MRK 6:53-56

Jesus Heals at Gennesaret

53Having crossed over to land they came to Gennesaret and anchored there. [6:54] As they got out of the boat, immediately the people recognized him [6:55] and ran about through that whole region and began carrying on mats those who were badly off to wherever they heard he was. [6:56] And wherever he entered into villages or cities or countryside, they placed those who were badly off in the public squares and implored him that they might touch even the fringe of his garment — and as many as touched it were healed.

In the world it was spoken into

In the 1st-century Jewish context, the scene at Gennesaret reflects a deeply ingrained understanding of healing and ritual purity. The sick being carried on (mats) highlights their inability to walk, often due to severe illness or disability, which would have rendered them socially marginalized. The (marketplaces) were not merely commercial hubs but also communal spaces where people gathered, making them strategic locations for Jesus’ public healings. The emphasis on touching the (fringe) of Jesus’ garment is significant. These tassels, worn by observant Jews in obedience to Numbers 15:38-39, symbolized faithfulness to Torah. For the crowd, touching them was an act of faith, believing that even contact with this sacred element of Jesus’ clothing could bring healing. This reflects a broader Jewish belief in the power of holy objects or persons to mediate divine healing. The immediacy and urgency of the crowd’s response—running and carrying the sick—underscores their desperation and the widespread recognition of Jesus as a healer.

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How other translations render this

MRK 6:53

KJV: And when they had passed over, they came into the land of Gennesaret, and drew to the shore.
BSB: When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret and moored the boat.
Koinōnos: Having crossed over to land they came to Gennesaret and anchored there.

MRK 6:54

KJV: And when they were come out of the ship, straightway they knew him,
BSB: As soon as they got out of the boat, the people recognized Jesus
Koinōnos: As they got out of the boat, immediately the people recognized him

MRK 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.
BSB: and ran through that whole region, carrying the sick on mats to wherever they heard He was.
Koinōnos: and ran about through that whole region and began carrying on mats those who were badly off to wherever they heard he was.

MRK 6:56

KJV: And whithersoever he entered, into villages, or cities, or country, they laid the sick in the streets, and besought him that they might touch if it were but the border of his garment: and as many as touched him were made whole.
BSB: And wherever He went—villages and towns and countrysides—they laid the sick in the marketplaces and begged Him just to let them touch the fringe of His cloak. And all who touched Him were healed.
Koinōnos: And wherever he entered into villages or cities or countryside, they placed those who were badly off in the public squares and implored him that they might touch even the fringe of his garment — and as many as touched it were healed.

Only verses where the wording diverges meaningfully are shown. Identical phrasings are suppressed.

Translator's notes

MRK 6:55

mats:The word translated 'mats' refers to a small, portable pallet or cot, often used by the poor or infirm, rather than a substantial bed.
sick:The term translated 'sick' here broadly means 'badly off' or 'suffering from an evil condition,' encompassing various forms of distress beyond just physical illness.

MRK 6:56

marketplaces:The word translated 'marketplaces' refers to the central public square of a town, which served as a gathering place for commerce, legal proceedings, and social interaction.
fringe:The word translated 'fringe' specifically refers to the tassels or borders on the corners of Jewish garments, worn in obedience to Old Testament law as a reminder of God's commands.