Bible Strands
Mark 6:34
When Jesus stepped ashore and saw a large crowd, He had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And He began to teach them many things.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Jesus steps ashore and observes a large crowd that has run ahead from surrounding towns. He begins teaching them before the disciples later note the lateness of the hour.
The words — Jesus ἐξελθὼν (exelthōn), literally "having gone out," arrives on land. He εἶδεν (eiden), literally "He saw," the πολὺν ὄχλον (polyn ochlon), a great crowd.
The thread — The compassion motif runs parallel to Matthew 9:36, where Jesus sees harassed crowds. The shepherd imagery echoes Numbers 27:17, which promises a leader to guide the congregation, while Luke 9:11 records a parallel scene of Jesus teaching a following crowd.
Why it lands — The text states that Jesus teaches because the crowd lacks guidance, functioning as sheep without a shepherd. It requires the reader to recognize that spiritual instruction precedes practical provision in the narrative sequence.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things.
Cross-references
- Matthew 9:36 When He saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.
- Numbers 27:17 who will go out and come in before them, and who will lead them out and bring them in, so that the congregation of the LORD will not be like sheep without a shepherd.”
- Luke 9:11 But the crowds found out and followed Him. He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and He healed those who needed healing.
- 2 Chronicles 18:16 So Micaiah declared: “I saw all Israel scattered on the hills like sheep without a shepherd. And the LORD said, ‘These people have no master; let each one return home in peace.’”
- Isaiah 61:1 The Spirit of the Lord GOD is on Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to the prisoners,
- Hebrews 4:15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin.
- 1 Kings 22:17 So Micaiah declared: “I saw all Israel scattered on the hills like sheep without a shepherd. And the LORD said, ‘These people have no master; let each one return home in peace.’”
- Jeremiah 50:6 My people are lost sheep; their shepherds have led them astray, causing them to roam the mountains. They have wandered from mountain to hill; they have forgotten their resting place.
- Zechariah 10:2 For idols speak deceit and diviners see illusions; they tell false dreams and offer empty comfort. Therefore the people wander like sheep, oppressed for lack of a shepherd.
- Matthew 14:14 When He stepped ashore and saw a large crowd, He had compassion on them and healed their sick.