The Meaning of Mark 6:56 Explained

Mark 6:56

KJV: And whithersoever he entered, into villages, or cities, or country, they laid the sick in the streets, and besought him that they might touch if it were but the border of his garment: and as many as touched him were made whole.

YLT: and wherever he was going, to villages, or cities, or fields, in the market-places they were laying the infirm, and were calling upon him, that they may touch if it were but the fringe of his garment, and as many as were touching him were saved.

Darby: And wherever he entered into villages, or cities, or the country, they laid the sick in the market-places, and besought him that they might touch if it were only the hem of his garment; and as many as touched him were healed.

ASV: And wheresoever he entered, into villages, or into cities, or into the country, they laid the sick in the marketplaces, and besought him that they might touch if it were but the border of his garment: and as many as touched him were made whole.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

And  whithersoever  he entered,  into  villages,  or  cities,  or  country,  they laid  the sick  in  the streets,  and  besought  him  that  they might touch  if  it were but  the border  of his  garment:  and  as many  as  touched  him  were made whole. 

What does Mark 6:56 Mean?

Context Summary

Mark 6:30-56 - The Sympathy And Compassion Of Jesus
When the Apostles returned they had much to tell. Some were flushed with success, others radiant with victory over demons, others, perhaps, overstrained and weary, and all needing the quiet, holy influence of repose and silence in the Lord's company. And in those quiet hours or days, as the fever passed out of them, He taught them memorable lessons of how He would feed the world by His Church, and how His people would be safe amid the storms that swept the sea, for always he would watch them from the height, and come to them at the moment when His help was most needed. Christ sits as host at the great table of the Church, and the meager resources of His servants yield the starting point for His multiplication of bread. He bids us go and consider how little we have, that we may properly estimate the greatness of His help. Notice how the upward look precedes the breaking and giving. There is enough for each, not of bread alone, but of fish; and the disciples are refreshed by another kind of ministry. So the Lord recreates us by turning exhausted energies into new channels. What threatens to overpower us brings Christ to our side. But His footsteps must be arrested, if we would have His company. Where Jesus is, storms cease and the sick are made whole. [source]

Chapter Summary: Mark 6

1  Jesus is a prophet without honor in his own country
7  He gives the twelve power over unclean spirits
14  Various opinions of Jesus
16  John the Baptist is imprisoned, beheaded, and buried
30  The apostles return from preaching
34  The miracle of five loaves and two fishes
45  Jesus walks on the sea;
53  and heals all who touch him

Greek Commentary for Mark 6:56

Wheresoever he entered [οπου αν εισεπορευετο]
The imperfect indicative with αν — an used to make a general indefinite statement with the relative adverb. See the same construction at the close of the verse, οσοι αν ηπσαντο αυτον — hosoi an hēpsanto auton (aorist indicative and αν — an in a relative clause), as many as touched him. One must enlarge the details here to get an idea of the richness of the healing ministry of Jesus. We are now near the close of the Galilean ministry with its many healing mercies and excitement is at the highest pitch (Bruce). [source]
In the streets [ἀγοραῖς]
Rightly, Rev., market-places. See on Matthew 11:16. [source]
Border []
See on Matthew 9:20. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Mark 6:56

