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An Exegetical Study of Mark 6:45: The Geographical and Lexical Ambiguity of προς Βηθσαϊδάν
This exegetical study of Mark 6:45 is based on a b-greek discussion from Wednesday, July 5, 2006. The initial query highlights a significant geographical difficulty in Mark’s narrative: Jesus compels his disciples to embark on a boat journey εἰς τὸ πέραν πρὸς Βηθσαϊδάν (‘to the other side, to Bethsaida’). This command is perplexing because, according to parallel accounts in Matthew and Luke, the preceding feeding of the five thousand occurred on the east side of the Sea of Galilee, where Bethsaida is located. Furthermore, Mark 6:53 (and Matthew 14:34) states that the disciples ultimately land at Gennesaret, which is situated on the western shore.
The main exegetical issue, therefore, centers on the precise interpretation of the phrase πρὸς Βηθσαϊδάν and its compatibility with the overall narrative geography. Commentators have offered various explanations, ranging from understanding πρός as indicating orientation rather than destination, to proposals of multiple Bethsaidas, or even a less precise geographical schema in Mark. The discussion aims to ascertain the semantic range of πρός in this context, particularly when conjoined with εἰς τὸ πέραν, and its implications for resolving the apparent geographical conundrum.
Greek text (Nestle 1904)
Καὶ εὐθέως ἠνάγκασεν τοὺς μαθητὰς αὐτοῦ ἐμβῆναι εἰς τὸ πλοῖον καὶ προάγειν εἰς τὸ πέραν πρὸς Βηθσαϊδάν, ἕως αὐτὸς ἀπολύει τὸν ὄχλον.
Key differences with SBLGNT (2010):
- SBLGNT reads εὐθὺς instead of εὐθέως. This is a common textual variant with no significant semantic impact, both meaning “immediately” or “at once.”
Textual Criticism (NA28) and Lexical Notes (KITTEL, BDAG)
The textual apparatus of NA28, while not noting any significant variants for πρὸς Βηθσαϊδάν itself, generally prefers εὐθὺς over εὐθέως, aligning with the SBLGNT reading. The core of the exegetical problem lies not in textual variants but in the lexical and grammatical understanding of the prepositional phrase.
Lexically, the preposition πρός (with the accusative case) possesses a broad semantic range. According to BDAG, its primary meanings include:
- Expression of motion or direction: “to, toward, in the direction of, against.”
- Expression of spatial proximity: “at, near, by, in the vicinity of.”
- Expression of reference or relationship: “with reference to, regarding.”
The cognate verb προάγω means “to go before, precede, go ahead.” The phrase εἰς τὸ πέραν unequivocally signifies “to the other side” of the lake.
While KITTEL (Theological Dictionary of the New Testament) offers extensive treatment of individual words, its analysis of prepositions like πρός emphasizes its dynamic and relational character, often indicating movement towards a goal, or presence in relation to something. The context is crucial for determining the precise nuance. The discussion noted that πρός in conjunction with verbs of motion almost always denotes direction towards, making interpretations like “away from” highly improbable.
Another point of discussion involved the relationship between εἰς and πρός. Louw and Nida (sections 84.16 and 84.18) suggest that both prepositions can denote “extension toward a special goal” or “extension toward a goal,” respectively, implying a significant overlap in meaning in this context. This would mean πρὸς Βηθσαϊδάν could function as a more specific or reiterative directional indicator following the general εἰς τὸ πέραν.
Translation Variants with Grammatical & Rhetorical Analysis
The apparent geographical discrepancy in Mark 6:45 has led to several proposed interpretations for πρὸς Βηθσαϊδάν:
- As a direct destination parallel to “the other side”: “go on ahead to the other side, to Bethsaida.”
Grammatically, this treats πρὸς Βηθσαϊδάν as a standard prepositional phrase of motion and destination, directly parallel to εἰς τὸ πέραν. Rhetorically, this creates the narrative tension: if the feeding was on the east, and Bethsaida is on the east, instructing disciples to go “to the other side, to Bethsaida” is geographically contradictory if “the other side” refers to the west. This interpretation often necessitates complex geographical explanations, such as a Bethsaida on the western shore, or a misunderstanding of Mark’s precise geography.
- As indicating orientation or direction of gaze: “go on ahead to the other side, (looking) toward Bethsaida.”
This interpretation posits πρός as modifying an implied verb of perception or orientation, suggesting the disciples’ destination was “the other side” while their course or outlook was “toward Bethsaida.” Grammatically, this is less straightforward, requiring an ellipsis for an unstated verb (e.g., βλέποντες “looking”). This was met with skepticism in the discussion, as πρός with verbs of motion strongly indicates destination or immediate proximity rather than a mere visual orientation. Another variation of this is that πρός refers to the orientation of the shore itself, implying that the landing place on “the other side” was facing or in the general direction of Bethsaida.
- As indicating proximity or general vicinity: “go on ahead to the other side, near Bethsaida.”
This relies on the lexical range of πρός to mean “in the vicinity of” or “next to.” Grammatically, πρὸς Βηθσαϊδάν functions as an adverbial phrase of location, specifying the general area of “the other side” rather than a precise point of arrival. Rhetorically, this interpretation can alleviate the geographical contradiction by suggesting that the destination on “the other side” (west) was in the general area associated with Bethsaida’s broader territory or influence, or that Bethsaida itself was a more generic term for the northern/eastern side. This is supported by scholars who emphasize that Mark’s geography might be less precise than a modern cartographer’s.
Conclusions and Translation Suggestions
The exegetical problem in Mark 6:45 is best approached by considering the broader narrative flow and the attested flexibility of Greek prepositions. While a strict interpretation of πρός as a precise destination parallel to εἰς τὸ πέραν creates a geographical paradox, several more nuanced understandings can resolve this. The idea that πρός signifies mere orientation without motion is grammatically challenging given the context of προάγειν. The most probable solutions involve understanding πρός as indicating either a less precise destination within the vicinity or a re-framing of the destination to acknowledge Mark’s potentially generalized geographical references.
Three plausible translation suggestions are offered:
- “He immediately made his disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, toward Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd.”
This rendering takes πρός as a directional indicator, possibly emphasizing the general region or initial trajectory rather than a specific landing point, which ultimately shifted due to circumstances (e.g., the storm, landing at Gennesaret).
- “He immediately made his disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, in the vicinity of Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd.”
This translation interprets πρός as denoting spatial proximity, suggesting that the designated landing area on “the other side” was generally known to be near Bethsaida, possibly referring to a broader region or territory associated with the city. This helps alleviate the direct geographical contradiction.
- “He immediately made his disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, (aiming for) Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd.”
This option uses a parenthetical clarification to capture the sense of an intended destination or aim, acknowledging that the actual arrival point might differ due to intervening events, a common feature in narrative. It allows πρός to retain its directional force without demanding a precise, immediate arrival at Bethsaida itself after crossing.
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