New Testament
Mark 6:36
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Send the people away so they can go to the nearby farms and villages and buy themselves something to eat. They have no food."
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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.
What Mark 6:36 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the disciples are concerned about the large crowd that has gathered to hear Jesus teach. They notice that the people are hungry and suggest sending them away to find food in nearby villages and farms. The disciples recognize the need for the crowd to eat, indicating their awareness of the practical needs of the people. This moment highlights the importance of caring for others' physical needs, not just their spiritual needs. The disciples' suggestion reflects a common concern for the well-being of the crowd, showing their compassion. However, this also sets the stage for Jesus to demonstrate His ability to provide for the needs of the people, which is a recurring theme in His ministry. The verse emphasizes the necessity of addressing hunger and the importance of community support in times of need, reminding us that physical sustenance is vital for people to thrive and engage fully in spiritual matters.
How to apply Mark 6:36 to your life
This verse encourages us to be aware of the needs of those around us. We should not only focus on spiritual matters but also address practical needs like hunger and well-being. By being attentive and responsive, we can show compassion and support to those in our community who are struggling.
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Feeding the Five Thousand (Mark 6:30–44)
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Keep studying Mark 6:36
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At a Glance — the Book of Mark
- Author
- John Mark
- Written
- Around AD 55-65
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Roman and Gentile Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Mark 6:36 mean?
Mark 6:36 describes the disciples' concern for a large crowd that has gathered to hear Jesus teach. They suggest sending the people away to find food, highlighting the importance of addressing both spiritual and physical needs.
What is the significance of sending people away in Mark 6:36?
The suggestion to send the crowd away in Mark 6:36 reflects the disciples' awareness of the people's hunger and their practical needs. It sets the stage for Jesus to demonstrate His ability to provide for those needs, emphasizing compassion and community support.
What does the phrase 'they have nothing to eat' in Mark 6:36 mean?
The phrase 'they have nothing to eat' in Mark 6:36 indicates the urgent need for food among the crowd. It underscores the reality of physical hunger and the necessity of caring for others' basic needs.
How does Mark 6:36 relate to Jesus' miracles?
Mark 6:36 sets the context for Jesus' miracles by highlighting the need for food among the crowd. This moment leads to the miraculous feeding of the 5,000, demonstrating Jesus' power to provide and care for people's needs.
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