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Mark chapter 6

English Standard Version

1He went away from there and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. 2And on the Sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished, saying, "Where did this man get these things? What is the wisdom given to him? How are such mighty works done by his hands? 3Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?" And they took offense at him. 4And Jesus said to them, "A prophet is not without honor, except in his hometown and among his relatives and in his own household." 5And he could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them. 6And he marveled because of their unbelief. And he went about among the villages teaching.
7And he called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. 8He charged them to take nothing for their journey except a staff — no bread, no bag, no money in their belts — 9but to wear sandals and not put on two tunics. 10And he said to them, "Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you depart from there. 11And if any place will not receive you and they will not listen to you, when you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them." 12So they went out and proclaimed that people should repent. 13And they cast out many demons and anointed with oil many who were sick and healed them.
14King Herod heard of it, for Jesus ' name had become known. Some said, "John the Baptist has been raised from the dead. That is why these miraculous powers are at work in him." 15But others said, "He is Elijah." And others said, "He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old." 16But when Herod heard of it, he said, "John, whom I beheaded, has been raised." 17For it was Herod who had sent and seized John and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip 's wife, because he had married her. 18For John had been saying to Herod, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother 's wife." 19And Herodias had a grudge against him and wanted to put him to death. But she could not, 20for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he kept him safe. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed, and yet he heard him gladly.
21But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his nobles and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee. 22For when Herodias 's daughter came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests. And the king said to the girl, "Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it to you." 23And he vowed to her, "Whatever you ask me, I will give you, up to half of my kingdom." 24And she went out and said to her mother, "For what should I ask?" And she said, "The head of John the Baptist." 25And she came in immediately with haste to the king and asked, saying, "I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter." 26And the king was exceedingly sorry, but because of his oaths and his guests he did not want to break his word to her. 27And immediately the king sent an executioner with orders to bring John 's head. He went and beheaded him in the prison 28and brought his head on a platter and gave it to the girl, and the girl gave it to her mother. 29When his disciples heard of it, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.
30The apostles returned to Jesus and told him all that they had done and taught. 31And he said to them, "Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while." For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. 32And they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves. 33Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they ran there on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. 34When 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. 35And when it grew late, his disciples came to him and said, "This is a desolate place, and the hour is now late. 36Send them away to go into the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat." 37But he answered them, "You give them something to eat." And they said to him, "Shall we go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread and give it to them to eat?" 38And he said to them, "How many loaves do you have? Go and see." And when they had found out, they said, "Five, and two fish." 39Then he commanded them all to sit down in groups on the green grass. 40So they sat down in groups, by hundreds and by fifties. 41And taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing and broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the people. And he divided the two fish among them all. 42And they all ate and were satisfied. 43And they took up twelve baskets full of broken pieces and of the fish. 44And those who ate the loaves were five thousand men.
45Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. 46And after he had taken leave of them, he went up on the mountain to pray. 47And when evening came, the boat was out on the sea, and he was alone on the land. 48And he saw that they were making headway painfully, for the wind was against them. And about the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. He meant to pass by them, 49but when they saw him walking on the sea they thought it was a ghost, and cried out, 50for they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them and said, "Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid." 51And he got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded, 52for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened.
53When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret and moored to the shore. 54And when they got out of the boat, the people immediately recognized him 55and ran about the whole region and began to bring the sick people on their beds to wherever they heard he was. 56And wherever he came, in villages, cities, or countryside, they laid the sick in the marketplaces and implored him that they might touch even the fringe of his garment. And as many as touched it were made well.
New International Version

