Worthy.Bible » Parallel » Mark » Chapter 6 » Verse 1-56

Mark 6:1-56 King James Version (KJV)

1 And he went out from thence, and came into his own country; and his disciples follow him.

2 And when the sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were astonished, saying, From whence hath this man these things? and what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands?

3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him.

4 But Jesus, said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house.

5 And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them.

6 And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching.

7 And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits;

8 And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse:

9 But be shod with sandals; and not put on two coats.

10 And he said unto them, In what place soever ye enter into an house, there abide till ye depart from that place.

11 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.

12 And they went out, and preached that men should repent.

13 And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them.

14 And king Herod heard of him; (for his name was spread abroad:) and he said, That John the Baptist was risen from the dead, and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him.

15 Others said, That it is Elias. And others said, That it is a prophet, or as one of the prophets.

16 But when Herod heard thereof, he said, It is John, whom I beheaded: he is risen from the dead.

17 For Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife: for he had married her.

18 For John had said unto Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother's wife.

19 Therefore Herodias had a quarrel against him, and would have killed him; but she could not:

20 For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and an holy, and observed him; and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.

21 And when a convenient day was come, that Herod on his birthday made a supper to his lords, high captains, and chief estates of Galilee;

22 And when the daughter of the said Herodias came in, and danced, and pleased Herod and them that sat with him, the king said unto the damsel, Ask of me whatsoever thou wilt, and I will give it thee.

23 And he sware unto her, Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give it thee, unto the half of my kingdom.

24 And she went forth, and said unto her mother, What shall I ask? And she said, The head of John the Baptist.

25 And she came in straightway with haste unto the king, and asked, saying, I will that thou give me by and by in a charger the head of John the Baptist.

26 And the king was exceeding sorry; yet for his oath's sake, and for their sakes which sat with him, he would not reject her.

27 And immediately the king sent an executioner, and commanded his head to be brought: and he went and beheaded him in the prison,

28 And brought his head in a charger, and gave it to the damsel: and the damsel gave it to her mother.

29 And when his disciples heard of it, they came and took up his corpse, and laid it in a tomb.

30 And the apostles gathered themselves together unto Jesus, and told him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught.

31 And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.

32 And they departed into a desert place by ship privately.

33 And the people saw them departing, and many knew him, and ran afoot thither out of all cities, and outwent them, and came together unto him.

34 And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things.

35 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:

36 Send them away, that they may go into the country round about, and into the villages, and buy themselves bread: for they have nothing to eat.

37 He answered and said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they say unto him, Shall we go and buy two hundred pennyworth of bread, and give them to eat?

38 He saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? go and see. And when they knew, they say, Five, and two fishes.

39 And he commanded them to make all sit down by companies upon the green grass.

40 And they sat down in ranks, by hundreds, and by fifties.

41 And when he had taken the five loaves and the two fishes, he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and brake the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before them; and the two fishes divided he among them all.

42 And they did all eat, and were filled.

43 And they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments, and of the fishes.

44 And they that did eat of the loaves were about five thousand men.

45 And straightway he constrained his disciples to get into the ship, and to go to the other side before unto Bethsaida, while he sent away the people.

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

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

48 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.

49 But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out:

50 For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid.

51 And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered.

52 For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened.

53 And when they had passed over, they came into the land of Gennesaret, and drew to the shore.

54 And when they were come out of the ship, straightway they knew him,

55 And ran through that whole region round about, and began to carry about in beds those that were sick, where they heard he was.

56 And whithersoever he entered, into villages, or cities, or country, they laid the sick in the streets, and besought him that they might touch if it were but the border of his garment: and as many as touched him were made whole.


Mark 6:1-56 King James Version with Strong's Concordance (STRONG)

1 And G2532 he went out G1831 from thence, G1564 and G2532 came G2064 into G1519 his own G846 country; G3968 and G2532 his G846 disciples G3101 follow G190 him. G846

2 And G2532 when the sabbath day G4521 was come, G1096 he began G756 to teach G1321 in G1722 the synagogue: G4864 and G2532 many G4183 hearing G191 him were astonished, G1605 saying, G3004 From whence G4159 hath this G5129 man these things? G5023 and G2532 what G5101 wisdom G4678 is this which is given G1325 unto him, G846 that G3754 even G2532 such G5108 mighty works G1411 are wrought G1096 by G1223 his G846 hands? G5495

3 Is G2076 not G3756 this G3778 the carpenter, G5045 the son G5207 of Mary, G3137 G1161 the brother G80 of James, G2385 and G2532 Joses, G2500 and G2532 of Juda, G2455 and G2532 Simon? G4613 and G2532 are G1526 not G3756 his G846 sisters G79 here G5602 with G4314 us? G2248 And G2532 they were offended G4624 at G1722 him. G846

4 But G1161 Jesus G2424 said G3004 unto them, G846 G3754 A prophet G4396 is G2076 not G3756 without honour, G820 but G1508 in G1722 his own G846 country, G3968 and G2532 among G1722 his own kin, G4773 and G2532 in G1722 his own G846 house. G3614

5 And G2532 he could G3756 G1410 there G1563 do G4160 no G3762 mighty work, G1411 save G1508 that he laid G2007 his hands G5495 upon a few G3641 sick folk, G732 and healed G2323 them.

6 And G2532 he marvelled G2296 because G1223 of their G846 unbelief. G570 And G2532 he went G4013 round about G2945 the villages, G2968 teaching. G1321

7 And G2532 he called G4341 unto him the twelve, G1427 and G2532 began G756 to send G649 them G846 forth G649 by two G1417 and two; G1417 and G2532 gave G1325 them G846 power over G1849 unclean G169 spirits; G4151

8 And G2532 commanded G3853 them G846 that G2443 they should take G142 nothing G3367 for G1519 their journey, G3598 save G1508 a staff G4464 only; G3440 no G3361 scrip, G4082 no G3361 bread, G740 no G3361 money G5475 in G1519 their purse: G2223

9 But G235 be shod G5265 with sandals; G4547 and G2532 not G3361 put on G1746 G1746 two G1417 coats. G5509

10 And G2532 he said G3004 unto them, G846 In what place soever G3699 G1437 ye enter G1525 into G1519 an house, G3614 there G1563 abide G3306 till G2193 G302 ye depart G1831 from that place. G1564

11 And G2532 whosoever G3745 G302 shall G1209 not G3361 receive G1209 you, G5209 nor G3366 hear G191 you, G5216 when ye depart G1607 thence, G1564 shake off G1621 the dust G5522 under G5270 your G5216 feet G4228 for G1519 a testimony G3142 against them. G846 Verily G281 I say G3004 unto you, G5213 It shall be G2071 more tolerable G414 for Sodom G4670 and G2228 Gomorrha G1116 in G1722 the day G2250 of judgment, G2920 than G2228 for that G1565 city. G4172

12 And G2532 they went out, G1831 and preached G2784 that G2443 men should repent. G3340

13 And G2532 they cast out G1544 many G4183 devils, G1140 and G2532 anointed G218 with oil G1637 many G4183 that were sick, G732 and G2532 healed G2323 them.

