King James Version

What Does Mark 6:31 Mean?

Mark 6:31 in the King James Version says “And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and go... — study this verse from Mark chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Mark 6:31 · KJV


Context

29

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

30

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

31

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

32

And they departed into a desert place by ship privately .

33

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


Commentary

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 Ye apart humeis idioms privately withdrawn.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 need rhythm work rest. Constant ministry without rest leads burnout. Sabbath principle rest one-in-seven pattern. Reformed theology affirms God created humans need rest not machines. Jesus practiced withdrew for prayer solitude despite demands.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Apostles returned excited reporting ministry. But Jesus wisdom directs them to rest first. Ministry effectiveness requires physical spiritual emotional health. Burnout epidemic in ministry driven culture. Jesus example withdraw pray rest must be followed. Desert place allowed privacy crowds constantly pressing. Modern ministers often neglect rest family health ministry demands. This unsustainable unbiblical. Sabbath keeping (principle not legalism) essential for long-term faithful ministry. Early church leaders faced same pressures Acts 6 required delegation to prioritize prayer Word ministry.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Jesus command to rest teach about human limitations and sustainable ministry patterns?
  2. How should modern ministers balance ministry demands with Christ example of intentional rest withdrawal?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 26 words
καὶ1 of 26

And

G2532

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

εἶπεν2 of 26

he said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

αὐτοὶ3 of 26

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

Δεῦτε4 of 26

Come

G1205

come hither!

ὑμεῖς5 of 26

ye

G5210

you (as subjective of verb)

αὐτοὶ6 of 26

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

κατ'7 of 26

apart

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

ἰδίαν8 of 26
G2398

pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate

εἰς9 of 26

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 26

a desert

G2048

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

τόπον11 of 26

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

καὶ12 of 26

And

G2532

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

ἀναπαύεσθε13 of 26

rest

G373

(reflexively) to repose (literally or figuratively (be exempt), remain); by implication, to refresh

ὀλίγον14 of 26

a while

G3641

puny (in extent, degree, number, duration or value); especially neuter (adverbially) somewhat

ἦσαν15 of 26

there were

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

γὰρ16 of 26

for

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

οἱ17 of 26
G3588

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

ἐρχόμενοι18 of 26

coming

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

καὶ19 of 26

And

G2532

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

οἱ20 of 26
G3588

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

ὑπάγοντες21 of 26

going

G5217

to lead (oneself) under, i.e., withdraw or retire (as if sinking out of sight), literally or figuratively

πολλοί22 of 26

many

G4183

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

καὶ23 of 26

And

G2532

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

οὐδὲ24 of 26

so much as

G3761

not however, i.e., neither, nor, not even

φαγεῖν25 of 26

to eat

G5315

to eat (literally or figuratively)

ηὐκαίρουν26 of 26

leisure

G2119

to have good time, i.e., opportunity or leisure


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 6:31 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 6:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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