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

MARK 3:9KJV
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Mark 3:9 (KJV)

What does Mark 3:9 mean?

Mark 3:9 describes Jesus instructing his disciples to have a small boat ready for him because the crowd was so large that he risked being overwhelmed by people pressing in on him. This shows Jesus taking practical steps to manage the crowd and ensure he could continue his work safely.

In this scene, Jesus is surrounded by a huge crowd drawn by his teaching and miracles. He speaks directly to his disciples, asking them to prepare a boat as a precaution so he would not be physically crushed by the eager crowd. The verse highlights both the popularity of Jesus at this point in his ministry and his awareness of the practical challenges that came with such attention.

The Greek behind Mark 3:9

  • The word for "throng" is θλίβω (thlibō), which often means to press hard, squeeze, or crowd in on someone. This word emphasizes the physical pressure and potential danger Jesus faced from the crowd.
  • The word for "ship" is πλοιάριον (ploiarion), meaning a small boat. The use of this term shows that Jesus was not asking for a large vessel, but just something small and nearby for quick escape or to create space.

Why Mark 3:9 matters

  • Mark 3:9 helps the reader see the sheer size and intensity of the crowds following Jesus, which could easily be missed if only thinking of his ministry as calm or orderly.
  • The verse shows Jesus’ practical wisdom and care for safety, reminding readers that he was attentive to real-world needs and risks, not just spiritual matters.
  • This detail connects to the wider passage by setting up later scenes where Jesus teaches from a boat, using it as a platform to address the crowds more effectively.

Where else these words appear

“ship” Greek G4142 · used in 5 verses

  • Mark 4:36 And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships.
  • John 6:22 The day following, when the people which stood on the other side of the sea saw that there was none other boat there, save that one whereinto his disciples were entered, and that Jesus went not with his disciples into the boat, but that his disciples were gone away alone;
  • John 6:23 (Howbeit there came other boats from Tiberias nigh unto the place where they did eat bread, after that the Lord had given thanks:)

“on” Greek G4342 · used in 10 verses

  • Acts 1:14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.
  • Acts 6:4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.
  • Romans 12:12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

“throng” Greek G2346 · used in 10 verses

  • Matthew 7:14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
  • 2 Corinthians 7:5 For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears.
  • 2 Thessalonians 1:7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,

“lest” Greek G3363 · used in 95 verses

  • Matthew 7:1 Judge not, that ye be not judged.
  • John 18:36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.
  • Philippians 2:27 For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.