1Jesus left there and went to his hometown, accompanied by his disciples.
2When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed. "Where did this man get these things?" they asked. "What’s this wisdom that has been given him? What are these remarkable miracles he is performing? 3Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?" And they took offense at him.
4Jesus said to them, "A prophet is not without honor except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home." 5He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them.
6He was amazed at their lack of faith. Then Jesus went around teaching from village to village. 7Calling the Twelve to him, he began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over impure spirits.
8These were his instructions: "Take nothing for the journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in your belts. 9Wear sandals but not an extra shirt. 10Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you leave that town. 11And if any place will not welcome you or listen to you, leave that place and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them."
12They went out and preached that people should repent. 13They drove out many demons and anointed many sick people with oil and healed them.
14King Herod heard about this, for Jesus’ name had become well known. Some were saying, "John the Baptist has been raised from the dead, and that is why miraculous powers are at work in him."
15Others said, "He is Elijah." And still others claimed, "He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of long ago."
16But when Herod heard this, he said, "John, whom I beheaded, has been raised from the dead!"
17For Herod himself had given orders to have John arrested, and he had him bound and put in prison. He did this because of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, whom he had married. 18For John had been saying to Herod, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife." 19So Herodias nursed a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. But she was not able to, 20because Herod feared John and protected him, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man. When Herod heard John, he was greatly puzzled ; yet he liked to listen to him.
21Finally the opportune time came. On his birthday Herod gave a banquet for his high officials and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee.
22When the daughter of Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his dinner guests. The king said to the girl, "Ask me for anything you want, and I’ll give it to you." 23And he promised her with an oath, "Whatever you ask I will give you, up to half my kingdom."
24She went out and said to her mother, "What shall I ask for?" "The head of John the Baptist," she answered.
25At once the girl hurried in to the king with the request: "I want you to give me right now the head of John the Baptist on a platter."
26The king was greatly distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he did not want to refuse her. 27So he immediately sent an executioner with orders to bring John’s head. The man went, beheaded John in the prison, 28and brought back his head on a platter. He presented it to the girl, and she gave it to her mother. 29On hearing of this, John’s disciples came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.
30The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. 31Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest."
32So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place. 33But many who saw them leaving recognized them and ran on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. 34When 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.
35By this time it was late in the day, so his disciples came to him. "This is a remote place," they said, "and it’s already very late. 36Send the people away so that they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat."
37But he answered, "You give them something to eat." They said to him, "That would take more than half a year’s wages ! Are we to go and spend that much on bread and give it to them to eat?"
38"How many loaves do you have?" he asked. "Go and see." When they found out, they said, "Five—and two fish."
39Then Jesus directed them to have all the people sit down in groups on the green grass. 40So they sat down in groups of hundreds and fifties. 41Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people. He also divided the two fish among them all. 42They all ate and were satisfied, 43and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish. 44The number of the men who had eaten was five thousand.
45Immediately Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. 46After leaving them, he went up on a mountainside to pray.
47Later that night, the boat was in the middle of the lake, and he was alone on land. 48He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. Shortly before dawn he went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them, 49but when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost. They cried out,
50because they all saw him and were terrified. Immediately he spoke to them and said, "Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid." 51Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down. They were completely amazed, 52for they had not understood about the loaves; their hearts were hardened.
53When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret and anchored there. 54As soon as they got out of the boat, people recognized Jesus. 55They ran throughout that whole region and carried the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was. 56And wherever he went—into villages, towns or countryside—they placed the sick in the marketplaces. They begged him to let them touch even the edge of his cloak, and all who touched it were healed.
New American Standard Bible

