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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 8:14 mean?

Explanation

The verse Mark 8:14 from the King James Version presents a scenario where the disciples have set sail with Jesus but have forgotten to bring enough bread for their journey.

They only have one loaf with them on the boat.

The literal meaning of this verse is clear: it is stating a simple fact about their provisions, or lack thereof.

The deeper meaning, however, touches upon themes of human forgetfulness, lack of preparation, and possibly a foreshadowing of a teaching moment with Jesus regarding reliance on material needs versus spiritual sustenance.

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Historical Context

Written by John Mark, the Gospel of Mark is believed to have been composed around AD 66-70 and is considered the earliest of the four canonical gospels.

The text was intended primarily for a Roman audience, which is why the explanations of Jewish customs and the translation of Aramaic terms are present throughout the Gospel.

This particular verse occurs within the context of Jesus' ministry in Galilee and follows a series of miraculous feedings, challenging the disciples' understanding of Jesus' powers and teachings.

Theological Insights

Various theological perspectives can be drawn from this verse.

One view might focus on the idea of providence and the disciples’ lack of faith despite having witnessed the feeding miracles.

Another perspective might invoke the symbolism of bread in Christian theology, where bread is often equated to Jesus himself, the 'Bread of Life.' The disciples' concern with physical bread might illustrate a common human preoccupation with material needs, overshadowing spiritual reliance on Christ.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, Mark 8:14 can encourage believers to be less concerned with material shortages or day-to-day problems, fostering a deeper trust in God's provisions.

It also serves as a reminder to be prepared, not just in terms of physical needs but spiritually as well, always ready to receive the teachings and guidance of Jesus.

Cross-References

Matthew 16:5-11: "And when his disciples were come to the other side, they had forgotten to take bread."
John 6:35: "And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst."
Mark 6:37-44: The Feeding of the Five Thousand, where Jesus multiples loaves and fish to feed the multitude.

Language Study

The key word in the original Greek in this verse is 'ἄρτον' (arton), meaning 'bread.' In ancient cultures, bread was a staple of the diet, symbolizing basic sustenance.

The term 'ἐπελάθοντο' (epelathonto) translates to 'they had forgotten,' indicative of a lapse in memory or neglect, which bears significance as it points to the disciples' human fallibility.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient myths and religious texts, bread often symbolizes life, sustenance, and community.

In the context of Jewish customs, bread holds a significant place in rituals like the Sabbath and Passover.

Comparatively, in some ancient Egyptian myths, bread is connected to the cycle of life and death.

The Christian interpretation of bread as the 'Bread of Life' in communion has parallels to other religious rituals that involve consuming symbolic food items as a form of sustenance and unity.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern scientific views might examine the physical sustenance that bread provides, emphasizing the importance of carbohydrates in the human diet.

However, science also acknowledges the psychological aspect of forgetfulness and the ways in which stress, distraction, or the presence of more immediate concerns can cause individuals to overlook important tasks or items – a reflection of the disciples' oversight in this passage.

Commentaries

Commentarians on Mark 8:14 offer varied insights.

Some underscore the idea of spiritual forgetfulness, emphasizing that the disciples' focus on the material was in sharp contrast to the spiritual sustenance Jesus had been offering through his teachings and miracles.

Others may note the literary structure, suggesting that this verse sets the stage for the subsequent discussion on the "leaven of the Pharisees and of Herod" in the verses that follow, serving as a bridge between the miracle stories and Jesus’ teaching about the true 'bread', which is spiritual enlightenment and salvation.

Mark 8

Mark 8

What does Mark 8:14 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 8:14 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?