About Mark

Mark presents Jesus as the suffering Servant of God, emphasizing His actions and authority.

Author: John MarkWritten: c. AD 50-65Reading time: ~7 minVerses: 56
ServantActionAuthoritySufferingDiscipleshipMessianic Secret

King James Version

Mark 6

56 verses with commentary

Jesus Rejected at Nazareth

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

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And he went out from thence, and came into his own country; and his disciples follow him.</strong> After demonstrating authority over demons, disease, nature, and death (chapters 4-5), Jesus returns to His hometown. 'His own country' (τὴν πατρίδα αὐτοῦ, tēn patrida autou) refers to Nazareth where He grew up (Luke 4:16). The phrase carries poignant irony—He who created all things (John 1:3)...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

VI. (1-6) **And he went out from thence.**—See Notes on Matthew 13:54-58. **His disciples follow him.**—St, Matthew does not name this fact. As put by St. Mark it seems to imply that the disciples did not accompany their Master, but came subsequently.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

7. What have I to do with thee, Jesus, Son of the most high God? I **adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not--**or, as in Mt 8:29, "Art Thou come to torment us before the time?" (See on Mr 1:24). Behold the tormentor anticipating, dreading, and entreating exemption from torment! In Christ they discern their destined Tormentor; the time, they know, is fixed, and they feel as if it were come al...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 6 Chapter Outline Christ despised in his own country.(1-6) The apostles sent forth.(7-13) John the Baptist put to death.(14-29) The apostles return, Five thousand fed by a miracle.(30-44) Christ walks on the sea, He heals those that touch him.(45-56) **Verses 1-6** Our Lord's countrymen tried to prejudice the minds of people against him. Is not this the carpen...
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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?

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>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?</strong> Jesus' teaching in the Nazareth synagogue created astonishment without producing faith—a critical distinction. 'When the sa...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(2) **Many hearing him.**—The better MSS. give, “the many,” *i.e.,* the majority of those who were present. **Such mighty works.**—As the Evangelist notes in Mark 6:5 that no mighty work had been done in Nazareth, these must refer to what had been reported there.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**8. For he said unto him--**that is, before the unclean spirit cried out. **Come out of the man, unclean spirit!--**Ordinarily, obedience to a command of this nature was immediate. But here, a certain delay is permitted, the more signally to manifest the power of Christ and accomplish His purposes.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 6 Chapter Outline Christ despised in his own country.(1-6) The apostles sent forth.(7-13) John the Baptist put to death.(14-29) The apostles return, Five thousand fed by a miracle.(30-44) Christ walks on the sea, He heals those that touch him.(45-56) **Verses 1-6** Our Lord's countrymen tried to prejudice the minds of people against him. Is not this the carpen...
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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. offended: scandalized in, or, by him

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KJV Study Commentary

Is not this carpenter son of Mary brother of James Joses Judas Simon are not his sisters here with us and they were offended. Carpenter tektōn craftsman builder woodworker. Son of Mary unusual designation normally identified by father. Suggests Joseph deceased. Brother adelphos siblings half-brothers through Mary. Names listed James Joses Judas Simon. Sisters plural at least two. Here with us know...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(3) **Is not this the carpenter**?—St. Mark’s is the only Gospel which gives this name as applied to our Lord Himself. (See Note on Matthew 13:55.)

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**9. And he asked him, What is thy name?--**The object of this question was to extort an acknowledgment of the virulence of demoniacal power by which this victim was enthralled. **And he answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many--**or, as in Luke (Lu 8:30) "because many devils [demons] were entered into him." A **legion, in the Roman army, amounted, at its full complement, to six thou...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 6 Chapter Outline Christ despised in his own country.(1-6) The apostles sent forth.(7-13) John the Baptist put to death.(14-29) The apostles return, Five thousand fed by a miracle.(30-44) Christ walks on the sea, He heals those that touch him.(45-56) **Verses 1-6** Our Lord's countrymen tried to prejudice the minds of people against him. Is not this the carpen...
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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.

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KJV Study Commentary

Jesus said prophet not without honor but in own country among kin in house. Truth principle prophets rarely honored at home. Familiarity breeds contempt. Those who knew Jesus as child could not accept prophet/Messiah. Similar to Nazareth pattern earlier. Ministry most effective among those without preconceptions. Reformed theology recognizes offense of Christ stumbling block. God uses weak foolish...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**10. And he besought him much that he would not send them away out of the country--**The entreaty, it will be observed, was made by one spirit, but in behalf of many--"he besought Him not to send them, &amp;c."--just as in Mr 5:9, "he answered we are many." But what do they mean by entreating so earnestly not to be ordered out of the country? Their next petition (Mr 5:12) will make that clear eno...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 6 Chapter Outline Christ despised in his own country.(1-6) The apostles sent forth.(7-13) John the Baptist put to death.(14-29) The apostles return, Five thousand fed by a miracle.(30-44) Christ walks on the sea, He heals those that touch him.(45-56) **Verses 1-6** Our Lord's countrymen tried to prejudice the minds of people against him. Is not this the carpen...
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And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them.

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KJV Study Commentary

He could do no mighty work there save healed few sick folk. Not could not in absolute sense but would not due to unbelief. Faith is prerequisite for miracle ministry. Jesus chooses not to perform signs for unbelievers demand proof. Miracles signs pointing to truth require faith response. Reformed theology affirms God sovereignty He performs miracles according to purposes not human demand.

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(5) **He laid his hands.**—St. Matthew says simply, “not many miracles.” The fuller description is peculiar to St. Mark.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**11. Now there was there, nigh unto the mountains--**rather, "to the mountain," according to what is clearly the true reading. In Mt 8:30, they are said to have been "a good way off." But these expressions, far from being inconsistent, only confirm, by their precision, the minute accuracy of the narrative. **a great herd of swine feeding--**There can hardly be any doubt that the owners of these...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 6 Chapter Outline Christ despised in his own country.(1-6) The apostles sent forth.(7-13) John the Baptist put to death.(14-29) The apostles return, Five thousand fed by a miracle.(30-44) Christ walks on the sea, He heals those that touch him.(45-56) **Verses 1-6** Our Lord's countrymen tried to prejudice the minds of people against him. Is not this the carpen...
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And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching.

