And they departed into a desert place by ship privately.

MARK 6:32KJV
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Mark 6:32 (KJV)

What does Mark 6:32 mean?

Mark 6:32 describes Jesus and his disciples leaving by boat to go privately to a remote or deserted place. The verse highlights their intention to withdraw from the crowds and find some solitude together.

In this scene, Jesus is with his disciples after a busy period of ministry, and they are seeking a quiet place away from the people who have been following them. The verse sets up the context for what happens next, showing that their departure was intentional and somewhat secretive, aiming for rest and privacy.

The Greek behind Mark 6:32

  • "desert" (ἔρημος, erēmos): This Greek word does not mean a sandy desert, but rather a lonely, uninhabited, or remote place. It emphasizes that Jesus and his disciples were seeking isolation, not just any open space.
  • "privately" (κατ’ ἰδίαν, kat’ idian): This phrase means "by themselves" or "in private." It shows that their journey was not meant to be public or for show, but for personal retreat away from the crowds.

Why Mark 6:32 matters

  • Mark 6:32 clarifies that Jesus valued rest and privacy for himself and his disciples, which helps explain the human side of their ministry.
  • The verse sets the stage for the following events, showing that the coming miracle (the feeding of the five thousand) happens when Jesus and his disciples are interrupted during their attempt to rest.
  • Understanding the original Greek words helps readers see that the "desert place" was about solitude, not a harsh wilderness, and that their withdrawal was intentional, not accidental.

Where else these words appear

“desert” Greek G2048 · used in 50 verses

  • Matthew 3:1 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,
  • Luke 1:80 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel.
  • John 11:54 Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews; but went thence unto a country near to the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim, and there continued with his disciples.

“ship” Greek G4143 · used in 64 verses

  • Matthew 4:21 And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them.
  • Mark 6:45 And 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.
  • Acts 21:2 And finding a ship sailing over unto Phenicia, we went aboard, and set forth.

“place” Greek G5117 · used in 88 verses

  • Matthew 12:43 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none.
  • Luke 14:22 And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room.
  • Acts 12:17 But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place.

“privately” Greek G2398 · used in 109 verses

  • Matthew 9:1 And he entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into his own city.
  • John 19:27 Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.
  • Galatians 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.