King James Version

What Does Mark 8:13 Mean?

Mark 8:13 in the King James Version says “And he left them, and entering into the ship again departed to the other side.” — study this verse from Mark chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And he left them, and entering into the ship again departed to the other side.”

Mark 8:13 · KJV

Context

11

And the Pharisees came forth, and began to question with him, seeking of him a sign from heaven, tempting him.

12

And he sighed deeply in his spirit, and saith, Why doth this generation seek after a sign? verily I say unto you, There shall no sign be given unto this generation.

13

And he left them, and entering into the ship again departed to the other side.

14

Now the disciples had forgotten to take bread, neither had they in the ship with them more than one loaf.

15

And he charged them, saying, Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and of the leaven of Herod.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
He left them (ἀφεὶς, apheis)—the participle suggests decisive abandonment. Jesus doesn't argue or attempt to persuade hardened hearts. This foreshadows His ultimate 'leaving' at the ascension and Israel's consequent judgment (AD 70). Matthew 23:38 pronounces Jerusalem's 'house left desolate.' When people persistently reject light, God eventually withdraws it—a sobering warning about the danger of hardened unbelief.

Entering into the ship again departed to the other side—Jesus returns to Gentile territory, symbolizing the gospel's movement from unbelieving Israel to receptive Gentiles (Acts 13:46; 28:28). The boat represents the church, carrying Christ's presence away from those who reject Him to those who will receive Him. This verse creates dramatic tension—Jesus has just fed 4,000 Gentiles (demonstrating messianic provision), only to face Jewish religious leaders demanding signs. The contrast exposes Israel's tragic irony: Gentiles receive bread while Jewish leaders reject the Bread of Life.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jesus' departure recalls God's glory leaving Jerusalem's temple (Ezekiel 10-11) before Babylonian destruction. The Pharisees' rejection anticipated Judaism's formal rejection of Jesus, culminating in His crucifixion. Early church saw this pattern repeating—Paul regularly preached in synagogues first, but when Jews rejected the gospel, he turned to Gentiles (Acts 13:46; 18:6; 28:28). The boat's 'other side' represents Gentile mission fields—the church crosses cultural boundaries to reach those willing to receive Christ.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Jesus' departure teach about God's response to persistent, willful rejection of truth?
  2. How does this verse challenge assumptions that religious heritage or proximity to Jesus guarantees salvation?
  3. In what ways might Jesus be 'leaving' churches or individuals who have hardened their hearts to His word?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
καὶ1 of 12

“And”

G2532

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

ἀφεὶς2 of 12

“he left”

G863

to send forth, in various applications (as follow)

αὐτοὺς3 of 12

“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

ἐμβὰς4 of 12

“and entering”

G1684

to walk on, i.e., embark (aboard a vessel), reach (a pool)

πάλιν5 of 12

“again”

G3825

(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand

εἰς6 of 12

“into”

G1519

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

τὸ7 of 12
G3588

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

πλοῖον8 of 12

“the ship”

G4143

a sailer, i.e., vessel

ἀπῆλθεν9 of 12

“departed”

G565

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

εἰς10 of 12

“into”

G1519

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

τὸ11 of 12
G3588

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

πέραν12 of 12

“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 8:13 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 8:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 18:6Matthew 15:14John 12:36John 8:21Psalms 81:12Jeremiah 23:33

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