And he left them, and entering into the ship again departed to the other side.

MARK 8:13KJV
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Mark 8:13 (KJV)

What does Mark 8:13 mean?

Mark 8:13 describes Jesus leaving a group of people, getting back into a boat, and crossing over to the other side of the lake. The verse shows a moment where Jesus chooses to depart rather than continue a conversation or confrontation.

In this scene, Jesus is responding to the Pharisees who had just asked him for a sign from heaven. Instead of giving them what they wanted, he leaves them behind and travels with his disciples by boat. This action highlights a turning point where Jesus refuses to engage further with those who are not open to his message.

The Greek behind Mark 8:13

  • The word "left" (ἀφίημι, aphíēmi) often means to let go, leave behind, or abandon. Here, it emphasizes that Jesus deliberately chooses to walk away from the Pharisees, not just physically but also in terms of the discussion.
  • The word "again" (πάλιν, palin) signals that this is not the first time Jesus has crossed the lake by boat. It hints at a pattern in his ministry of moving from place to place, often after conflict or rejection.
  • The word "departed" (ἀπῆλθεν, apēlthen) means to go away or withdraw. In this context, it underscores a clear decision to leave the current setting and seek a different audience.

Why Mark 8:13 matters

  • Mark 8:13 makes it clear that Jesus does not always stay to argue or prove his point, even when challenged by religious leaders. This helps correct the idea that Jesus always gives people what they ask for.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage by showing a break between Jesus and the Pharisees, setting up later moments where he focuses more on teaching his disciples.
  • Seeing Jesus leave after a confrontation helps readers understand his priorities and his willingness to move on when hearts are closed.

Where else these words appear

“entering” Greek G1684 · used in 18 verses

  • Matthew 8:23 And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him.
  • Matthew 15:39 And he sent away the multitude, and took ship, and came into the coasts of Magdala.
  • Luke 8:22 Now it came to pass on a certain day, that he went into a ship with his disciples: and he said unto them, Let us go over unto the other side of the lake. And they launched forth.

“side” Greek G4008 · used in 23 verses

  • Matthew 4:15 The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles;
  • Mark 3:8 And from Jerusalem, and from Idumaea, and from beyond Jordan; and they about Tyre and Sidon, a great multitude, when they had heard what great things he did, came unto him.
  • John 1:28 These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing.

“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 6:32 And they departed into a desert place by ship privately.
  • Acts 21:2 And finding a ship sailing over unto Phenicia, we went aboard, and set forth.

“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.