1Jesus went out from there and *came into His hometown; and His disciples *followed Him. 2And when the Sabbath came, He began to teach in the synagogue; and the many listeners were astonished, saying, 'Where did this man learn these things, and what is this wisdom that has been given to Him, and such miracles as these performed by His hands? 3Is this not the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And are His sisters not here with us?' And they took offense at Him. 4Jesus said to them, 'A prophet is not dishonored except in his hometown and among his own relatives, and in his own household.' 5And He could not do any miracle there except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them.
6And He was amazed at their unbelief. And He was going around the villages, teaching.
7And He *summoned the twelve and began to send them out in pairs, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits; 8and He instructed them that they were to take nothing for their journey, except a mere staff—no bread, no bag, no money in their belt— 9but to wear sandals; and He added, 'Do not wear two tunics.' 10And He said to them, 'Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave town. 11Any place that does not receive you or listen to you, as you go out from there, shake the dust off the soles of your feet as a testimony against them.' 12And they went out and preached that people are to repent. 13And they were casting out many demons and were anointing with oil many sick people and healing them.
14And King Herod heard about it, for His name had become well known; and people were saying, 'John the Baptist has risen from the dead, and that is why these miraculous powers are at work in Him.' 15But others were saying, 'He is Elijah.' And others were saying, 'He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.' 16But when Herod heard about it, he kept saying, 'John, whom I beheaded, has risen!'
17For Herod himself had sent men and had John arrested and bound in prison on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, because he had married her. 18For John had been saying to Herod, 'It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.' 19And Herodias held a grudge against him and wanted to put him to death, and could not do so; 20for Herod was afraid of John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he had been protecting him. And when he heard him, he was very perplexed; and yet he used to enjoy listening to him. 21An opportune day came when Herod, on his birthday, held a banquet for his nobles and military commanders, and the leading people of Galilee; 22and when the daughter of Herodias herself came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his dinner guests; and the king said to the girl, 'Ask me for whatever you want, and I will give it to you.' 23And he swore to her, 'Whatever you ask of me, I will give it to you, up to half of my kingdom.' 24And she went out and said to her mother, 'What shall I ask for?' And she said, 'The head of John the Baptist.' 25Immediately she came in a hurry to the king and asked, saying, 'I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.' 26And although the king was very sorry, because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he was unwilling to refuse her. 27Immediately the king sent an executioner and commanded him to bring back his head. And he went and beheaded him in the prison, 28and brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl; and the girl gave it to her mother. 29When his disciples heard about this, they came and carried away his body, and laid it in a tomb.
30The apostles *gathered together with Jesus; and they reported to Him all that they had done and taught. 31And He *said to them, 'Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a little while.' (For there were many people coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.) 32And they went away in the boat to a secluded place by themselves.
33The people saw them going, and many recognized them and ran there together on foot from all the cities, and got there ahead of them. 34When 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. 35And when it was already late, His disciples came up to Him and said, 'This place is secluded and it is already late; 36send them away so that they may go into the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.' 37But He answered them, 'You give them something to eat!' And they *said to Him, 'Shall we go and spend two hundred denarii on bread, and give it to them to eat?' 38But He *said to them, 'How many loaves do you have? Go look!' And when they found out, they *said, 'Five, and two fish.' 39And He ordered them all to recline by groups on the green grass. 40They reclined in groups of hundreds and fifties. 41And He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up toward heaven, He blessed the food and broke the loaves and He gave them to the disciples again and again to set before them; and He divided the two fish among them all. 42And they all ate and were satisfied; 43and they picked up twelve full baskets of the broken pieces of bread, and of the fish. 44There were five thousand men who ate the loaves.
45And immediately Jesus had His disciples get into the boat and go ahead of Him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while He Himself *dismissed the crowd. 46And after saying goodbye to them, He left for the mountain to pray.
47When it was evening, the boat was in the middle of the sea, and He was alone on the land. 48Seeing them straining at the oars—for the wind was against them—at about the fourth watch of the night, He *came to them, walking on the sea; and He intended to pass by them. 49But when they saw Him walking on the sea, they thought that it was a ghost, and they cried out; 50for they all saw Him and were terrified. But immediately He spoke with them and *said to them, 'Take courage; it is I, do not be afraid.' 51Then He got into the boat with them, and the wind stopped; and they were utterly astonished, 52for they had not gained any insight from the incident of the loaves, but their hearts were hardened.
53When they had crossed over they came to land at Gennesaret, and moored at the shore. 54And when they got out of the boat, immediately the people recognized Him, 55and ran about that entire country and began carrying here and there on their pallets those who were sick, to wherever they heard He was. 56And wherever He entered villages, or cities, or a countryside, they were laying the sick in the marketplaces and imploring Him that they might just touch the fringe of His cloak; and all who touched it were being healed.
Christian Standard Bible

