And when they had passed over, they came into the land of Gennesaret, and drew to the shore.
And {G2532} when they had passed over {G1276}, they came {G2064} into {G1909} the land {G1093} of Gennesaret {G1082}, and {G2532} drew to the shore {G4358}.
After they had made the crossing, they landed at Ginosar and anchored.
When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret and moored the boat.
And when they had crossed over, they came to the land unto Gennesaret, and moored to the shore.
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Matthew 14:34
¶ And when they were gone over, they came into the land of Gennesaret. -
Matthew 14:36
And besought him that they might only touch the hem of his garment: and as many as touched were made perfectly whole. -
John 6:24
When the people therefore saw that Jesus was not there, neither his disciples, they also took shipping, and came to Capernaum, seeking for Jesus. -
John 6:25
And when they had found him on the other side of the sea, they said unto him, Rabbi, when camest thou hither? -
Luke 5:1
¶ And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret,
Mark 6:53 KJV marks the conclusion of a significant and challenging journey for Jesus and His disciples across the Sea of Galilee. After a miraculous feeding of the five thousand and Jesus' astonishing act of walking on water during a storm, this verse simply yet powerfully states their safe arrival, setting the stage for the next phase of His public ministry.
Context
This verse immediately follows the dramatic events of Jesus walking on water and calming the storm, which had terrified the disciples. They had been struggling against strong winds, trying to cross the sea after the feeding of the five thousand. Their arrival in Gennesaret signifies the successful, divinely guided completion of that arduous voyage, bringing them to a new location ripe for ministry.
Historical and Geographical Context
Gennesaret was a highly fertile and densely populated plain on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee (also known as Lake Tiberias or Kinneret). Renowned for its rich soil and abundant water, it was a productive agricultural region, particularly famous for its fruit orchards. The presence of many towns and villages in this area meant that upon their arrival, Jesus and His disciples would immediately encounter a large number of people, many of whom were in need of healing and teaching. This location was well-known to the disciples, as it was close to Capernaum, a central hub for Jesus' Galilean ministry.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The phrase "passed over" translates the Greek word diaperasantes (διαπεράσαντες), which implies crossing through or over to the other side, emphasizing the completion of their journey. "Drew to the shore" (προσωρμίσθησαν - proshormisthesan) suggests they moored or docked safely, highlighting the secure conclusion of their difficult crossing. This simple nautical term conveys a sense of relief and stability after the storm.
Practical Application
This verse, though brief, offers a timeless reminder: even after experiencing life's storms and challenges, God faithfully brings us to our next destination of purpose. Our "Gennesaret" may be a place of renewed ministry, healing, or opportunity, where God intends to use us or minister to us. It encourages us to trust in His guidance, knowing that He oversees our journey and brings us safely through to His appointed places for us.