King James Version

What Does Mark 1:35 Mean?

Mark 1:35 in the King James Version says “And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there praye... — study this verse from Mark chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.

Mark 1:35 · KJV


Context

33

And all the city was gathered together at the door.

34

And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew him. to speak: or, to say that they knew him

35

And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.

36

And Simon and they that were with him followed after him.

37

And when they had found him, they said unto him, All men seek for thee.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Mark emphasizes Christ's prayer life with precise timing: 'a great while before day,' demonstrating His priority of communion with the Father before ministry activity. Despite exhausting public ministry, Jesus sought solitude ('solitary place') for prayer, modeling the necessity of spiritual disciplines even for the incarnate Son. His humanity required this fellowship, teaching us our absolute dependence on prayer.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish prayer times were typically morning, afternoon, and evening. Christ's prayer 'a great while before day' indicates extraordinary devotion, likely around 3-4 AM. The Galilean countryside provided natural solitary places—hills, shores, and wilderness areas near Capernaum.

Reflection Questions

  1. If Christ in His humanity needed extended time in prayer, how much more do we who are not divine?
  2. What does Jesus' prioritization of prayer before ministry teach us about the source of spiritual power?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
καὶ1 of 13

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

πρωῒ2 of 13

in the morning

G4404

at dawn; by implication, the day-break watch

ἔννυχον3 of 13

before day

G1773

(adverbially) by night

λίαν4 of 13

a great while

G3029

much (adverbially)

ἀναστὰς5 of 13

rising up

G450

to stand up (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)

ἐξῆλθεν6 of 13

he went out

G1831

to issue (literally or figuratively)

καὶ7 of 13

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἀπῆλθεν8 of 13

departed

G565

to go off (i.e., depart), aside (i.e., apart) or behind (i.e., follow), literally or figuratively

εἰς9 of 13

into

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

ἔρημον10 of 13

a solitary

G2048

lonesome, i.e., (by implication) waste (usually as a noun, g5561 being implied)

τόπον11 of 13

place

G5117

a spot (general in space, but limited by occupancy; whereas g5561 is a large but participle locality), i.e., location (as a position, home, tract, etc

κἀκεῖ12 of 13

and there

G2546

likewise in that place

προσηύχετο13 of 13

prayed

G4336

to pray to god, i.e., supplicate, worship


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Mark. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Mark 1:35 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Mark 1:35 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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