1He left there and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. 2When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished. "Where did this man get these things?" they said. "What is this wisdom that has been given to him, and how are these miracles performed by his hands? 3Isn’t this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And aren’t his sisters here with us?" So they were offended by him.
4Jesus said to them, "A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown, among his relatives, and in his household." 5He was not able to do a miracle there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them. 6And he was amazed at their unbelief. He was going around the villages teaching.
7He summoned the Twelve and began to send them out in pairs and gave them authority over unclean spirits. 8He instructed them to take nothing for the road except a staff—no bread, no traveling bag, no money in their belts, 9but to wear sandals and not put on an extra shirt. 10He said to them, "Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you leave that place. 11If any place does not welcome you or listen to you, when you leave there, shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them." 12So they went out and preached that people should repent. 13They drove out many demons, anointed many sick people with oil and healed them.
14King Herod heard about it, because Jesus’s name had become well known. Some said, "John the Baptist has been raised from the dead, and that’s why miraculous powers are at work in him." 15But others said, "He’s Elijah." Still others said, "He’s a prophet, like one of the prophets from long ago."
16When Herod heard of it, he said, "John, the one I beheaded, has been raised!"
17For Herod himself had given orders to arrest John and to chain him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because he had married her. 18John had been telling Herod, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife." 19So Herodias held a grudge against him and wanted to kill him. But she could not, 20because Herod feared John and protected him, knowing he was a righteous and holy man. When Herod heard him he would be very perplexed, and yet he liked to listen to him.
21An opportune time came on his birthday, when Herod gave a banquet for his nobles, military commanders, and the leading men of Galilee. 22When Herodias’s own daughter came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests. The king said to the girl, "Ask me whatever you want, and I’ll give it to you." 23He promised her with an oath: "Whatever you ask me I will give you, up to half my kingdom."
24She went out and said to her mother, "What should I ask for?" "John the Baptist’s head," she said.
25At once she hurried to the king and said, "I want you to give me John the Baptist’s head on a platter immediately." 26Although the king was deeply distressed, because of his oaths and the guests he did not want to refuse her. 27The king immediately sent for an executioner and commanded him to bring John’s head. So he went and beheaded him in prison, 28brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl. Then the girl gave it to her mother. 29When John’s disciples heard about it, they came and removed his corpse and placed it in a tomb.
30The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all that they had done and taught. 31He said to them, "Come away by yourselves to a remote place and rest for a while." For many people were coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.
32So they went away in the boat by themselves to a remote place, 33but many saw them leaving and recognized them, and they ran on foot from all the towns and arrived ahead of them.
34When 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.
35When it grew late, his disciples approached him and said, "This place is deserted, and it is already late. 36Send them away so that they can go into the surrounding countryside and villages to buy themselves something to eat."
37"You give them something to eat," he responded. They said to him, "Should we go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread and give them something to eat?"
38He asked them, "How many loaves do you have? Go and see." When they found out they said, "Five, and two fish." 39Then he instructed them to have all the people sit down in groups on the green grass. 40So they sat down in groups of hundreds and fifties. 41He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he blessed and broke the loaves. He kept giving them to his disciples to set before the people. He also divided the two fish among them all. 42Everyone ate and was satisfied. 43They picked up twelve baskets full of pieces of bread and fish. 44Now those who had eaten the loaves were five thousand men.
45Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat and go ahead of him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. 46After he said good-bye to them, he went away to the mountain to pray. 47Well into the night, the boat was in the middle of the sea, and he was alone on the land. 48He saw them straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. Very early in the morning he came toward them walking on the sea and wanted to pass by them. 49When they saw him walking on the sea, they thought it was a ghost and cried out, 50because they all saw him and were terrified. Immediately he spoke with them and said, "Have courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid." 51Then he got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased. They were completely astounded, 52because they had not understood about the loaves. Instead, their hearts were hardened.
53When they had crossed over, they came to shore at Gennesaret and anchored there.
54As they got out of the boat, people immediately recognized him. 55They hurried throughout that region and began to carry the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was. 56Wherever he went, into villages, towns, or the country, they laid the sick in the marketplaces and begged him that they might touch just the end of his robe. And everyone who touched it was healed.
New Living Translation

