Mark 4:36 - Leaving the multitude, they took him with them, even as he was, in the boat. Other small boats were also with him.

Generated Verse: Mark 4:36

What does "Mark 4:36" mean?


This verse from Mark 4:36 describes a transition in Jesus' ministry and sets the stage for the miracle that follows (the stilling of the storm). Let's break it down:

"Leaving the multitude..." This indicates that Jesus had been teaching a large crowd of people, likely from a boat near the shore of the Sea of Galilee (as described in the preceding verses). The teaching session is now over.

"...they took him with them, even as he was, in the boat." This is a key phrase. "They" refers to Jesus' disciples and perhaps others who were closely following him. "Even as he was" suggests Jesus was tired, perhaps exhausted after a long day of teaching. He didn't get a chance to prepare or rest. They simply took him along in the same boat he was already in – no change of boats or any special arrangements. This emphasizes the spontaneity and urgency of the situation.

"Other small boats were also with him." This shows that the group leaving the shore was not just Jesus' boat, but a small flotilla of other boats following along. This is significant because it indicates a broader group of people interested in Jesus and his teachings, not just the inner circle of disciples. It also means more people witnessed the miracle that followed.

In summary, the verse describes the following:

Transition: Jesus and his followers are leaving the large crowd on the shore.
Immediacy: Jesus is taken along in the same state he was in after teaching, emphasizing his fatigue.
Broader Following: Other boats accompanied them, indicating a wider circle of interested people.
Setting the Scene: The verse sets the stage for the coming storm and miracle, highlighting the presence of multiple witnesses. It also hints at Jesus' humanity (his weariness) before demonstrating his divine power.

The verse is simple but important in setting the context and highlighting the dynamics of Jesus' ministry at this point.

What categories does "Mark 4:36" have?