14 And G2532 king G935 Herod G2264 heard G191 of him; (for G1063 his G846 name G3686 was G1096 spread abroad:) G5318 and G2532 he said, G3004 That G3754 John G2491 the Baptist G907 was risen G1453 from G1537 the dead, G3498 and G2532 therefore G1223 G5124 mighty works G1411 do shew forth themselves G1754 in G1722 him. G846

15 Others G243 said, G3004 That G3754 it is G2076 Elias. G2243 And G1161 others G243 said, G3004 That G3754 it is G2076 a prophet, G4396 or G2228 as G5613 one of G1520 the prophets. G4396

16 But G1161 when Herod G2264 heard G191 thereof, he said, G2036 It G3778 is G2076 John, G2491 whom G3754 G3739 I G1473 beheaded: G607 he G846 is risen G1453 from G1537 the dead. G3498

17 For G1063 Herod G2264 himself G846 had sent forth G649 and laid hold G2902 upon John, G2491 and G2532 bound G1210 him G846 in G1722 prison G5438 for G1223 Herodias' G2266 sake, G1223 his G846 brother G80 Philip's G5376 wife: G1135 for G3754 he had married G1060 her. G846

18 For G1063 John G2491 had said G3004 unto Herod, G2264 G3754 It is G1832 not G3756 lawful G1832 for thee G4671 to have G2192 thy G4675 brother's G80 wife. G1135

19 Therefore G1161 Herodias G2266 had a quarrel G1758 against him, G846 and G2532 would G2309 have killed G615 him; G846 but G2532 she could G1410 not: G3756

20 For G1063 Herod G2264 feared G5399 John, G2491 knowing G1492 that he G846 was a just G1342 man G435 and G2532 an holy, G40 and G2532 observed G4933 him; G846 and G2532 when he heard G191 him, G846 he did G4160 many things, G4183 and G2532 heard G191 him G846 gladly. G2234

21 And G2532 when a convenient G2121 day G2250 was come, G1096 that G3753 Herod G2264 on his G846 birthday G1077 made G4160 a supper G1173 to his G846 lords, G3175 G2532 high captains, G5506 and G2532 chief G4413 estates of Galilee; G1056

22 And G2532 when the daughter G2364 of the said G846 Herodias G2266 came in, G1525 and G2532 danced, G3738 and G2532 pleased G700 Herod G2264 and G2532 them that sat with him, G4873 the king G935 said G2036 unto the damsel, G2877 Ask G154 of me G3165 whatsoever G3739 G1437 thou wilt, G2309 and G2532 I will give G1325 it thee. G4671

23 And G2532 he sware G3660 unto her, G846 Whatsoever G3754 G3739 G1437 thou shalt ask G154 of me, G3165 I will give G1325 it thee, G4671 unto G2193 the half G2255 of my G3450 kingdom. G932

24 And G1161 she went forth, G1831 and said G2036 unto her G846 mother, G3384 What G5101 shall I ask? G154 And G1161 she said, G2036 The head G2776 of John G2491 the Baptist. G910

25 And G2532 she came in G1525 straightway G2112 with G3326 haste G4710 unto G4314 the king, G935 and asked, G154 saying, G3004 I will G2309 that G2443 thou give G1325 me G3427 by and by G1824 in G1909 a charger G4094 the head G2776 of John G2491 the Baptist. G910

26 And G2532 the king G935 was G1096 exceeding sorry; G4036 yet for G1223 his oath's sake, G3727 and G2532 for their sakes which G3588 sat with him, G4873 he would G2309 not G3756 reject G114 her. G846

27 And G2532 immediately G2112 the king G935 sent G649 an executioner, G4688 and commanded G2004 his G846 head G2776 to be brought: G5342 and G1161 he went G565 and beheaded G607 him G846 in G1722 the prison, G5438

28 And G2532 brought G5342 his G846 head G2776 in G1909 a charger, G4094 and G2532 gave G1325 it G846 to the damsel: G2877 and G2532 the damsel G2877 gave G1325 it G846 to her G846 mother. G3384

29 And G2532 when his G846 disciples G3101 heard G191 of it, they came G2064 and G2532 took up G142 his G846 corpse, G4430 and G2532 laid G5087 it G846 in G1722 a tomb. G3419

30 And G2532 the apostles G652 gathered themselves together G4863 unto G4314 Jesus, G2424 and G2532 told G518 him G846 all things, G3956 both G2532 what G3745 they had done, G4160 and G2532 what G3745 they had taught. G1321

31 And G2532 he said G2036 unto them, G846 Come G1205 ye G5210 yourselves G846 apart G2596 G2398 into G1519 a desert G2048 place, G5117 and G2532 rest G373 a while: G3641 for G1063 there were G2258 many G4183 coming G2064 and G2532 going, G5217 and G2532 they had no G3761 leisure G2119 so much as G3761 to eat. G5315

32 And G2532 they departed G565 into G1519 a desert G2048 place G5117 by ship G4143 privately. G2596 G2398

33 And G2532 the people G3793 saw G1492 them G846 departing, G5217 and G2532 many G4183 knew G1921 him, G846 and G2532 ran G4936 afoot G3979 thither G1563 out of G575 all G3956 cities, G4172 and G2532 outwent G4281 them, G846 and G2532 came together G4905 unto G4314 him. G846

34 And G2532 Jesus, G2424 when he came out, G1831 saw G1492 much G4183 people, G3793 and G2532 was moved with compassion G4697 toward G1909 them, G846 because G3754 they were G2258 as G5613 sheep G4263 not G3361 having G2192 a shepherd: G4166 and G2532 he began G756 to teach G1321 them G846 many things. G4183

35 And G2532 when the day G5610 was G1096 now G2235 far spent, G4183 his G846 disciples G3101 came G4334 unto him, G846 and said, G3004 G3754 This is G2076 a desert G2048 place, G5117 and G2532 now G2235 the time G5610 is far passed: G4183

36 Send G630 them G846 away, G630 that G2443 they may go G565 into G1519 the country G68 round about, G2945 and G2532 into the villages, G2968 and buy G59 themselves G1438 bread: G740 for G1063 they have G2192 nothing G5101 G3756 to eat. G5315

37 He answered G611 and G1161 said G2036 unto them, G846 Give G1325 ye G5210 them G846 to eat. G5315 And G2532 they say G3004 unto him, G846 Shall we go G565 and buy G59 two hundred G1250 pennyworth G1220 of bread, G740 and G2532 give G1325 them G846 to eat? G5315

38 G1161 He saith G3004 unto them, G846 How many G4214 loaves G740 have ye? G2192 go G5217 and G2532 see. G1492 And G2532 when they knew, G1097 they say, G3004 Five, G4002 and G2532 two G1417 fishes. G2486

39 And G2532 he commanded G2004 them G846 to make G347 all G3956 sit down G347 by companies G4849 G4849 upon G1909 the green G5515 grass. G5528

40 And G2532 they sat down G377 in ranks, G4237 G4237 by G303 hundreds, G1540 and G2532 by G303 fifties. G4004

41 And G2532 when he had taken G2983 the five G4002 loaves G740 and G2532 the two G1417 fishes, G2486 he looked up G308 to G1519 heaven, G3772 and blessed, G2127 and G2532 brake G2622 the loaves, G740 and G2532 gave G1325 them to his G846 disciples G3101 to G2443 set before G3908 them; G846 and G2532 the two G1417 fishes G2486 divided he G3307 among them all. G3956

42 And G2532 they did G5315 all G3956 eat, G5315 and G2532 were filled. G5526

43 And G2532 they took up G142 twelve G1427 baskets G2894 full G4134 of the fragments, G2801 and G2532 of G575 the fishes. G2486

44 And G2532 they that did eat G5315 of the loaves G740 were G2258 about G5616 five thousand G4000 men. G435

45 And G2532 straightway G2112 he constrained G315 his G846 disciples G3101 to get G1684 into G1519 the ship, G4143 and G2532 to go G4254 to G1519 the other side G4008 before G4254 unto G4314 Bethsaida, G966 while G2193 he G846 sent away G630 the people. G3793

46 And G2532 when he had sent G657 them G846 away, G657 he departed G565 into G1519 a mountain G3735 to pray. G4336

47 And G2532 when even G3798 was come, G1096 the ship G4143 was G2258 in G1722 the midst G3319 of the sea, G2281 and G2532 he G846 alone G3441 on G1909 the land. G1093

48 And G2532 he saw G1492 them G846 toiling G928 in G1722 rowing; G1643 for G1063 the wind G417 was G2258 contrary G1727 unto them: G846 and G2532 about G4012 the fourth G5067 watch G5438 of the night G3571 he cometh G2064 unto G4314 them, G846 walking G4043 upon G1909 the sea, G2281 and G2532 would G2309 have passed by G3928 them. G846

49 But G1161 when they saw G1492 him G846 walking G4043 upon G1909 the sea, G2281 they supposed G1380 it had been G1511 a spirit, G5326 and G2532 cried out: G349