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KJV Study Commentary

He marveled because of unbelief. Jesus marveled twice unbelief (here) and great faith (centurion). Unbelief shocking given evidence miracles teaching fulfilled prophecy. Hardness of heart can resist clearest evidence. Jesus human emotions amazement at human responses. Reformed theology affirms Christ full humanity experiencing emotions while remaining sinless. Wonder at human capacity resist truth...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(6) **He marvelled.**—The word is to be noted as bearing on the reality of our Lord’s human nature, and therefore on the necessary limits within which He, as being truly man, in spirit as well as body, vouchsafed to work. Whatever powers of prevision or insight into the hearts of men might belong to Him, they were not such as to exclude the wonder which men feel at that which comes to them unlooke...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**12. And all the devils besought him, saying--**"if thou cast us out" (Mt 8:31). **Send us into the swine, that we may enter into them--**Had they spoken out all their mind, perhaps this would have been it: "If we must quit our hold of this man, suffer us to continue our work of mischief in another form, that by entering these swine, and thus destroying the people's property, we may steel their...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 6 Chapter Outline Christ despised in his own country.(1-6) The apostles sent forth.(7-13) John the Baptist put to death.(14-29) The apostles return, Five thousand fed by a miracle.(30-44) Christ walks on the sea, He heals those that touch him.(45-56) **Verses 1-6** Our Lord's countrymen tried to prejudice the minds of people against him. Is not this the carpen...
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Jesus Sends Out the Twelve

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

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KJV Study Commentary

He called twelve sent them two by two gave them power over unclean spirits. Jesus sends disciples on mission. Two by two partnership accountability mutual support. Gave power exousia delegated authority derived from Christ. Over unclean spirits spiritual warfare authority. Disciples share Christ mission ministry. Reformed theology affirms derivative authority believers minister in Christ name powe...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(7) **He called unto him the twelve.**—See Notes on Matthew 10:1-15. The omission by St. Mark of the greater part of the discourse connected with the mission of the Twelve in Matthew 10 is every way characteristic of the writer, whose main work it was to trace the ministry of action rather than of speech.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**13. And forthwith Jesus gave them leave--**In Matthew (Mt 8:32) this is given with majestic brevity--"Go!" The owners, if Jews, drove an illegal trade; if heathens, they insulted the national religion: in either case the permission was just. **And the unclean spirits went out--**of the man. **and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently--**rushed. **down a steep place--**down the...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 7-13** Though the apostles were conscious to themselves of great weakness, and expected no wordly advantage, yet, in obedience to their Master, and in dependence upon his strength, they went out. They did not amuse people with curious matters, but told them they must repent of their sins, and turn to God. The servants of Christ may hope to turn many from darkness unto God, and to heal...
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And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse. money: the word signifieth a piece of brass money, in value somewhat less than a farthing, Mat.10.9.but here it is taken in general for money

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse.</strong> Jesus' instructions for the disciples' missionary journey emphasize radical dependence on God's provision. 'Commanded them that they should take nothing' (παρήγγειλεν αὐτοῖς ἵνα μηδὲν αἴρωσιν, parēngeilen autois hina mēden airōsin) uses strong imperat...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(8) **Save a staff only.**—St, Matthew (Matthew 10:10) gives, “neither staves”—*i.e.,* they were to take one only. **No money.**—As the margin gives, no *brass,* or rather *bronze,* or *money.* The coins referred to are probably the “farthing” and the “mite” of Mark 12:42.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**14. And they that fed the swine fled, and told it--**"told everything, and what was befallen to the possessed of the devils" (Mt 8:33). **in the city, and in the country. And they went out to see what it was that was done--**Thus had they the evidence, both of the herdsmen and of their own senses, to the reality of both miracles.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 7-13** Though the apostles were conscious to themselves of great weakness, and expected no wordly advantage, yet, in obedience to their Master, and in dependence upon his strength, they went out. They did not amuse people with curious matters, but told them they must repent of their sins, and turn to God. The servants of Christ may hope to turn many from darkness unto God, and to heal...
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But be shod with sandals; and not put on two coats.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>But be shod with sandals; and not put on two coats.</strong> Jesus continues practical instructions with balance between provision and simplicity. 'Be shod with sandals' (ὑποδεδεμένους σανδάλια, hypodedemenous sandalia) allows basic foot protection for travel—recognizing practical needs without excess. Ancient Palestinian terrain required footwear; barefoot travel would be impractical and ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(9) **Be shod with sandals.**—The word occurs again in Acts 12:8. It describes obviously the shoes worn by the poor as distinguished from those of the more wealthy class, the sole of leather or wood fastened over the instep by strong leather thongs.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**15. And they come to Jesus--**Matthew (Mt 8:34) says, "Behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus." **and see him that was possessed with the devil--**the demonized person. **and had the legion, sitting--**"at the feet of Jesus," adds Luke (Lu 8:35); in contrast with his former wild and wandering habits. **and clothed--**As our Evangelist had not told us that he "ware no clothes," the m...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 7-13** Though the apostles were conscious to themselves of great weakness, and expected no wordly advantage, yet, in obedience to their Master, and in dependence upon his strength, they went out. They did not amuse people with curious matters, but told them they must repent of their sins, and turn to God. The servants of Christ may hope to turn many from darkness unto God, and to heal...
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And he said unto them, In what place soever ye enter into an house, there abide till ye depart from that place.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And he said unto them, In what place soever ye enter into an house, there abide till ye depart from that place.</strong> Jesus provides hospitality protocol for the traveling disciples. 'In what place soever ye enter into an house' (ὅπου ἐὰν εἰσέλθητε εἰς οἰκίαν, hopou ean eiselthēte eis oikian) assumes they will receive housing invitations. 'There abide till ye depart from that place' (ἐκ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**16. And they that saw it told them how it befell to him that was possessed with the devil--**("the demonized person"). **and also concerning the swine--**Thus had they the double testimony of the herdsmen and their own senses.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 7-13** Though the apostles were conscious to themselves of great weakness, and expected no wordly advantage, yet, in obedience to their Master, and in dependence upon his strength, they went out. They did not amuse people with curious matters, but told them they must repent of their sins, and turn to God. The servants of Christ may hope to turn many from darkness unto God, and to heal...
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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. and: Gr. or

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>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.</strong> Jesus prepares disciples for rejection with solemn response protocol. 'Whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you' (ὃς ἂν τό...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(11) **Whosoever shall not receive you.**—The better MSS. give, “whatsoever place shall not receive you.” (See Note on Matthew 10:14.)

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**17. And they began to pray him to depart out of their coasts--**Was it the owners only of the valuable property now lost to them that did this? Alas, no! For Luke (Lu 8:37) says, "Then the whole multitude of the country of the Gadarenes round about besought Him to depart from them; for they were taken with great fear." The evil spirits had thus, alas! their object. Irritated, the people could no...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 7-13** Though the apostles were conscious to themselves of great weakness, and expected no wordly advantage, yet, in obedience to their Master, and in dependence upon his strength, they went out. They did not amuse people with curious matters, but told them they must repent of their sins, and turn to God. The servants of Christ may hope to turn many from darkness unto God, and to heal...
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And they went out, and preached that men should repent.

