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Mark 8

In those days the multitude being very great, and having nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples unto him, and saith unto them,

I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now been with me three days, and have nothing to eat:

And if I send them away fasting to their own houses, they will faint by the way: for divers of them came from far.

And his disciples answered him, From whence can a man satisfy these men with bread here in the wilderness?

And he asked them, How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven.

And he commanded the people to sit down on the ground: and he took the seven loaves, and gave thanks, and brake, and gave to his disciples to set before them; and they did set them before the people.

And they had a few small fishes: and he blessed, and commanded to set them also before them.

So they did eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets.

And they that had eaten were about four thousand: and he sent them away.

And straightway he entered into a ship with his disciples, and came into the parts of Dalmanutha.

And the Pharisees came forth, and began to question with him, seeking of him a sign from heaven, tempting him.

And he sighed deeply in his spirit, and saith, Why doth this generation seek after a sign? verily I say unto you, There shall no sign be given unto this generation.

And he left them, and entering into the ship again departed to the other side.

Now the disciples had forgotten to take bread, neither had they in the ship with them more than one loaf.

And he charged them, saying, Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and of the leaven of Herod.

And they reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have no bread.

And when Jesus knew it, he saith unto them, Why reason ye, because ye have no bread? perceive ye not yet, neither understand? have ye your heart yet hardened?

Having eyes, see ye not? and having ears, hear ye not? and do ye not remember?

When I brake the five loaves among five thousand, how many baskets full of fragments took ye up? They say unto him, Twelve.

And when the seven among four thousand, how many baskets full of fragments took ye up? And they said, Seven.

And he said unto them, How is it that ye do not understand?

And he cometh to Bethsaida; and they bring a blind man unto him, and besought him to touch him.

And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw ought.

And he looked up, and said, I see men as trees, walking.

After that he put his hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly.

And he sent him away to his house, saying, Neither go into the town, nor tell it to any in the town.

And Jesus went out, and his disciples, into the towns of Caesarea Philippi: and by the way he asked his disciples, saying unto them, Whom do men say that I am?

And they answered, John the Baptist: but some say, Elias; and others, One of the prophets.

And he saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Peter answereth and saith unto him, Thou art the Christ.

And he charged them that they should tell no man of him.

And he began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.

And he spake that saying openly. And Peter took him, and began to rebuke him.

But when he had turned about and looked on his disciples, he rebuked Peter, saying, Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men.

And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.

For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?

Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.

What does Mark 8:1 mean?

Explanation

Mark 8:1 describes a situation where Jesus is faced with a large crowd that has been following him for three days without food. Jesus, recognizing their need and moved by compassion, does not want to send them away hungry, fearing they may faint on their way back home.

This verse sets the stage for one of Jesus' well-known miracles, the feeding of the four thousand, demonstrating his divine power and compassion for the physical needs of his followers.

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Historical Context

This event follows a series of teachings and miracles that Jesus performed in the region of the Decapolis, a group of ten cities on the eastern frontier of the Roman Empire with a mixed population of Jews and Gentiles.

This setting is relevant when considering Jesus' willingness to minister to and perform a miracle for a largely Gentile audience at a time when Jewish religious leaders sought exclusivity in their religious practices.

Theological Insights

The feeding of the four thousand carries significant theological implications.

First, it reflects Jesus’ role as a provider and caretaker, echoing the Old Testament narratives where God provides manna to the Israelites in the wilderness.

It also symbolizes the inclusivity of Jesus' ministry and the spread of the Gospel to all nations, as he cares for a predominantly non-Jewish crowd.

Furthermore, the abundance in the leftover baskets signifies God's gracious provision that exceeds human needs.

Practical Applications

This verse inspires believers to trust in God’s provision and care in their lives.

It encourages a compassionate response to the needs of others, not just spiritual but also physical needs.

The acts of Jesus serve as a model for Christian service, indicating that acts of kindness and practical help are essential expressions of faith.

Cross-References

Matthew 15:32 – "Then Jesus called his disciples unto him, and said, I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat: and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way."
Mark 6:34-44 – The feeding of the five thousand.
Exodus 16:15-20 – God provides manna to the Israelites in the wilderness.

Language Study

Key words in this verse include:

"Multitude" (Greek: "ochlos") – refers generally to a large group of people or crowd.
"Nothing to eat" (Greek: "phagein") – implies having absolutely nothing to consume.
"Called" (Greek: "proskaleomai") – to call to one's side, often used to denote inviting or summoning.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The feeding miracles of Jesus have parallels in various ancient literature and myths where deities provide food miraculously. For instance, in the Greek myth, the cornucopia (horn of plenty) symbolizes an endless supply of food.

However, in the biblical narrative, these miracles serve specific purposes in Jesus' ministry rather than being mere signs of benevolence.

Scientific Perspectives

While science seeks to explain phenomena through natural laws, the feeding of the multitude is presented as a supernatural event, eliciting wonder and pointing towards divine intervention rather than natural explanation.

This miracle challenges the scientific understanding of the world by suggesting the possibility of events beyond natural laws and phenomena.

Commentaries

Different scholars and theologians have commented on this passage, noting its significance in showcasing Jesus’ divine providence.

Many focus on the compassionate nature of Jesus, his concern for both the spiritual and physical wellbeing of the people.

Others highlight the importance of understanding Jesus' miracles as signs of the coming kingdom of God, emphasizing that the physical feeding pointed to a deeper spiritual nourishment that He provides.

Several also mention the Eucharistic overtones of this story, viewing it as prefiguring the Christian sacrament of communion.

Mark 8

Mark 8

What does Mark 8:1 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Mark Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Mark 8:1 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Mark Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?