Mark 3:9

9 When Jesus saw the crowds, he told his followers to get a boat ready for him to keep people from crowding against him.

Mark 3:9 Meaning and Commentary

Mark 3:9

And he spake unto his disciples
In an authoritative way; he ordered and commanded them,

that a small ship should wait on him:
that a boat should be got ready, be near at hand, and attend him, who was on shore; that he might go into it, should there be any occasion for it; and from thence preach to the people:

because of the multitude;
which came from the above parts, and all together made a very numerous body of people:

lest they should throng him;
crowd, press, afflict, and distress, and make him uneasy, that he could not be able to stand conveniently, and preach to them: so that should this be the case, as it was very likely it would, having a small vessel near the shore, he could go into it, and free himself from such an inconvenience.

Mark 3:9 In-Context

7 Jesus left with his followers for the lake, and a large crowd from Galilee followed him.

8 Also many people came from Judea, from Jerusalem, from Idumea, from the lands across the Jordan River, and from the area of Tyre and Sidon. When they heard what Jesus was doing, many people came to him.

9 When Jesus saw the crowds, he told his followers to get a boat ready for him to keep people from crowding against him.

10 He had healed many people, so all the sick were pushing toward him to touch him.

11 When evil spirits saw Jesus, they fell down before him and shouted, "You are the Son of God!"