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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 8:33 mean?

Explanation

Mark 8:33 contains a stark rebuke from Jesus to Peter, one of His closest disciples. In the preceding verses, Peter had declared Jesus to be the Messiah.

However, when Jesus began to teach that He must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes, be killed, and after three days rise again, Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him. Jesus' response to Peter is what we see in Mark 8:33.

Jesus turns and looks at His disciples, ensuring that this lesson is not just for Peter, and He rebukes Peter by exclaiming, "Get thee behind me, Satan." Jesus identifies Peter's opposition to the prediction of His suffering and death as satanic, synonymous with a temptation to abandon His mission.

Jesus indicates that Peter is focused on human concerns ("the things that be of men") rather than divine purposes ("the things that be of God").

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Historical Context

Mark 8:33 must be considered within the historical context of Jewish expectations of the Messiah during the first century.

At that time, many Jews expected a conquering Messiah who would overthrow Roman rule and establish a worldly kingdom.

Peter's rebuke likely stemmed from such messianic expectations.

Jesus, conversely, presented a different sort of Messiahship, one characterized by suffering, rejection, and death, which was meant to bring spiritual deliverance rather than political liberation.

Theological Insights

This verse is pivotal in Christological studies (the study of the person and works of Jesus Christ) as it underscores the contrast between human expectations of the Messiah and God’s plan for redemption.

The idea of “Satan” here can be seen as symbolic of any opposition to God's will.

From a theological perspective, it highlights the theme of the necessary suffering of Christ as part of God’s plan for salvation. It also illustrates the theme of discipleship: following Jesus means understanding and embracing divine will, even when it is counterintuitive or challenging.

Practical Applications

The verse speaks to the temptation to prioritize human wisdom over God's will, something modern readers can relate to. Practically, it can be seen as an encouragement to trust God's plans and purposes, even when they conflict with personal desires or societal expectations.

It is a call to discernment and to the willingness to follow divine direction, even when it leads to hardships.

Cross-References

Matthew 16:23: "But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men."
Luke 4:8: "And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve."
Romans 8:5: "For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit."

Language Study

Key terms in the original Greek text include:

"Σατανᾶ" (Satanas) – Directly translates to "Satan," the adversary or accuser, often associated with temptation and opposition to God.
"ὀπίσω" (opisō) – Meaning "behind," signifying a position of following rather than leading.
"φρονεῖς" (phroneis) – Translates to "you set your mind," "savour," or "are mindful of," indicating the focus of one's attention or concern.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparing this account with other ancient texts, one could examine how different cultures viewed the role of divine vs. human wisdom.

In Greek mythology, for example, characters often face consequences for hubris or not acknowledging the gods' will.

In religious traditions, the concept of rebuking an evil presence or temptation has parallels in various exorcism rituals and teachings on spiritual discipline.

Scientific Perspectives

While the verse does not directly relate to scientific concepts, it can raise discussions about the human brain's cognitive and emotional processes, such as confronting temptation, exercising discipline, and managing expectations.

Psychological studies on belief systems and how they shape human behavior might also be relevant.

Commentaries

Different Biblical scholars and theologians have offered varied interpretations and applications of Mark 8:33.

For instance, some argue the rebuke emphasizes Jesus' full awareness of His identity and mission.

Others explore the dynamics of Jesus' relationship with His disciples, particularly His forthrightness in correcting erroneous views.

Still, other commentaries might focus on the dissonance between divine and human perceptions, offering insights into the challenging nature of true discipleship.

Mark 8

Mark 8

What does Mark 8:33 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 8:33 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?