Mark 6:48 (AV)
And he¹ saw² them toiling³ in rowing;
for the wind⁴ was contrary⁵ unto them:
and about⁶ the fourth watch of the night
he cometh unto them,
walking upon the sea,
and would have passed by them.
¹) Jesus.
²) The Greek word used here is in the Amplified Version 314 times translated with ‘to see’ and 281 times with ‘to know’. The meaning is: to perceive, to notice, to discern, to turn the eyes, the mind, or the attention to anything, to observe.
³) The Greek word βασανίζω (basanizo) is in the Amplified Version 8 times translated with ‘torment’, and only here with ‘toil’. The meaning of the word is ‘to test’, as in ‘questioning by applying torture’, ‘to be harassed’, ‘distressed’.
⁴) A very strong tempestuous wind.
⁵) Against.
⁶) Around.
Other translations:
And having seen that they were troubled and tormented in [their] rowing, for the wind was against them, about the fourth watch of the night [between 3:00-6:00 a.m.] He came to them, walking [directly] on the sea. And He acted as if He meant to pass by them, [AMP] And he saw that they were making headway painfully, for the wind was against them. And about the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. He meant to pass by them, [ESV] And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them. [KJV] He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. About the fourth watch of the night he went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them, [NIV] He saw that they were in serious trouble, rowing hard and struggling against the wind and waves. About three o'clock in the morning he came to them, walking on the water. He started to go past them, [NLT] Then He saw them straining at rowing, for the wind was against them. Now about the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea, and would have passed them by. [NKJV]
Some further information:
The disciples were in distress at sea; The wind was against them (Mark 6:48), so that they toiled in rowing, and could not get forward.
This was a specimen of the hardships they were to expect, when hereafter he should send them abroad to preach the gospel.
It would be like sending them to sea at this time with the wind against them:
▪︎ they must expect to toil in rowing,
▪︎ they must work hard to strive against so strong a stream;
▪︎ they must likewise expect to be tossed with waves, to be persecuted by their enemies.
And by exposing them now He intended to train them up for such difficulties, that they might learn to endure hardness.
The church is often like a ship at sea, tossed with tempests, and not comforted we may have Christ for us, and yet wind and tide against us; but it is a comfort to Christ’s disciples in a storm, that their Master is in the heavenly mount, interceding for them.
● Observe that the Christ made them a kind visit upon the water.
He could have checked the winds, where he was, or have sent an angel to their relief; but he chose to help them in the most endearing manner possible, and therefore came to them himself.
● Observe that He did not come until the fourth watch of the night, not until after three o’clock in the morning; but then He came.
○ Note that if the Christ’s visits to his people be deferred long, yet at length he will come; and their extremity is his opportunity to appear for them so much the more seasonably.
Though the salvation tarry, yet we must wait for it; at the end it shall speak, in the fourth watch of the night, and not lie.
● Observe that He came, walking upon the waters.
The sea was now tossed with waves, and yet Christ came, walking upon it; for though the floods lift up their voice, the Lord on high is mightier (Psalms 93:3, 4).
No difficulties can obstruct Christ’s gracious appearances for his people, when the set time is come. He will either find, or force, a way through the most tempestuous sea, for their deliverance (Psalms 42:7, 8,).
● Observe that He would have passed by them, that is, he set his face and steered his course, as if he would have gone further, and took no notice of them; this he did, to awaken them to call to him.
○ Note that providence, when it is acting designedly and directly for the succour of God’s people, yet sometimes seems as if it were giving them the go-by, and regarded not their case.
They thought that he would, but we may be sure that he would not, have passed by them.
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