Devine Scripture

Mark 6:47

What does Mark 6:47 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 6:47 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 6:47 means

Mark 6:47 notes that when evening came, the boat was in the middle of the sea and Jesus alone was on the land. The verse creates a physical separation: the disciples were at sea battling conditions, while Jesus remained solitary on shore. This spatial detail heightens the drama and sense of vulnerability for the disciples and prepares for Jesus’ miraculous arrival. It also illustrates the pattern of Jesus sending his followers forward into trial while he remains in prayer—showing that he is both with them in mission and apart in communion, later coming to meet them in their need.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And by evening, the boat was in the middle of the sea, and he by himself on the land.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And evening having come, the boat was in the midst of the sea, and he alone upon the land;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And when it was late, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and himself alone on the land.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And when evening was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone upon the land.

Context

This verse follows Jesus’ prayerful retreat (verse 46) and sets the scene for the nighttime crisis. The separation between the boat and Jesus prepares readers for the disciples’ distress and their subsequent encounter with Jesus on the water. It creates suspense: alone on shore, Jesus will soon act in power to approach them, revealing his authority over nature and addressing the disciples’ fear and misunderstanding in the moments that follow.

v.46And after he had taken leave of them, he departed into the mountain to pray.

v.47This passage

v.48And seeing them distressed in rowing, for the wind was contrary unto them, about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking on the sea; and he would have passed by them:

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.

  • John 6:16

    And when evening came, his disciples went down unto the sea;

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