50 For G1063 they all G3956 saw G1492 him, G846 and G2532 were troubled. G5015 And G2532 immediately G2112 he talked G2980 with G3326 them, G846 and G2532 saith G3004 unto them, G846 Be of good cheer: G2293 it is G1510 I; G1473 be G5399 not G3361 afraid. G5399

51 And G2532 he went up G305 unto G4314 them G846 into G1519 the ship; G4143 and G2532 the wind G417 ceased: G2869 and G2532 they were sore G3029 amazed G1839 in G1722 themselves G1438 beyond G1537 measure, G4053 and G2532 wondered. G2296

52 For G1063 they considered G4920 not G3756 the miracle of G1909 the loaves: G740 for G1063 their G846 heart G2588 was G2258 hardened. G4456

53 And G2532 when they had passed over, G1276 they came G2064 into G1909 the land G1093 of Gennesaret, G1082 and G2532 drew to the shore. G4358

54 And G2532 when they G846 were come G1831 out of G1537 the ship, G4143 straightway G2112 they knew G1921 him, G846

55 And ran through G4063 that G1565 whole G3650 region round about, G4066 and began G756 to carry about G4064 in G1909 beds G2895 those that were G2192 sick, G2560 where G3699 they heard G191 he was. G3754 G1563 G2076

56 And G2532 whithersoever G3699 G302 he entered, G1531 into G1519 villages, G2968 or G2228 cities, G4172 or G2228 country, G68 they laid G5087 the sick G770 in G1722 the streets, G58 and G2532 besought G3870 him G846 that G2443 they might touch G680 if G2579 it were but G2579 the border G2899 of his G846 garment: G2440 and G2532 as many G3745 as G302 touched G680 him G846 were made whole. G4982


Mark 6:1-56 American Standard (ASV)

1 And he went out from thence; and he cometh into his own country; and his disciples follow him.

2 And when the sabbath was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were astonished, saying, Whence hath this man these things? and, What is the wisdom that is given unto this man, and `what mean' such mighty works wrought by his hands?

3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and brother of James, and Joses, and Judas, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended in him.

4 And Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honor, save in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house.

5 And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them.

6 And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages teaching.

7 And he calleth unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and he gave them authority over the unclean spirits;

8 and he charged them that they should take nothing for `their' journey, save a staff only; no bread, no wallet, now money in their purse;

9 but `to go' shod with sandals: and, `said he', put not on two coats.

10 And he said unto them, Wheresoever ye enter into a house, there abide till ye depart thence.

11 And whatsoever place shall not receive you, and they hear you not, as ye go forth thence, shake off the dust that is under your feet for a testimony unto them.

12 And they went out, and preached that `men' should repent.

13 And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them.

14 And king Herod heard `thereof'; for his name had become known: and he said, John the Baptizer is risen from the dead, and therefore do these powers work in him.

15 But others said, It is Elijah. And others said, `It is' a prophet, `even' as one of the prophets.

16 But Herod, when he heard `thereof', said, John, whom I beheaded, he is risen.

17 For Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife; for he had married her.

18 For John said unto Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother's wife.

19 And Herodias set herself against him, and desired to kill him; and she could not;

20 for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and kept him safe. And when he heard him, he was much perplexed; and he heard him gladly.

21 And when a convenient day was come, that Herod on his birthday made a supper to his lords, and the high captains, and the chief men of Galilee;

22 and when the daughter of Herodias herself came in and danced, she pleased Herod and them that sat at meat with him; and the king said unto the damsel, Ask of me whatsoever thou wilt, and I will give it thee.

23 And he sware unto her, Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give it thee, unto the half of my kingdom.

24 And she went out, and said unto her mother, What shall I ask? And she said, The head of John the Baptizer.

25 And she came in straightway with haste unto the king, and asked, saying, I will that thou forthwith give me on a platter the head of John the Baptist.

26 And the king was exceeding sorry; but for the sake of his oaths, and of them that sat at meat, he would not reject her.

27 And straightway the king sent forth a soldier of his guard, and commanded to bring his head: and he went and beheaded him in the prison,

28 and brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the damsel; and the damsel gave it to her mother.

29 And when his disciples heard `thereof', they came and took up his corpse, and laid it in a tomb.

30 And the apostles gather themselves together unto Jesus; and they told him all things, whatsoever they had done, and whatsoever they had taught.

31 And he saith unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while. For there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.

32 And they went away in the boat to a desert place apart.

33 And `the people' saw them going, and many knew `them', and they ran together there on foot from all the cities, and outwent them.

34 And 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.

35 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;

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

37 But he answered and said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they say unto him, Shall we go and buy two hundred shillings' worth of bread, and give them to eat?

38 And he saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? go `and' see. And when they knew, they say, Five, and two fishes.

39 And he commanded them that all should sit down by companies upon the green grass.

40 And they sat down in ranks, by hundreds, and by fifties.

41 And he took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake the loaves; and he gave to the disciples to set before them; and the two fishes divided he among them all.

42 And they all ate, and were filled.

43 And they took up broken pieces, twelve basketfuls, and also of the fishes.

44 And they that ate the loaves were five thousand men.

45 And 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.

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

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

48 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:

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

50 for they all saw him, and were troubled. But he straightway spake with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid.

51 And he went up unto them into the boat; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves;

52 for they understood not concerning the loaves, but their heart was hardened.

53 And when they had crossed over, they came to the land unto Gennesaret, and moored to the shore.

54 And when they were come out of the boat, straightway `the people' knew him,

55 and ran round about that whole region, and began to carry about on their beds those that were sick, where they heard he was.

56 And wheresoever he entered, into villages, or into cities, or into the country, they laid the sick in the marketplaces, and besought him that they might touch if it were but the border of his garment: and as many as touched him were made whole.


Mark 6:1-56 Young's Literal Translation (YLT)

1 And he went forth thence, and came to his own country, and his disciples do follow him,

2 and sabbath having come, he began in the synagogue to teach, and many hearing were astonished, saying, `Whence hath this one these things? and what the wisdom that was given to him, that also such mighty works through his hands are done?

3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and brother of James, and Joses, and Judas, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us?' -- and they were being stumbled at him.

4 And Jesus said to them -- `A prophet is not without honor, except in his own country, and among his kindred, and in his own house;'

5 and he was not able there any mighty work to do, except on a few infirm people having put hands he did heal `them';

6 and he wondered because of their unbelief. And he was going round the villages, in a circle, teaching,

7 and he doth call near the twelve, and he began to send them forth two by two, and he was giving them power over the unclean spirits,

8 and he commanded them that they may take nothing for the way, except a staff only -- no scrip, no bread, no brass in the girdle,

9 but having been shod with sandals, and ye may not put on two coats.

10 And he said to them, `Whenever ye may enter into a house, there remain till ye may depart thence,

11 and as many as may not receive you, nor hear you, going out thence, shake off the dust that is under your feet for a testimony to them; verily I say to you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom or Gomorrah in a day of judgment than for that city.'

12 And having gone forth they were preaching that `men' might reform,

13 and many demons they were casting out, and they were anointing with oil many infirm, and they were healing `them'.

14 And the king Herod heard, (for his name became public,) and he said -- `John the Baptist out of the dead was raised, and because of this the mighty powers are working in him.'

15 Others said -- `It is Elijah,' and others said -- `It is a prophet, or as one of the prophets.'

16 And Herod having heard, said -- `He whom I did behead -- John -- this is he; he was raised out of the dead.'

17 For Herod himself, having sent forth, did lay hold on John, and bound him in the prison, because of Herodias the wife of Philip his brother, because he married her,

18 for John said to Herod -- `It is not lawful to thee to have the wife of thy brother;'

19 and Herodias was having a quarrel with him, and was willing to kill him, and was not able,

20 for Herod was fearing John, knowing him a man righteous and holy, and was keeping watch over him, and having heard him, was doing many things, and hearing him gladly.

21 And a seasonable day having come, when Herod on his birthday was making a supper to his great men, and to the chiefs of thousands, and to the first men of Galilee,

22 and the daughter of that Herodias having come in, and having danced, and having pleased Herod and those reclining (at meat) with him, the king said to the damsel, `Ask of me whatever thou wilt, and I will give to thee,'

23 and he sware to her -- `Whatever thou mayest ask me, I will give to thee -- unto the half of my kingdom.'

