Mark 3:9
New International Version
Because of the crowd he told his disciples to have a small boat ready for him, to keep the people from crowding him.

New Living Translation
Jesus instructed his disciples to have a boat ready so the crowd would not crush him.

English Standard Version
And he told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, lest they crush him,

Berean Standard Bible
Jesus asked His disciples to have a boat ready for Him so that the crowd would not crush Him.

Berean Literal Bible
And He spoke to His disciples, that a boat might wait upon Him, on account of the crowd, that they might not press upon Him.

King James Bible
And he spake to his disciples, that a small ship should wait on him because of the multitude, lest they should throng him.

New King James Version
So He told His disciples that a small boat should be kept ready for Him because of the multitude, lest they should crush Him.

New American Standard Bible
And He told His disciples to see that a boat would be ready for Him because of the masses, so that they would not crowd Him;

NASB 1995
And He told His disciples that a boat should stand ready for Him because of the crowd, so that they would not crowd Him;

NASB 1977
And He told His disciples that a boat should stand ready for Him because of the multitude, in order that they might not crowd Him;

Legacy Standard Bible
And He told His disciples that a boat should stand ready for Him because of the crowd, so that they would not crowd Him;

Amplified Bible
And He told His disciples to have a small boat stand ready for Him because of the many people, so that they would not crowd Him;

Christian Standard Bible
Then he told his disciples to have a small boat ready for him, so that the crowd wouldn’t crush him.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then He told His disciples to have a small boat ready for Him, so the crowd would not crush Him.

American Standard Version
And he spake to his disciples, that a little boat should wait on him because of the crowd, lest they should throng him:

Contemporary English Version
He even had to tell his disciples to get a boat ready to keep him from being crushed by the crowds.

English Revised Version
And he spake to his disciples, that a little boat should wait on him because of the crowd, lest they should throng him:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Jesus told his disciples to have a boat ready so that the crowd would not crush him.

Good News Translation
The crowd was so large that Jesus told his disciples to get a boat ready for him, so that the people would not crush him.

International Standard Version
Jesus told his disciples to have a boat ready for him so that the crowd wouldn't crush him,

Majority Standard Bible
Jesus asked His disciples to have a boat ready for Him so that the crowd would not crush Him.

NET Bible
Because of the crowd, he told his disciples to have a small boat ready for him so the crowd would not press toward him.

New Heart English Bible
And he told his disciples that a small boat should stay near him because of the crowd, so that they would not press on him.

Webster's Bible Translation
And he spoke to his disciples, that a small boat should wait on him, because of the multitude, lest they should throng him.

Weymouth New Testament
So He gave directions to His disciples to keep a small boat in constant attendance on Him because of the throng--to prevent their crushing Him.

World English Bible
He spoke to his disciples that a little boat should stay near him because of the crowd, so that they wouldn’t press on him.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And He said to His disciples that a little boat may wait on Him, because of the multitude, that they may not press on Him,

Berean Literal Bible
And He spoke to His disciples, that a boat might wait upon Him, on account of the crowd, that they might not press upon Him.

Young's Literal Translation
And he said to his disciples that a little boat may wait on him, because of the multitude, that they may not press upon him,

Smith's Literal Translation
And he said to his disciples, that a small vessel should remain for him, on account of the crowd, that they might not press him.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And he spoke to his disciples that a small ship should wait on him because of the multitude, lest they should throng him.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And he told his disciples that a small boat would be useful to him, because of the crowd, lest they press upon him.

New American Bible
He told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, so that they would not crush him.

New Revised Standard Version
He told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, so that they would not crush him;
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And he said to his disciples to bring the boat near to him, because of the crowds, so that they might not press on him.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And he told his disciples that they should bring him a ship because of the crowds, lest they would throng him.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And he spoke to his disciples, that a small ship should continue near him, because of the multitude, that they might not press upon him.

Godbey New Testament
And He said to His disciples, that a little boat should wait on Him in order that they may not tread on Him.

Haweis New Testament
And he spoke to his disciples that a little boat should be ready for him, because of the crowd, lest they should press upon him:

Mace New Testament
wherefore, to avoid the inconveniences of the crowd, he order'd his disciples to get a small vessel ready to attend him.

Weymouth New Testament
So He gave directions to His disciples to keep a small boat in constant attendance on Him because of the throng--to prevent their crushing Him.

Worrell New Testament
And He spake to His disciples, that a little boat should wait, on Him, lest they should throng Him;

Worsley New Testament
Therefore He spake to his disciples, that there might be a small vessel attending Him, because of the multitude, least they should throng Him: for He had healed many,

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Multitudes Follow Jesus
8Jerusalem, Idumea, the region beyond the Jordan, and the vicinity of Tyre and Sidon. The large crowd came to Him when they heard what great things He was doing. 9 Jesus asked His disciples to have a boat ready for Him so that the crowd would not crush Him. 10For He had healed so many that all who had diseases were pressing forward to touch Him.…

Cross References
Matthew 13:2
Such large crowds gathered around Him that He got into a boat and sat down, while all the people stood on the shore.

Luke 5:1-3
On one occasion, while Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret with the crowd pressing in on Him to hear the word of God, / He saw two boats at the edge of the lake. The fishermen had left them and were washing their nets. / Jesus got into the boat belonging to Simon and asked him to put out a little from shore. And sitting down, He taught the people from the boat.

John 6:2
A large crowd followed Him because they saw the signs He was performing on the sick.

Matthew 14:14
When He stepped ashore and saw a large crowd, He had compassion on them and healed their sick.

