New International VersionWhen Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.
New Living TranslationJesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.
English Standard VersionWhen he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And he began to teach them many things.
Berean Standard BibleWhen Jesus stepped ashore and saw a large crowd, He had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And He began to teach them many things.
Berean Literal BibleAnd having gone out, He saw a great crowd and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were like sheep not having a shepherd. And He began to teach them many things.
King James BibleAnd 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.
New King James VersionAnd Jesus, when He came out, saw a great multitude and was moved with compassion for them, because they were like sheep not having a shepherd. So He began to teach them many things.
New American Standard BibleWhen Jesus went ashore, He saw a large crowd, and He felt compassion for them because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and He began to teach them many things.
NASB 1995When Jesus went ashore, He saw a large crowd, and He felt compassion for them because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and He began to teach them many things.
NASB 1977And when He went ashore, He saw a great multitude, and He felt compassion for them because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and He began to teach them many things.
Legacy Standard BibleAnd when Jesus went ashore, He saw a large crowd, and He felt compassion for them because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and He began to teach them many things.
Amplified BibleWhen Jesus went ashore, He saw a large crowd [waiting], and He was moved with compassion for them because they were like sheep without a shepherd [lacking guidance]; and He began to teach them many things.
Christian Standard BibleWhen he went ashore, he saw a large crowd and had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. Then he began to teach them many things.
Holman Christian Standard BibleSo as He stepped ashore, He saw a huge crowd and had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. Then He began to teach them many things.
American Standard VersionAnd he came forth and saw a great multitude, and he had compassion on them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things.
Contemporary English VersionWhen Jesus got out of the boat, he saw the large crowd that was like sheep without a shepherd. He felt sorry for the people and started teaching them many things.
English Revised VersionAnd he came forth and saw a great multitude, and he had compassion on them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationWhen Jesus got out of the boat, he saw a large crowd and felt sorry for them. They were like sheep without a shepherd. So he spent a lot of time teaching them.
Good News TranslationWhen Jesus got out of the boat, he saw this large crowd, and his heart was filled with pity for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began to teach them many things.
International Standard VersionWhen he got out of the boat, he saw a large crowd. He had compassion for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd, and he began to teach them many things.
NET BibleAs Jesus came ashore he saw the large crowd and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he taught them many things.
New Heart English BibleAnd he came out, saw a large crowd, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd, and he began to teach them many things.
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd Jesus, when he came out, saw many people, and was moved with compassion towards them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things.
Weymouth New TestamentSo when Jesus landed, He saw a vast multitude; and His heart was moved with pity for them, because they were like sheep which have no shepherd, and He proceeded to teach them many things. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleWhen Jesus stepped ashore and saw a large crowd, He had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And He began to teach them many things.
World English BibleJesus came out, saw a great multitude, and he had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand having come forth, Jesus saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion on them, that they were as sheep not having a shepherd, and He began to teach many things.
Berean Literal BibleAnd having gone out, He saw a great crowd and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were like sheep not having a shepherd. And He began to teach them many things.
Young's Literal Translation and having come forth, Jesus saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion on them, that they were as sheep not having a shepherd, and he began to teach many things.
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd Jesus, having come out, saw a great crowd, and felt compassion for them, for they were as sheep having not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd Jesus going out saw a great multitude: and he had compassion on them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd, and he began to teach them many things.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd Jesus, going out, saw a great multitude. And he took pity on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd, and he began to teach them many things.
New American BibleWhen he disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.
New Revised Standard VersionAs he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd when Jesus went out he saw large crowds, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them a great many things.
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishAnd Yeshua went forth, seeing the great crowds, and he was moved with pity on them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd, and he began to teach them many things. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentAnd when Jesus came out, he saw a great multitude, and had compassion on them, because they were as sheep that had no shepherd. And he began to teach them many things.
Godbey New Testament
And Jesus having come out saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion in their behalf, because they were as sheep having no shepherd: and He began to teach them many things.
Haweis New Testament
And Jesus, when he landed, saw a vast multitude, and was moved with companion towards them, for they were as sheep having no shepherd: and he began to teach them many things.
Mace New Testament
so that when Jesus landed, he found there a numerous assembly: which rais'd his compassion, because they were like so many sheep straggling without a pastor, whereupon he gave them various instructions.
Weymouth New Testament
So when Jesus landed, He saw a vast multitude; and His heart was moved with pity for them, because they were like sheep which have no shepherd, and He proceeded to teach them many things.
