Devine Scripture

Mark 6:35

What does Mark 6:35 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 6:35 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 6:35 means

Mark 6:35 describes the disciples noticing that the day was now far spent and suggesting Jesus send the crowd away to nearby villages to buy food. Their concern is practical and expresses the reality of physical limitations: a desert place offers no provisions and darkness approaches. Their response shows prudent care for logistics but also a limited view of Jesus’ capacity to provide miraculously. The verse frames the disciples’ human point of view—thinking in ordinary supply terms—contrasted with Jesus’ miraculous resources, which will soon be displayed in feeding the multitude.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And when the day was now far spent, his disciples came unto him, and said, The place is desert, and the day is now far spent;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And when the day was now far spent, his disciples came unto him, and said, This is a desert place, and now the time is far passed:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And when the day was now far spent, his disciples came unto him, and said, The place is desert, and the day is now far spent;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And at the end of the day, his disciples came to him and said, This place is waste land, and it is late:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And now the hour being advanced, his disciples having come near to him, say, --`The place is desolate, and the hour is now advanced,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And when the day was now far spent, his disciples came to him, saying: This is a desert place, and the hour is now past:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And when it was already late in the day, his disciples coming to him say, The place is desert, and it is already late in the day;

Context

This verse follows Jesus’ prolonged teaching (verse 34) and introduces the problem of provision as evening approaches. The disciples’ suggestion to disperse the crowd sets up Jesus’ surprising answer in verse 37 to provide food. That contrast highlights the transition from pastoral teaching to miraculous provision. The scene moves the narrative from spiritual nourishment to physical provision, preparing the feeding of the five thousand.

v.34And he came forth and saw a great multitude, and he had compassion on them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things.

v.35This passage

v.36send them away, that they may go into the country and villages round about, and buy themselves somewhat to eat.

Cross references

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

  • John 6:5

    Jesus therefore lifting up his eyes, and seeing that a great multitude cometh unto him, saith unto Philip, Whence are we to buy bread, that these may eat?

  • Luke 9:12

    And the day began to wear away; and the twelve came, and said unto him, Send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages and country round about, and lodge, and get provisions: for we are here in a desert place.

  • Matthew 14:15

    And when even was come, the disciples came to him, saying, The place is desert, and the time is already past; send the multitudes away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves food.

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