King James Version

What Does Mark 6:48 Mean?

Mark 6:48 in the King James Version says “And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he comet... — study this verse from Mark chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Mark 6:48 · KJV


Context

46

And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray.

47

And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land.

48

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.

49

But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out:

50

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. 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,' demonstrating authority over creation. 'Would have passed by them' echoes God's self-revelation to Moses (Exodus 33:19-23) and Elijah (1 Kings 19:11), suggesting theophanic significance.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Romans divided night into four watches; fourth watch was pre-dawn (3-6 AM). Walking on water defied natural law, proving Jesus' deity. Ancient Jewish thought held only God trod upon sea's waves (Job 9:8). The phrase 'would have passed by' used theophanic language of God's glory passing before prophets, revealing divine presence.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does this verse teach about Christ's nature and work?
  2. How should this truth shape our daily discipleship?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 30 words
καὶ1 of 30

And

G2532

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

εἶδεν2 of 30

he 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

αὐτούς3 of 30

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

βασανιζομένους4 of 30

toiling

G928

to torture

ἐν5 of 30

in

G1722

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

τῷ6 of 30
G3588

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

ἐλαύνειν7 of 30

rowing

G1643

to push (as wind, oars or daemonical power)

ἦν8 of 30

was

G2258

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

γὰρ9 of 30

for

G1063

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

10 of 30
G3588

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

ἄνεμος11 of 30

the wind

G417

wind; (plural) by implication, (the four) quarters (of the earth)

ἐναντίος12 of 30

contrary

G1727

opposite; figuratively, antagonistic

αὐτούς13 of 30

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

καὶ14 of 30

And

G2532

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

περὶ15 of 30

about

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

τετάρτην16 of 30

the fourth

G5067

fourth

φυλακὴν17 of 30

watch

G5438

a guarding or (concretely, guard), the act, the person; figuratively, the place, the condition, or (specially), the time (as a division of day or nigh

τῆς18 of 30
G3588

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

νυκτὸς19 of 30

of the night

G3571

"night" (literally or figuratively)

ἔρχεται20 of 30

he cometh

G2064

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

πρὸς21 of 30

unto

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

αὐτούς22 of 30

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

περιπατῶν23 of 30

walking

G4043

to tread all around, i.e., walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion or votary)

ἐπὶ24 of 30

upon

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

τῆς25 of 30
G3588

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

θαλάσσης·26 of 30

the sea

G2281

the sea (genitive case or specially)

καὶ27 of 30

And

G2532

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

ἤθελεν28 of 30

would

G2309

to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),

παρελθεῖν29 of 30

have passed by

G3928

to come near or aside, i.e., to approach (arrive), go by (or away), (figuratively) perish or neglect, (causative) avert

αὐτούς30 of 30

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


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 6:48 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 6:48 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study