24 And she, having gone forth, said to her mother, `What shall I ask for myself?' and she said, `The head of John the Baptist;'

25 and having come in immediately with haste unto the king, she asked, saying, `I will that thou mayest give me presently, upon a plate, the head of John the Baptist.'

26 And the king -- made very sorrowful -- because of the oaths and of those reclining (at meat) with him, would not put her away,

27 and immediately the king having sent a guardsman, did command his head to be brought,

28 and he having gone, beheaded him in the prison, and brought his head upon a plate, and did give it to the damsel, and the damsel did give it to her mother;

29 and having heard, his disciples came and took up his corpse, and laid it in the tomb.

30 And the apostles are gathered together unto Jesus, and they told him all, and how many things they did, and how many things they taught,

31 and he said to them, `Come ye yourselves apart to a desert place, and rest a little,' for those coming and those going were many, and not even to eat had they opportunity,

32 and they went away to a desert place, in the boat, by themselves.

33 And the multitudes saw them going away, and many recognised him, and by land from all the cities they ran thither, and went before them, and came together to him,

34 and having come forth, Jesus saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion on them, that they were as sheep not having a shepherd, and he began to teach many things.

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

36 let them away, that, having gone away to the surrounding fields and villages, they may buy to themselves loaves, for what they may eat they have not.'

37 And he answering said to them, `Give ye them to eat,' and they say to him, `Having gone away, may we buy two hundred denaries' worth of loaves, and give to them to eat?'

38 And he saith to them, `How many loaves have ye? go and see;' and having known, they say, `Five, and two fishes.'

39 And he commanded them to make all recline in companies upon the green grass,

40 and they sat down in squares, by hundreds, and by fifties.

41 And having taken the five loaves and the two fishes, having looked up to the heaven, he blessed, and brake the loaves, and was giving to his disciples, that they may set before them, and the two fishes divided he to all,

42 and they did all eat, and were filled,

43 and they took up of broken pieces twelve hand-baskets full, and of the fishes,

44 and those eating of the loaves were about five thousand men.

45 And immediately he constrained his disciples to go into the boat, and to go before to the other side, unto Bethsaida, till he may let the multitude away,

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

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

48 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.

49 And they having seen him walking on the sea, thought `it' to be an apparition, and cried out,

50 for they all saw him, and were troubled, and immediately he spake with them, and saith to them, `Take courage, I am `he', be not afraid.'

51 And he went up unto them to the boat, and the wind lulled, and greatly out of measure were they amazed in themselves, and were wondering,

52 for they understood not concerning the loaves, for their heart hath been hard.

53 And having passed over, they came upon the land of Gennesaret, and drew to the shore,

54 and they having come forth out of the boat, immediately having recognised him,

55 having run about through all that region round about, they began upon the couches to carry about those ill, where they were hearing that he is,

56 and wherever he was going, to villages, or cities, or fields, in the market-places they were laying the infirm, and were calling upon him, that they may touch if it were but the fringe of his garment, and as many as were touching him were saved.


Mark 6:1-56 Darby English Bible (DARBY)

1 And he went out thence and came to his own country, and his disciples follow him.

2 And when sabbath was come he began to teach in the synagogue, and many hearing were amazed, saying, Whence [has] this [man] these things? and what [is] the wisdom that is given to him, and such works of power are done by his hands?

3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and brother of James, and Joses, and Judas, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended in him.

4 But Jesus said to them, A prophet is not despised save in his own country, and among [his] kinsmen, and in his own house.

5 And he could not do any work of power there, save that laying his hands on a few infirm persons he healed [them].

6 And he wondered because of their unbelief. And he went round the villages in a circuit, teaching.

7 And he calls the twelve to [him]; and he began to send them out two [and] two, and gave to them power over the unclean spirits;

8 and he commanded them that they should take nothing for the way, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their belt;

9 but be shod with sandals, and put not on two body-coats.

10 And he said to them, Wheresoever ye shall enter into a house, there remain till ye shall go thence.

11 And whatsoever place shall not receive you nor hear you, departing thence, shake off the dust which is under your feet for a testimony to them.

12 And they went forth and preached that they should repent;

13 and they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many infirm, and healed them.

14 And Herod the king heard [of him] (for his name had become public), and said, John the baptist is risen from among [the] dead, and on this account works of power are wrought by him.

15 And others said, It is Elias; and others said, It is a prophet, as one of the prophets.

16 But Herod when he heard [it] said, John whom *I* beheaded, he it is; *he* is risen [from among the dead].

17 For the same Herod had sent and seized John, and had bound him in prison on account of Herodias, the wife of Philip his brother, because he had married her.

18 For John said to Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have the wife of thy brother.

19 But Herodias kept it [in her mind] against him, and wished to kill him, and could not:

20 for Herod feared John knowing that he was a just and holy man, and kept him safe; and having heard him, did many things, and heard him gladly.

21 And a holiday being come, when Herod, on his birthday, made a supper to his grandees, and to the chiliarchs, and the chief [men] of Galilee;

22 and the daughter of the same Herodias having come in, and danced, pleased Herod and those that were with [him] at table; and the king said to the damsel, Ask of me whatsoever thou wilt and I will give it thee.

23 And he swore to her, Whatsoever thou shalt ask me I will give thee, to half of my kingdom.

24 And she went out, and said to her mother, What should I ask? And she said, The head of John the baptist.

25 And immediately going in with haste to the king, she asked saying, I desire that thou give me directly upon a dish the head of John the baptist.

26 And the king, [while] made very sorry, on account of the oaths and those lying at table with [him] would not break his word with her.

27 And immediately the king, having sent one of the guard, ordered his head to be brought. And he went out and beheaded him in the prison,

28 and brought his head upon a dish, and gave it to the damsel, and the damsel gave it to her mother.

29 And his disciples having heard [it], came and took up his body, and laid it in a tomb.

30 And the apostles are gathered together to Jesus. And they related to him all things, [both] what they had done and what they had taught.

31 And he said to them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place and rest a little. For those coming and those going were many, and they had not leisure even to eat.

32 And they went away apart into a desert place by ship.

33 And many saw them going, and recognised them, and ran together there on foot, out of all the cities, and got [there] before them.

34 And on leaving [the ship] [Jesus] saw a great crowd, and he was moved with compassion for them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd. And he began to teach them many things.

35 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;

36 send them away that they may go into the country and villages around, and buy themselves bread, for they have not anything they can eat.

37 And he answering said to them, Give *ye* them to eat. And they say to him, Shall we go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread and give them to eat?

38 And he says to them, How many loaves have ye? Go [and] see. And when they knew they say, Five, and two fishes.

39 And he ordered them to make them all sit down by companies on the green grass.

40 And they sat down in ranks by hundreds and by fifties.

41 And having taken the five loaves and the two fishes, looking up to heaven, he blessed, and broke the loaves, and gave [them] to his disciples that they might set [them] before them. And the two fishes he divided among all.

42 And they all ate and were satisfied.

43 And they took up of fragments the fillings of twelve hand-baskets, and of the fishes.

44 And those that ate of the loaves were five thousand men.

45 And immediately he compelled his disciples to go on board ship, and to go on before to the other side to Bethsaida, while *he* sends the crowd away.

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

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

48 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.

49 But they, seeing him walking on the sea, thought that it was an apparition, and cried out.

50 For all saw him and were troubled. And immediately he spoke with them, and says to them, Be of good courage: it is *I*; be not afraid.

51 And he went up to them into the ship, and the wind fell. And they were exceedingly beyond measure astonished in themselves and wondered;

52 for they understood not through the loaves: for their heart was hardened.

53 And having passed over, they came to the land of Gennesaret and made the shore.

54 And on their coming out of the ship, immediately recognising him,

55 they ran through that whole country around, and began to carry about those that were ill on couches, where they heard that he was.

56 And wherever he entered into villages, or cities, or the country, they laid the sick in the market-places, and besought him that they might touch if it were only the hem of his garment; and as many as touched him were healed.


Mark 6:1-56 World English Bible (WEB)

1 He went out from there. He came into his own country, and his disciples followed him.

2 When the Sabbath had come, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many hearing him were astonished, saying, "Where did this man get these things?" and, "What is the wisdom that is given to this man, that such mighty works come about by his hands?

3 Isn't this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? Aren't his sisters here with us?" They were offended at him.

4 Jesus said to them, "A prophet is not without honor, except in his own country, and among his own relatives, and in his own house."

5 He could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people, and healed them.

6 He marveled because of their unbelief. He went around the villages teaching.

7 He called to himself the twelve, and began to send them out two by two; and he gave them authority over the unclean spirits.

8 He charged them that they should take nothing for their journey, except a staff only: no bread, no wallet, no money in their purse,

9 but to wear sandals, and not put on two tunics.

10 He said to them, "Wherever you enter into a house, stay there until you depart from there.

11 Whoever will not receive you nor hear you, as you depart from there, shake off the dust that is under your feet for a testimony against them. Assuredly, I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!"

12 They went out and preached that people should repent.

13 They cast out many demons, and anointed many with oil who were sick, and healed them.

14 King Herod heard this, for his name had become known, and he said, "John the Baptizer has risen from the dead, and therefore these powers are at work in him."

15 But others said, "It is Elijah." Others said, "It is the Prophet, or like one of the prophets."

16 But Herod, when he heard this, said, "This is John, whom I beheaded. He has risen from the dead."

17 For Herod himself had sent out and arrested John, and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, for he had married her.

18 For John said to Herod, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife."

19 Herodias set herself against him, and desired to kill him, but she couldn't,

20 for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and kept him safe. When he heard him, he did many things, and he heard him gladly.

21 Then a convenient day came, that Herod on his birthday made a supper for his nobles, the high officers, and the chief men of Galilee.

22 When the daughter of Herodias herself came in and danced, she pleased Herod and those sitting with him. The king said to the young lady, "Ask me whatever you want, and I will give it to you."

23 He swore to her, "Whatever you shall ask of me, I will give you, up to half of my kingdom."

24 She went out, and said to her mother, "What shall I ask?" She said, "The head of John the Baptizer."

25 She came in immediately with haste to the king, and asked, "I want you to give me right now the head of John the Baptizer on a platter."

26 The king was exceedingly sorry, but for the sake of his oaths, and of his dinner guests, he didn't wish to refuse her.

27 Immediately the king sent out a soldier of his guard, and commanded to bring John's head, and he went and beheaded him in the prison,

28 and brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the young lady; and the young lady gave it to her mother.

29 When his disciples heard this, they came and took up his corpse, and laid it in a tomb.

30 The apostles gathered themselves together to Jesus, and they told him all things, whatever they had done, and whatever they had taught.

31 He said to them, "You come apart into a deserted place, and rest awhile." For there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.

32 They went away in the boat to a desert place by themselves.

33 They{TR reads "The multitudes" instead of "They"} saw them going, and many recognized him and ran there on foot from all the cities. They arrived before them and came together to him.

34 Jesus came out, saw a great multitude, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd, and he began to teach them many things.

35 When it was late in the day, his disciples came to him, and said, "This place is deserted, and it is late in the day.

36 Send them away, that they may go into the surrounding country and villages, and buy themselves bread, for they have nothing to eat."

37 But he answered them, "You give them something to eat." They asked him, "Shall we go and buy two hundred denarii{200 denarii was about 7 or 8 months wages for an agricultural laborer.} worth of bread, and give them something to eat?"

38 He said to them, "How many loaves do you have? Go see." When they knew, they said, "Five, and two fish."

39 He commanded them that everyone should sit down in groups on the green grass.

40 They sat down in ranks, by hundreds and by fifties.

41 He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he blessed and broke the loaves, and he gave to his disciples to set before them, and he divided the two fish among them all.

42 They all ate, and were filled.

43 They took up twelve baskets full of broken pieces and also of the fish.

44 Those who ate the loaves were{TR adds "about"} five thousand men.

45 Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat, and to go ahead to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he himself sent the multitude away.

46 After he had taken leave of them, he went up the mountain to pray.

47 When evening had come, the boat was in the midst of the sea, and he was alone on the land.

48 Seeing them distressed in rowing, for the wind was contrary to them, about the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea, and he would have passed by them,

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

50 for they all saw him, and were troubled. But he immediately spoke with them, and said to them, "Cheer up! It is I!{Literally, "I AM!"} Don't be afraid."

51 He got into the boat with them; and the wind ceased, and they were very amazed among themselves, and marveled;

52 for they hadn't understood about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened.

53 When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret, and moored to the shore.

54 When they had come out of the boat, immediately the people recognized him,

55 and ran around that whole region, and began to bring those who were sick, on their mats, to where they heard he was.

56 Wherever he entered, into villages, or into cities, or into the country, they laid the sick in the marketplaces, and begged him that they might touch just the fringe of his garment; and as many as touched him were made well.


Mark 6:1-56 Bible in Basic English (BBE)

1 And he went away from there, and came into his country; and his disciples went with him.

2 And when the Sabbath day had come, he was teaching in the Synagogue; and a number of people hearing him were surprised, saying, From where did this man get these things? and, What is the wisdom given to this man, and what are these works of power done by his hands?

3 Is not this the woodworker, the son of Mary, and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were bitter against him.

4 And Jesus said to them, A prophet is nowhere without honour, but in his country, and among his relations, and in his family.

5 And he was unable to do any work of power there, but only to put his hands on one or two persons who were ill, and make them well.

6 And he was greatly surprised because they had no faith. And he went about the country places teaching.

7 And he gave orders to the twelve, and sent them out two by two; and he gave them authority over the unclean spirits;

8 And he said that they were to take nothing for their journey, but a stick only; no bread, no bag, no money in their pockets;

9 They were to go with common shoes on their feet, and not to take two coats.

10 And he said to them, Wherever you go into a house, make that your resting-place till you go away.

11 And whatever place will not take you in and will not give ear to you, when you go away, put off the dust from your feet as a witness against them.

12 And they went out, preaching the need for a change of heart in men.

13 And they sent out a number of evil spirits, and put oil on a great number who were ill, and made them well.

14 And king Herod had news of him, because his name was on the lips of all; and he said, John the Baptist has come back from the dead, and for this reason these powers are working in him.

15 But others said, It is Elijah. And others said, It is a prophet, even like one of the prophets.

16 But Herod, when he had news of it, said, John, whom I put to death, has come back from the dead.

17 For Herod himself had sent men out to take John and put him in prison, because of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, whom he had taken for himself.

18 For John said to Herod, It is wrong for you to have your brother's wife.

19 And Herodias was bitter against him, desiring to put him to death; but she was not able;

20 For Herod was in fear of John, being conscious that he was an upright and holy man, and kept him safe. And hearing him, he was much troubled; and he gave ear to him gladly.

21 And the chance came when Herod on his birthday gave a feast to his lords, and the high captains, and the chief men of Galilee;

22 And when the daughter of Herodias herself came in and did a dance, Herod and those who were at table with him were pleased with her; and the king said to the girl, Make a request for anything and I will give it you.

23 And he took an oath, saying to her, Whatever is your desire I will give it to you, even half of my kingdom.

24 And she went out and said to her mother, What is my request to be? And she said, The head of John the Baptist.

25 And she came in quickly to the king, and said, My desire is that you give me straight away on a plate the head of John the Baptist.

26 And the king was very sad; but because of his oaths, and those who were with him at table, he would not say 'No' to her.

27 And straight away the king sent out one of his armed men, and gave him an order to come back with the head: and he went and took off John's head in prison,

28 And came back with the head on a plate, and gave it to the girl; and the girl gave it to her mother.

29 And when his disciples had news of it, they came and took up his body, and put it in its last resting-place.

30 And the twelve came together to Jesus; and they gave him an account of all the things they had done, and all they had been teaching.

