¶ And from thence he arose, and went into the borders of Tyre and Sidon, and entered into an house, and would have no man know [it]: but he could not be hid.

And {G2532} from thence {G1564} he arose {G450}, and went {G565} into {G1519} the borders {G3181} of Tyre {G5184} and {G2532} Sidon {G4605}, and {G2532} entered {G1525} into {G1519} an house {G3614}, and would have {G2309} no man {G3762} know {G1097} it: but {G2532} he could {G1410} not {G3756} be hid {G2990}.

Next, Yeshua left that district and went off to the vicinity of Tzor and Tzidon. There he found a house to stay in and wanted to remain unrecognized, but keeping hidden proved impossible.

Jesus left that place and went to the region of Tyre. Not wanting anyone to know He was there, He entered a house, but was unable to escape their notice.

And from thence he arose, and went away into the borders of Tyre and Sidon. And he entered into a house, and would have no man know it; and he could not be hid.

Mark 7:24 KJV Commentary

Context and Setting

Following a significant confrontation with the Pharisees and scribes in Galilee regarding true defilement and man-made traditions (Mark 7:1-23), Jesus withdraws from that region. Mark 7:24 describes His movement "from thence," meaning from the area of Gennesaret or Capernaum, into the "borders of Tyre and Sidon." These were ancient Phoenician cities, distinctly Gentile territories north of Galilee, known for their trade and pagan practices. Jesus' decision to go there, and His desire to "have no man know [it]," suggests a need for privacy—perhaps to escape the intense scrutiny of the religious authorities, to rest, or to spend focused time teaching His disciples away from the crowds. This brief retreat sets the stage for a significant encounter with a Syrophoenician woman, highlighting the expansion of God's grace beyond Jewish boundaries, as detailed in the very next verse, Mark 7:25.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Jesus' Humanity and Divinity: The verse beautifully illustrates the dual nature of Christ. His desire for seclusion reflects His humanity, needing rest and seeking quiet. Yet, the phrase "but he could not be hid" powerfully underscores His divine fame and the irresistible drawing power of His presence and ministry, which transcends human plans for privacy. This echoes how Jesus' fame often preceded Him, making it impossible for Him to remain anonymous.
  • Divine Purpose Prevails: Despite Jesus' intention to remain unnoticed in Gentile territory, God's sovereign plan for the Gospel to reach beyond Israel could not be thwarted. His presence in Tyre and Sidon, though intended for privacy, becomes an opportunity for a demonstration of faith from a Gentile, foreshadowing the universal reach of His kingdom and the Great Commission to all nations.
  • The Uncontainable Gospel: Jesus' inability to remain hidden signifies that the Good News of the Kingdom of God cannot be confined. It naturally spills over boundaries, whether geographical, social, or religious, reaching those whom God has appointed.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "borders of Tyre and Sidon" uses the Greek word horia (ὅρια), referring to the geographical limits or boundaries. Entering these Gentile "borders" was a significant step, signaling a move beyond the immediate Jewish context of His ministry. The expression "could not be hid" (οὐκ ἠδυνήθη λαθεῖν - ouk ēdynēthē lathein) emphasizes the impossibility of concealing His identity or presence due to the widespread knowledge of His miracles and teachings, or perhaps a divine compulsion that drew people to Him even in His desired solitude.

Practical Application

Mark 7:24 offers several insights for believers today:

  • Value of Retreat: Even Jesus, in His divine mission, sought moments of withdrawal and quiet. This reminds us of the importance of spiritual and physical rest, and taking time away from the demands of ministry or daily life to reconnect with God and recharge, as seen in Mark 6:31.
  • God's Plan Transcends Ours: We may have our own plans or desires for our lives, but God's greater purpose often leads us to unexpected places or interactions. Like Jesus, we are called to be available for God's work, even when it interrupts our personal intentions.
  • The Spreading Influence of Christ: This verse serves as a powerful reminder that the light of Christ cannot be hidden. As believers, our lives, when lived for Him, will naturally draw others, and the message of the Gospel will continue to spread, even in the most unexpected places, echoing the call to be the light of the world.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.
  • Matthew 15:21

    ¶ Then Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon.
  • Matthew 15:28

    Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great [is] thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.
  • Mark 6:31

    And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.
  • Mark 6:32

    And they departed into a desert place by ship privately.
  • Matthew 11:21

    Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.
  • Ezekiel 28:2

    Son of man, say unto the prince of Tyrus, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thine heart [is] lifted up, and thou hast said, I [am] a God, I sit [in] the seat of God, in the midst of the seas; yet thou [art] a man, and not God, though thou set thine heart as the heart of God:
  • Mark 3:7

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

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