpetually watch over His church. This scene reveals Jesus not merely as a historical figure who performed miracles, but as the ever-present, compassionate High Priest who understands our weaknesses and advocates for us (Hebrews 4:14-16). His coming to them "in the fourth watch of the night" (as described in the subsequent verses) is a vivid picture of His timely intervention, reminding us that He does not abandon His own in their trials. This narrative points to the ultimate promise that Christ, our Lord, will always come to His people in their distress, demonstrating His sovereignty over all the "seas" of life and ultimately bringing them safely to their eternal shore, just as He promised in John 14:18.