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KJV Study Commentary

They went out preached people should repent. Apostolic preaching centered on repentance. Metanoia change of mind life turning from sin to God. Not merely feeling sorry but radical reorientation. Gospel call is repent and believe. Faith and repentance two sides one coin. Reformed theology emphasizes repentance gift from God enabled by Spirit. Sinner does not generate own repentance God grants it. P...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(12) **And preached that men should repent.**—The work of the Apostles appears from this to have been a continuation of that of the Baptist. They announced the nearness of the kingdom of God, and repentance as the one adequate preparation for it, and baptised as the outward token of that repentance and the new life in which it was to issue (John 3:5; John 4:2), but they did not as yet proclaim the...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**18. he that had been possessed with the devil prayed him that he might be with him--**the grateful heart, fresh from the hand of demons, clinging to its wondrous Benefactor. How exquisitely natural!

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 7-13** Though the apostles were conscious to themselves of great weakness, and expected no wordly advantage, yet, in obedience to their Master, and in dependence upon his strength, they went out. They did not amuse people with curious matters, but told them they must repent of their sins, and turn to God. The servants of Christ may hope to turn many from darkness unto God, and to heal...
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And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them.</strong> This verse summarizes the Twelve's successful mission, demonstrating Christ's authority extended through His authorized representatives. 'They cast out many devils' (δαιμόνια πολλὰ ἐξέβαλλον, daimonia polla exeballon) shows Jesus' authority over demons wasn't limited to His personal presence...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(13) **Anointed with oil.**—St. Mark is the only Evangelist who mentions this as the common practice of the disciples, but we learn from James 5:14 that it was afterwards in use, at least, in the churches of Jerusalem and other Jewish communities. It was partly analogous to our Lord’s treatment of the blind and deaf (Mark 7:33; Mark 8:23; John 9:6), i.e., it was an outward sign showing the wish to...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**19. Howbeit, Jesus suffered him not, &amp;c.--**To be a missionary for Christ, in the region where he was so well known and so long dreaded, was a far nobler calling than to follow Him where nobody had ever heard of him, and where other trophies not less illustrious could be raised by the same power and grace.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 7-13** Though the apostles were conscious to themselves of great weakness, and expected no wordly advantage, yet, in obedience to their Master, and in dependence upon his strength, they went out. They did not amuse people with curious matters, but told them they must repent of their sins, and turn to God. The servants of Christ may hope to turn many from darkness unto God, and to heal...
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The Death of John the Baptist

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.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>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.</strong> The narrative shifts to Herod Antipas, tetrarch of Galilee, whose guilty conscience interprets Jesus' ministry through lens of his own sin. 'King Herod heard of him' (Ἤκουσεν ὁ βασιλεὺς Ἡρῴδης, Ēkouse...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(14) **That John the Baptist was risen from the dead.**—See Notes on Matthew 14:1-2. In addition an interesting illustration of what is stated as to Herod’s belief may be given from the Roman poet Persius. He is describing in one of his satires (v. 180-188) the effect of superstitious fear in marring all the pleasures of the pride of luxurious pomp, and this is the illustration which he chooses:— ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**20. And he departed, and began to publish--**not only among his friends, to whom Jesus immediately sent him, but **in Decapolis--**so called, as being a region of ten cities. (See on Mt 4:25). **how great things Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel--**Throughout that considerable region did this monument of mercy proclaim his new-found Lord; and some, it is to be hoped, did more th...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 14-29** Herod feared John while he lived, and feared him still more when he was dead. Herod did many of those things which John in his preaching taught him; but it is not enough to do many things, we must have respect to all the commandments. Herod respected John, till he touched him in his Herodias. Thus many love good preaching, if it keep far away from their beloved sin. But it is ...
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Others said, That it is Elias. And others said, That it is a prophet, or as one of the prophets.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Others said, That it is Elias. And others said, That it is a prophet, or as one of the prophets.</strong> Popular speculation about Jesus' identity reveals widespread recognition of His prophetic authority yet fundamental misunderstanding of His true nature. 'It is Elias' (Ἠλίας ἐστίν, Ēlias estin) identified Jesus with Elijah, whom Malachi 4:5 promised would return before the Messiah. Som...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**21. And when Jesus was passed over again by ship unto the other side--**from the Gadarene side of the lake, where He had parted with the healed demoniac, to the west side, at Capernaum. **much people gathered unto him--**who "gladly received Him; for they were all waiting for Him" (Lu 8:40). The abundant teaching earlier that day (Mr 4:1, &amp;c., and Mt 13:1-58) had only whetted the people's ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 14-29** Herod feared John while he lived, and feared him still more when he was dead. Herod did many of those things which John in his preaching taught him; but it is not enough to do many things, we must have respect to all the commandments. Herod respected John, till he touched him in his Herodias. Thus many love good preaching, if it keep far away from their beloved sin. But it is ...
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But when Herod heard thereof, he said, It is John, whom I beheaded: he is risen from the dead.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>But when Herod heard thereof, he said, It is John, whom I beheaded: he is risen from the dead.</strong> Herod's tormented conscience fixates on one interpretation despite various theories circulating. 'When Herod heard thereof' (ἀκούσας ὁ Ἡρῴδης, akousas ho Hērōdēs) indicates continuing reports of Jesus' ministry reached him. Unlike others' speculation, Herod pronounced with certainty: 'It...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**22. And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue--**of which class there were but few who believed in Jesus (Joh 7:48). One would suppose from this that the ruler had been with the multitude on the shore, anxiously awaiting the return of Jesus, and immediately on His arrival had accosted Him as here related. But Matthew (Mt 9:18) tells us that the ruler came to Him while He was i...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 14-29** Herod feared John while he lived, and feared him still more when he was dead. Herod did many of those things which John in his preaching taught him; but it is not enough to do many things, we must have respect to all the commandments. Herod respected John, till he touched him in his Herodias. Thus many love good preaching, if it keep far away from their beloved sin. But it is ...
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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.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>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.</strong> Mark begins the flashback explaining John's execution, revealing the moral corruption behind Herod's guilty conscience. 'Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John' (αὐτὸς γὰρ ὁ Ἡρῴδης ἀποστείλας ἐκράτησεν τὸν Ἰωάννην, a...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(17) **For Herod himself had sent forth.**—See Notes on Matthew 14:3-12.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**23. And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter--**Luke (Lu 8:42) says, "He had one only daughter, about twelve years of age." According to a well-known rabbin, quoted by Lightfoot, a daughter, till she had completed her twelfth year, was called "little," or "a little maid"; after that, "a young woman." **lieth at the point of death--**Matthew (Mt 9:18) gives it thus: "My daughter is ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 14-29** Herod feared John while he lived, and feared him still more when he was dead. Herod did many of those things which John in his preaching taught him; but it is not enough to do many things, we must have respect to all the commandments. Herod respected John, till he touched him in his Herodias. Thus many love good preaching, if it keep far away from their beloved sin. But it is ...
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For John had said unto Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother's wife.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>For John had said unto Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother's wife.</strong> This verse captures John's prophetic message that cost him his life. 'John had said' (ἔλεγεν γὰρ ὁ Ἰωάννης, elegen gar ho Iōannēs) uses imperfect tense indicating repeated proclamation—John persistently confronted Herod, not merely one-time rebuke but ongoing prophetic witness. 'It is not lawful' (...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**24. And Jesus went with him; and much people followed him, and thronged him--**The word in Luke (Lu 8:42) is stronger--"choked," "stifled Him."