Mark 5:30 Who touched my garments? [Τις μου ηπσατο των ιματιων]
More exactly,Who touched me on my clothes; The Greek verb uses two genitives, of the person and the thing. It was a dramatic moment for Jesus and for the timid woman. Later it was a common practice for the crowds to touch the hem of Christ‘s garments and be healed (Mark 6:56). But here Jesus chose to single out this case for examination. There was no magic in the garments of Jesus. Perhaps there was superstition in the woman‘s mind, but Jesus honoured her darkened faith as in the case of Peter‘s shadow and Paul‘s handkerchief. [source]
Mark 5:30 Who touched me on my clothes []
; The Greek verb uses two genitives, of the person and the thing. It was a dramatic moment for Jesus and for the timid woman. Later it was a common practice for the crowds to touch the hem of Christ‘s garments and be healed (Mark 6:56). But here Jesus chose to single out this case for examination. There was no magic in the garments of Jesus. Perhaps there was superstition in the woman‘s mind, but Jesus honoured her darkened faith as in the case of Peter‘s shadow and Paul‘s handkerchief. [source]
Mark 11:19 Every evening [οταν οπσε εγενετο]
Literally, whenever evening came on or more exactly whenever it became late. The use of οταν — hotan (οτε αν — hote an) with the aorist indicative is like οπου αν — hopou an with the imperfect indicative (εισεπορευετο — eiseporeueto) and οσοι αν — hosoi an with the aorist indicative (ηπσαντο — hēpsanto) in Mark 6:56. The use of αν — an makes the clause more indefinite and general, as here, unless it renders it more definite, a curious result, but true. Luke 21:37 has the accusative of extent of time, “the days,” “the nights.” The imperfect tense he (or they) would go (εχεπορευετο εχεπορευοντο — exeporeueto exeporeuonto) out of the city suggests “whenever” as the meaning here. [source]
Luke 6:19 Healed [ἰᾶτο]
Compare Matthew 14:36; Mark 6:56, where διεσώθησαν , were thoroughly saved, and ἐσώζοντο , were saved, are used. Luke is more technical, using the strictly medical term, which occurs twenty-eight times in the New Testament, seventeen of these in Luke. Luke also uses the two words employed by Matthew and Mark, but always with some addition showing the nature of the saving. Thus Luke 7:3, where διασώσῃ (A. V.,heal ) is explained by Luke 7:7, ἰαθήσεται , the technical word, shall be healed, and by Luke 7:10, “found the servant whole ( ὑγιαίνοντα , another professional word - see on Luke 5:31) that had been sick. ” Compare, also, Luke 8:35, Luke 8:36, Luke 8:44, Luke 8:47, Luke 8:48. Medical writers do not use σώζειν or διασώζειν , to save, as equivalent to ἰᾶσθαι , to heal, but in the sense of escaping from a severe illness or from some calamity. Luke employs it in this sense - Acts 27:44; Acts 28:1. [source]
Acts 16:19 Laid hold on [επιλαβομενοι]
Second aorist middle participle of επιλαμβανω — epilambanō as in Acts 9:27; Acts 17:19, but here with hostile intent. Dragged (ειλκυσαν — heilkusan). First aorist active indicative of ελκυω — helkuō late form of the old verb ελκω — helkō (also in James 2:6) to draw as a sword, and then to drag one forcibly as here and Acts 21:30. It is also used of spiritual drawing as by Jesus in John 12:32. Here it is by violence. Into the marketplace Into the Roman forum near which would be the courts of law as in our courthouse square, as in Acts 17:17. Marketing went on also (Mark 7:4), when the crowds collect (Mark 6:56), from αγειρω — ageirō to collect or gather. Unto the rulers (επι τους αρχοντας — epi tous archontas). General Greek term for “the magistrates.” [source]
Acts 16:19 Into the marketplace [εις την αγοραν]
Into the Roman forum near which would be the courts of law as in our courthouse square, as in Acts 17:17. Marketing went on also (Mark 7:4), when the crowds collect (Mark 6:56), from αγειρω — ageirō to collect or gather. Unto the rulers (επι τους αρχοντας — epi tous archontas). General Greek term for “the magistrates.” [source]
Acts 5:15 Into the streets [εις τας πλατειας]
