And when the day was now far spent, his disciples came unto him, and said, This is a desert place, and now the time is far passed:

MARK 6:35KJV
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Mark 6:35 (KJV)

What does Mark 6:35 mean?

Mark 6:35 describes how, late in the day, Jesus’ disciples approached him to point out that they were in a remote place and that it was getting very late. The disciples were concerned about the practical needs of the crowd gathered with Jesus as evening approached.

In this scene, Jesus and his disciples are in a deserted area, away from towns or villages, with a large crowd present. The disciples are speaking directly to Jesus, highlighting both the isolation of their location and the lateness of the hour. This sets the stage for the following verses, where the issue of how to feed the crowd becomes central.

The Greek behind Mark 6:35

  • The word for "desert" is ἔρημος (erēmos), which often means a deserted or uninhabited place, not necessarily a sandy desert. This emphasizes that they were far from resources or help.
  • The phrase "far spent" uses πολύς (polys, translated here as "far" or "much") and ὥρα (hōra, "hour" or "time"), stressing that a significant amount of time had passed, making the situation urgent.
  • The disciples "came" (προσέρχομαι, proserchomai) to Jesus, which can carry the sense of approaching with a purpose or request, showing their concern and initiative.

Why Mark 6:35 matters

  • Mark 6:35 helps clarify that the miracle of feeding the five thousand happens in a setting where ordinary solutions (like buying food nearby) are not possible, highlighting the need for divine intervention.
  • The verse shows the disciples’ practical mindset and their role as intermediaries between Jesus and the crowd, which is a recurring theme in the Gospels.
  • This verse prepares the reader for the miracle that follows by making the problem clear: the crowd’s need and the disciples’ limited resources.

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.

“now” Greek G2235 · used in 54 verses

  • Matthew 3:10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
  • Luke 14:17 And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready.
  • John 21:14 This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead.

“came” Greek G4334 · used in 85 verses

  • Matthew 4:3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
  • Matthew 21:14 And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple; and he healed them.
  • Luke 9:12 And when the day began to wear away, then came the twelve, and said unto him, Send the multitude away, that they may go into the towns and country round about, and lodge, and get victuals: for we are here in a desert place.

“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.