Mark 6:55 (KJV)

What does Mark 6:55 mean?

Mark 6:55 describes how people from the surrounding area hurried through the region, bringing sick individuals on beds to wherever they heard Jesus was present. The verse shows the urgent response of the crowds, who believed that simply being near Jesus could bring healing.

In this scene, Mark is narrating what happened after Jesus and his disciples landed their boat. News of Jesus’ arrival spread quickly, and people acted immediately, carrying their sick loved ones—sometimes on makeshift beds—to meet him. The verse highlights the people's desperation and hope, as well as the growing reputation of Jesus as a healer.

The Greek behind Mark 6:55

• "περιήλθον" (periēlthon, "ran through/about"): This word means to go around or travel throughout, emphasizing the thoroughness and urgency with which people searched for Jesus.
• "κράβαττοις" (krabattois, "beds"): This term refers to simple mats or pallets, showing that many of the sick were too weak to walk and had to be carried.
• "ἀσθενοῦντας" (asthenountas, "sick"): This word often means those who are weak or without strength, underlining the severity of their conditions and their need for help.
• "ἤκουον" (ēkouon, "heard"): The verb is in the imperfect tense, suggesting that the people kept on hearing reports about Jesus’ location and acted on this information repeatedly.

Why Mark 6:55 matters

• Mark 6:55 clears up any impression that only a few people sought Jesus; instead, it shows a widespread, almost frantic effort to reach him, revealing the scale of his impact.
• The verse emphasizes the faith and hope people placed in Jesus’ presence, not just his words or teachings, but in physically being near him.
• Mark 6:55 connects to the surrounding verses by setting up the context for the many healings that follow, showing how Jesus’ compassion met the urgent needs of the crowds.