Mark 6:55

KJV

And ran through that whole region round about, and began to carry about in beds those that were sick, where they heard he was.

KJV (with Strong's)

And ran through {G4063} that {G1565} whole {G3650} region round about {G4066}, and began {G756} to carry about {G4064} in {G1909} beds {G2895} those that were {G2192} sick {G2560}, where {G3699} they heard {G191} he was {G3754}{G1563}{G2076}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and began running around throughout that whole region and bringing sick people on their stretchers to any place where they heard he was.

Berean Standard Bible

and ran through that whole region, carrying the sick on mats to wherever they heard He was.

American Standard Version

and ran round about that whole region, and began to carry about on their beds those that were sick, where they heard he was.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Upon Jesus' arrival in Gennesaret, the people of the entire surrounding region immediately recognized Him, demonstrating a profound awareness of His presence and power. Driven by urgent hope and desperate need, they swiftly traversed the area, gathering and transporting those afflicted with various illnesses on their beds, bringing them to the very place where they heard Jesus was, anticipating and receiving His miraculous healing touch.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows a series of significant events in Mark's narrative. Jesus has just walked on water, demonstrating His divine authority over creation, and subsequently calmed a violent storm, bringing His disciples safely to shore at Gennesaret ([Mark 6:45-52](/mark/6-45-52 "Jesus Walks on Water and Calms the Storm")). The people of Gennesaret instantly recognized Him upon His arrival ([Mark 6:53-54](/mark/6-53-54 "Jesus Arrives in Gennesaret and is Recognized")), setting the stage for the overwhelming public response described in [Mark 6:55](/mark/6-55 "The People Bring the Sick to Jesus"). This rapid recognition and urgent response underscore the widespread fame and the profound impact Jesus' ministry had already achieved. The verse thus serves as a powerful testament to His known healing power and the desperate faith of the people in that region, leading directly into the summary of widespread healing in [Mark 6:56](/mark/6-56 "Jesus Heals All Who Touch Him").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Gennesaret was a fertile plain on the northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee, a densely populated and agriculturally rich area. By this point in Jesus' ministry, His reputation as a powerful healer and teacher had spread far beyond Galilee, reaching throughout Judea and the surrounding regions ([Matthew 4:23-25](/matthew/4-23-25 "Jesus Heals and Teaches Throughout Galilee")). The swift movement of people described in [Mark 6:55](/mark/6-55 "The People Bring the Sick to Jesus") reflects the common practice of seeking out renowned healers in the ancient world, especially those believed to possess divine power. The use of "beds" (κράββατος, *krábbatos*) indicates that many of those brought were severely ill, perhaps paralyzed or bedridden, requiring assistance to move. This highlights both the severity of their conditions and the extraordinary effort people were willing to expend to reach Jesus, driven by a cultural understanding that physical ailments were often connected to spiritual realities and that a true prophet or man of God could bring healing.

