Mark 6:31He said to them, "You come apart into a deserted place, and rest awhile." For there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.
The setting
Sea of Galilee, ~29 AD. After intense ministry and John the Baptist's execution, Jesus sees his exhausted disciples need withdrawal. Modern-day Capernaum area, Israel.
The emotion here: protective concern for exhausted friends
The original word
anapauō (ἀναπαύω) — to cause to cease from labor, give rest from burdens
Why it matters
Fishing boats on Galilee were typically 26 feet long and could hold 15 people
Read with care
What most readers miss in Mark 6:31
This comes right after Herod killed John the Baptist — Jesus needed space to grieve too
Common misconceptionPeople think this is about vacation, but Jesus is addressing ministry burnout after trauma. This is therapeutic withdrawal, not leisure.
The thread continues
Verses that echo Mark 6:31
Bible Genome reading
Mark 6:31 — Bible Genome reading
Emotional genome
Mark 6:31 comes from the book of Mark, written during the gospel period. These words are attributed to Jesus. The dominant emotion in this verse is resting, with a comfort power of 85% and a tone that is tender. It belongs to the narrative genre of biblical literature. Key themes include rest, solitude, ministry balance. Notable phrases: come apart; rest awhile; no leisure so much as to eat. This verse contains a command.
Emotionally similar
Verses that meet the same resting
“Love is patient and is kind; love doesn't envy. Love doesn't brag, is not proud,”
— 1 Corinthians 13:4
“When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, "It is finished." He bowed his head, and gave up his spirit.”
— John 19:30
“Yahweh is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing.”
— Psalms 23:1
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfor…”
— Psalms 23:4
“"Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth."”
— Psalms 46:10
Your reflection
What does Mark 6:31 mean to you, today?
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