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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 8:2 mean?

Explanation

Mark 8:2 expresses Jesus' compassion for the crowd that has gathered to hear Him. They have been with Him for three days without sufficient food.

The verse shows the dual nature of Jesus' ministry: He is concerned with teaching and nourishing the spirit, but He is equally concerned with physical needs.

It sets the stage for the miracle of feeding the four thousand with seven loaves of bread and a few small fish.

This illustrates the ability of Jesus to provide abundantly for the physical and spiritual needs of the people.

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Historical Context

The verse is part of the narrative of Jesus' ministry in the region of the Decapolis, a group of ten cities on the eastern frontier of the Roman Empire in Judea and Syria.

The historical context of this passage is within Jesus' itinerant ministry, where He travels, preaches, and performs miracles.

During this time, large crowds would often follow Him, sometimes neglecting their physical needs to remain with Him and listen to His teachings.

The culture at the time placed significant value on hospitality, and Jesus' actions reflect this value.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, the verse highlights Jesus' divine compassion and providence.

It also touches on the theme of God's care for His followers.

In Christian theology, Jesus is seen as the Good Shepherd who tends to His flock.

The feeding of the multitude is an act that prefigures the Eucharist, the Christian sacrament of Holy Communion, where believers partake in the body and blood of Christ, symbolized by bread and wine, as a source of spiritual nourishment.

Practical Applications

This verse can inspire contemporary readers to be attentive to the needs of those around them, both physical and spiritual, and to act with compassion. It emphasizes the importance of caring for the well-being of others and encourages believers to trust in God's provision in their own lives.

The verse reminds us to extend hospitality and to ensure that no one in our community lacks basic necessities.

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."
Matthew 14:14 , "And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick."
Matthew 6:31-33 , "Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? [...] But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the word for "compassion" is "σπλαγχνίζομαι" (splagchnizomai), which is a strong term that indicates a deep, gut-level feeling of compassion or pity.

The term for "multitude" is "ὄχλος" (ochlos), which can refer to a large group or crowd of people.

The word for "nothing to eat" is derived from "φαγεῖν" (phagein), indicating a lack of food. Analyzing these key words provides insight into the intensity of Jesus' compassion and the direness of the situation.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The theme of compassion and providing for the needy can be found in other ancient cultures and religions.

In Jewish tradition, there is a strong emphasis on hospitality and caring for the poor, which is reflected in the Hebrew Bible.

In other ancient myths, gods often provide for their followers in miraculous ways, such as the Greek myth of Demeter and the Eleusinian Mysteries where the goddess provides the gift of agriculture.

Scientific Perspectives

From a modern scientific viewpoint, one might consider the logistical and natural limitations of feeding a large crowd with limited resources.

The miracle described challenges customary scientific understanding, although it could also be seen as a metaphor for the natural world's capacity to provide sustenance from seemingly meager resources.

The emphasis here, however, is less on the scientific how, and more on the symbolic meaning of Jesus' actions.

Commentaries

Various Biblical scholars and theologians offer insights on this verse.

Some echo the significance of Jesus' miracle as a sign of the Kingdom of God and His providence. Others focus on the sociocultural impact of Jesus' actions, demonstrating the inversion of social norms where the hungry are fed and the lowly are cared for.

Scholars like William Barclay have noted the importance of Jesus' miracles as a manifestation of His divine nature and His compassion for humanity.

Mark 8

Mark 8

What does Mark 8:2 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 8:2 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?