1Jesus left that part of the country and returned with his disciples to Nazareth, his hometown. 2The next Sabbath he began teaching in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed. They asked, 'Where did he get all this wisdom and the power to perform such miracles?' 3Then they scoffed, 'He’s just a carpenter, the son of Mary and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon. And his sisters live right here among us.' They were deeply offended and refused to believe in him.
4Then Jesus told them, 'A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his relatives and his own family.' 5And because of their unbelief, he couldn’t do any miracles among them except to place his hands on a few sick people and heal them.
6And he was amazed at their unbelief. Then Jesus went from village to village, teaching the people. 7And he called his twelve disciples together and began sending them out two by two, giving them authority to cast out evil spirits. 8He told them to take nothing for their journey except a walking stick — no food, no traveler’s bag, no money. 9He allowed them to wear sandals but not to take a change of clothes.
10Wherever you go,' he said, 'stay in the same house until you leave town. 11But if any place refuses to welcome you or listen to you, shake its dust from your feet as you leave to show that you have abandoned those people to their fate.'
12So the disciples went out, telling everyone they met to repent of their sins and turn to God. 13And they cast out many demons and healed many sick people, anointing them with olive oil.
14Herod Antipas, the king, soon heard about Jesus, because everyone was talking about him. Some were saying, 'This must be John the Baptist raised from the dead. That is why he can do such miracles.' 15Others said, 'He’s the prophet Elijah.' Still others said, 'He’s a prophet like the other great prophets of the past.'
16When Herod heard about Jesus, he said, 'John, the man I beheaded, has come back from the dead.'
17For Herod had sent soldiers to arrest and imprison John as a favor to Herodias. She had been his brother Philip’s wife, but Herod had married her. 18John had been telling Herod, 'It is against God’s law for you to marry your brother’s wife.' 19So Herodias bore a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. But without Herod’s approval she was powerless, 20for Herod respected John; and knowing that he was a good and holy man, he protected him. Herod was greatly disturbed whenever he talked with John, but even so, he liked to listen to him.
21Herodias’s chance finally came on Herod’s birthday. He gave a party for his high government officials, army officers, and the leading citizens of Galilee. 22Then his daughter, also named Herodias, came in and performed a dance that greatly pleased Herod and his guests. 'Ask me for anything you like,' the king said to the girl, 'and I will give it to you.' 23He even vowed, 'I will give you whatever you ask, up to half my kingdom!'
24She went out and asked her mother, 'What should I ask for?' Her mother told her, 'Ask for the head of John the Baptist!'
25So the girl hurried back to the king and told him, 'I want the head of John the Baptist, right now, on a tray!'
26Then the king deeply regretted what he had said; but because of the vows he had made in front of his guests, he couldn’t refuse her. 27So he immediately sent an executioner to the prison to cut off John’s head and bring it to him. The soldier beheaded John in the prison, 28brought his head on a tray, and gave it to the girl, who took it to her mother. 29When John’s disciples heard what had happened, they came to get his body and buried it in a tomb.
30The apostles returned to Jesus from their ministry tour and told him all they had done and taught. 31Then Jesus said, 'Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.' He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn’t even have time to eat.
32So they left by boat for a quiet place, where they could be alone. 33But many people recognized them and saw them leaving, and people from many towns ran ahead along the shore and got there ahead of them. 34Jesus 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.
35Late in the afternoon his disciples came to him and said, 'This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. 36Send the crowds away so they can go to the nearby farms and villages and buy something to eat.'
37But Jesus said, 'You feed them.' 'With what?' they asked. 'We’d have to work for months to earn enough money to buy food for all these people!'
38How much bread do you have?' he asked. 'Go and find out.' They came back and reported, 'We have five loaves of bread and two fish.'
39Then Jesus told the disciples to have the people sit down in groups on the green grass. 40So they sat down in groups of fifty or a hundred.
41Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up toward heaven, and blessed them. Then, breaking the loaves into pieces, he kept giving the bread to the disciples so they could distribute it to the people. He also divided the fish for everyone to share. 42They all ate as much as they wanted, 43and afterward, the disciples picked up twelve baskets of leftover bread and fish. 44A total of 5,000 men and their families were fed.
45Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and head across the lake to Bethsaida, while he sent the people home. 46After telling everyone good-bye, he went up into the hills by himself to pray.
47Late that night, the disciples were in their boat in the middle of the lake, and Jesus was alone on land. 48He saw that they were in serious trouble, rowing hard and struggling against the wind and waves. About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. He intended to go past them, 49but when they saw him walking on the water, they cried out in terror, thinking he was a ghost.
50They were all terrified when they saw him. But Jesus spoke to them at once. 'Don’t be afraid,' he said. 'Take courage! I am here! ' 51Then he climbed into the boat, and the wind stopped. They were totally amazed, 52for they still didn’t understand the significance of the miracle of the loaves. Their hearts were too hard to take it in.
53After they had crossed the lake, they landed at Gennesaret. They brought the boat to shore 54and climbed out. The people recognized Jesus at once, 55and they ran throughout the whole area, carrying sick people on mats to wherever they heard he was. 56Wherever he went — in villages, cities, or the countryside — they brought the sick out to the marketplaces. They begged him to let the sick touch at least the fringe of his robe, and all who touched him were healed.
King James Version