* **Key Themes:** [Mark 6:55](/mark/6-55 "The People Bring the Sick to Jesus") powerfully contributes to several key themes within the Gospel of Mark and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it emphasizes **Jesus' Unparalleled Authority and Healing Power**. His mere presence elicits an urgent, widespread response from people who are convinced He can heal, showcasing His consistent ability to overcome all manner of sickness and infirmity. Secondly, the verse highlights the **Widespread Impact and Urgency of Jesus' Ministry**. The phrase "that whole region round about" underscores the extensive reach of His fame and the immediate, desperate need of the populace. The actions of "ran through" and "began to carry about in beds" convey a sense of desperate urgency and a profound, active faith. Finally, this passage implicitly speaks to the **Compassion and Accessibility of Christ**. While not explicitly stated in this verse, the continuous stream of people bringing the sick implies Jesus' unwavering availability and deep empathy for the suffering, a hallmark of His ministry evident throughout Mark (e.g., [Mark 1:41](/mark/1-41 "Jesus' Compassion for the Leper")). This collective action of seeking Jesus demonstrates a communal recognition of Him as the ultimate source of hope and restoration.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **ran through (Greek, _peritréchō'_):** From G4063, meaning "to run around, i.e., traverse." This word vividly portrays the swift, energetic, and extensive movement of the people. It suggests that news of Jesus' arrival spread like wildfire, and individuals immediately sprang into action, covering the entire surrounding area to gather the sick. It emphasizes the urgency and widespread nature of their response.
* **carry about (Greek, _periphérō'_):** From G4064, meaning "to convey around, i.e., transport hither and thither." This term describes the laborious effort involved in bringing the sick. It implies that people were not merely walking casually but actively transporting individuals who could not move on their own, moving them from various locations within the region to where Jesus was. This highlights the dedication and physical exertion motivated by their desperate hope.
* **beds (Greek, _krábbatos'_):** From G2895, meaning "a mattress." This refers to simple, portable couches or litters, often used by the poor or for carrying the sick. The mention of "beds" underscores the severe condition of those being brought for healing—they were too ill or infirm to walk themselves, necessitating their transport on these makeshift stretchers. It paints a picture of profound physical suffering and dependence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And ran through that whole region round about":** This clause describes the immediate and widespread reaction of the people to Jesus' arrival. The verb "ran" (G4063, *peritréchō*) conveys a sense of urgency and swift movement, indicating that the news of Jesus' presence spread quickly, and people responded without delay. The phrase "that whole region round about" (G1565 *ekeînos*, G3650 *hólos*, G4066 *períchōros*) emphasizes the comprehensive reach of this activity, suggesting that virtually everyone in the vicinity was involved or affected, mobilizing to bring their sick.
* **"and began to carry about in beds those that were sick":** This part details the specific action taken by the people. They "began" (G756, *árchomai*) a concerted effort to "carry about" (G4064, *periphérō*) the afflicted. The method of transport, "in beds" (G1909 *epí*, G2895 *krábbatos*), indicates the severity of the illnesses; these were individuals too weak or paralyzed to walk. The phrase "those that were sick" (G2192 *échō*, G2560 *kakōs*) literally means "those having badly" or "those who were ill," signifying a wide range of debilitating conditions. This illustrates the desperate state of the people and their profound belief in Jesus' power.
* **"where they heard he was":** This final clause provides the motivation and direction for their actions. The people were guided by precise information about Jesus' location ("where" G3699 *hópou*). The phrase "they heard" (G191, *akoúō*) signifies that His reputation preceded Him, and word of His arrival and presence was actively communicated and received. Their actions were not random but purposeful, driven by the knowledge that the source of healing was now within reach, and they needed to bring the afflicted directly to Him.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 6:55 employs several literary devices to convey the urgency and widespread impact of Jesus' ministry. **Hyperbole** is evident in the phrase "that whole region round about," which, while perhaps not literally every single person, emphasizes the overwhelming and pervasive nature of the response, suggesting that the entire area was mobilized. **Vivid Imagery** is powerfully utilized through verbs like "ran through" and "carry about in beds," painting a dynamic and immediate picture of people rushing and laboring to bring the sick. This creates a strong visual of desperation and determined action. Furthermore, the mention of "beds" functions as a form of **Synecdoche** or **Metonymy**, where the object (the bed) stands for the person who uses it (the bedridden sick), effectively highlighting the severe condition of those being brought to Jesus without needing to list individual ailments. These devices collectively amplify the sense of urgency, the vastness of Jesus' influence, and the profound need of the people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 6:55 powerfully illustrates the magnetic draw of Jesus' divine authority and compassionate presence. The immediate and widespread response of the people, characterized by their urgent movement and the physical effort to bring the sick, underscores a profound theological truth: humanity's desperate need for healing and salvation is met by the accessible and potent power of Christ. This passage reveals a community actively seeking out the source of their hope, demonstrating a tangible faith that anticipates miraculous intervention. It reflects the in-breaking of God's Kingdom, where sickness and suffering, consequences of a fallen world, are confronted and overcome by the Messiah's power. The scene foreshadows the ultimate spiritual healing Jesus offers, as His physical miracles served as signs pointing to His authority over sin and death.

