And when they were come out of the ship, straightway they knew him,
And {G2532} when they {G846} were come {G1831} out of {G1537} the ship {G4143}, straightway {G2112} they knew {G1921} him {G846},
As soon as they got out of the boat, the people recognized him
As soon as they got out of the boat, the people recognized Jesus
And when they were come out of the boat, straightway the people knew him,
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Psalms 9:10
And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee. -
Philippians 3:10
That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
Context
This verse immediately follows the miraculous feeding of the five thousand and Jesus' astonishing act of walking on water across the Sea of Galilee. Having endured a stormy night, Jesus and His disciples finally landed their ship in Gennesaret, a fertile plain on the northwest shore. The people of this region, already familiar with Jesus' growing fame and powerful ministry, recognized Him instantly upon His arrival, setting the stage for a new surge of healings and teachings.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The KJV word "straightway" translates the Greek term eutheōs (εὐθέως), a characteristic adverb used frequently by Mark to emphasize immediacy, urgency, and the rapid unfolding of events in Jesus' ministry. This highlights the swiftness of the people's recognition and their subsequent actions. The phrase "knew him" comes from the Greek epegnōsan (ἐπέγνωσαν), which suggests a full and complete recognition, not merely a casual glance. It implies they understood His significance beyond just being a famous person, acknowledging Him as the one who performed mighty works.
Practical Application
Just as the people of Gennesaret were quick to recognize Jesus in their midst, believers today are called to have a clear and immediate recognition of Christ's presence and authority in their own lives. This verse encourages us to be attentive to where God is working and to respond readily to His leading. When we recognize Jesus, we are better prepared to experience His transformative power, whether it be for spiritual healing, guidance, or a deeper understanding of His will, much like the subsequent events in Mark 6:56 describe the people's response.