Worrell New Testament
And, coming forth, He saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd; and He began to teach them many things.
Worsley New Testament
And when Jesus came outof the ship, He saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion towards them; because they were as sheep without a shepherd: and He began to teach them manythings.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Feeding of the Five Thousand… 33But many people saw them leaving and recognized them. They ran together on foot from all the towns and arrived before them. 34WhenJesus stepped ashoreand sawa largecrowd,He had compassiononthem,becausethey werelikesheepwithouta shepherd.AndHe beganto teachthemmany things.35By now the hour was already late. So the disciples came to Jesus and said, “This is a desolate place, and the hour is already late.…
Cross References Matthew 9:36When He saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.
Ezekiel 34:11-16For this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Behold, I Myself will search for My flock and seek them out. / As a shepherd looks for his scattered sheep when he is among the flock, so I will look for My flock. I will rescue them from all the places to which they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness. / I will bring them out from the peoples, gather them from the countries, and bring them into their own land. I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, in the ravines, and in all the settlements of the land. ...
John 10:11-16I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. / The hired hand is not the shepherd, and the sheep are not his own. When he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf pounces on them and scatters the flock. / The man runs away because he is a hired servant and is unconcerned for the sheep. ...
Matthew 14:14When He stepped ashore and saw a large crowd, He had compassion on them and healed their sick.
Luke 9:11But 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.
Numbers 27:17who will go out and come in before them, and who will lead them out and bring them in, so that the congregation of the LORD will not be like sheep without a shepherd.”
Jeremiah 23:1-4“Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of My pasture!” declares the LORD. / Therefore this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says about the shepherds who tend My people: “You have scattered My flock and driven them away, and have not attended to them. Behold, I will attend to you for the evil of your deeds, declares the LORD. / Then I Myself will gather the remnant of My flock from all the lands to which I have banished them, and I will return them to their pasture, where they will be fruitful and multiply. ...
John 6:5-6When Jesus looked up and saw a large crowd coming toward Him, He said to Philip, “Where can we buy bread for these people to eat?” / But He was asking this to test him, for He knew what He was about to do.
Psalm 23:1-3A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. / He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. / He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for the sake of His name.
Isaiah 40:11He tends His flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart. He gently leads the nursing ewes.
Matthew 15:32Then Jesus called His disciples to Him and said, “I have compassion for this crowd, because they have already been with Me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may faint along the way.”
1 Peter 2:25For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
Zechariah 10:2For idols speak deceit and diviners see illusions; they tell false dreams and offer empty comfort. Therefore the people wander like sheep, oppressed for lack of a shepherd.
John 21:15-17When they had finished eating, Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love Me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he answered, “You know I love You.” Jesus replied, “Feed My lambs.” / Jesus asked a second time, “Simon son of John, do you love Me?” “Yes, Lord,” he answered, “You know I love You.” Jesus told him, “Shepherd My sheep.” / Jesus asked a third time, “Simon son of John, do you love Me?” Peter was deeply hurt that Jesus had asked him a third time, “Do you love Me?” “Lord, You know all things,” he replied. “You know I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep.
Matthew 18:12-14What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost? / And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he rejoices more over that one sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray. / In the same way, your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish.