1And he went out from thence, and came into his own country; and his disciples follow him. 2And when the sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were astonished, saying, From whence hath this man these things? and what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands? 3Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him. 4But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house. 5And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them. 6And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching.
7And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits; 8And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse: 9But be shod with sandals; and not put on two coats. 10And he said unto them, In what place soever ye enter into an house, there abide till ye depart from that place. 11And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city. 12And they went out, and preached that men should repent. 13And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them.
14And king Herod heard of him; (for his name was spread abroad:) and he said, That John the Baptist was risen from the dead, and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him. 15Others said, That it is Elias. And others said, That it is a prophet, or as one of the prophets.
16But when Herod heard thereof, he said, It is John, whom I beheaded: he is risen from the dead. 17For Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife: for he had married her. 18For John had said unto Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother's wife. 19Therefore Herodias had a quarrel against him, and would have killed him; but she could not: 20For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and an holy, and observed him; and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly. 21And when a convenient day was come, that Herod on his birthday made a supper to his lords, high captains, and chief estates of Galilee; 22And when the daughter of the said Herodias came in, and danced, and pleased Herod and them that sat with him, the king said unto the damsel, Ask of me whatsoever thou wilt, and I will give it thee. 23And he sware unto her, Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give it thee, unto the half of my kingdom. 24And she went forth, and said unto her mother, What shall I ask? And she said, The head of John the Baptist. 25And she came in straightway with haste unto the king, and asked, saying, I will that thou give me by and by in a charger the head of John the Baptist. 26And the king was exceeding sorry; yet for his oath's sake, and for their sakes which sat with him, he would not reject her. 27And immediately the king sent an executioner, and commanded his head to be brought: and he went and beheaded him in the prison,
28And brought his head in a charger, and gave it to the damsel: and the damsel gave it to her mother. 29And when his disciples heard of it, they came and took up his corpse, and laid it in a tomb.
30And the apostles gathered themselves together unto Jesus, and told him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught. 31And 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. 32And they departed into a desert place by ship privately. 33And 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. 34And 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. 35And 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: 36Send 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. 37He 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 38He saith unto them, How many loaves have ye go and see. And when they knew, they say, Five, and two fishes. 39And he commanded them to make all sit down by companies upon the green grass. 40And they sat down in ranks, by hundreds, and by fifties. 41And 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. 42And they did all eat, and were filled. 43And they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments, and of the fishes. 44And they that did eat of the loaves were about five thousand men.
45And straightway he constrained his disciples to get into the ship, and to go to the other side before unto Bethsaida, while he sent away the people. 46And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray. 47And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land. 48And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them. 49But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out: 50For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid. 51And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered.
52For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened.
53And when they had passed over, they came into the land of Gennesaret, and drew to the shore. 54And when they were come out of the ship, straightway they knew him, 55And ran through that whole region round about, and began to carry about in beds those that were sick, where they heard he was. 56And whithersoever he entered, into villages, or cities, or country, they laid the sick in the streets, and besought him that they might touch if it were but the border of his garment: and as many as touched him were made whole.
New King James Version

