Devine Scripture

Mark 3:9

What does Mark 3:9 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 3:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 3:9 means

Due to the overwhelming pressure from the throngs of people, Jesus wisely instructs his disciples to keep a small boat readily available. This was a practical measure to create a safe distance from the crowd, preventing him from being crushed while still allowing him to teach and heal. This foresight highlights Jesus' practical approach to ministry, managing the physical demands while continuing to serve the needs of the people.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And he spake to his disciples, that a little boat should wait on him because of the crowd, lest they should throng him:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And he spake to his disciples, that a small ship should wait on him because of the multitude, lest they should throng him.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And he spake to his disciples, that a little boat should wait on him because of the crowd, lest they should throng him:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he made a request to his disciples to have a little boat ready for him, so that he might not be crushed by the people;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And he said to his disciples that a little boat may wait on him, because of the multitude, that they may not press upon him,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And he spoke to his disciples that a small ship should wait on him, because of the multitude, lest they should throng him.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And he spoke to his disciples, in order that a little ship should wait upon him on account of the crowd, that they might not press upon him.

Context

The enormous crowds described in the preceding verses present a practical problem for Jesus. This verse shows Jesus' resourceful solution, demonstrating his forward-thinking approach to ministry. The need for a boat to manage the eager multitude sets the immediate context for his continued healing work and the reason for the crowds' intense pursuit, described next.

v.8and 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.

v.9This passage

v.10for he had healed many; insomuch that as many as had plagues pressed upon him that they might touch him.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • John 6:15

    Jesus therefore perceiving that they were about to come and take him by force, to make him king, withdrew again into the mountain himself alone.

  • Mark 5:30

    And straightway Jesus, perceiving in himself that the power proceeding from him had gone forth, turned him about in the crowd, and said, Who touched my garments?

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Mark 3

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Mark 3.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Mark 3:9.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary