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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 8:10 mean?

Explanation

Mark 8:10 describes a moment in the ministry of Jesus Christ where He and His disciples, having just fed a large crowd with a few loaves of bread and a few fish, enter a boat and sail to the region of Dalmanutha.

The literal reading of the verse gives us an account of Jesus' travels and movements from place to place with his disciples, indicating His itinerant ministry.

On a deeper level, this verse continues to show the close relationship between Jesus and His disciples, as they follow Him and accompany Him throughout His journey.

The act of getting into a ship also symbolizes the transitional moments in Jesus’ ministry as He moves from teaching and performing miracles in one area to another.

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Historical Context

Dalmanutha is a location that is mentioned only here in the New Testament, and its precise location is unknown, though it is generally believed to be on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee, close to Magdala.

The Sea of Galilee was a central location in Jesus' ministry, as it was bordered by many of the places He travelled, such as Capernaum, Bethsaida, and Gennesaret.

Travel by boat was common at the time due to the geography of the area.

The historical context is during the time Jesus was gaining popularity as a teacher and miracle worker. His actions, including feeding multitudes, healing the sick, and challenging established religious traditions, were drawing larger crowds and increasing scrutiny from religious leaders.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse contrasts Jesus' miraculous provision for the masses in the feeding of the four thousand with His subsequent movement to a new location.

This movement could be seen as symbolic of Jesus not establishing an earthly kingdom or community centered on miraculous provisions, but instead advancing His mission to spread the message of God's kingdom.

Some commentators suggest that the passage demonstrates that Jesus' ministry was not confined to a single place or people, underlining the universal nature of the Gospel.

Practical Applications

One of the practical applications of this verse is the model of Jesus' intentional movement.

Jesus didn't confine His ministry to only one group of people or location; He actively sought to minister in different places.

This may serve as an encouragement for individuals to consider how they can reach beyond their immediate context to serve others.

Additionally, as Jesus' disciples accompanied Him, individuals can draw the lesson of the importance of discipleship and communal support in their spiritual journey and in their endeavors to spread their beliefs and values.

Cross-References

Matthew 15:39: "And he sent away the multitude, and took ship, and came into the coasts of Magdala."
Mark 6:52: "For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened."
Mark 4:35-36: "And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side.

And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship.

And there were also with him other little ships."

Language Study

In the Greek text, the word for "ship" used here is "πλοῖον" (ploion), indicating a boat or vessel used for sailing.

The word "entered" from "εἰσέρχομαι" (eiserchomai) carries the sense of going or coming into a place, which also can be understood metaphorically.

"Disciples" is translated from "μαθητής" (mathētēs), meaning a learner, pupil, or follower, often in a religious context.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparing this to other ancient myths and religious interpretations, it is common among many religious leaders or founders to have a set of close followers or disciples, such as Buddha with his sangha.

The motif of a spiritual leader traveling from one place to another is also found in other traditions, emphasizing the spreading of their teachings.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, Mark 8:10 doesn't directly intersect with scientific understandings as it is a historical account.

However, the use of boats as a means of transportation over water is a practice that dates back thousands of years and is confirmed through various archaeological findings, including sea vessels found around the Sea of Galilee.

commentaries

Commentators offer varied insights on Mark 8:10. For example:

William Barclay notes the geographical movement but also the unending demand for Jesus' presence in different places.
James Edwards in his commentary suggests that the transition to Dalmanutha represents a strategic withdrawal by Jesus for teaching and instructing His disciples.
The Pulpit Commentary discusses the obscurity and uncertainty of Dalmanutha’s location but connects the movement to the wider itinerary of Jesus’ ministry.

These experts, among others, consider both the practical implications of Jesus' movements and the deeper theological symbolism of His journey.

Mark 8

Mark 8

What does Mark 8:10 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 8:10 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?