31 And he said to them, Come away by yourselves to a quiet place, and take a rest for a time. Because there were a great number coming and going, and they had no time even for food.

32 And they went away in the boat to a waste place by themselves.

33 And the people saw them going, and a number of them, having knowledge who they were, went running there together on foot from all the towns, and got there before them.

34 And he got out, and saw a great mass of people, and he had pity on them, because they were like sheep without a keeper: and he gave them teaching about a number of things.

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

36 Send them away, so that they may go into the country and small towns round about, and get some food for themselves.

37 But he said to them in answer, Give them food yourselves. And they said to him, Are we to go and get bread for two hundred pence, and give it to them?

38 And he said to them, How much bread have you? go and see. And when they had seen, they said, Five cakes of bread and two fishes.

39 And he made them all be seated in groups on the green grass.

40 And they were placed in groups, by hundreds and by fifties.

41 And he took the five cakes of bread and the two fishes and, looking up to heaven, he said words of blessing over them; and when the cakes were broken, he gave them to the disciples to put before the people; and he made division of the two fishes among them all.

42 And they all took of the food and had enough.

43 And they took up twelve baskets full of the broken bits and of the fishes.

44 And those who took of the bread were five thousand men.

45 And straight away he made his disciples get into the boat, and go before him to the other side to Beth-saida, while he himself sent the people away.

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

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

48 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;

49 But they, when they saw him walking on the sea, took him for a spirit, and gave a loud cry:

50 For they all saw him, and were troubled. But straight away he said to them, Take heart, it is I, have no fear.

51 And he went to them into the boat, and the wind went down, and they were full of wonder in themselves;

52 For it was not clear to them about the bread; but their hearts were hard.

53 And when they had gone across, they came to Gennesaret, and got their boat to land.

54 And when they had got out of the boat, the people quickly had news of him,

55 And went running through all the country round about, and took on their beds those who were ill, to where it was said that he was.

56 And wherever he went, into small towns, or great towns, or into the country, they took those who were ill into the market-places, requesting him that they might put their hands even on the edge of his robe: and all those who did so were made well.

Commentary on Mark 6 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible


CHAPTER 6

Mr 6:1-6. Christ Rejected at Nazareth. ( = Mt 13:54-58; Lu 4:16-30).

See on Lu 4:16-30.

Mr 6:7-13. Mission of the Twelve Apostles. ( = Mt 10:1, 5-15; Lu 9:1-6).

See on Mt 10:1; Mt 10:5-15.

Mr 6:14-29. Herod Thinks Jesus a Resurrection of the Murdered BaptistAccount of His Death. ( = Mt 14:1-12; Lu 9:7-9).

Herod's View of Christ (Mr 6:14-16).

14. And King Herod—that is, Herod Antipas, one of the three sons of Herod the Great, and own brother of Archelaus (Mt 2:22), who ruled as ethnarch over Galilee and Perea.

heard of him; (for his name was spread abroad); and he said—"unto his servants" (Mt 14:2), his councillors or court ministers.

That John the Baptist was risen from the dead—The murdered prophet haunted his guilty breast like a specter, and seemed to him alive again and clothed with unearthly powers, in the person of Jesus.

15. Others said, That it is Elias. And others, That it is a prophet, or as one of the prophets—(See on Mt 16:14).

16. But when Herod heard thereof, he said, It is John, whom I beheaded; he is risen from the dead—"Himself has risen"; as if the innocence and sanctity of his faithful reprover had not suffered that he should lie long dead.

Account of the Baptist's Imprisonment and Death (Mr 6:17-29).

17. For Herod himself had sent forth, and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison—in the castle of Machærus, near the southern extremity of Herod's dominions, and adjoining the Dead Sea [Josephus, Antiquities, 18.5,2].

for Herodias' sake—She was the granddaughter of Herod the Great.

his brother Philip's wife—and therefore the niece of both brothers. This Philip, however, was not the tetrarch of that name mentioned in Lu 3:1 (see on Lu 3:1), but one whose distinctive name was "Herod Philip," another son of Herod the Great—who was disinherited by his father. Herod Antipas' own wife was the daughter of Aretas, king of Arabia; but he prevailed on Herodias, his half-brother Philip's wife, to forsake her husband and live with him, on condition, says Josephus [Antiquities, 18.5,1], that he should put away his own wife. This involved him afterwards in war with Aretas, who totally defeated him and destroyed his army, from the effects of which he was never able to recover himself.

18. For John had said unto Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother's wife—Noble fidelity! It was not lawful because Herod's wife and Herodias' husband were both living; and further, because the parties were within the forbidden degrees of consanguinity (see Le 20:21); Herodias being the daughter of Aristobulus, the brother of both Herod and Philip [Josephus, Antiquities, 18.5,4].

19. Therefore Herodias had a quarrel against him—rather, as in the Margin, "had a grudge against him." Probably she was too proud to speak to him; still less would she quarrel with him.

and would have killed him; but she could not.

20. For Herod feared John—but, as Bengel notes, John feared not Herod.

knowing that he was a just man and an holy—Compare the case of Elijah with Ahab, after the murder of Naboth (1Ki 21:20).

and observed him—rather, as in the Margin, "kept" or "saved him"; that is, from the wicked designs of Herodias, who had been watching for some pretext to get Herod entangled and committed to despatch him.

and when he heard him, he did many things—many good things under the influence of the Baptist on his conscience.

and heard him gladly—a striking statement this, for which we are indebted to our graphic Evangelist alone, illustrating the working of contrary principles in the slaves of passion. But this only shows how far Herodias must have wrought upon him, as Jezebel upon Ahab, that he should at length agree to what his awakened conscience kept him long from executing.

21. And when a convenient day—for the purposes of Herodias.

was come, that Herod—rather, "A convenient day being come, when Herod."

on his birthday, made a supper to his lords, high captains, and chief estates of Galilee—This graphic minuteness of detail adds much to the interest of the tragic narrative.

22. And when the daughter of the said Herodias—that is, her daughter by her proper husband, Herod Philip: Her name was Salome [Josephus, Antiquities, 18.5,4].

came in and danced, and pleased Herod and them that sat with him, the king said unto the damsel—"the girl" (See on Mr 5:42).

Ask of me whatsoever thou wilt, and I will give it thee.

23. And he—the king, so called, but only by courtesy (see on Mr 6:14).

sware unto her Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, unto the half of my kingdom—Those in whom passion and luxury have destroyed self-command will in a capricious moment say and do what in their cool moments they bitterly regret.

24. And she said, The head of John the Baptist—Abandoned women are more shameless and heartless than men. The Baptist's fidelity marred the pleasures of Herodias, and this was too good an opportunity of getting rid of him to let slip.

25. I will that thou give me by and by—rather, "at once."

in a charger—large, flat trencher.

the head of John the Baptist.

26. And the king was exceeding sorry—With his feelings regarding John, and the truths which so told upon his conscience from that preacher's lips, and after so often and carefully saving him from his paramour's rage, it must have been very galling to find himself at length entrapped by his own rash folly.

yet for his oath's sake—See how men of no principle, but troublesome conscience, will stick at breaking a rash oath, while yielding to the commission of the worst crimes!

and for their sakes which sat with him—under the influence of that false shame, which could not brook being thought to be troubled with religious or moral scruples. To how many has this proved a fatal snare!

he would not reject her.

27. And immediately the king sent an executioner—one of the guards in attendance. The word is Roman, denoting one of the Imperial Guard.

and commanded his head to be brought: and he went and beheaded him in the prison—after, it would seem, more than twelve months' imprisonment. Blessed martyr! Dark and cheerless was the end reserved for thee: but now thou hast thy Master's benediction, "Blessed is he whosoever shall not be offended in Me" (Mt 11:6), and hast found the life thou gavest away (Mt 10:39). But where are they in whose skirts is found thy blood?

28. And brought his head in a charger, and gave it to the damsel: and the damsel gave it to her mother—Herodias did not shed the blood of the stern reprover; she only got it done, and then gloated over it, as it streamed from the trunkless head.