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 14-29** Herod feared John while he lived, and feared him still more when he was dead. Herod did many of those things which John in his preaching taught him; but it is not enough to do many things, we must have respect to all the commandments. Herod respected John, till he touched him in his Herodias. Thus many love good preaching, if it keep far away from their beloved sin. But it is ...
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Therefore Herodias had a quarrel against him, and would have killed him; but she could not: a quarrel: or, an inward grudge

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Therefore Herodias had a quarrel against him, and would have killed him; but she could not.</strong> Herodias's response to prophetic rebuke reveals hardened opposition to God's word. 'Herodias had a quarrel against him' (ἡ δὲ Ἡρῳδιὰς ἐνεῖχεν αὐτῷ, hē de Hērōdias eneichen autō) means she nursed a grudge, held resentment—not momentary anger but sustained hostility. The verb ἐνέχω (enechō) i...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(19) **Herodias had a quarrel.**—Better, as in the margin, *had a grudge, or spite, against him.*

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 14-29** Herod feared John while he lived, and feared him still more when he was dead. Herod did many of those things which John in his preaching taught him; but it is not enough to do many things, we must have respect to all the commandments. Herod respected John, till he touched him in his Herodias. Thus many love good preaching, if it keep far away from their beloved sin. But it is ...
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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. observed him: or, kept him, or, saved him

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>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.</strong> This verse reveals Herod's conflicted response—simultaneously respecting and imprisoning John. 'Herod feared John' (ὁ γὰρ Ἡρῴδης ἐφοβεῖτο τὸν Ἰωάννην, ho gar Hērōdēs ephobeito ton Iōannēn) indicates reverent fear or awe, not terror. ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(20) **For Herod feared John.**—The full description of Herod’s feelings towards the Baptist is peculiar to St. Mark. **A just man and an holy.**—The two words indicate—the first, righteousness as seen in relation to man; the second, the same element of character in relation to God. **Observed him.**—The word has been differently interpreted, but Luke 2:19, where it is translated “kept,” seems dec...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**26. And had suffered many things of many physicians--**The expression perhaps does not necessarily refer to the suffering she endured under medical treatment, but to the much varied treatment which she underwent. **and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse--**pitiable case, and affectingly aggravated; emblem of our natural state as fallen creatures (Eze 16...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 14-29** Herod feared John while he lived, and feared him still more when he was dead. Herod did many of those things which John in his preaching taught him; but it is not enough to do many things, we must have respect to all the commandments. Herod respected John, till he touched him in his Herodias. Thus many love good preaching, if it keep far away from their beloved sin. But it is ...
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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;

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>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.</strong> Herodias's opportunity for revenge arrives through royal celebration. 'A convenient day' (ἡμέρας εὐκαίρου γενομένης, hēmeras eukairou genomenēs) ironically describes what was convenient for Herodias's murderous plot—the Greek εὔκαιρος (eukairos) m...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(21-29) **And when a convenient day was come.**—See Notes on Matthew 14:6-12. **His lords, high captains, and chief estates.**—St. Mark alone gives the account of the guests. The three words mean respectively—(1) the *magnates,* or officials of the court; (2) the *chiliarchs,* or chief captains (literally, *captain of a thousand*—the same word as in Acts 21:31; Acts 26:26) in the Roman legion; (3)...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**27. When she had heard of Jesus, came--**This was the right experiment at last. What had she "heard of Jesus?" No doubt it was His marvellous cures she had heard of; and the hearing of these, in connection with her bitter experience of the vanity of applying to any other, had been blessed to the kindling in her soul of a firm confidence that He who had so willingly wrought such cures on others w...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 14-29** Herod feared John while he lived, and feared him still more when he was dead. Herod did many of those things which John in his preaching taught him; but it is not enough to do many things, we must have respect to all the commandments. Herod respected John, till he touched him in his Herodias. Thus many love good preaching, if it keep far away from their beloved sin. But it is ...
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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.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>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.</strong> Herodias executes her plot through her daughter's provocative performance. 'The daughter of Herodias came in and danced' (εἰσελθούσης τῆς θυγατρὸς αὐτοῦ Ἡρῳδιάδος καὶ ὀρχησαμένης, eisel...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**28. For she said--**"within herself" (Mt 9:21). **If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole--**that is, if I may but come in contact with this glorious Healer at all. Remarkable faith this!

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 14-29** Herod feared John while he lived, and feared him still more when he was dead. Herod did many of those things which John in his preaching taught him; but it is not enough to do many things, we must have respect to all the commandments. Herod respected John, till he touched him in his Herodias. Thus many love good preaching, if it keep far away from their beloved sin. But it is ...
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And he sware unto her, Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give it thee, unto the half of my kingdom.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And he sware unto her, Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give it thee, unto the half of my kingdom.</strong> Herod compounds his foolish promise with a solemn oath, creating self-imposed trap. 'He sware unto her' (ὤμοσεν αὐτῇ, ōmosen autē) indicates formal vow, likely invoking divine witness—making it religiously binding in his mind. The phrase 'Whatsoever thou shalt ask... unto the ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**29. And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up--**Not only was her issue of blood stanched (Lu 8:44), but the cause of it was thoroughly removed, insomuch that by her bodily sensations she immediately knew herself perfectly cured.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 14-29** Herod feared John while he lived, and feared him still more when he was dead. Herod did many of those things which John in his preaching taught him; but it is not enough to do many things, we must have respect to all the commandments. Herod respected John, till he touched him in his Herodias. Thus many love good preaching, if it keep far away from their beloved sin. But it is ...
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And she went forth, and said unto her mother, What shall I ask? And she said, The head of John the Baptist.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And she went forth, and said unto her mother, What shall I ask? And she said, The head of John the Baptist.</strong> The plot's mastermind reveals herself as Salome consults her mother. 'She went forth' (ἐξελθοῦσα, exelthousa) indicates Salome left the banquet hall to consult Herodias privately—suggesting she didn't initially know what to request. This demonstrates Herodias's manipulation:...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(24) **She went forth, and said unto her mother.**—This feature in the narrative is peculiar to St. Mark.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**30. And Jesus immediately knowing in himself that virtue--**or "efficacy." **had gone out of him--**He was conscious of the forthgoing of His healing power, which was not--as in prophets and apostles--something foreign to Himself and imparted merely, but what He had dwelling within Him as "His own fulness." **turned him about in the press--**crowd. and said, Who touched my clothes?