Treasury of Scripture 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. saw. Matthew 14:14 And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick. Matthew 15:32 Then Jesus called his disciplesunto him, and said, I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat: and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way. Luke 9:11 And the people, when they knewit, followed him: and he received them, and spake unto them of the kingdom of God, and healed them that had need of healing. because. Numbers 27:17 Which may go out before them, and which may go in before them, and which may lead them out, and which may bring them in; that the congregation of the LORD be not as sheep which have no shepherd. 1 Kings 22:17 And he said, I saw all Israel scattered upon the hills, as sheep that have not a shepherd: and the LORD said, These have no master: let them return every man to his house in peace. 2 Chronicles 18:16 Then he said, I did see all Israel scattered upon the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd: and the LORD said, These have no master; let them returntherefore every man to his house in peace. and he. Isaiah 61:1-3 The Spirit of the Lord GODis upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison tothem that are bound; … Jump to Previous AshoreCompassionCrowdForthGreatHeartJesusKeeperLandedMassMovedMultitudePityProceededSheepShepherdShipTeachTeachingThrongTowardsVastJump to Next AshoreCompassionCrowdForthGreatHeartJesusKeeperLandedMassMovedMultitudePityProceededSheepShepherdShipTeachTeachingThrongTowardsVastMark 6 1.Jesus is a prophet without honor in his own country.7.He gives the twelve power over unclean spirits.14.Various opinions of Jesus.16.John the Baptist is imprisoned, beheaded, and buried.30.The apostles return from preaching.34.The miracle of five loaves and two fishes.45.Jesus walks on the sea;53.and heals all who touch him.When Jesus stepped ashoreThis phrase indicates Jesus' movement from the boat to the land, highlighting His active ministry. The Sea of Galilee, where this event likely took place, was a central location for Jesus' ministry. The act of stepping ashore signifies His readiness to engage with the people, emphasizing His accessibility and willingness to meet the needs of the crowd. and saw a large crowd
The presence of a large crowd reflects Jesus' growing popularity and the people's eagerness to hear His teachings and witness His miracles. This crowd likely consisted of a diverse group, including Jews from various regions, illustrating the widespread impact of His ministry. The gathering of such a crowd also fulfills the prophetic anticipation of a leader who would draw people to Himself. He had compassion on them
Jesus' compassion is a recurring theme in the Gospels, demonstrating His deep love and concern for humanity. This compassion is not merely an emotional response but a driving force for His actions. It reflects the heart of God, who is described in the Old Testament as compassionate and gracious (Exodus 34:6). Jesus' compassion here is a model for Christian ministry, emphasizing the importance of empathy and care for others. because they were like sheep without a shepherd
This imagery of sheep without a shepherd is rich in biblical symbolism. In the Old Testament, leaders of Israel are often described as shepherds, and the people as sheep (Ezekiel 34:1-10). The lack of a shepherd implies a lack of guidance, protection, and care. Jesus, as the Good Shepherd (John 10:11), fulfills the role of the true leader who provides for and guides His people. This phrase also echoes Moses' concern for Israel inNumbers 27:17, where he asks God to appoint a leader so the people will not be like sheep without a shepherd. And He began to teach them many things
Teaching was central to Jesus' ministry, and His teachings often focused on the Kingdom of God, repentance, and righteousness. The phrase indicates that Jesus' response to the crowd's need was to provide spiritual nourishment through His words. This teaching would have included parables, moral instructions, and revelations about God's nature and His plan for salvation. Jesus' role as a teacher fulfills the prophetic expectation of a prophet like Moses (Deuteronomy 18:15), who would guide the people with divine wisdom. Persons / Places / Events 1. JesusThe central figure in this passage, demonstrating His compassion and role as a teacher and shepherd. 2. The Large CrowdRepresents the people who were seeking Jesus, illustrating their spiritual hunger and need for guidance. 3. Sheep Without a ShepherdA metaphor used by Jesus to describe the spiritual state of the crowd, indicating their lack of direction and leadership. 4. TeachingThe act of Jesus imparting wisdom and guidance to the crowd, addressing their spiritual needs. 5. The LandThe setting where Jesus and the crowd are located, emphasizing the physical and spiritual journey of the people. Teaching Points Compassion as a Core Attribute of JesusJesus' compassion is not just an emotion but a driving force for action. As followers of Christ, we are called to emulate His compassion in our interactions with others. Spiritual Leadership and GuidanceJust as Jesus provided guidance to the crowd, we are reminded of the importance of seeking and providing spiritual leadership within our communities. Recognizing Spiritual HungerThe crowd's eagerness to follow Jesus highlights the universal need for spiritual nourishment. We should be attentive to our own spiritual needs and those of others. The Role of Teaching in DiscipleshipJesus' response to the crowd's need was to teach them. This underscores the importance of sound teaching in the growth and development of our faith. The Shepherd's HeartUnderstanding Jesus as the Good Shepherd helps us trust in His guidance and care, especially in times of uncertainty or when we feel lost. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Mark 6:34?
2.How can we emulate Jesus' compassion as seen in Mark 6:34 today?
3.What does "sheep without a shepherd" teach about spiritual leadership responsibilities?
4.How does Mark 6:34 connect with Psalm 23's depiction of God as Shepherd?
5.In what ways can we prioritize teaching others about God in our lives?
6.How does Jesus' response in Mark 6:34 guide our approach to community needs?
7.How does Mark 6:34 reflect Jesus' compassion and leadership qualities?
8.What does Mark 6:34 reveal about Jesus' view of humanity's spiritual needs?
9.How does Mark 6:34 challenge our understanding of spiritual guidance?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Mark 6?