29. And when his disciples heard of it—that is, the Baptist's own disciples.

they came and took up his corpse, and laid it in a tomb—"and went and told Jesus" (Mt 14:12). If these disciples had, up to this time, stood apart from Him, as adherents of John (Mt 11:2), perhaps they now came to Jesus, not without some secret reflection on Him for His seeming neglect of their master; but perhaps, too, as orphans, to cast in their lot henceforth with the Lord's disciples. How Jesus felt, or what He said, on receiving this intelligence, is not recorded; but He of whom it was said, as He stood by the grave of His friend Lazarus, "Jesus wept," was not likely to receive such intelligence without deep emotion. And one reason why He might not be unwilling that a small body of John's disciples should cling to him to the last, might be to provide some attached friends who should do for his precious body, on a small scale, what was afterwards to be done for His own.

Mr 6:30-56. The Twelve on Their Return, Having Reported the Success of Their Mission, Jesus Crosses the Sea of Galilee with Them, Teaches the People, and Miraculously Feeds Them to the Number of Five ThousandHe Sends His Disciples by Ship Again to the Western Side, While He Himself Returns Afterwards Walking on the SeaIncidents on Landing. ( = Mt 14:13-36; Lu 9:10-17; Joh 6:1-24).

Here, for the first time, all the four streams of sacred text run parallel. The occasion and all the circumstances of this grand section are thus brought before us with a vividness quite remarkable.

Five Thousand Miraculously Fed (Mr 6:30-44).

30. And the apostles gathered themselves together—probably at Capernaum, on returning from their mission (Mr 6:7-13).

and told him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught—Observe the various reasons He had for crossing to the other side. First, Matthew (Mt 14:13) says, that "when Jesus heard" of the murder of His faithful forerunner—from those attached disciples of his who had taken up his body and laid it in a sepulchre (see on Mr 6:29)—"He departed by ship into a desert place apart"; either to avoid some apprehended consequences to Himself, arising from the Baptist's death (Mt 10:23), or more probably to be able to indulge in those feelings which that affecting event had doubtless awakened, and to which the bustle of the multitude around Him was very unfavorable. Next, since He must have heard the report of the Twelve with the deepest interest, and probably with something of the emotion which He experienced on the return of the Seventy (see on Lu 10:17-22), He sought privacy for undisturbed reflection on this begun preaching and progress of His kingdom. Once more, He was wearied with the multitude of "comers and goers"—depriving Him even of leisure enough to take His food—and wanted rest: "Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while," &c. Under the combined influence of all these considerations, our Lord sought this change.

32. And they departed into a desert place by ship privately—"over the Sea of Galilee, which is the Sea of Tiberias," says John (Joh 6:1), the only one of the Evangelists who so fully describes it; the others having written when their readers were supposed to know something of it, while the last wrote for those at a greater distance of time and place. This "desert place" is more definitely described by Luke (Lu 9:10) as "belonging to the city called Bethsaida." This must not be confounded with the town so called on the western side of the lake (see on Mt 11:21). This town lay on its northeastern side, near where the Jordan empties itself into it: in Gaulonitis, out of the dominions of Herod Antipas, and within the dominions of Philip the Tetrarch (Lu 3:1), who raised it from a village to a city, and called it Julias, in honor of Julia, the daughter of Augustus [Josephus, Antiquities, 18.2,1].

33. And the people—the multitudes.

saw them departing, and many knew him—The true reading would seem to be: "And many saw them departing, and knew or recognized [them]."

and ran afoot—Here, perhaps, it should be rendered "by land"—running round by the head of the lake, and taking one of the fords of the river, so as to meet Jesus, who was crossing with the Twelve by ship.

thither out of all cities, and outwent them—got before them.

and came together unto him—How exceedingly graphic is this! every touch of it betokening the presence of an eye-witness. John (Joh 6:3) says, that "Jesus went up into a mountain"—somewhere in that hilly range, the green tableland which skirts the eastern side of the lake.

34. And Jesus, when he came out of the ship—having gone on shore.

saw much people—a great multitude.

and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd—At the sight of the multitudes who had followed Him by land and even got before Him, He was so moved, as was His wont in such cases, with compassion, because they were like shepherdless sheep, as to forego both privacy and rest that He might minister to them. Here we have an important piece of information from the Fourth Evangelist (Joh 6:4), "And the passover, a feast of the Jews, was nigh"—rather, "Now the passover, the feast of the Jews, was nigh." This accounts for the multitudes that now crowded around Him. They were on their way to keep that festival at Jerusalem. But Jesus did not go up to this festival, as John expressly tells us, (Joh 7:1)—remaining in Galilee, because the ruling Jews sought to kill Him.

35. And when the day was now far spent—"began to wear away" or "decline," says Luke (Lu 9:12). Matthew (Mt 14:15) says, "when it was evening"; and yet he mentions a later evening of the same day (Mr 6:23). This earlier evening began at three P.M.; the latter began at sunset.

36. Send them away, that they may go into the country round about, and into the villages, and buy themselves bread: for they have nothing to eat—John tells us (Joh 6:5, 6) that "Jesus said to Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat? (And this He said to prove him: for He Himself knew what He would do)." The subject may have been introduced by some remark of the disciples; but the precise order and form of what was said by each can hardly be gathered with precision, nor is it of any importance.

37. He answered and said unto them—"They need not depart" (Mt 14:10).

Give ye them to eat—doubtless said to prepare them for what was to follow.

And they say unto him, Shall we go and buy two hundred pennyworth of bread, and give them to eat?—"Philip answered Him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little" (Joh 6:7).

38. He saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? go and see. And when they knew, they say, Five, and two fishes—John is more precise and full: "One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, saith unto Him, There is a lad here which hath five barley loaves and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?" (Joh 6:8, 9). Probably this was the whole stock of provisions then at the command of the disciples—no more than enough for one meal to them—and entrusted for the time to this lad. "He said, Bring them hither to me" (Mt 14:18).

39. And he commanded them to make all sit down by companies upon the green grass—or "green hay"; the rank grass of those bushy wastes. For, as John (Joh 6:10) notes, "there was much grass in the place."

40. And they sat down in ranks, by hundreds, and by fifties—Doubtless this was to show at a glance the number fed, and to enable all to witness in an orderly manner this glorious miracle.

41. And when he had taken the five loaves and the two fishes, he looked up to heaven—Thus would the most distant of them see distinctly what He was doing.

and blessed—John (Joh 6:11) says, "And when he had given thanks." The sense is the same. This thanksgiving for the meal, and benediction of it as the food of thousands, was the crisis of the miracle.

and brake the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before them—thus virtually holding forth these men as His future ministers.

and the two fishes divided he among them all.

42. And they did all eat, and were filled—All the four Evangelists mention this: and John (Joh 6:11) adds, "and likewise of the fishes, as much as they would"—to show that vast as was the multitude, and scanty the provisions, the meal to each and all of them was a plentiful one. "When they were filled, He said unto His disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost" (Joh 6:12). This was designed to bring out the whole extent of the miracle.

43. And they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments, and of the fishes—"Therefore (says Joh 6:13), they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten." The article here rendered "baskets" in all the four narratives was part of the luggage taken by Jews on a journey—to carry, it is said, both their provisions and hay to sleep on, that they might not have to depend on Gentiles, and so run the risk of ceremonial pollution. In this we have a striking corroboration of the truth of the four narratives. Internal evidence renders it clear, we think, that the first three Evangelists wrote independently of each other, though the fourth must have seen all the others. But here, each of the first three Evangelists uses the same word to express the apparently insignificant circumstance that the baskets employed to gather up the fragments were of the kind which even the Roman satirist, Juvenal, knew by the name of cophinus, while in both the narratives of the feeding of the Four Thousand the baskets used are expressly said to have been of the kind called spuris. (See Mr 8:19, 20.)

44. And they that did eat of the loaves were about five thousand men—"besides women and children" (Mt 14:21). Of these, however, there would probably not be many; as only the males were obliged to go to the approaching festival.

Jesus Recrosses to the Western side of the Lake Walking on the Sea (Mr 6:45-56).

