And the multitude cometh together again, so that they could not so much as eat bread.

MARK 3:20KJV
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Mark 3:20 (KJV)

What does Mark 3:20 mean?

Mark 3:20 describes a situation where so many people gathered around Jesus and his followers that they did not even have a chance to eat a meal. The verse highlights how the crowds pressing in on Jesus made normal daily activities, like eating bread, impossible.

This scene takes place as Jesus is becoming increasingly well-known for his teaching and miracles. The "multitude" refers to the large crowds drawn to him, and the verse shows the intensity of their interest. The verse sets the stage for the challenges Jesus and his disciples faced as his popularity grew, showing how their daily lives were disrupted by the constant demands of the people.

The Greek behind Mark 3:20

  • The word for "multitude" (ὄχλος, ochlos) often refers to a large, sometimes unruly crowd. Here, it emphasizes just how many people were seeking out Jesus.
  • The phrase "could not so much as eat bread" uses the Greek word for "bread" (ἄρτος, artos), which was the basic food of the time. This detail underlines how the crowd's presence was so overwhelming that even the simplest needs, like eating, could not be met.

Why Mark 3:20 matters

  • Mark 3:20 helps readers understand the level of demand placed on Jesus and his disciples, showing that following him often meant personal sacrifice and constant interruption.
  • The verse highlights the growing fame of Jesus and the eagerness of the people to be near him, which sets up the tension and challenges that will unfold in the following verses.
  • By mentioning that they could not even eat, Mark gives a vivid, relatable picture of how overwhelming Jesus' ministry had become at this point in the story.

Where else these words appear

“as” Greek G3383 · used in 18 verses

  • Matthew 5:34 But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne:
  • Luke 9:3 And he said unto them, Take nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece.
  • 2 Thessalonians 2:2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.

“together” Greek G4905 · used in 32 verses

  • Matthew 1:18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
  • Acts 5:16 There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.
  • Acts 21:22 What is it therefore? the multitude must needs come together: for they will hear that thou art come.

“that” Greek G5620 · used in 83 verses

  • Matthew 8:24 And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep.
  • Luke 5:7 And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink.
  • 1 Corinthians 13:2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

“eat” Greek G5315 · used in 90 verses

  • Matthew 6:25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
  • Luke 7:36 And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee's house, and sat down to meat.
  • John 18:28 Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the passover.