7And Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the sea, and a great multitude from Galilee followed him — and from Judea [3:8] and from Jerusalem and from Idumea and from beyond the Jordan and from around Tyre and Sidon — a great multitude, having heard all that he was doing, came to him. [3:9] And he spoke to his disciples that a boat should wait upon him on account of the crowd, so that they might not press upon him. [3:10] For he had healed many, so that as many as had scourges were pressing upon him that they might touch him. [3:11] And the unclean spirits, whenever they were seeing him, were falling down before him and were crying out, saying that, "You yourself are the Son of God." [3:12] And he was rebuking them much, so that they might not make him known.
MRK 3:7-12
Jesus Heals the Multitudes
In the world it was spoken into
In the 1st-century Mediterranean world, large crowds gathering around a healer or teacher were not uncommon, especially in regions like Galilee and Judea, where Roman occupation and economic hardship left many in need of physical and spiritual relief. Jesus’ withdrawal to the sea reflects a strategic move to manage the pressing crowds, a common practice for itinerant teachers seeking respite. The mention of people coming from Idumea, beyond the Jordan, and Tyre and Sidon highlights the widespread reputation of Jesus as a healer, drawing not only Jews but also Gentiles from neighboring regions. The request for a boat underscores the practical necessity of creating space and order amidst the chaos of the crowd. The term , often translated as 'diseases,' evokes the image of severe afflictions, possibly understood as divine punishment or demonic oppression in Jewish thought. Jesus’ rebuke of unclean spirits reflects his authority over spiritual forces, a claim that would have been both startling and compelling to his audience.
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How other translations render this
MRK 3:7
- KJV
- But Jesus withdrew himself with his disciples to the sea: and a great multitude from Galilee followed him, and from Judaea,
- BSB
- So Jesus withdrew with His disciples to the sea, accompanied by a large crowd from Galilee, Judea,
- Koinōnos
- And Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the sea, and a great multitude from Galilee followed him — and from Judea
MRK 3:8
- KJV
- 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.
- BSB
- 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.
- Koinōnos
- and from Jerusalem and from Idumea and from beyond the Jordan and from around Tyre and Sidon — a great multitude, having heard all that he was doing, came to him.
MRK 3:9
- KJV
- And he spake to his disciples, that a small ship should wait on him because of the multitude, lest they should throng him.
- BSB
- Jesus asked His disciples to have a boat ready for Him so that the crowd would not crush Him.
- Koinōnos
- And he spoke to his disciples that a boat should wait upon him on account of the crowd, so that they might not press upon him.
MRK 3:10
- KJV
- For he had healed many; insomuch that they pressed upon him for to touch him, as many as had plagues.
- BSB
- For He had healed so many that all who had diseases were pressing forward to touch Him.
- Koinōnos
- For he had healed many, so that as many as had scourges were pressing upon him that they might touch him.
MRK 3:11
- KJV
- And unclean spirits, when they saw him, fell down before him, and cried, saying, Thou art the Son of God.
- BSB
- And when the unclean spirits saw Him, they fell down before Him and cried out, “You are the Son of God!”
- Koinōnos
- And the unclean spirits, whenever they were seeing him, were falling down before him and were crying out, saying that, "You yourself are the Son of God.
MRK 3:12
- KJV
- And he straitly charged them that they should not make him known.
- BSB
- But He warned them sternly not to make Him known.
- Koinōnos
- And he was rebuking them much, so that they might not make him known.
Only verses where the wording diverges meaningfully are shown. Identical phrasings are suppressed.
Where the historical framing draws from
- Josephus, AntiquitiesAntiquities 18.3.3
›Josephus, Antiquities Antiquities 18.3.3
“He drew over to him both many of the Jews and many of the Gentiles.”
Cited to ground: Jesus ... drew not only Jews but also Gentiles from neighboring regions.
Translator's notes
MRK 3:7
- withdrew:The word translated 'withdrew' often implied a strategic or purposeful retreat, not merely leaving, but moving to a different location with intent.
MRK 3:9
- may wait upon:The phrase translated 'may wait upon' carries a stronger sense of persistent, devoted attendance or adherence, like someone constantly at another's side.
MRK 3:10
- diseases.:The word translated 'diseases' literally meant a 'scourge' or 'whip,' suggesting afflictions that were severe, painful, and often seen as a punishment.
MRK 3:12
- He was rebuking:The term translated 'He was rebuking' implies a strong, authoritative command to silence or restrain, often with a sense of warning or censure.