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 14-29** Herod feared John while he lived, and feared him still more when he was dead. Herod did many of those things which John in his preaching taught him; but it is not enough to do many things, we must have respect to all the commandments. Herod respected John, till he touched him in his Herodias. Thus many love good preaching, if it keep far away from their beloved sin. But it is ...
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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.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>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.</strong> Salome's urgent return demonstrates the conspiracy's urgency and cruelty. 'She came in straightway with haste' (εἰσελθοῦσα εὐθὺς μετὰ σπουδῆς, eiselthousa euthys meta spoudēs) emphasizes immediate action—no delay, no reflection, jus...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(25) **By and by.**—We hardly recognise in this word, so much has its meaning altered, St. Mark’s familiar “forthwith” or “immediately.” At the period when our version was made it was, however (as we find in Shakespeare), in common use as an equivalent. (Comp. Matthew 13:21.)

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**31. And his disciples said unto him--**Luke says (Lu 8:45), "When all denied, Peter and they that were with Him said, Master." **Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?--**"Askest thou, Lord, who touched Thee? Rather ask who touched Thee not in such a throng." "And Jesus said, Somebody hath touched Me"--"a certain person has touched Me"--"for I perceive that v...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 14-29** Herod feared John while he lived, and feared him still more when he was dead. Herod did many of those things which John in his preaching taught him; but it is not enough to do many things, we must have respect to all the commandments. Herod respected John, till he touched him in his Herodias. Thus many love good preaching, if it keep far away from their beloved sin. But it is ...
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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.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>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.</strong> Herod's tragic choice reveals the fruit of compromised character. 'The king was exceeding sorry' (περίλυπος γενόμενος, perilypos genomenos) indicates deep grief—the Greek περίλυπος (perilypos) means exceedingly sorrowful or deeply distressed. This wasn't casu...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**32. And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing--**not for the purpose of summoning forth a culprit, but, as we shall presently see, to obtain from the healed one a testimony to what He had done for her.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 14-29** Herod feared John while he lived, and feared him still more when he was dead. Herod did many of those things which John in his preaching taught him; but it is not enough to do many things, we must have respect to all the commandments. Herod respected John, till he touched him in his Herodias. Thus many love good preaching, if it keep far away from their beloved sin. But it is ...
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And immediately the king sent an executioner, and commanded his head to be brought: and he went and beheaded him in the prison, an: or, one of his guard

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And immediately the king sent an executioner, and commanded his head to be brought: and he went and beheaded him in the prison.</strong> The execution proceeds with tragic swiftness. 'Immediately' (εὐθέως, eutheōs) emphasizes no delay—the murder followed the request directly, allowing no time for reflection or intervention. 'Sent an executioner' (ἀποστείλας σπεκουλάτορα, aposteilas spekoul...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(27) **An executioner.**—St. Mark uses a Latin word, *speculator,* a word which, originally meaning “watchman” or “sentinel,” had come to be applied by Latin writers of the time specifically to soldiers employed, as in this instance, as couriers or messengers (Suet. *Caligula,* c. 44; Tacit. *Hist.* xi. 73).

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**33. But the woman, fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her--**alarmed, as a humble, shrinking female would naturally be, at the necessity of so public an exposure of herself, yet conscious that she had a tale to tell which would speak for her. **came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth--**In Luke (Lu 8:47) it is, "When the woman saw that she was not hid, she came t...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 14-29** Herod feared John while he lived, and feared him still more when he was dead. Herod did many of those things which John in his preaching taught him; but it is not enough to do many things, we must have respect to all the commandments. Herod respected John, till he touched him in his Herodias. Thus many love good preaching, if it keep far away from their beloved sin. But it is ...
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And brought his head in a charger, and gave it to the damsel: and the damsel gave it to her mother.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And brought his head in a charger, and gave it to the damsel: and the damsel gave it to her mother.</strong> The macabre delivery completes Herodias's revenge. 'Brought his head in a charger' (ἤνεγκεν τὴν κεφαλὴν αὐτοῦ ἐπὶ πίνακι, ēnenken tēn kephalēn autou epi pinaki)—the prophet's severed head presented on serving platter like banquet food. This grotesque image reveals sin's ultimate deg...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**34. And he said unto her, Daughter--**"be of good comfort" (Lu 8:48). **thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague--**Though healed as soon as she believed, it seemed to her a stolen cure--she feared to acknowledge it. Jesus therefore sets His royal seal upon it. But what a glorious dismissal from the lips of Him who is "our Peace" is that, "Go in peace!" Jairus...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 14-29** Herod feared John while he lived, and feared him still more when he was dead. Herod did many of those things which John in his preaching taught him; but it is not enough to do many things, we must have respect to all the commandments. Herod respected John, till he touched him in his Herodias. Thus many love good preaching, if it keep far away from their beloved sin. But it is ...
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And when his disciples heard of it, they came and took up his corpse, and laid it in a tomb.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And when his disciples heard of it, they came and took up his corpse, and laid it in a tomb.</strong> John's disciples perform final act of devotion to their martyred teacher. 'When his disciples heard of it' (ἀκούσαντες οἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ, akousantes hoi mathētai autou) indicates news spread quickly—John's followers learned of his execution. 'They came' (ἦλθον, ēlthon) shows courage—approac...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**35. Thy daughter is dead; why troublest thou the Master any further?--**the Teacher.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 14-29** Herod feared John while he lived, and feared him still more when he was dead. Herod did many of those things which John in his preaching taught him; but it is not enough to do many things, we must have respect to all the commandments. Herod respected John, till he touched him in his Herodias. Thus many love good preaching, if it keep far away from their beloved sin. But it is ...
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Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand

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

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KJV Study Commentary

Apostles gathered unto Jesus told him all things both what done and taught. Apostles return from mission. Gathered pros assembled with. Told apēggeilan reported. Both kai te all inclusive. What done epoiēsan works performed. Taught edidaxan doctrine communicated. Accountability reporting back. Ministry review learning from experience. Jesus debriefing disciples evaluating ministry. Reformed theolo...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(30) **And the apostles gathered themselves together.**—The return of the Twelve from their first mission is mentioned by St. Luke (Luke 9:10), but not by St. Matthew in this connection.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**36. he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe--**Jesus, knowing how the heart of the agonized father would sink at the tidings, and the reflections at the delay which would be apt to rise in his mind, hastens to reassure him, and in His accustomed style: **"Be not afraid, only believe"--**words of unchanging preciousness and power! How vividly do such incidents bring ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 30-44** Let not ministers do any thing or teach any thing, but what they are willing should be told to their Lord. Christ notices the frights of some, and the toils of others of his disciples, and provides rest for those that are tired, and refuge for those that are terrified. The people sought the spiritual food of Christ's word, and then he took care that they should not want bodily...
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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.

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KJV Study Commentary

He said unto them Come ye apart into desert place rest awhile many coming going no leisure eat. Come deute imperativeinvitation. Ye apart humeis idioms privately withdrawn. Desert place erēmon topon isolated location. Rest anapausasthe refresh recuperate. Awhile oligon brief period. Many polloi crowd. Coming going not even opportunity eat. Jesus values rest recognizes human limitations. Ministers ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(31-44) **And he said unto them.**—See Notes on Matthew 14:13-21. Peculiar to St. Mark are (1) the tender consideration of the invitation to “rest awhile,” and (2) the description of the throng of people as “coming and going.”

