And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray.

MARK 6:46KJV
Know the Bible

Mark 6:46 (KJV)

What does Mark 6:46 mean?

Mark 6:46 describes how, after sending the crowd away, Jesus went up into a mountain by himself to pray. The verse highlights a moment when Jesus intentionally sought solitude to spend time in prayer after a busy period of ministry.

In this part of Mark’s Gospel, Jesus has just finished feeding a large crowd and instructs his disciples to leave by boat. He then chooses to withdraw from the crowds and his followers, going up a mountain alone. This shows Jesus making prayer a priority, even when surrounded by pressing needs and people.

The Greek behind Mark 6:46

  • The word for “mountain” is ὄρος (oros), which often refers to a high or remote place. In the Gospels, mountains are sometimes places of prayer or significant encounters with God, suggesting a setting apart from daily activity.
  • The verb προσεύχομαι (proseuchomai), translated “to pray,” means to address God with devotion or petition. The use of this word here emphasizes that Jesus’s time alone was focused on communication with God, not just rest or escape.

Why Mark 6:46 matters

  • Mark 6:46 clarifies that Jesus regularly made time for private prayer, even when he was in demand, showing that prayer was central to his life and ministry.
  • The verse helps readers see that seeking solitude for prayer was a deliberate choice by Jesus, not just a reaction to exhaustion or crowds.
  • This moment connects to the wider passage by showing what Jesus was doing while his disciples struggled on the lake, setting up the following story where he comes to them walking on the water.

Where else these words appear

“sent” Greek G657 · used in 6 verses

  • Luke 9:61 And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house.
  • Luke 14:33 So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.
  • Acts 18:21 But bade them farewell, saying, I must by all means keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem: but I will return again unto you, if God will. And he sailed from Ephesus.

“mountain” Greek G3735 · used in 65 verses

  • Matthew 4:8 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;
  • Mark 11:1 And when they came nigh to Jerusalem, unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount of Olives, he sendeth forth two of his disciples,
  • John 6:15 When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.

“pray” Greek G4336 · used in 82 verses

  • Matthew 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
  • Luke 6:12 And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.
  • Acts 20:36 And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.

“departed” Greek G565 · used in 118 verses

  • Matthew 2:22 But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:
  • Mark 5:17 And they began to pray him to depart out of their coasts.
  • Luke 24:12 Then arose Peter, and ran unto the sepulchre; and stooping down, he beheld the linen clothes laid by themselves, and departed, wondering in himself at that which was come to pass.