1Then He went out from there and came to His own country, and His disciples followed Him. 2And when the Sabbath had come, He began to teach in the synagogue. And many hearing Him were astonished, saying, “Where did this Man get these things? And what wisdom is this which is given to Him, that such mighty works are performed by His hands! 3Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And are not His sisters here with us?” So they were offended at Him.
4But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own country, among his own relatives, and in his own house.” 5Now He could do no mighty work there, except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them. 6And He marveled because of their unbelief. Then He went about the villages in a circuit, teaching.
7And He called the twelve to Himself, and began to send them out two by two, and gave them power over unclean spirits. 8He commanded them to take nothing for the journey except a staff—no bag, no bread, no copper in their money belts— 9but to wear sandals, and not to put on two tunics.
10Also He said to them, “In whatever place you enter a house, stay there till you depart from that place. 11And whoever will not receive you nor hear you, when you depart from there, shake off the dust under your feet as a testimony against them. Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!”
12So they went out and preached that people should repent. 13And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick, and healed them.
14Now King Herod heard of Him, for His name had become well known. And he said, “John the Baptist is risen from the dead, and therefore these powers are at work in him.”
15Others said, “It is Elijah.” And others said, “It is the Prophet, or like one of the prophets.”
16But when Herod heard, he said, “This is John, whom I beheaded; he has been raised from the dead!” 17For Herod himself had sent and laid hold of John, and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife; for he had married her. 18Because John had said to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.”
19Therefore Herodias held it against him and wanted to kill him, but she could not; 20for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just and holy man, and he protected him. And when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.
21Then an opportune day came when Herod on his birthday gave a feast for his nobles, the high officers, and the chief men of Galilee. 22And when Herodias’ daughter herself came in and danced, and pleased Herod and those who sat with him, the king said to the girl, “Ask me whatever you want, and I will give it to you.” 23He also swore to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, up to half my kingdom.”
24So she went out and said to her mother, “What shall I ask?” And she said, “The head of John the Baptist!”
25Immediately she came in with haste to the king and asked, saying, “I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.”
26And the king was exceedingly sorry; yet, because of the oaths and because of those who sat with him, he did not want to refuse her. 27Immediately the king sent an executioner and commanded his head to be brought. And he went and beheaded him in prison, 28brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl; and the girl gave it to her mother. 29When his disciples heard of it, they came and took away his corpse and laid it in a tomb.
30Then the apostles gathered to Jesus and told Him all things, both what they had done and what they had taught. 31And He said to them, “Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat. 32So they departed to a deserted place in the boat by themselves.
33But the multitudes saw them departing, and many knew Him and ran there on foot from all the cities. They arrived before them and came together to Him. 34And 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. 35When the day was now far spent, His disciples came to Him and said, “This is a deserted place, and already the hour is late. 36Send them away, that they may go into the surrounding country and villages and buy themselves bread; for they have nothing to eat.”
37But He answered and said to them, “You give them something to eat.” And they said to Him, “Shall we go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread and give them something to eat?”
38But He said to them, “How many loaves do you have? Go and see.” And when they found out they said, “Five, and two fish.”
39Then He commanded them to make them all sit down in groups on the green grass. 40So they sat down in ranks, in hundreds and in fifties. 41And when He had taken the five loaves and the two fish, He looked up to heaven, blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to His disciples to set before them; and the two fish He divided among them all. 42So they all ate and were filled. 43And they took up twelve baskets full of fragments and of the fish. 44Now those who had eaten the loaves were about five thousand men.
45Immediately He made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while He sent the multitude away. 46And when He had sent them away, He departed to the mountain to pray. 47Now when evening came, the boat was in the middle of the sea; and He was alone on the land. 48Then He saw them straining at rowing, for the wind was against them. Now about the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea, and would have passed them by. 49And when they saw Him walking on the sea, they supposed it was a ghost, and cried out; 50for they all saw Him and were troubled. But immediately He talked with them and said to them, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.” 51Then He went up into the boat to them, and the wind ceased. And they were greatly amazed in themselves beyond measure, and marveled. 52For they had not understood about the loaves, because their heart was hardened.
53When they had crossed over, they came to the land of Gennesaret and anchored there. 54And when they came out of the boat, immediately the people recognized Him, 55ran through that whole surrounding region, and began to carry about on beds those who were sick to wherever they heard He was. 56Wherever He entered, into villages, cities, or the country, they laid the sick in the marketplaces, and begged Him that they might just touch the hem of His garment. And as many as touched Him were made well.