Luke 6:17-19
Then Jesus came down with them and stood on a level place. A large crowd of His disciples was there, along with a great number of people from all over Judea, Jerusalem, and the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon. / They had come to hear Him and to be healed of their diseases, and those troubled by unclean spirits were healed. / The entire crowd was trying to touch Him, because power was coming from Him and healing them all.

John 12:19
Then the Pharisees said to one another, “You can see that this is doing you no good. Look how the whole world has gone after Him!”

Matthew 4:25
Large crowds followed Him, having come from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and beyond the Jordan.

Mark 4:1
Once again Jesus began to teach beside the sea, and such a large crowd gathered around Him that He got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people crowded along the shore.

John 6:15
Then Jesus, realizing that they were about to come and make Him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by Himself.

Matthew 15:30
Large crowds came to Him, bringing the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute, and many others, and laid them at His feet, and He healed them.

Luke 8:4
While a large crowd was gathering and people were coming to Jesus from town after town, He told them this parable:

John 6:22-24
The next day, the crowd that had remained on the other side of the sea realized that only one boat had been there, and that Jesus had not boarded it with His disciples, but they had gone away alone. / However, some boats from Tiberias landed near the place where the people had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks. / So when the crowd saw that neither Jesus nor His disciples were there, they got into the boats and went to Capernaum to look for Him.

Matthew 12:15
Aware of this, Jesus withdrew from that place. Large crowds followed Him, and He healed them all,

Luke 9:11
But the crowds found out and followed Him. He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and He healed those who needed healing.

John 5:13
But the man who was healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had slipped away while the crowd was there.


Treasury of Scripture

And he spoke to his disciples, that a small ship should wait on him because of the multitude, lest they should throng him.

because.

Mark 5:30
And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes?

John 6:15
When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.

Jump to Previous
Account Attendance Boat Constant Crowd Crowding Crush Crushed Crushing Directions Disciples Little Multitude Order Press Prevent Ready Request Ship Small Stand Throng Wait Wouldn't
Jump to Next
Account Attendance Boat Constant Crowd Crowding Crush Crushed Crushing Directions Disciples Little Multitude Order Press Prevent Ready Request Ship Small Stand Throng Wait Wouldn't
Mark 3
1. Jesus heals the withered hand,
10. and many other infirmities;
11. rebukes the unclean spirit;
13. chooses his twelve apostles;
22. convinces the blasphemy of casting out demons by Beelzebub;
31. and shows who are his brother, sister, and mother.














He asked His disciples
This phrase highlights the close relationship and trust between Jesus and His disciples. The Greek word for "asked" (παραγγέλλω, parangellō) implies a command or instruction, indicating Jesus' authority. The term "disciples" (μαθηταί, mathētai) refers to those who are learners or followers, emphasizing their role in learning from Jesus and assisting in His ministry. Historically, discipleship involved a deep commitment to the teacher, and in this context, it underscores the disciples' readiness to serve Jesus' needs.

to have a boat ready for Him
The request for a boat signifies Jesus' practical approach to ministry. The Greek word for "boat" (πλοιάριον, ploiarion) suggests a small vessel, suitable for the Sea of Galilee. This preparation reflects Jesus' foresight and understanding of the logistical needs of His ministry. The boat served as a platform for teaching and a means of escape from the pressing crowds, illustrating Jesus' strategic planning in His mission.

so that the crowd would not crush Him
The phrase "the crowd" (ὄχλος, ochlos) indicates the large number of people drawn to Jesus, eager to hear His teachings and witness His miracles. The word "crush" (θλίβω, thlibō) conveys the idea of pressing or crowding, highlighting the intensity of the people's desire to be near Jesus. This situation reflects the growing popularity and demand for Jesus' presence, as well as the potential dangers of such large gatherings. Historically, this illustrates the challenges faced by Jesus in managing His public ministry while ensuring His safety and the effectiveness of His message.

(9) That a small ship should wait on him.--The fact thus mentioned incidentally shows that in what is recorded in Matthew 13:2 our Lord was but having recourse to a practice already familiar.

Verse 9. - And he spake to his disciples, that a small ship (πλοιάριον) - literally, a little boat - should wait on him προσκαρτερῆ αὐτῷ) - literally, should be in close attendance upon him - because of the multitude, lest they should throng him. This shows in a very graphic manner how assiduously and closely the crowd pressed upon him, so that he was obliged to have a little boat always in readiness, in which he might take refuge when the pressure became too great, and so address them with greater freedom from the boat. St. Luke (Luke 5:3) says, "He sat down, and taught the people out of the ship," making the boat, so to speak, his pulpit.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
[Jesus] asked
εἶπεν (eipen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.

His
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

disciples
μαθηταῖς (mathētais)
Noun - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3101: A learner, disciple, pupil. From manthano; a learner, i.e. Pupil.

to
ἵνα (hina)
Conjunction
Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.

{have} a boat
πλοιάριον (ploiarion)
Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4142: (a little boat, hence) a boat. Neuter of a presumed derivative of ploion; a boat.

ready
προσκαρτερῇ (proskarterē)
Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 4342: To persist, persevere in, continue steadfast in; I wait upon.

for Him
αὐτῷ (autō)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

so that
ἵνα (hina)
Conjunction
Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.

the
τὸν (ton)
Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

crowd
ὄχλον (ochlon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3793: From a derivative of echo; a throng; by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot.

would not crush
θλίβωσιν (thlibōsin)
Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2346: (a) I make narrow (strictly: by pressure); I press upon, (b) I persecute, press hard. Akin to the base of tribos; to crowd.

Him.
αὐτόν (auton)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.


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NT Gospels: Mark 3:9 He spoke to his disciples that (Mar Mk Mr)
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