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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 8:37 mean?

Explanation

The verse Mark 8:37, "[Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?]" presents a rhetorical question emphasizing the invaluable nature of one's soul compared to the material and transient things of the world.

The implication is that no earthly possession, achievement, or status is worth the loss of one’s eternal soul.

This is part of a larger discourse in which Jesus Christ is teaching about the costs and rewards of discipleship.

He highlights that temporary gains in the current life are meaningless if they lead to spiritual ruin or the forfeiture of eternal life.

Top Rated Mark Books

Historical Context

Mark 8:37 is found in the New Testament of the Bible and is part of the Gospel according to Mark, which is primarily focused on the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Written in a Roman context, likely around 66-70 AD, the Gospel of Mark addressed a community experiencing suffering and persecution.

In the verses preceding and following Mark 8:37, Jesus speaks to his disciples and the crowd about the necessity of self-denial and taking up one's cross to follow Him, foreshadowing His own suffering and death on the cross.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse confronts the reader with a fundamental Christian principle: the supremacy of the soul and spiritual well-being over worldly gain. In Christian theology, the soul is considered eternal and destined for communion with God, while earthly life is temporary.

Christian teachings often use this verse to discuss the concept of salvation, the afterlife, and the nature of true discipleship, holding that one's ultimate goal should be to align with God's will and secure a place in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Practical Applications

In daily life, this verse calls for a reevaluation of priorities, urging individuals to seek spiritual growth and moral integrity above material wealth and fleeting pleasures.

It can inspire a shift from self-centeredness to self-giving and from temporary to eternal perspectives.

In practical terms, this might lead believers to make life choices that reflect their values and beliefs, such as acts of charity, commitment to truth and justice, or sacrifices made in the service of others.

Cross-References

Matthew 16:26: "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?"
Luke 9:25: "For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?"
Matthew 10:28: "And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell."

Language Study

The verse in the original Greek language uses the term "ψυχή" (psychē) for "soul," which in a broad sense refers to life or living being, but in a more focused theological context, represents the immortal essence of a person, often regarded as the seat of emotions, will, and desires.

The Greek text also uses the word "ἀντάλλαγμα" (antallagma) for "exchange," a term used in ancient commerce meaning the equivalent price or ransom , underscoring the idea of an unequal trade when it comes to the soul.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient religions and philosophies, the concept of a soul or an essential life force is prevalent.

In ancient Egyptian religion, for example, the concept of "ba" and "ka" represented aspects of the soul. In Hinduism, the concept of "atman" reflects an eternal, unchangeable soul.

The Greek philosophical tradition, especially in the writings of Plato, often explored the soul's immortality. What sets the Judeo-Christian understanding apart is the intimate link between the soul and the personal God, as well as the moral consequences associated with the soul's state.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern scientific understandings generally do not confirm or deny the existence of the soul, as it is considered a metaphysical concept beyond the scope of empirical investigation.

While neuroscience has illuminated the workings of the human psyche in terms of brain function, the concept of the soul as understood in this Biblical verse remains a matter of faith, philosophy, or theology rather than science.

Commentaries

Scholarly commentaries on Mark 8:37 agree on the verse's emphasis on the value of the soul and the impermanence of worldly possessions.

William Lane, in his commentary on Mark, observes that the passage underscores the call to discipleship and the demand for radical commitment to Christ's teaching.

The Expositor's Bible Commentary points out that this is a profound appeal to the spiritual conscience, where Jesus challenges one to consider eternal realities over temporal ones.

John Calvin highlighted the folly of those who are seduced by the world's vanities and ignore the promises of eternal life, cautioning that nothing is a prudent or valuable exchange for one's soul.

Mark 8

Mark 8

What does Mark 8:37 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 8:37 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?