What does Mark chapter 6 mean?

After ramping up the scope of His miracles by calming a storm, exorcising a legion of demons, healing a woman without intent, and raising a dead girl (Mark 4:35—5:43), Jesus takes the Twelve to His hometown of Nazareth. Jesus sees several different reactions to His ministry. The Gentile people of the Decapolis are afraid and beg Him to leave (Mark 5:17). His family are ashamed and beg Him to come home (Mark 3:21, 31–32). The Pharisees from Jerusalem and the Herodians are jealous and arrogant, and plot to destroy Him (Mark 3:6). But many people beg for His healing touch, crowding Him to the point that He has to worry about His own safety (Mark 4:1).

Nazareth greets Jesus with dismissive cynicism. Neighbors and family members He has known His whole life recognize the wisdom of His teaching, but reject the home-grown boy who teaches. These reactions embody the adage of "familiarity breeds contempt." Ironically, the attitude of those closest to Jesus seems to agree with the assumption of Nathanael (John 1:46) that "nothing good comes from Nazareth." Jesus has just left a woman so filled with faith that she was healed simply by touching His cloak. Now, the people who should know Him best have so little faith He can do little to help them. Christ's intent for using miracles is to perform them as a response to faith: when there is no faith, miracles would contradict His purpose (Mark 6:1–6).

On the heels of this rejection, Jesus commissions the Twelve to begin their own ministries in His name. He sends them off with the command to rely on those they teach for support, and gives them authority to heal, exorcise demons, and even raise the dead (Matthew 10:8). These efforts will prove successful, but not without consequences (Mark 6:7–13).

Mark underscores that times of victory will make the Twelve vulnerable to great danger. He recounts the death of John the Baptist who had condemned Herod Antipas' marriage, thereby earning the wrath of Antipas' wife, Herodias. While Antipas moves to protect John, Herodias waits for an opportunity to strike. Her daughter earns the favor of Antipas, and in a foolish moment, Antipas promises her a favor. Herodias coaches her daughter to ask for John's head, and Antipas must deliver (Mark 6:14–29).

Back in the present time, the Twelve return exhausted and hungry but filled with stories of success. Jesus plans a retreat, and they board the boat, intending to find a secluded place to rest. Here, the Twelve fall victim to their own success. The people recognize them as well as Jesus and follow so quickly that some reach their destination before the boat lands. Feeling compassion for the "sheep without a shepherd," Jesus spends the day teaching and healing. At night, when the Twelve wish to dismiss the crowd to find food, Jesus challenges them to provide the food themselves. Despite their recent experiences performing miracles, the Twelve are stymied, and it is Jesus who must use a boy's lunch to feed thousands (Mark 6:30–44).

After dinner, the people are even more convinced that Jesus is the promised Messiah, come to rescue them from the clutches of Rome (John 6:14–15). Although the Twelve concur, they are still too confused by Jesus' behavior to act. Jesus hurries them back to Capernaum while He quiets the nationalistic fervor. With the crowd dispersed, He retreats to a mountain to pray. Whether by moonlight or the breaking dawn, Jesus notices that despite rowing all night, the wind has allowed the Twelve to travel only three or four miles. He walks across the water to them, intending to reassure them by revealing His glorious presence, but their ignorance drives them to fear. Perhaps resolving they need comfort more than epiphanies, He joins them in the boat, and they arrive in Gennesaret, south of Capernaum (Mark 6:45–52).

In Gennesaret, things are back to normal—or, at least, to the familiar pattern of Jesus' earthly ministry. The sick and injured mob Jesus as He and the Twelve travel the countryside. Faith in Jesus' ability to heal has grown, however, and many are healed merely by touching the fringe on His cloak (Mark 6:53–56).
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