Rejection and the twelve's mission
Mark 6:1–13FocusUnbelief and sending
Connection to the wholeRejection in Jesus' own country is followed by the disciples' mission, showing that opposition does not end the work.
interpretation Mark 6:41
KJVAnd when he had taken the five loaves and the two fishes, he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and brake the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before them; and the two fishes divided he among them all.
Read it in context
The crowd is fed
Start reading at Mark 6:30 (Mark 6:30 to Mark 6:44).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Jesus receives the returning apostles, teaches the crowd, and provides food through the disciples despite their limited resources.
- 6:30 And the apostles gathered themselves together unto Jesus, and told him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught.
- 6:31 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.
- 6:32 And they departed into a desert place by ship privately.
- 6:33 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.
- 6:34 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.
- 6:35 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:
- 6:36 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.
- 6:37 He answered and said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they say unto him, Shall we go and buy two hundred pennyworth of bread, and give them to eat?
- 6:38 He saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? go and see. And when they knew, they say, Five, and two fishes.
- 6:39 And he commanded them to make all sit down by companies upon the green grass.
- 6:40 And they sat down in ranks, by hundreds, and by fifties.
- 6:41 And when he had taken the five loaves and the two fishes, he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and brake the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before them; and the two fishes divided he among them all.
- 6:42 And they did all eat, and were filled.
- 6:43 And they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments, and of the fishes.
- 6:44 And they that did eat of the loaves were about five thousand men.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Mark, traditionally identified as John Mark and associated with Peter's preaching, is the author named by early church testimony. Biblical references: Acts 12:12; 1 Peter 5:13. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, Mark, Gospel of. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Mark 6:1–6:56): Jesus teaches in His own country and sends out the twelve. Herod and John's death are recounted; the apostles and crowds appear in the feeding and sea-crossing accounts. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Readers who needed explanations of Jewish customs and Aramaic words, indicating a substantial Gentile audience. An association with Rome is early tradition, not an explicit address in the Gospel. Biblical references: Mark 5:41; Mark 7:3; Mark 7:4. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Mark, Gospel of. book background
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? The crowd is fed. Read Mark 6:30 through Mark 6:44 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Jesus receives the returning apostles, teaches the crowd, and provides food through the disciples despite their limited resources. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The account begins with John the Baptist and follows Jesus' public ministry through His death and resurrection. It does not give a composition date. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? Galilee, surrounding regions, the journey toward Jerusalem, and Jerusalem form the main narrative movement. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in The crowd is fed (Mark 6:30 to Mark 6:44). Start reading at Mark 6:30. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Mark explicitly presents the gospel of Jesus Christ and connects His service with giving His life a ransom for many. His identity and the call to follow Him shape the narrative. See Mark 1:1, Mark 8:34, Mark 10:45. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Follow Jesus with obedient service rather than status-seeking. Read predictions of suffering and calls to discipleship alongside accounts of power and deliverance. interpretation
Cited: Mark 6:30, Mark 6:44, Mark 1:1, Mark 8:34, Mark 10:45
Who wrote it, and how we know
John Mark, recording Peter's preaching (traditional)
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe book does not name its author.
Early traditionPapias, quoting an earlier elder, records that Mark wrote down Peter's preaching accurately.
What is debatedThe name is not in the text.
Other accounts of this event
Feeding the five thousand
Parallel accounts
This is distinct from the feeding of the four thousand.
Related passages
- looked Mark 7:34 John 11:41 John 17:1
- blessed Mark 8:6-7 Mark 14:22 Deut 8:10 1 Sam 9:13 Matt 15:36 Matt 26:26 Luke 24:30 John 6:11,23
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Mark 6
This Gospel identifies its subject as Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and follows His ministry toward the cross and resurrection. No particular original recipient is named in its opening.
John's death recalled
Mark 6:14–29FocusThe cost of speaking truth
Connection to the wholeHerod's response to reports about Jesus introduces the account of John's death and the dangers confronting God's messengers.
interpretation FocusCompassion and provision
Connection to the wholeJesus receives the returning apostles, teaches the crowd, and provides food through the disciples despite their limited resources.
interpretation The crossing and further healing
Mark 6:45–56FocusIncomplete understanding
Connection to the wholeJesus' coming across the water exposes the disciples' lack of understanding, while people on shore continue to seek His help.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Mark
This Gospel identifies its subject as Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and follows His ministry toward the cross and resurrection. No particular original recipient is named in its opening.
The ministry prepared
Mark 1:1–13FocusJohn, baptism, and temptation
Connection to the wholeThe brief opening introduces Jesus and His forerunner, moving rapidly toward the proclamation of the kingdom.
interpretation Authority and opposition
Mark 1:14–3:6FocusTeaching, deliverance, and conflict
Connection to the wholeJesus' works and teaching draw followers while controversies bring the first explicit plot against Him.
interpretation FocusDisciples, crowds, and understanding
Connection to the wholeTeaching, mighty works, and varied responses repeatedly expose both Jesus' authority and the disciples' difficulty understanding.
interpretation The way to Jerusalem
Mark 8:27–10:52FocusThe Messiah's suffering and following
Connection to the wholePeter's confession is followed by repeated passion predictions and teaching that redefines greatness and discipleship through service.
interpretation Jerusalem and coming judgment
Mark 11:1–13:37FocusTemple conflict and watchfulness
Connection to the wholeJesus' actions and disputes in Jerusalem lead into His teaching about coming troubles and the command to watch.
interpretation Passion and resurrection
Mark 14:1–16:20FocusDeath, the empty tomb, and proclamation
Connection to the wholeBetrayal, trial, and crucifixion lead to the resurrection proclamation and commission recorded in the KJV's final chapter.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.