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**37. And he suffered no man to follow him, save Peter, and James, and John the brother of James--**(See on Mr 1:29).

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 30-44** Let not ministers do any thing or teach any thing, but what they are willing should be told to their Lord. Christ notices the frights of some, and the toils of others of his disciples, and provides rest for those that are tired, and refuge for those that are terrified. The people sought the spiritual food of Christ's word, and then he took care that they should not want bodily...
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And they departed into a desert place by ship privately .

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And they departed into a desert place by ship privately.</strong> After the intense narrative of John's death, Jesus seeks solitude with His disciples. 'They departed into a desert place' (ἀπῆλθον ἐν τῷ πλοίῳ εἰς ἔρημον τόπον, apēlthon en tō ploiō eis erēmon topon) indicates intentional withdrawal to isolated area. The 'desert place' (erēmon topon) suggests uninhabited region for rest and ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**38. And he cometh--**rather, "they come." **to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and seeth the tumult, and them that wept and wailed greatly--**"the minstrels and the people making a noise" (Mt 9:23)--lamenting for the dead. (See 2Ch 35:25; Jr 9:20; Am 5:16).

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 30-44** Let not ministers do any thing or teach any thing, but what they are willing should be told to their Lord. Christ notices the frights of some, and the toils of others of his disciples, and provides rest for those that are tired, and refuge for those that are terrified. The people sought the spiritual food of Christ's word, and then he took care that they should not want bodily...
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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.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>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.</strong> Despite Jesus' attempt at privacy, crowds pursue Him. 'The people saw them departing' (εἶδον αὐτοὺς ὑπάγοντας, eidon autous hypagontas) indicates their departure was observed. 'Many knew him' (ἐπέγνωσαν αὐτόν, epegnōsan auton) shows Jesus was...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(33) **And ran afoot.**—The words are used to point the contrast between the disciples, who had come in their boat, and the crowds who came by land.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**39. And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth--**so brief her state of death as to be more like a short sleep.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 30-44** Let not ministers do any thing or teach any thing, but what they are willing should be told to their Lord. Christ notices the frights of some, and the toils of others of his disciples, and provides rest for those that are tired, and refuge for those that are terrified. The people sought the spiritual food of Christ's word, and then he took care that they should not want bodily...
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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.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>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.</strong> Jesus' response to the gathered crowds reveals His heart. 'When he came out' (ἐξελθὼν, exelthōn)—disembarking from the boat, Jesus encountered the crowd that outran Him. 'Saw much people' (εἶδεν πολὺν ὄχλ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**40. And they laughed him to scorn--**rather, simply, "laughed at Him"--"knowing that she was dead" (Lu 8:53); an important testimony this to the reality of her death. **But when he had put them all out--**The word is strong--"turned them all out"; meaning all those who were making this noise, and any others that may have been there from sympathy, that only those might be present who were most ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 30-44** Let not ministers do any thing or teach any thing, but what they are willing should be told to their Lord. Christ notices the frights of some, and the toils of others of his disciples, and provides rest for those that are tired, and refuge for those that are terrified. The people sought the spiritual food of Christ's word, and then he took care that they should not want bodily...
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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:

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>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:</strong> The disciples' practical concern creates setup for the feeding miracle. 'When the day was now far spent' (ὀψίας ἤδη γενομένης, opsias ēdē genomenēs) indicates late afternoon approaching evening. 'This is a desert place' (ἔρημός ἐστιν ὁ τόπος, erēmos es...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(35) F**ar spent . . . far passed.**—The Greek word is the same in both clauses.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**41. And he took the damsel by the hand--**as He did Peter's mother-in-law (Mr 1:31). **and said unto her, Talitha cumi--**The words are Aramaic, or Syro-Chaldaic, the then language of Palestine. Mark loves to give such wonderful words just as they were spoken. See Mr 7:34; 14:36.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 30-44** Let not ministers do any thing or teach any thing, but what they are willing should be told to their Lord. Christ notices the frights of some, and the toils of others of his disciples, and provides rest for those that are tired, and refuge for those that are terrified. The people sought the spiritual food of Christ's word, and then he took care that they should not want bodily...
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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.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>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.</strong> The disciples propose human solution to the crisis: dismiss the crowds. 'Send them away' (ἀπόλυσον αὐτούς, apolyson autous) suggests dispersing the multitude. Their plan: 'that they may go into the country round about, and into the villages'...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(36) **Into the country.**—Better, *the farms*—*i.e.,* the enclosed, cultivated land, and what belonged to it. **And buy themselves bread: for they have nothing to eat.**—The better MSS. give simply, “buy themselves what they may eat.”

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**42. And straightway the damsel--**The word here is different from that in Mr 5:39-41, and signifies "young maiden," or "little girl." **arose, and walked--**a vivid touch evidently from an eye-witness. **And they were astonished with a great astonishment--**The language here is the strongest.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 30-44** Let not ministers do any thing or teach any thing, but what they are willing should be told to their Lord. Christ notices the frights of some, and the toils of others of his disciples, and provides rest for those that are tired, and refuge for those that are terrified. The people sought the spiritual food of Christ's word, and then he took care that they should not want bodily...
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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? pennyworth: the Roman penny is sevenpence halfpenny

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>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?</strong> Jesus' command confronts the disciples with their inadequacy, driving them to recognize impossibility and thus necessity of divine intervention. 'Give ye them to eat' (Δότε αὐτοῖς ὑμεῖς φαγεῖν, Dote autois hymeis phagein)—the emphat...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**43. And he charged them straitly--**strictly. **that no man should know it--**The only reason we can assign for this is His desire not to let the public feeling regarding Him come too precipitately to a crisis. **and commanded that something should be given her to eat--**in token of perfect restoration.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 30-44** Let not ministers do any thing or teach any thing, but what they are willing should be told to their Lord. Christ notices the frights of some, and the toils of others of his disciples, and provides rest for those that are tired, and refuge for those that are terrified. The people sought the spiritual food of Christ's word, and then he took care that they should not want bodily...
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He saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? go and see. And when they knew, they say, Five, and two fishes.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>He saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? go and see. And when they knew, they say, Five, and two fishes.</strong> Jesus redirects from what they lack to what they have. 'How many loaves have ye?' (Πόσους ἄρτους ἔχετε, Posous artous echete) shifts focus from impossible cost to available resources. 'Go and see' (ὑπάγετε ἴδετε, hypageteidete)—Jesus sends them on inventory mission. 'When t...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 30-44** Let not ministers do any thing or teach any thing, but what they are willing should be told to their Lord. Christ notices the frights of some, and the toils of others of his disciples, and provides rest for those that are tired, and refuge for those that are terrified. The people sought the spiritual food of Christ's word, and then he took care that they should not want bodily...
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And he commanded them to make all sit down by companies upon the green grass.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And he commanded them to make all sit down by companies upon the green grass.</strong> Jesus organizes the crowd before the miracle, demonstrating order in divine provision. 'He commanded them to make all sit down by companies' (ἐπέταξεν αὐτοῖς ἀνακλῖναι πάντας συμπόσια συμπόσια, epetaxen autois anaklinai pantas symposia symposia)—the Greek symposia symposia (literally 'drinking parties dr...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(39) **By companies.**—The Greek expresses the distributive force of the English by simple repetition, *“*companies *and* companies.” The “green grass” may be noted as an example of St. Mark’s vividness, and serves as an indirect note of time pointing to the same season as that specified by St. John, *sc.,* a little before the Passover. (Comp. John 6:10.)

