Mark omitted the record of Peter walking on the water ( Matthew 14:28-31). This seems unusual if Peter influenced Mark"s writing. Perhaps Peter "was reluctant to picture himself in such a unique and spectacular incident." [1][source]
Another miracle happened (cf. Mark 4:35-41). The wind died down as soon as Jesus stepped into the boat. This astonished (Gr. existanto, cf. Mark 2:12; Mark 5:42) the disciples further. [source][source][source]
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
1Jesus is a prophet without honor in his own country 7He gives the twelve power over unclean spirits 14Various opinions of Jesus 16John the Baptist is imprisoned, beheaded, and buried 30The apostles return from preaching 34The miracle of five loaves and two fishes 45Jesus walks on the sea; 53and heals all who touch him
Greek Commentary for Mark 6:51
They were sore amazed in themselves [λιαν εν εαυτοις εχισταντο] Only in Mark. Imperfect tense picturing vividly the excited disciples. Mark does not give the incident of Peter‘s walking on the water and beginning to sink. Perhaps Peter was not fond of telling that story. [source]
Sore amazed [λίαν ἐκ περισσοῦ ἐξίσταντο] Lit., exceedingly beyond measure. A strong expression peculiar to Mark. Ἐξίσταντο , were amazed. Compare the cognate noun ἔκστασις , and see on Mark 5:42. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Mark 6:51
Mark 6:53Drew to the shore [προσωρμίσθησαν] Peculiar to Mark. Rev., moored to the shore, though the meaning may be near the shore. Ἀνέβη , he went up (Mark 6:51), seems to indicate a vessel of considerable size, standing quite high out of the water. They may have anchored off shore. [source]
John 6:21They were willing therefore [ητελον ουν] Inchoative imperfect, “they began to be willing.” This does not contradict Mark 6:51 as Bernard thinks. Both Jesus and Peter climbed into the boat. Whither they were going Progressive imperfect active, “to which land they had been going” (intransitive use of υπαγω hupagō to lead under, to go under or away as in John 6:67; John 7:33; John 12:11; John 18:8. [source]
What do the individual words in Mark 6:51 mean?
AndHe went uptothemintotheboatceasedthewindexceedinglyinabundanceinthemselvesthey were amazed
Greek Commentary for Mark 6:51
Only in Mark. Imperfect tense picturing vividly the excited disciples. Mark does not give the incident of Peter‘s walking on the water and beginning to sink. Perhaps Peter was not fond of telling that story. [source]
See on Mark 4:39. [source]
Lit., exceedingly beyond measure. A strong expression peculiar to Mark. Ἐξίσταντο , were amazed. Compare the cognate noun ἔκστασις , and see on Mark 5:42. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Mark 6:51
Peculiar to Mark. Rev., moored to the shore, though the meaning may be near the shore. Ἀνέβη , he went up (Mark 6:51), seems to indicate a vessel of considerable size, standing quite high out of the water. They may have anchored off shore. [source]
Inchoative imperfect, “they began to be willing.” This does not contradict Mark 6:51 as Bernard thinks. Both Jesus and Peter climbed into the boat. Whither they were going Progressive imperfect active, “to which land they had been going” (intransitive use of υπαγω hupagō to lead under, to go under or away as in John 6:67; John 7:33; John 12:11; John 18:8. [source]