Mark 4:1

  1. Home
  2. KJV Bible
  3. Mark 4
  4. Mark 4:1

Old Testament

Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy Joshua Judges Ruth 1 Samuel 2 Samuel 1 Kings 2 Kings 1 Chronicles 2 Chronicles Ezra Nehemiah Esther Job Psalms Proverbs Ecclesiastes Song of Solomon Isaiah Jeremiah Lamentations Ezekiel Daniel Hosea Joel Amos Obadiah Jonah Micah Nahum Habakkuk Zephaniah Haggai Zechariah Malachi

New Testament

Matthew Mark Luke John Acts Romans 1 Corinthians 2 Corinthians Galatians Ephesians Philippians Colossians 1 Thessalonians 2 Thessalonians 1 Timothy 2 Timothy Titus Philemon Hebrews James 1 Peter 2 Peter 1 John 2 John 3 John Jude Revelation

Chapter

Mark 1 Mark 2 Mark 3 Mark 4 Mark 5 Mark 6 Mark 7 Mark 8 Mark 9 Mark 10 Mark 11 Mark 12 Mark 13 Mark 14 Mark 15 Mark 16

Verse

Mark 4:1 Mark 4:2 Mark 4:3 Mark 4:4 Mark 4:5 Mark 4:6 Mark 4:7 Mark 4:8 Mark 4:9 Mark 4:10 Mark 4:11 Mark 4:12 Mark 4:13 Mark 4:14 Mark 4:15 Mark 4:16 Mark 4:17 Mark 4:18 Mark 4:19 Mark 4:20 Mark 4:21 Mark 4:22 Mark 4:23 Mark 4:24 Mark 4:25 Mark 4:26 Mark 4:27 Mark 4:28 Mark 4:29 Mark 4:30 Mark 4:31 Mark 4:32 Mark 4:33 Mark 4:34 Mark 4:35 Mark 4:36 Mark 4:37 Mark 4:38 Mark 4:39 Mark 4:40 Mark 4:41

Mark 4:1 KJV

And he began again to teach by the sea side: and there was gathered unto him a great multitude, so that he entered into a ship, and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land.

Previous Verse
« Mark 3:35
Next Verse
Mark 4:2 »

Mark 4:1 Bible Commentary

Commentary on Mark 4:1

Verse Overview: Mark 4:1 states, "And he began again to teach by the sea side: and there was gathered unto him a great multitude, so that he entered into a ship, and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land." This verse sets the stage for a significant teaching moment in Jesus’ ministry, highlighting His method of teaching and the response of the crowd.

Contextual Background

The Gospel of Mark presents a narrative that emphasizes the authority and activity of Jesus. The mention of a “great multitude” indicates the growing interest in Jesus’ ministry. This verse not only introduces the parables that will follow but also reinforces the idea of Jesus as a teacher.

Gathered Around the Sea

By the Sea of Galilee, Jesus finds an optimal setting for His teaching. This location is both accessible and symbolic:

  • Accessibility: The sea allows the crowd to gather without overwhelming proximity, demonstrating the community’s eagerness to hear His words.
  • Symbolism: Water often represents life and the Spirit. Teaching by the water can be seen as a metaphor for the spiritual nourishment He provides.

Commentary Insights

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry notes the importance of Jesus’ choice to teach from a ship. He emphasizes that the ship symbolizes the Church, which carries the gospel across tumultuous waters of life. Henry highlights that Jesus often withdrew to teach, demonstrating a model for pastoral ministry—finding quietude in order to effectively communicate Truth.

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes points out that the “great multitude” reflects the overwhelming curiosity and thirst for knowledge about Jesus and His teachings. He elaborates on the significance of Jesus stepping into the ship, which illustrates the need for separation from the crowd for clarity in communication. According to Barnes, this action symbolizes how Jesus enhances the spiritual emphasis of His message, allowing for deeper understanding devoid of distractions.

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke elaborates on the logistics of Jesus teaching from a boat, pointing out the acoustic advantages. The natural amphitheater created by the hillside ensures that His voice carries effectively to the crowd. Clarke perceives this as an intentional strategy from Jesus to make His message accessible, promoting engagement from the audience. He adds that the boat signifies safety and protection, illustrating how Jesus shelters us while delivering profound truths.

Theological Implications

The act of teaching from the sea suggests several theological nuances:

  • Divine Authority: Jesus’ actions affirm His authority as a teacher sent from God. The response of the crowd further reflects their recognition of His divine teaching.
  • Community Engagement: The gathering of the multitude signifies the communal nature of faith. Teaching occurs best in community settings, where the Word can take root collectively.
  • Accessibility of the Gospel: The simplicity of teaching from a boat speaks to the universality and accessibility of Christ’s message, inviting all to learn and grow.

Conclusion

Mark 4:1 establishes a critical moment in Jesus’ ministry, revealing His role as a teacher, the eagerness of the listeners, and the setting that enhances understanding. The insights drawn from public domain commentaries provide depth to our understanding of this verse. As we reflect on Jesus’ approach to teaching, it calls us to consider how we, too, can communicate the truths of Scripture with clarity, accessibility, and authority in our own contexts.

Mark 4 (KJV) Verse Selection

Mark 4:1 Mark 4:2 Mark 4:3 Mark 4:4 Mark 4:5 Mark 4:6 Mark 4:7 Mark 4:8 Mark 4:9 Mark 4:10 Mark 4:11 Mark 4:12 Mark 4:13 Mark 4:14 Mark 4:15 Mark 4:16 Mark 4:17 Mark 4:18 Mark 4:19 Mark 4:20 Mark 4:21 Mark 4:22 Mark 4:23 Mark 4:24 Mark 4:25 Mark 4:26 Mark 4:27 Mark 4:28 Mark 4:29 Mark 4:30 Mark 4:31 Mark 4:32 Mark 4:33 Mark 4:34 Mark 4:35 Mark 4:36 Mark 4:37 Mark 4:38 Mark 4:39 Mark 4:40 Mark 4:41

KJV Bible Books

KJV Bible Books and Chapters »