King James Version

What Does Mark 4:35 Mean?

Mark 4:35 in the King James Version says “And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side.” — study this verse from Mark chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side.”

Mark 4:35 · KJV

Context

33

And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear it.

34

But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone , he expounded all things to his disciples.

35

And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side.

36

And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships.

37

And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This transitional verse sets up one of Jesus's most powerful nature miracles. The phrase "on that day" (ἐν ἐκείνῃ τῇ ἡμέρᾳ, en ekeinē tē hēmera) connects to Jesus's extensive parable teaching earlier in Mark 4—He'd been teaching crowds from a boat on the Sea of Galilee about the Kingdom of God. The temporal marker "when evening had come" (ὀψίας γενομένης, opsias genomenēs) indicates exhaustion after a full day of ministry, setting up Jesus's profound sleep during the storm. Jesus's command "Let us pass over to the other side" (Διέλθωμεν εἰς τὸ πέραν, dielthōmen eis to peran) is significant—the Greek verb διέρχομαι (dierchomai) means to go through completely, suggesting determination and certainty of arrival. The phrase 'the other side' refers to the eastern shore of Galilee, predominantly Gentile territory (the Decapolis), foreshadowing Jesus's ministry expansion beyond Jewish boundaries. This simple command demonstrates Jesus's authority—He doesn't suggest or request, but decisively directs. The disciples' immediate obedience sets up the dramatic storm encounter (verses 36-41) that reveals Jesus's divine authority over nature. The initiative is entirely Jesus's—He decides when and where to go, even into Gentile regions and dangerous evening crossings.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Sea of Galilee, actually a freshwater lake, is about 13 miles long and 8 miles wide, 680 feet below sea level. Its location in a basin surrounded by hills makes it prone to sudden, violent storms when cool air from the heights rushes down to meet warm air over the water. The crossing from the western (Jewish) shore to the eastern (Gentile) shore was about 5-7 miles, normally taking 2-3 hours. Jesus and the disciples had spent the entire day on the water—Jesus teaching from the boat to avoid crushing crowds (Mark 4:1). By evening, Jesus was exhausted (He falls asleep in verse 38). The decision to cross at evening was unusual—most fishermen avoided night sailing unless necessary. This sets up the lesson about faith during storms and Jesus's power to command creation.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why did Jesus choose to cross to the Gentile side of the lake—what does this foreshadow?
  2. What does the timing (evening after a full day of teaching) reveal about Jesus's humanity?
  3. How does Jesus's decisive command 'Let us pass over' demonstrate His leadership?
  4. What spiritual parallels exist between crossing to 'the other side' and Christian life?
  5. How does this verse set up the faith lesson that follows in the storm narrative?

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

λέγει2 of 13

“he saith”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

αὐτοῖς3 of 13

“unto them”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἐν4 of 13

“the”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ἐκείνῃ5 of 13

“same”

G1565

that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed

τῇ6 of 13
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἡμέρᾳ7 of 13

“day”

G2250

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

ὀψίας8 of 13

“when the even”

G3798

late; feminine (as noun) afternoon (early eve) or nightfall (later eve)

γενομένης9 of 13

“was come”

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

Διέλθωμεν10 of 13

“Let us pass over”

G1330

to traverse (literally)

εἰς11 of 13

“unto”

G1519

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

τὸ12 of 13
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πέραν13 of 13

“the other side”

G4008

through (as adverb or preposition), i.e., across

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 4:35 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 4:35 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 8:18Luke 8:25Luke 8:22Matthew 8:23-27Matthew 14:22Mark 8:13

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