Devine Scripture

Mark 6:46

What does Mark 6:46 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 6:46 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 6:46 means

Mark 6:46 reports that after dismissing the crowd, Jesus went up into the mountain to pray. This shows Jesus’ devotion and dependence on the Father even amid great activity. He seeks solitude and communion with God, modeling the need for prayer following significant ministry. The mountain setting often connotes closeness to God and reflection. Jesus’ withdrawal contrasts with the public spectacle, reminding readers that ministry flows from prayerful relationship with the Father, and that he regularly renews his strength through prayer before further engagement with his disciples and the crowds.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And after he had taken leave of them, he departed into the mountain to pray.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And after he had taken leave of them, he departed into the mountain to pray.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And after he had sent them away, he went up into a mountain for prayer.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and having taken leave of them, he went away to the mountain to pray.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And when he had dismissed them, he went up to the mountain to pray,

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And, having dismissed them, he departed into the mountain to pray.

Context

This verse follows Jesus sending the disciples away (verse 45) and signals a retreat to private communion with God. It sets the spiritual tone prior to the night scene on the lake: while the disciples face a storm, Jesus prays on the mountain—a contrast between human struggle and divine communion. This parallelism prepares the reader for the revelation of Jesus’ authority when he later approaches the boat walking on the sea (verse 48).

v.45And straightway he constrained his disciples to enter into the boat, and to go before him unto the other side to Bethsaida, while he himself sendeth the multitude away.

v.46This passage

v.47And when even was come, the boat was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land.

Cross references

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

  • Matthew 14:23

    And after he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into the mountain apart to pray: and when even was come, he was there alone.

  • 1 Peter 2:21

    For hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that ye should follow his steps:

  • Matthew 6:6

    But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thine inner chamber, and having shut thy door, pray to thy Father who is in secret, and thy Father who seeth in secret shall recompense thee.

  • Mark 1:35

    And in the morning, a great while before day, he rose up and went out, and departed into a desert place, and there prayed.

  • Luke 6:12

    And it came to pass in these days, that he went out into the mountain to pray; and he continued all night in prayer to God.

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