Supply οδους — hodous (ways), into the broad ways. On beds and couches (επι κλιναριων και κραβαττων — epi klinariōn kai krabattōn). Little beds (κλιναρια — klinaria diminutive of κλινη — klinē) and camp beds or pallets (See note on Mark 2:4, Mark 2:9, Mark 2:11). As Peter came by Genitive absolute with present middle participle. At the least his shadow might overshadow (καν η σκια επισκιασει — kan hē skia episkiasei). Future active indicative with ινα — hina (common with οπως — hopōs in ancient Greek) and καν — kan (crasis for και εαν — kai ean =even if), even if only the shadow. The word for shadow (σκια — skia like our “sky”) is repeated in the verb and preserved in our “overshadow.” There was, of course, no virtue or power in Peter‘s shadow. That was faith with superstition, of course, just as similar cases in the Gospels occur (Matthew 9:20; Mark 6:56; John 9:5) and the use of Paul‘s handkerchief (Acts 19:12). God honours even superstitious faith if it is real faith in him. Few people are wholly devoid of superstition. [source]
Acts 5:15 As Peter came by [ερχομενου Πετρου]
Genitive absolute with present middle participle. At the least his shadow might overshadow (καν η σκια επισκιασει — kan hē skia episkiasei). Future active indicative with ινα — hina (common with οπως — hopōs in ancient Greek) and καν — kan (crasis for και εαν — kai ean =even if), even if only the shadow. The word for shadow (σκια — skia like our “sky”) is repeated in the verb and preserved in our “overshadow.” There was, of course, no virtue or power in Peter‘s shadow. That was faith with superstition, of course, just as similar cases in the Gospels occur (Matthew 9:20; Mark 6:56; John 9:5) and the use of Paul‘s handkerchief (Acts 19:12). God honours even superstitious faith if it is real faith in him. Few people are wholly devoid of superstition. [source]
1 Corinthians 12:2 Even as ye were led [ὡς ἂν ἢγεσθε]
Rev., howsoever ye might be led. Better, Ellicott: “As from time to time ye might be led. The imperfect tense with the indefinite particle signifies habitually, whenever the occasion might arise. Compare Greek of Mark 6:56. “Now the fatal storm carried the blinded gentile, with a whole procession, to the temple of Jupiter; again it was to the altars of Mars or Venus, always to give them over to one or other of their deified passions” (Godet). [source]
1 Corinthians 12:2 Unto those dumb idols [προς τα ειδωλα τα απωνα]
“Unto the idols the dumb.” See Psalm 95:5-7 for the voicelessness Howsoever ye might be led (ως αν ηγεστε — hōs an ēgesthe). Rather, “as often as ye were led.” For this use of ως αν — hōs an for the notion of repetition, regular Koiné{[28928]}š idiom, see Robertson, Grammar, p. 974. Cf. οπου αν — hopou an in Mark 6:56. [source]
1 Corinthians 12:2 Howsoever ye might be led [ως αν ηγεστε]
Rather, “as often as ye were led.” For this use of ως αν — hōs an for the notion of repetition, regular Koiné{[28928]}š idiom, see Robertson, Grammar, p. 974. Cf. οπου αν — hopou an in Mark 6:56. [source]
1 Thessalonians 1:10 Jesus which delivered [Ἱησοῦν τὸν ῥυόμενον]
More correctly, delivereth. See on Matthew 1:21. Ῥύεσθαι todeliver, mostly in Paul. Lit. to draw to one's self. Almost invariably with the specification of some evil or danger or enemy. Σώζειν tosave is often used in a similar sense, of deliverance from disease, from sin, or from divine wrath: see Matthew 1:21; Mark 6:56; Luke 8:36; Acts 2:40; Romans 5:9: but σώζειν is a larger and more comprehensive term, including not only deliverance from sin and death, but investment with all the privileges and rewards of the new life in Christ. [source]
James 5:15 Shall save [σωσει]
Future active of σωζω — sōzō to make well. As in Matthew 9:21.; Mark 6:56. No reference here to salvation of the soul. The medicine does not heal the sick, but it helps nature (God) do it. The doctor cooperates with God in nature.The sick (τον καμνοντα — ton kamnonta). Present active articular participle of καμνω — kamnō old verb, to grow weary (Hebrews 12:3), to be sick (here), only N.T. examples.The Lord shall raise him up Future active of εγειρω — egeirō Precious promise, but not for a professional “faith-healer” who scoffs at medicine and makes merchandise out of prayer.And if he have committed sins (καν αμαρτιας ηι πεποιηκως — kan hamartias ēi pepoiēkōs). Periphrastic perfect active subjunctive (unusual idiom) with και εαν — kai ean (crasis καν — kan) in condition of third class. Supposing that he has committed sins as many sick people have (Mark 2:5.; John 5:14; John 9:2.; 1 Corinthians 11:30).It shall be forgiven him Future passive of απιημι — aphiēmi (impersonal passive as in Matthew 7:2, Matthew 7:7; Romans 10:10). Not in any magical way, not because his sickness has been healed, not without change of heart and turning to God through Christ. Much is assumed here that is not expressed. [source]

