Mark 3:9

9 Because of the crowd, Jesus told his disciples to get a small boat ready for him. This would keep the people from crowding 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 went off to the Sea of Galilee with his disciples. A large crowd from Galilee followed.

8 People heard about all that Jesus was doing. And many came to him. They came from Judea, Jerusalem, and Idumea. They came from the lands east of the Jordan River. And they came from the area around Tyre and Sidon.

9 Because of the crowd, Jesus told his disciples to get a small boat ready for him. This would keep the people from crowding him.

10 Jesus had healed many people. So those who were sick were pushing forward to touch him.

11 When people with evil spirits saw him, they fell down in front of him. The spirits shouted, "You are the Son of God!"