Mark 3:8

And from Jerusalem, and from Idumaea, and [from] beyond Jordan; and they about Tyre and Sidon, a great multitude, when they had heard what great things he did, came unto him.

And {G2532} from {G575} Jerusalem {G2414}, and {G2532} from {G575} Idumaea {G2401}, and {G2532} from beyond {G4008} Jordan {G2446}; and {G2532} they about {G4012} Tyre {G5184} and {G2532} Sidon {G4605}, a great {G4183} multitude {G4128}, when they had heard {G191} what great things {G3745} he did {G4160}, came {G2064} unto {G4314} him {G846}.

When they heard what he was doing, great numbers also followed him from Y'hudah, Yerushalayim, Idumea, the territory beyond the Yarden, and the Tzor-Tzidon area.

Jerusalem, Idumea, the region beyond the Jordan, and the vicinity of Tyre and Sidon. The large crowd came to Him when they heard what great things He was doing.

and from Jerusalem, and from Idumæa, and beyond the Jordan, and about Tyre and Sidon, a great multitude, hearing what great things he did, came unto him.

Commentary

Mark 3:8 KJV vividly illustrates the profound and widespread impact of Jesus' early ministry. Despite growing opposition from religious authorities, the fame of His miraculous works drew immense crowds from far and wide, eager to witness and experience His power.

Context of Mark 3:8

This verse follows a period of intense ministry for Jesus in Galilee, marked by numerous healings, exorcisms, and authoritative teaching. Immediately preceding this, Jesus had healed a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath in the synagogue, an act that deeply angered the Pharisees and Herodians, leading them to conspire against Him (Mark 3:1-6). Despite this escalating hostility, Jesus withdrew to the sea with His disciples (Mark 3:7), and the crowds continued to swell, testifying to the undeniable appeal of His powerful and compassionate ministry.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Extensive Reach of Jesus' Fame: The verse explicitly lists diverse geographical regions from which people came: "Jerusalem" (the religious and political capital of Judea), "Idumaea" (a region south of Judea), "beyond Jordan" (Perea, east of the Jordan River), and "Tyre and Sidon" (Gentile Phoenician cities to the northwest). This demonstrates that Jesus' influence was not confined to Galilee but extended across Jewish and even Gentile territories, drawing a truly "great multitude."
  • The Power of Jesus' Ministry: People were drawn to Jesus because they "had heard what great things he did." This refers to His numerous miracles, healings of all manner of diseases, and casting out of demons. These powerful acts confirmed His divine authority and compassion, making Him a beacon of hope for many who were suffering or seeking truth. His healing ministry was a primary catalyst for His widespread renown.
  • Human Hunger for Divine Encounter: The eagerness of these vast crowds to travel long distances underscores a deep spiritual hunger and a recognition of something profoundly different and powerful in Jesus. They were seeking not just physical healing but an encounter with the one who could offer true relief and hope.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "great multitude" translates the Greek ochlos polys (ὄχλος πολύς), emphasizing the sheer volume and diversity of people gathering. The expression "great things he did" (ὅσα ἐποίει - hosa epoiei) highlights the continuous and extraordinary nature of Jesus' actions, particularly His miracles, which were a powerful and ongoing testimony to His divine power.

Practical Application

Mark 3:8 serves as a powerful reminder that the truth and power of Jesus Christ possess an inherent attractiveness that transcends all barriers. Just as people were drawn from various regions to Him in ancient times, so too today, individuals from every background and culture are drawn to the Gospel message, finding hope, healing, and transformation in Him. This verse encourages believers to confidently share the "great things" Jesus has done and continues to do, knowing that His fame is meant to spread to all nations, fulfilling the Great Commission and drawing people into a relationship with God.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Ezekiel 35:15 (4 votes)

    As thou didst rejoice at the inheritance of the house of Israel, because it was desolate, so will I do unto thee: thou shalt be desolate, O mount Seir, and all Idumea, [even] all of it: and they shall know that I [am] the LORD.

  • Matthew 11:21 (3 votes)

    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.

  • Isaiah 34:5 (3 votes)

    For my sword shall be bathed in heaven: behold, it shall come down upon Idumea, and upon the people of my curse, to judgment.

  • Ezekiel 36:5 (3 votes)

    Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Surely in the fire of my jealousy have I spoken against the residue of the heathen, and against all Idumea, which have appointed my land into their possession with the joy of all [their] heart, with despiteful minds, to cast it out for a prey.

  • Psalms 45:12 (2 votes)

    And the daughter of Tyre [shall be there] with a gift; [even] the rich among the people shall intreat thy favour.

  • Ezekiel 26:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ And it came to pass in the eleventh year, in the first [day] of the month, [that] the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

  • Ezekiel 26:21 (2 votes)

    I will make thee a terror, and thou [shalt be] no [more]: though thou be sought for, yet shalt thou never be found again, saith the Lord GOD.