What do the individual words in Mark 6:56 mean?

And wherever - He entered into villages or cities fields in the marketplaces they were laying the ailing were begging Him that only the fringe clothing of Him they might touch as many as touched Him were being healed
καὶ ὅπου ἂν εἰσεπορεύετο εἰς κώμας πόλεις ἀγροὺς ἐν ταῖς ἀγοραῖς ἐτίθεσαν τοὺς ἀσθενοῦντας παρεκάλουν αὐτὸν ἵνα κἂν τοῦ κρασπέδου ἱματίου αὐτοῦ ἅψωνται ὅσοι ἥψαντο αὐτοῦ ἐσῴζοντο

ὅπου  wherever 
Parse: Adverb
Root: ὅπου  
Sense: where, whereas.
ἂν  - 
Parse: Particle
Root: ἄν  
Sense: has no exact English equivalent, see definitions under AV.
εἰσεπορεύετο  He  entered 
Parse: Verb, Imperfect Indicative Middle or Passive, 3rd Person Singular
Root: εἰσπορεύομαι  
Sense: to go into, enter.
εἰς  into 
Parse: Preposition
Root: εἰς  
Sense: into, unto, to, towards, for, among.
κώμας  villages 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Feminine Plural
Root: κώμη  
Sense: the common sleeping place to which labourers in the field return, a village.
πόλεις  cities 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Feminine Plural
Root: πόλις  
Sense: a city.
ἀγροὺς  fields 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Masculine Plural
Root: ἀγρός  
Sense: land.
ἀγοραῖς  marketplaces 
Parse: Noun, Dative Feminine Plural
Root: ἀγορά  
Sense: any assembly, especially of the people.
ἐτίθεσαν  they  were  laying 
Parse: Verb, Imperfect Indicative Active, 3rd Person Plural
Root: τίθημι  
Sense: to set, put, place.
ἀσθενοῦντας  ailing 
Parse: Verb, Present Participle Active, Accusative Masculine Plural
Root: ἀσθενέω  
Sense: to be weak, feeble, to be without strength, powerless.
παρεκάλουν  were  begging 
Parse: Verb, Imperfect Indicative Active, 3rd Person Plural
Root: παρακαλέω  
Sense: to call to one’s side, call for, summon.
ἵνα  that 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: ἵνα  
Sense: that, in order that, so that.
κἂν  only 
Parse: Adverb
Root: κἄν  
Sense: and if.
κρασπέδου  fringe 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Neuter Singular
Root: κράσπεδον  
Sense: the extremity or prominent part of a thing, edge, skirt, margin.
ἱματίου  clothing 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Neuter Singular
Root: ἱμάτιον  
Sense: a garment (of any sort).
αὐτοῦ  of  Him 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Root: αὐτός  
Sense: himself, herself, themselves, itself.
ἅψωνται  they  might  touch 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Subjunctive Middle, 3rd Person Plural
Root: ἅπτω  
Sense: to fasten one’s self to, adhere to, cling to.
ὅσοι  as  many  as 
Parse: Personal / Relative Pronoun, Nominative Masculine Plural
Root: ὅσος  
Sense: as great as, as far as, how much, how many, whoever.
ἥψαντο  touched 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Middle, 3rd Person Plural
Root: ἅπτω  
Sense: to fasten one’s self to, adhere to, cling to.
ἐσῴζοντο  were  being  healed 
Parse: Verb, Imperfect Indicative Middle or Passive, 3rd Person Plural
Root: ἐκσῴζω 
Sense: to save, keep safe and sound, to rescue from danger or destruction.