Devine Scripture

Mark 6:31

What does Mark 6:31 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 6:31 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 6:31 means

Mark 6:31 shows Jesus inviting the apostles to withdraw to a solitary place and rest, recognizing their intense activity. He notes they had no leisure even to eat because many were coming and going. Jesus models pastoral care: he knows the cost of constant ministry and prescribes rest for spiritual and physical renewal. The verse reveals that compassion includes rhythm—work and rest. By leading them into solitude, Jesus creates space for recuperation and prayer, which readies them for future labors and keeps the ministry sustainable under his guidance.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And he saith 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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And he saith 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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he said to them, Come away by yourselves to a quiet place, and take a rest for a time. Because there were a great number coming and going, and they had no time even for food.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and he said to them, `Come ye yourselves apart to a desert place, and rest a little,' for those coming and those going were many, and not even to eat had they opportunity,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And he said to them: Come apart into a desert place, and rest a little. For there were many coming and going: and they had not so much as time to eat.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And he said to them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place and rest a little. For those coming and those going were many, and they had not leisure even to eat.

Context

This verse follows the apostles’ report in verse 30 and introduces Jesus’ compassionate response. It explains their need for solitude before the mass crowd interrupts again. The instruction to withdraw frames the forthcoming attempted retreat by boat (verses 32–33) and contrasts the bustling public demand with Jesus’ desire for intentional rest. Yet the crowd’s pursuit will transform this planned respite into another scene of teaching and miraculous provision.

v.30And the apostles gather themselves together unto Jesus; and they told him all things, whatsoever they had done, and whatsoever they had taught.

v.31This passage

v.32And they went away in the boat to a desert place apart.

Cross references

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

  • Mark 1:45

    But he went out, and began to publish it much, and to spread abroad the matter, insomuch that Jesus could no more openly enter into a city, but was without in desert places: and they came to him from every quarter.

  • Mark 3:20

    And the multitude cometh together again, so that they could not so much as eat bread.

  • Matthew 14:13

    Now when Jesus heardit, he withdrew from thence in a boat, to a desert place apart: and when the multitudes heard thereof, they followed him on foot from the cities.

  • Mark 3:7

    And Jesus with his disciples withdrew to the sea: and a great multitude from Galilee followed; and from Judæa,

  • John 6:1

    After these things Jesus went away to the other side of the sea of Galilee, which isthe seaof Tiberias.

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