* [Matthew 4:23-24](/matthew/4-23-24 "Jesus Heals All Kinds of Sickness")
* [Luke 4:40](/luke/4-40 "Jesus Heals Many at Sunset")
* [Acts 5:15-16](/acts/5-15-16 "Apostles' Healing Ministry")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene in Gennesaret, where people urgently brought their sick to Jesus, serves as a timeless invitation for us today. Just as the people of that region recognized Jesus' unique power and acted decisively, we are called to bring our own "sicknesses"—whether physical ailments, emotional wounds, spiritual brokenness, or the burdens of sin—to Christ. This verse encourages a proactive, desperate faith that refuses to be passive in the face of need. It challenges us to consider where we are holding back from fully surrendering our infirmities to the Great Physician. Furthermore, it inspires us to participate in His mission by recognizing the needs of those around us and, like the people who carried their neighbors, by facilitating others' encounter with Jesus' healing grace, whether through prayer, practical help, or sharing the good news of His transformative power. The urgency displayed by the people of Gennesaret should ignite in us a similar zeal to seek Christ for ourselves and to make Him known to a world still desperately in need of His touch.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "sicknesses" or burdens in your life are you being called to bring more directly and urgently to Jesus?**
* **In what ways can you emulate the urgency and proactive faith of the people in Gennesaret in your own spiritual walk?**
* **How can you be an instrument, like those who carried the sick, in helping others encounter Jesus' healing power today?**

### FAQ

**What does "that whole region round about" signify about Jesus' ministry?**

Answer: The phrase "that whole region round about" (Greek: *períchōros*) signifies the widespread and profound impact of Jesus' ministry. It indicates that His fame and healing power were not confined to a single town but had permeated the entire surrounding area of Gennesaret. This suggests that news of His arrival traveled quickly, and people from all over the region, not just the immediate vicinity, were motivated to seek Him out. It underscores the extensive reach of His influence and the universal recognition of His divine authority and ability to heal, demonstrating that His reputation preceded Him wherever He went.

**Why did people carry the sick "in beds" rather than walking or using other means?**

Answer: The act of carrying the sick "in beds" (Greek: *krábbatos*, a simple mattress or litter) highlights the severe nature of the illnesses. Many of those brought to Jesus were likely paralyzed, bedridden, or too weak to walk on their own. This method of transport underscores the profound desperation of the people and the debilitating conditions from which they suffered. It also emphasizes the extraordinary effort and collective compassion of the community, as healthy individuals physically carried their afflicted neighbors, demonstrating their deep faith in Jesus' ability to heal even the most severe ailments.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 6:55, with its vivid depiction of a desperate populace bringing their sick to Jesus, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus as the Great Physician who not only heals physical infirmities but, more profoundly, addresses the root sickness of humanity: sin. The urgent rush to bring the physically ailing to Jesus foreshadows the spiritual urgency with which all people should come to Him for salvation. Just as He bore the physical infirmities of the people in Gennesaret, the prophet Isaiah foretold that the Suffering Servant would "surely bear our griefs and carry our sorrows" ([Isaiah 53:4](/isaiah/53-4 "The Suffering Servant Bears Our Griefs")). Matthew explicitly connects Jesus' healing ministry to this prophecy, stating that "He took our infirmities and bore our diseases" ([Matthew 8:16-17](/matthew/8-16-17 "Jesus Heals and Fulfills Prophecy")). The physical healings in Mark 6:55 are potent signs pointing to Jesus' ultimate work on the cross, where "by His wounds you have been healed" ([1 Peter 2:24](/1_peter/2-24 "By His Wounds You Have Been Healed")), referring to spiritual healing and reconciliation with God. Thus, the desperate crowds bringing their sick to Jesus in Gennesaret prefigure the universal need for humanity to come to Christ, the one who offers not just temporary physical relief but eternal spiritual life and deliverance from the ultimate sickness of sin, fulfilling God's redemptive plan for all who believe ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "God So Loved the World")).

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

Matthew 4:24

And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.

Mark 2:1

¶ And again he entered into Capernaum after [some] days; and it was noised that he was in the house.

Mark 2:3

And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four.

Mark 3:7

But Jesus withdrew himself with his disciples to the sea: and a great multitude from Galilee followed him, and from Judaea,

Mark 3:11

And unclean spirits, when they saw him, fell down before him, and cried, saying, Thou art the Son of God.