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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
Five Centuries of Reception
4 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.
Furthermore that which is said, And as many as touched him were made whole, shall be fulfilled, when grief and mourning shall fly away.
(ubi sup.) But they knew Him by report, not by His features; or through the greatness of His miracles, even His person was known to some. See too how great was the faith of the men of the land of Gennesaret, so that they were not content with the healing of those who were present, but sent to other towns round about, that all might hasten to the Physician; wherefore there follows, And ran through the whole region round about, and began to carry about in beds those that were sick, where they heard he was.
(ubi sup.) Again, in a mystical sense, do thou understand by the hem of His garment the slightest of His commandments, for whosoever shall transgress it shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven, (Matt. 5:19) or else His assumption of our flesh, by which we have come to the Word of God, and afterwards, shall have the enjoyment of His majesty.
The Lord remained at the above-mentioned place for some time. Therefore the Evangelist subjoins, And when they had come out of the ship, straightway they knew him, that is, the inhabitants of the country.
For they did not call Him to their houses that He might heal them, but rather the sick themselves were brought to Him. Wherefore it also follows, And whithersoever he entered into villages, or cities, or country, &c. For the miracle which had been wrought on the woman with an issue of blood, had reached the ears of many, and caused in them that great faith, by which they were healed. It goes on, And as many as touched him were made whole.
(non occ.) The Evangelist, having shown the danger which the disciples had sustained in their passage, and their deliverance from it, now shows the place to which they sailed, saying, And when they had passed over, they came into the land of Gennesaret, and drew to the shore.
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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). The people of Gennesaret instantly recognized Him upon His arrival (Mark 6:53-54), setting the stage for the overwhelming public response described in Mark 6:55. 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.
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). The swift movement of people described in Mark 6:55 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 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). 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
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.
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.
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.
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
FAQ
What does "that whole region round about" signify about Jesus' ministry?
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?
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). Matthew explicitly connects Jesus' healing ministry to this prophecy, stating that "He took our infirmities and bore our diseases" (Matthew 8:16-17). 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), 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).