One very important particular given by John alone (Joh 6:15) introduces this portion: "When Jesus therefore perceived that they would take Him by force, to make Him a king, He departed again into a mountain Himself alone."

45. And straightway he constrained his disciples to get into the ship, and to go to the other side before—Him.

unto Bethsaida—Bethsaida of Galilee (Joh 12:21). John (Joh 6:17) says they "went over the sea towards Capernaum"—the wind, probably, occasioning this slight deviation from the direction of Bethsaida.

while he sent away the people—"the multitude." His object in this was to put an end to the misdirected excitement in His favor (Joh 6:15), into which the disciples themselves may have been somewhat drawn. The word "constrained" implies reluctance on their part, perhaps from unwillingness to part with their Master and embark at night, leaving Him alone on the mountain.

46. And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray—thus at length getting that privacy and rest which He had vainly sought during the earlier part of the day; opportunity also to pour out His soul in connection with the extraordinary excitement in His favor that evening—which appears to have marked the zenith of His reputation, for it began to decline the very next day; and a place whence He might watch the disciples on the lake, pray for them in their extremity, and observe the right time for coming to them, in a new manifestation of His glory, on the sea.

47. And when even was come—the later evening (see on Mr 6:35). It had come even when the disciples embarked (Mt 14:23; Joh 6:16).

the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land—John says (Joh 6:17), "It was now dark, and Jesus was not come to them." Perhaps they made no great effort to push across at first, having a lingering hope that their Master would yet join them, and so allowed the darkness to come on. "And the sea arose" (adds the beloved disciple, Joh 6:18), "by reason of a great wind that blew."

48. And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them—putting forth all their strength to buffet the waves and bear on against a head wind, but to little effect. He "saw" this from His mountain top, and through the darkness of the night, for His heart was all with them: yet would He not go to their relief till His own time came.

and about the fourth watch of the night—The Jews, who used to divide the night into three watches, latterly adopted the Roman division into four watches, as here. So that, at the rate of three hours to each, the fourth watch, reckoning from six P.M., would be three o'clock in the morning. "So when they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs" (Joh 6:19)—rather more than halfway across. The lake is about seven miles broad at its widest part. So that in eight or nine hours they had only made some three and a half miles. By this time, therefore, they must have been in a state of exhaustion and despondency bordering on despair; and now at length, having tried them long enough.

he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea—"and draweth nigh unto the ship" (Joh 6:19).

and would have passed by them—but only in the sense of Lu 24:28; Ge 32:26; compare Ge 18:3, 5; 42:7.

49. But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out—"for fear" (Mt 14:26). He would appear to them at first like a dark moving speck upon the waters; then as a human figure; but in the dark tempestuous sky, and not dreaming that it could be their Lord, they take it for a spirit. Compare Lu 24:37.

50. For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: It is I; be not afraid—There is something in these two little words—given by Matthew, Mark and John (Mt 14:27; Mr 6:50; Joh 6:20)—"It is I," which from the mouth that spake it and the circumstances in which it was uttered, passes the power of language to express. Here were they in the midst of a raging sea, their little bark the sport of the elements, and with just enough of light to descry an object on the waters which only aggravated their fears. But Jesus deems it enough to dispel all apprehension to let them know that He was there. From other lips that "I am" would have merely meant that the person speaking was such a one and not another person. That, surely, would have done little to calm the fears of men expecting every minute, it may be, to go to the bottom. But spoken by One who at that moment was "treading upon the waves of the sea," and was about to hush the raging elements with His word, what was it but the Voice which cried of old in the ears of Israel, even from the days of Moses, "I AM"; "I, EVEN I, AM He!" Compare Joh 18:5, 6; 8:58. Now, that Word is "made flesh, and dwells among us," uttering itself from beside us in dear familiar tones—"It is the Voice of my Beloved!" How far was this apprehended by these frightened disciples? There was one, we know, in the boat who outstripped all the rest in susceptibility to such sublime appeals. It was not the deep-toned writer of the Fourth Gospel, who, though he lived to soar beyond all the apostles, was as yet too young for prominence, and all unripe. It was Simon Barjonas. Here follows a very remarkable and instructive episode, recorded by Matthew alone:

Peter Ventures to Walk upon the Sea (Mt 14:28-32).

Mt 14:28:

And Peter answered Him, and said, Lord, If it be Thou, bid me come unto Thee on the water—not "let me," but "give me the word of command"—"command," or "order me to come unto Thee upon the waters."

Mt 14:29:

And He said, Come—Sublime word, issuing from One conscious of power over the raging element, to bid it serve both Himself and whomsoever else He pleased!

And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked upon the water—"waters."

to come to Jesus—"It was a bold spirit," says Bishop Hall, "that could wish it; more bold that could act it—not fearing either the softness or the roughness of that uncouth passage."

Mt 14:30:

But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid: and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me—The wind was as boisterous before, but Peter "saw" it not, seeing only the power of Christ, in the lively exercise of faith. Now he "sees" the fury of the elements, and immediately the power of Christ to bear him up fades before his view, and this makes him "afraid"—as how could he be otherwise, without any felt power to keep him up? He then "begins to sink"; and finally, conscious that his experiment had failed, he casts himself, in a sort of desperate confidence, upon his "Lord" for deliverance!

Mt 14:31:

And immediately Jesus stretched forth His hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?This rebuke was not administered while Peter was sinking, nor till Christ had him by the hand: first reinvigorating his faith, and then with it enabling him again to walk upon the crested wave. Useless else had been this loving reproof, which owns the faith that had ventured on the deep upon the bare word of Christ, but asks why that distrust which so quickly marred it.

Mt 14:32:

And when they—Jesus and Peter.

were come into the ship, the wind ceased.

51. And he went up unto them into the ship—John (Joh 6:21) says, "Then they willingly received him into the ship"—or rather, "Then were they willing to receive Him" (with reference to their previous terror); but implying also a glad welcome, their first fears now converted into wonder and delight. "And immediately," adds the beloved disciple, "they were at the land whither they went," or "were bound." This additional miracle, for as such it is manifestly related, is recorded by the fourth Evangelist alone. As the storm was suddenly calmed, so the little bark—propelled by the secret power of the Lord of nature now sailing in it—glided through the now unruffled waters, and, while they were wrapt in wonder at what had happened, not heeding their rapid motion, was found at port, to their still further surprise.

"Then are they glad, because at rest

And quiet now they be;

So to the haven He them brings

Which they desired to see."

Matthew (Mt 14:33) says, "Then they that were in the ship came [that is, ere they got to land] and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth Thou art the Son of God." But our Evangelist is wonderfully striking.

and the wind ceased and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered—The Evangelist seems hardly to find language strong enough to express their astonishment.

52. For they considered not the miracle of the loaves; for their heart was hardened—What a singular statement! The meaning seems to be that if they had but "considered [reflected upon] the miracle of the loaves," wrought but a few hours before, they would have wondered at nothing which He might do within the whole circle of power and grace.

Incidents on Landing (Mr 6:53-56).

The details here are given with a rich vividness quite peculiar to this charming Gospel.

53. And when they had passed over, they came into the land of Gennesaret—from which the lake sometimes takes its name, stretching along its western shore. Capernaum was their landing-place (Joh 6:24, 25).

and drew to the shore—a nautical phrase, nowhere else used in the New Testament.

54. And when they were come out of the ship, straightway they knew him—"immediately they recognized Him"; that is, the people did.

55. and began to carry about in beds those that were sick, where they heard he was—At this period of our Lord's ministry the popular enthusiasm in His favor was at its height.

56. and besought him that they might touch if it were but the border of his garment—having heard, no doubt, of what the woman with the issue of blood experienced on doing so (Mr 5:25-29), and perhaps of other unrecorded cases of the same nature.

and as many as touched him—or "it"—the border of His garment.

were made whole—All this they continued to do and to experience while our Lord was in that region. The time corresponds to that mentioned (Joh 7:1), when He "walked in Galilee," instead of appearing in Jerusalem at the passover, "because the Jews," that is, the rulers, "sought to kill Him"—while the people sought to enthrone Him!