Devine Scripture

Mark 6:48

What does Mark 6:48 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 6:48 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 6:48 means

Mark 6:48 describes Jesus seeing the disciples struggling to row against contrary wind and, about the fourth watch, coming to them walking on the sea; he intended to pass by them. The verse combines observation—Jesus sees their distress—with a miraculous act—walking on water during the late night. The fourth watch (around 3–6 a.m.) heightens the drama of exhaustion. His intent to pass by suggests a theophanic posture, like divine presence that tests or manifests himself in unexpected ways. The act demonstrates his authority over creation and foreshadows deeper revelation of his identity.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And 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:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And 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:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And seeing that they had trouble in getting their boat through the water, because the wind was against them, about the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea; and he would have gone past them;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and he saw them harassed in the rowing, for the wind was against them, and about the fourth watch of the night he doth come to them walking on the sea, and wished to pass by them.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And seeing them labouring in rowing, (for the wind was against them,) and about the fourth watch of the night, he cometh to them walking upon the sea, and he would have passed by them.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And seeing them labouring in rowing, for the wind was contrary to them, about the fourth watch of the night he comes to them walking on the sea, and would have passed them by.

Context

This verse follows the boat in the middle of the sea (verse 47) and shows Jesus’ response to the disciples’ struggle. It blends the themes of trial and revelation: while the disciples are physically distressed, Jesus approaches supernaturally. His solitary dwelling on land (verse 47) and the timing during the watches of the night set the stage for fear and recognition in the next verses. The scene transitions to the disciples’ fearful reaction and Jesus’ comforting words.

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

v.48This passage

v.49but they, when they saw him walking on the sea, supposed that it was a ghost, and cried out;

Cross references

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

  • Genesis 32:26

    And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.

  • Exodus 14:24

    And it came to pass in the morning watch, that Jehovah looked forth upon the host of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and of cloud, and discomfited the host of the Egyptians.

  • Luke 24:28

    And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they were going: and he made as though he would go further.

  • Psalms 104:3

    Who layeth the beams of his chambers in the waters; Who maketh the clouds his chariot; Who walketh upon the wings of the wind;

  • John 1:13

    who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

  • Isaiah 54:11

    O thou afflicted, tossed with tempest, and not comforted, behold, I will set thy stones in fair colors, and lay thy foundations with sapphires.

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