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 30-44** Let not ministers do any thing or teach any thing, but what they are willing should be told to their Lord. Christ notices the frights of some, and the toils of others of his disciples, and provides rest for those that are tired, and refuge for those that are terrified. The people sought the spiritual food of Christ's word, and then he took care that they should not want bodily...
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And they sat down in ranks , by hundreds, and by fifties.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And they sat down in ranks, by hundreds, and by fifties.</strong> The precise organization facilitates distribution and establishes the miracle's credibility. 'They sat down in ranks' (ἀνέπεσαν πρασιαὶ πρασιαὶ, anepesan prasiai prasiai)—the Greek prasiai prasiai literally means 'garden beds garden beds,' suggesting orderly rows like planted vegetables. This vivid imagery describes organize...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(40) **In ranks.**—The primary meaning of the Greek word is “a bed of flowers or herbs,” and it comes in here effectively, with the same distributive reduplication as in the last verse, to paint the whole scene to the mind’s eye.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 30-44** Let not ministers do any thing or teach any thing, but what they are willing should be told to their Lord. Christ notices the frights of some, and the toils of others of his disciples, and provides rest for those that are tired, and refuge for those that are terrified. The people sought the spiritual food of Christ's word, and then he took care that they should not want bodily...
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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.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>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.</strong> The miracle's mechanics reveal pattern of blessing, breaking, and distributing that foreshadows the Eucharist. 'When he had taken the five loaves and the two fishes' (λα...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 30-44** Let not ministers do any thing or teach any thing, but what they are willing should be told to their Lord. Christ notices the frights of some, and the toils of others of his disciples, and provides rest for those that are tired, and refuge for those that are terrified. The people sought the spiritual food of Christ's word, and then he took care that they should not want bodily...
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And they did all eat, and were filled.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And they did all eat, and were filled.</strong> The miracle's result confirms complete provision. Everyone ate and 'were filled' (ἐχορτάσθησαν, echortasthēsan), meaning completely satisfied. Christ's provision doesn't merely meet minimum needs but provides abundant satisfaction. This material feeding illustrated spiritual reality: Christ as Bread of Life fully satisfies spiritual hunger (J...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 30-44** Let not ministers do any thing or teach any thing, but what they are willing should be told to their Lord. Christ notices the frights of some, and the toils of others of his disciples, and provides rest for those that are tired, and refuge for those that are terrified. The people sought the spiritual food of Christ's word, and then he took care that they should not want bodily...
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And they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments, and of the fishes.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments, and of the fishes.</strong> Twelve baskets of leftovers exceeded the original five loaves exponentially. Jewish custom prohibited waste, so fragments were gathered. The twelve baskets (one per apostle) demonstrated that serving Christ's provision leaves servants abundantly supplied. Those who distribute divine grace discover inexhausti...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 30-44** Let not ministers do any thing or teach any thing, but what they are willing should be told to their Lord. Christ notices the frights of some, and the toils of others of his disciples, and provides rest for those that are tired, and refuge for those that are terrified. The people sought the spiritual food of Christ's word, and then he took care that they should not want bodily...
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And they that did eat of the loaves were about five thousand men.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And they that did eat of the loaves were about five thousand men.</strong> Five thousand 'men' (ἄνδρες, andres, adult males) excludes women and children, suggesting 15,000-20,000 total. This precision establishes credibility through organized counting (groups of 50 and 100). The magnitude surpassed all prior miracles, confirming Jesus' divine identity. Specific numbers served apologetic pu...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(44) **Five thousand men.**—St. Mark uses the word which excludes women and children.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 30-44** Let not ministers do any thing or teach any thing, but what they are willing should be told to their Lord. Christ notices the frights of some, and the toils of others of his disciples, and provides rest for those that are tired, and refuge for those that are terrified. The people sought the spiritual food of Christ's word, and then he took care that they should not want bodily...
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Jesus Walks on Water

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. unto: or, over against Bethsaida

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>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.</strong> Jesus 'constrained' (ἠνάγκασεν, ēnankassen, compelled/forced) reluctant disciples to leave. John 6:15 explains why: the crowd wanted to make Jesus king by force. He removed disciples from this temptation, protecting them from mob enth...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(45) **Unto Bethsaida.**—There is nothing in the text to warrant the marginal reading, “over against Beth-saida.” It was probably suggested by some one who did not know that there were two Bethsaidas, in order to avoid the seeming difficulty which presented itself from the statement in St. Luke, that the Five Thousand were fed at or near Bethsaida.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 45-56** The church is often like a ship at sea, tossed with tempests, and not comforted: we may have Christ for us, yet wind and tide against us; but it is a comfort to Christ's disciples in a storm, that their Master is in the heavenly mount, interceding for them. And no difficulties can hinder Christ's appearance for his people, when the set time is come. He silenced their fears, by...
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And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray.</strong> After spectacular miracle and acclaim, Jesus withdrew to pray. This pattern (Mark 1:35; Luke 5:16) models proper response to ministry fruit—not self-congratulation but communion with God. Prayer sustained Jesus' ministry, maintained alignment with Father's will, and renewed strength. If sinless Christ required pr...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(46-52) **And when he had sent them away.**—See Notes on Matthew 14:22-33.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 45-56** The church is often like a ship at sea, tossed with tempests, and not comforted: we may have Christ for us, yet wind and tide against us; but it is a comfort to Christ's disciples in a storm, that their Master is in the heavenly mount, interceding for them. And no difficulties can hinder Christ's appearance for his people, when the set time is come. He silenced their fears, by...
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And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land.</strong> Evening/night, disciples mid-sea, Jesus alone on land—physical separation set stage for walking-on-water miracle. The contrast emphasizes isolation: disciples struggling, Jesus solitary. Yet Jesus wasn't alone—He communed with Father. Geographic separation would be overcome miraculously, illust...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 45-56** The church is often like a ship at sea, tossed with tempests, and not comforted: we may have Christ for us, yet wind and tide against us; but it is a comfort to Christ's disciples in a storm, that their Master is in the heavenly mount, interceding for them. And no difficulties can hinder Christ's appearance for his people, when the set time is come. He silenced their fears, by...
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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.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>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.</strong> Jesus 'saw them toiling in rowing'—despite physical distance and darkness, He observed their struggle. 'Fourth watch' (3-6 AM) meant hours of exhausting labor. He came 'walking upon the sea,' demon...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 45-56** The church is often like a ship at sea, tossed with tempests, and not comforted: we may have Christ for us, yet wind and tide against us; but it is a comfort to Christ's disciples in a storm, that their Master is in the heavenly mount, interceding for them. And no difficulties can hinder Christ's appearance for his people, when the set time is come. He silenced their fears, by...
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But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out:

