And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side.

MARK 4:35KJV
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Mark 4:35 (KJV)

What does Mark 4:35 mean?

Mark 4:35 describes Jesus telling his disciples, as evening arrives, to cross over to the other side of the lake. This verse sets the scene for what follows, showing Jesus initiating a journey with his disciples after a day of teaching.

Jesus is the one speaking here, addressing his close followers. The setting is the end of a long day by the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus has been teaching crowds in parables. By suggesting they go "unto the other side," Jesus is leading his disciples away from the crowds, which prepares the way for the events that will happen during the crossing.

The Greek behind Mark 4:35

  • ὀψία (opsia, G3798) — "even": This word points to the late part of the day, often understood as dusk or evening, which helps explain why the disciples would be heading out on the water at a less typical time.
  • διέλθωμεν (dielthōmen, from G1330) — "let us pass over": This verb carries the sense of moving across or through something, in this case, the lake. It is an invitation from Jesus for the group to travel together, not just a command.
  • πέραν (peran, G4008) — "the other side": This word specifically means the far shore or the opposite side, clarifying that Jesus intends for them to make a full crossing, not just a short trip along the edge.

Why Mark 4:35 matters

  • Mark 4:35 marks a turning point from public teaching to a private journey, signaling a shift in focus from the crowds to the disciples.
  • The verse sets up the context for the coming storm on the lake, showing that the journey was Jesus' idea, not the disciples', which becomes important in the story that follows.
  • Noting the time of day ("even") and Jesus' initiative helps readers understand the disciples' likely fatigue and the unusual timing, adding depth to the challenges they are about to face.

Where else these words appear

“even” Greek G3798 · used in 15 verses

  • Matthew 8:16 When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick:
  • Matthew 20:8 So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the labourers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first.
  • Mark 11:11 And Jesus entered into Jerusalem, and into the temple: and when he had looked round about upon all things, and now the eventide was come, he went out unto Bethany with the twelve.

“side” Greek G4008 · used in 23 verses

  • Matthew 4:15 The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles;
  • Mark 3:8 And from Jerusalem, and from Idumaea, and from beyond Jordan; and they about Tyre and Sidon, a great multitude, when they had heard what great things he did, came unto him.
  • John 1:28 These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing.

“over” Greek G1330 · used in 42 verses

  • Matthew 12:43 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none.
  • John 4:4 And he must needs go through Samaria.
  • Acts 15:41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.