11.What does it mean Jesus is the True Shepherd?
12.What does 'Sheep Without a Shepherd' mean?
13.What does "Sheep Without a Shepherd" mean?
14.What is the role of the Good Shepherd?What Does Mark 6:34 Mean When Jesus stepped ashore- The Lord has just crossed the Sea of Galilee with His disciples who are weary from ministry (Mark 6:30–32). - His deliberate movement from water to land highlights that He goes where people are, a pattern seen again inMatthew 14:14, where “He went ashore” to heal. - The event underscores the historical, bodily presence of Christ; He is not remote, but steps right into human need (John 1:14).
and saw a large crowd- Scripture makes clear that the multitude is sizeable and eager, having run ahead on foot (Mark 6:33). - Similar scenes (Mark 3:7-8;Luke 5:1) remind us that people sense spiritual hunger even when they cannot yet define it. - Jesus’ first response is not irritation at interrupted plans, but recognition of a real human longing.
He had compassion on them- “Compassion” (Mark 6:34) reveals the very heart of God; Christ’s feelings are more than pity—they move Him to act (Matthew 9:36;Psalm 145:8). - This compassion is consistent and unfailing (Lamentations 3:22-23). - The text assures us that divine love is personal and immediate, not abstract: Jesus sees faces, hears voices, understands burdens.
because they were like sheep without a shepherd- The phrase echoesNumbers 27:17, where Moses prays Israel will never be “like sheep without a shepherd.” - Prophets lamented leaderless Israel (Ezekiel 34:5), andIsaiah 53:6 captures the wandering tendency of every heart. - Jesus embodies the answer: “I am the good shepherd” (John 10:11), providing guidance, protection, and pasture (Psalm 23:1-3).
And He began to teach them many things- Before any miracle of loaves and fish, the Lord feeds minds and souls (Luke 9:11). - His teaching ministry fulfills the purpose He declared earlier: “Let us go… that I may preach there also, because that is why I have come” (Mark 1:38). - “Many things” suggests depth and variety—truth about God’s kingdom, repentance, faith, and life (Matthew 5–7). - The sequence—compassion, then instruction—shows that truth is care in action; shepherding hearts comes by imparting the Word (Psalm 119:130).
summaryMark 6:34 portrays a Savior who steps into human need, notices every soul, feels deep compassion, identifies our lostness, and answers it by teaching eternal truth. The verse assures us that Jesus, the Good Shepherd, still moves toward us, still sees us, still cares, and still feeds us with His living Word. Verse 34. - Our Lord had gone to this desert place for retirement and rest; but finding the multitude waiting For him, his compassions were stirred, and he began to teach them many things. He was moved with compassion, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd. No animal is more helpless, more stupid, more in need of a shepherd, than the sheep. St. Chrysostom observes that the scribes were not so much pastors as wolves, because, by teaching errors both by word and by example, they perverted the minds of the simple.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek WhenΚαὶ(Kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.[Jesus] stepped ashoreἐξελθὼν(exelthōn)Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1831:To go out, come out. From ek and erchomai; to issue.[and] sawεἶδεν(eiden)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3708:Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.a largeπολὺν(polyn)Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4183:Much, many; often.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.He had compassionἐσπλαγχνίσθη(esplanchnisthē)Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 4697:To feel compassion, have pity on, be moved.onἐπ’(ep’)Preposition
Strong's 1909:On, to, against, on the basis of, at.them,αὐτοὺς(autous)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Plural
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.becauseὅτι(hoti)Conjunction
Strong's 3754:Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.they wereἦσαν(ēsan)Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1510:I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.likeὡς(hōs)Adverb
Strong's 5613:Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.sheepπρόβατα(probata)Noun - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 4263:A sheep. Probably neuter of a presumed derivative of probaino; something that walks forward, i.e., a sheep.withoutἔχοντα(echonta)Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 2192:To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.a shepherd.ποιμένα(poimena)Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4166:A shepherd; hence met: of the feeder, protector, and ruler of a flock of men. Of uncertain affinity; a shepherd.Andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.He beganἤρξατο(ērxato)Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 756:To begin. Middle voice of archo; to commence.to teachδιδάσκειν(didaskein)Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 1321:To teach, direct, admonish. A prolonged form of a primary verb dao; to teach.themαὐτοὺς(autous)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Plural
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.many things.πολλά(polla)Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 4183:Much, many; often.
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NT Gospels: Mark 6:34 Jesus came out saw a great multitude (Mar Mk Mr) |
