Mark 5:21 (KJV)

What does Mark 5:21 mean?

Mark 5:21 describes how Jesus returned by boat to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, where a large crowd gathered around him as he stayed near the shore. This verse sets the scene for the events that follow, showing that Jesus’ presence attracted many people eager to see or hear him.

In this verse, Mark is narrating what happened after Jesus crossed back over the lake. The crowd’s quick gathering highlights Jesus’ growing reputation and the people’s eagerness for his teaching and miracles. The mention of Jesus being “nigh unto the sea” shows he had just arrived and had not yet moved inland, making it easier for the crowd to approach him.

The Greek behind Mark 5:21

• The word for “gathered” is συνήχθη (synēchthē), which often means people coming together with a purpose. Here, it emphasizes that the crowd was intentionally seeking out Jesus, not just happening to be nearby.
• The phrase “nigh unto the sea” uses παρά (para), meaning “beside” or “near,” and θάλασσα (thalassa), meaning “sea.” This detail shows Jesus was still right at the water’s edge, not yet surrounded by buildings or in a town.

Why Mark 5:21 matters

• Mark 5:21 helps the reader see how quickly news about Jesus spread and how eager people were to be near him, setting up the urgency and expectation in the stories that follow.
• The verse connects the events before and after, showing a transition from one side of the Sea of Galilee to the other, which helps track Jesus’ movements and the flow of the narrative.
• By noting that Jesus was still by the sea, Mark highlights how accessible Jesus was to the crowds, which often led to dramatic encounters and miracles in the following verses.