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out:</strong> Seeing Jesus walking on water, they 'supposed it had been a spirit' (φάντασμα, phantasma, ghost/apparition) and 'cried out' in terror. Their fear despite witnessing countless miracles reveals persistent spiritual dullness. They didn't immediately recognize Jesus in unexpected manifestati...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 45-56** The church is often like a ship at sea, tossed with tempests, and not comforted: we may have Christ for us, yet wind and tide against us; but it is a comfort to Christ's disciples in a storm, that their Master is in the heavenly mount, interceding for them. And no difficulties can hinder Christ's appearance for his people, when the set time is come. He silenced their fears, by...
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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.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>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.</strong> 'They all saw him'—establishing corporate witness, not individual vision. 'Were troubled' (ἐταράχθησαν, etarachthēsan, agitated/terrified). Jesus 'immediately' (εὐθὺς, euthys) spoke: 'Be of good cheer' (θαρσεῖτε, tharseite, take courage). 'It...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 45-56** The church is often like a ship at sea, tossed with tempests, and not comforted: we may have Christ for us, yet wind and tide against us; but it is a comfort to Christ's disciples in a storm, that their Master is in the heavenly mount, interceding for them. And no difficulties can hinder Christ's appearance for his people, when the set time is come. He silenced their fears, by...
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And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered.</strong> Jesus entered the boat, 'the wind ceased'—demonstrating authority over nature. 'They were sore amazed' (ἐξίσταντο, existanto, utterly astonished) 'beyond measure' (ἐν ἑαυτοῖς περισσῶς, en heautois perissōs, exceedingly). Despite witnessing miracles con...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 45-56** The church is often like a ship at sea, tossed with tempests, and not comforted: we may have Christ for us, yet wind and tide against us; but it is a comfort to Christ's disciples in a storm, that their Master is in the heavenly mount, interceding for them. And no difficulties can hinder Christ's appearance for his people, when the set time is come. He silenced their fears, by...
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For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened.</strong> Their amazement revealed failure to learn from the feeding: 'they considered not the miracle of the loaves' (οὐ γὰρ συνῆκαν ἐπὶ τοῖς ἄρτοις, ou gar synēkan epi tois artois). 'For their heart was hardened' (ἀλλ᾽ ἦν αὐτῶν ἡ καρδία πεπωρωμένη, all' ēn autōn hē kardia pepōrōmenē)—πωρόω (poroō) means callo...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(52) **For they considered not.**—This is peculiar to St. Mark, and may fairly be received as representing St. Peter’s recollection of what had been the mental state of the disciples at the time. They had not drawn from the miracle of the Loaves the conclusion which they might have drawn, that all natural forces were subject to their Master’s sovereignty. The personal connection of the Evangelist ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

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 Baptist--Account 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, H...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 45-56** The church is often like a ship at sea, tossed with tempests, and not comforted: we may have Christ for us, yet wind and tide against us; but it is a comfort to Christ's disciples in a storm, that their Master is in the heavenly mount, interceding for them. And no difficulties can hinder Christ's appearance for his people, when the set time is come. He silenced their fears, by...
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Jesus Heals the Sick in Gennesaret

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

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And when they had passed over, they came into the land of Gennesaret, and drew to the shore.</strong> They 'came into the land of Gennesaret'—northwestern shore of Galilee, fertile plain. Successfully crossing after exhausting night confirmed both deliverance from storm and arrival at destination. The geographical specificity grounds narrative in historical reality. Their arrival initiated...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(53-56) **And when they had passed over.**—See Notes on Matthew 14:34-36.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**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).

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 45-56** The church is often like a ship at sea, tossed with tempests, and not comforted: we may have Christ for us, yet wind and tide against us; but it is a comfort to Christ's disciples in a storm, that their Master is in the heavenly mount, interceding for them. And no difficulties can hinder Christ's appearance for his people, when the set time is come. He silenced their fears, by...
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And when they were come out of the ship, straightway they knew him,

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And when they were come out of the ship, straightway they knew him,</strong> 'When they were come out of the ship, straightway they knew him'—Jesus' fame made Him immediately recognizable. Despite attempted withdrawals for rest (v. 31-32), He couldn't escape crowds' notice. Their quick recognition demonstrated both His widespread reputation and people's eagerness to encounter Him. This set...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**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).

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 45-56** The church is often like a ship at sea, tossed with tempests, and not comforted: we may have Christ for us, yet wind and tide against us; but it is a comfort to Christ's disciples in a storm, that their Master is in the heavenly mount, interceding for them. And no difficulties can hinder Christ's appearance for his people, when the set time is come. He silenced their fears, by...
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And ran through that whole region round about, and began to carry about in beds those that were sick, where they heard he was .

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And ran through that whole region round about, and began to carry about in beds those that were sick, where they heard he was.</strong> News of Jesus' presence sparked immediate mobilization. They 'ran through that whole region' and 'began to carry about in beds those that were sick, where they heard he was.' This urgent response demonstrated desperate faith and recognition that Jesus was ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**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, wa...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 45-56** The church is often like a ship at sea, tossed with tempests, and not comforted: we may have Christ for us, yet wind and tide against us; but it is a comfort to Christ's disciples in a storm, that their Master is in the heavenly mount, interceding for them. And no difficulties can hinder Christ's appearance for his people, when the set time is come. He silenced their fears, by...
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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. touched him: or, touched it

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>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.</strong> Wherever Jesus went—'villages, cities, or country'—people 'laid the sick in the streets' (marketplaces, ἀγορὰς, agoras). They 'besought him that they might...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(56) **Or country.**—Better, as before in Mark 6:36, *farms* or *hamlets.* The three words form almost an exhaustive list of the various grades of aggregate human habitations. **In the streets.**—Better, *in the market-places.* **The border of his garment.**—Better, *the hem,* or *fringe.* See Note on Matthew 9:20. **Were made whole.**—The Greek tense implies an event frequently recurring. **Ellic...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**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].

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 45-56** The church is often like a ship at sea, tossed with tempests, and not comforted: we may have Christ for us, yet wind and tide against us; but it is a comfort to Christ's disciples in a storm, that their Master is in the heavenly mount, interceding for them. And no difficulties can hinder Christ's appearance for his people, when the set time is come. He silenced their fears, by...
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