King James Version

What Does Mark 6:34 Mean?

Mark 6:34 in the King James Version says “And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not ...” — study this verse from Mark chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Mark 6:34 · KJV

Context

32

And they departed into a desert place by ship privately .

33

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

34

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

35

And when the day was now far spent, his disciples came unto him, and said, This is a desert place, and now the time is far passed:

36

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

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. 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 ὄχλον, eiden polyn ochlon) notes the multitude's size. 'Was moved with compassion' (ἐσπλαγχνίσθη, esplanchnisthē) uses strong Greek verb σπλαγχνίζομαι (splanchnizomai), literally 'felt it in the guts'—deep, visceral compassion. This wasn't mere sentiment but profound emotional response to their need.

'Because they were as sheep not having a shepherd' (ὅτι ἦσαν ὡς πρόβατα μὴ ἔχοντα ποιμένα, hoti ēsan hōs probata mē echonta poimena) echoes Old Testament imagery (Numbers 27:17; 1 Kings 22:17; Ezekiel 34:5). Israel's religious leaders had failed their shepherding responsibility, leaving people spiritually directionless and vulnerable. 'He began to teach them many things' (ἤρξατο διδάσκειν αὐτοὺς πολλά, ērxato didaskein autous polla)—despite needing rest, Jesus prioritized their spiritual need. This demonstrates Christ's shepherding heart: compassion producing action, recognizing that teaching God's word addresses humanity's deepest need. The scene establishes Jesus as the Good Shepherd who, unlike Israel's failed leaders, genuinely cares for and feeds His flock.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The shepherd-sheep metaphor was rich in Old Testament background. God was Israel's shepherd (Psalm 23; 80:1), and He appointed leaders as under-shepherds to care for His people. Prophets condemned Israel's leaders as false shepherds who neglected, exploited, and scattered the flock (Jeremiah 23:1-4; Ezekiel 34:1-10). By Jesus' time, religious leadership had become corrupted—Pharisees and Sadducees prioritized tradition, political power, and wealth above caring for people's souls. The masses were burdened with legalistic requirements yet starved for genuine spiritual nourishment. Jesus' compassion contrasted sharply with religious leaders' indifference or exploitation. The phrase 'began to teach them many things' indicates extended teaching session—hours of instruction. In the feeding miracle that follows, Jesus provides both spiritual food (teaching) and physical food (bread and fish), demonstrating He cares for whole persons. Early church applied this shepherd imagery to Christ and church leaders—pastors ('shepherds') must model Jesus' compassionate teaching ministry, feeding souls with God's word rather than exploiting the flock.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' visceral compassion for spiritually neglected crowds challenge our own response to people in spiritual darkness and confusion?
  2. What does Jesus' prioritizing teaching over His own rest reveal about the primacy of God's word in addressing humanity's deepest needs?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
καὶ1 of 23

“And”

G2532

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

ἐξελθὼν2 of 23

“when he came out”

G1831

to issue (literally or figuratively)

εἶδεν3 of 23

“saw”

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

ὁ4 of 23
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦς5 of 23

“Jesus”

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

πολλά6 of 23

“many things”

G4183

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

ὄχλον7 of 23

“people”

G3793

a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot

καὶ8 of 23

“And”

G2532

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

ἐσπλαγχνίσθη9 of 23

“was moved with compassion”

G4697

to have the bowels yearn, i.e., (figuratively) feel sympathy, to pity

ἐπ'10 of 23

“toward”

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

αὐτοὺς11 of 23

“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

ὅτι12 of 23

“because”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἦσαν13 of 23

“they were”

G2258

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

ὡς14 of 23

“as”

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

πρόβατα15 of 23

“sheep”

G4263

something that walks forward (a quadruped), i.e., (specially), a sheep (literally or figuratively)

μὴ16 of 23

“not”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ἔχοντα17 of 23

“having”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

ποιμένα18 of 23

“a shepherd”

G4166

a shepherd (literally or figuratively)

καὶ19 of 23

“And”

G2532

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

ἤρξατο20 of 23

“he began”

G756

to commence (in order of time)

διδάσκειν21 of 23

“to teach”

G1321

to teach (in the same broad application)

αὐτοὺς22 of 23

“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

πολλά23 of 23

“many things”

G4183

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

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 6:34 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 6:34 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 9:36Numbers 27:17Luke 9:11Hebrews 4:152 Chronicles 18:16Isaiah 61:1-3

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