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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 8:19 mean?

Explanation

In Mark 8:19, Jesus refers to a previous miracle where He fed five thousand people with only five loaves of bread.

This question is directed at His disciples as a reminder of the miracle that took place.

The question is rhetorical, prompting the disciples to recall not just the event itself, but the abundance of the provision, as evidenced by the twelve baskets full of leftovers collected after everyone was fed.

The verse underscores Jesus' power and ability to provide, as well as the disciples' witness to His divine nature.

The disciples answer "Twelve," signifying the precise amount of surplus they gathered, which contrasts significantly with the small amount of food that they started with.

Thus, the deeper meaning behind this verse is one of faith, memory, and recognition of Jesus's miraculous works and His teachings about the Kingdom of God.

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Historical Context

This verse is set in the context of Jesus’ ministry in the region of Galilee.

During this time, Jesus was teaching, healing, and performing miracles.

The event of feeding the five thousand is also known as the "miracle of the loaves and fishes" and is one of the few miracles mentioned across all four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), highlighting its significance.

The historical setting of this event includes a large, possibly mostly Jewish, crowd that has followed Jesus into a remote area to hear Him teach.

The feeding of the five thousand also reflects the social context of the time where many people faced scarcity and hunger; such a miracle would have been particularly impactful and memorable.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse illustrates Jesus' power over creation and His ability to provide bountifully.

Theologically, some interpret this miracle as a prefiguration of the Eucharist, with Jesus taking bread, giving thanks, breaking it, and providing a meal for all present, symbolizing spiritual nourishment.

The number twelve, denoting the baskets of fragments, echoes the twelve tribes of Israel, suggesting a symbol of unity and completeness.

It can also foreshadow the establishment of the church with its twelve apostles.

Jesus' miracle is seen as an example of the abundance of God's grace and provision for His people.

Practical Applications

The practical application of this verse involves trusting in God's provision even in situations that seem impossible.

It teaches the value of reflecting on past experiences to strengthen one’s faith.

It also calls for gratitude, as there was more left over after the need was met, reminding believers to trust that God not only meets our needs but exceeds them.

Additionally, it encourages the faithful to be stewards of God's abundance by collecting and using resources wisely, avoiding waste.

Cross-References

Matthew 14:17-21 – This passage also recounts the miraculous feeding of the five thousand, emphasizing Jesus's compassion and provision.
Luke 9:13-17 – Luke's account of the feeding of the five thousand.
John 6:9-13 – John's Gospel adds the detail of the loaves being barley loaves and notes the boy who provided the food, adding depth to the miracle story.
Mark 6:41-44 – Mark's earlier description of the actual feeding of the five thousand.

Language Study

The key words in the original Greek language for this verse include:

"ἔκλασα" (eklasa): Translated as "brake," this term is used for breaking bread, and is a term often associated with sharing and communal meal practices.
"ἄρτοι" (artoi): This refers to "loaves" of bread, a staple food in the diet of the people in 1st century Palestine.
"κλασμάτων" (klasmatōn): Meaning "fragments" or "pieces", signifying the broken pieces of bread that were leftover.
"κοφίνους" (kophinous): Translated to "baskets," these were typically small wicker baskets that people commonly carried for provisions.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The miraculous feeding draws parallels to other ancient stories of divine provision. For instance, the Jewish tradition has the story of manna from heaven provided to the Israelites in the desert (Exodus 16).

The concept of a miraculous feast is also seen in other religious traditions and mythologies, where deities provide for their followers in times of need.

Scientific Perspectives

While modern science would not necessarily attempt to explain a miracle from a positivist standpoint, the story does provoke discussions about the importance of sharing and distribution of resources.

Some scholars may explore the psychological impact of communal sharing and the phenomenon of collective effervescence that could arise from experiencing what is perceived as a miraculous event.

Commentaries

Commentators on this verse offer various interpretations:

Some suggest that Jesus used this question to challenge the faith and understanding of the disciples, encouraging them to look beyond the physical to the spiritual significance of the miracle.
Others focus on the idea that Jesus is reaffirming His divine authority and ability to provide for His people, a theme consistent throughout the Gospels.
Scholars like William Barclay note the importance of this event in demonstrating Jesus' compassion for the crowd, His divine power, and His provision, which was sufficient to meet their needs with abundance left over.

Commentaries emphasize the teaching aspects of the miracle as well as the symbol of Jesus as the bread of life, which is later developed in the Gospel of John (John 6:35).

Mark 8

Mark 8

What does Mark 8:19 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 8:19 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?