Lexical Summary peritrechó: To run around, to run about Original Word: περιτρέχω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance run through. From peri and trecho (including its alternate); to run around, i.e. Traverse -- run through. see GREEK peri see GREEK trecho NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom peri and trechó Definition to run about NASB Translation ran about (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4063: περιδρέμωπεριδρέμω, see περιτρέχω. STRONGS NT 4063: περιτρέχωπεριτρέχω: 2 aorist (περιέδραμον T Tr WH), participle περιδραμόντες (R G L); from (Homer), Theognis, Xenophon, Plato down; to run around, run round about: with an accusative of place, Mark 6:55. (The Sept. twice for שׁוּט, Jeremiah 5:1; Amos 8:12.) Mark 6:55 records the sole New Testament use of the verb translated “ran about” (BSB: “they ran through that whole region and began to carry the sick on mats to wherever they heard He was”). The setting is the plain of Gennesaret on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee, immediately after Jesus has crossed the lake following the feeding of the five thousand (Mark 6:45-54). On landing, He is instantly recognized; the local population responds with energetic, coordinated movement to bring the infirm into His presence. Context in the Gospel Narrative The Gospel of Mark emphasizes action and immediacy, often linking episodes with “immediately” and “at once.” The crowd’s swift response fits this pattern and accentuates several themes: 1. Public awareness of Jesus’ identity and power had reached a tipping point. News of His miracles spread so fast that entire villages mobilized before He could travel far (Mark 6:56). 2. The event follows a moment in which the disciples themselves struggled to grasp His power (Mark 6:52). In contrast, the lay populace displays instinctive confidence, thereby underscoring the openness of the kingdom to all who believe. 3. The narrative foreshadows the expansion of Jesus’ ministry beyond Jewish territory, for the lake’s western shore lay on a trade route frequented by Gentiles. The crowd’s haste anticipates the later Gentile mission. Significance of Urgent Faith The running crowd illustrates faith expressed not merely in assent but in decisive action: • Compassion-driven initiative. Family and friends bear the sick, echoing the four men who lowered the paralytic through a roof (Mark 2:3-4). Love finds a way. • Corporate mobilization. Faith here is communal, demonstrating that whole neighborhoods can unite around the hope Christ offers. • Expectant confidence. There is no record of the crowd asking whether Jesus was willing; they simply hasten to meet Him, convinced of His readiness to heal—a model for bold intercession (Hebrews 4:16). Historical and Cultural Insights Travel in first-century Galilee involved footpaths linking small agricultural hamlets. The verb “ran” evokes hard, dusty labor under a Mediterranean sun. Culturally, honor was at stake: hospitality demanded that a renowned teacher receive a worthy welcome. Carrying the sick on pallets suggests makeshift stretchers, likely woven reeds or planks, signifying urgency that overrode normal daily work and Sabbath taboos (cf. John 5:8-10). Theological Themes and Doctrinal Implications 1. Christ’s sovereign authority over disease is authenticated by spontaneous popular testimony rather than staged demonstrations (cf. Matthew 14:34-36, the parallel account). 2. Faith and works operate together. The crowd’s sprint does not earn healing but channels it; James 2:18 affirms that genuine faith manifests visibly. 3. The passage reinforces the doctrine of common grace: even those with limited doctrinal understanding can perceive and respond rightly to God’s revealed power (Romans 1:20). Ministry Applications • Evangelistic urgency: Believers today should “run” to bring the spiritually sick to Christ, leveraging every avenue—from personal relationships to digital platforms. • Community outreach: Churches can mobilize collective resources, echoing the communal carrying of mats, to transport the needy—physically, emotionally, or economically—into the sphere of Christ’s healing. • Intercessory boldness: The crowd’s instinct to seek even the fringe of His cloak (Mark 6:56) encourages persistent, faith-filled prayer for the hurting. Related Biblical Motifs • Zealous movement toward God: The father racing to greet the prodigal son (Luke 15:20); Peter and John running to the empty tomb (John 20:4). • Bearing others to Christ: The paralytic’s friends (Mark 2:3-5); centurion’s servants acting on his behalf (Luke 7:6-10). • Corporate recognition of divine visitation: People spreading cloaks before Jesus on Palm Sunday (Mark 11:8-10). Conclusion The lone occurrence of this verb in Mark 6:55 captures a snapshot of fervent, collective faith. Ordinary villagers, compelled by the certainty that Jesus heals, expend themselves to place suffering souls at His feet. Their example summons every generation to match knowledge with movement, turning belief into swift, compassionate action so that multitudes today may encounter the same saving, healing Lord. |
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