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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 8:38 mean?

Explanation

Mark 8:38 speaks directly to the attitudes of discipleship and witness in the midst of a society that may not be receptive to the message of Jesus.

Literally, this verse articulates that those who are embarrassed or feel ashamed to stand for Jesus and His teachings, especially in an immoral and sinful society, will be met with reciprocated disavowal by Jesus at the time of His second coming, when He will return in glory with the angels.

The deeper meaning suggests a call to courageous discipleship and an enduring faith that holds fast to Jesus' message, despite societal pressures or persecution.

Top Rated Mark Books

Historical Context

The Gospel of Mark is believed to have been written in the late AD 60s or early AD 70s, a time when Christians were experiencing persecution.

Followers of Jesus, particularly in regions governed by the Roman Empire, faced social ostracization, and in some cases, violent persecution.

At this juncture, declaring allegiance to Jesus, who was executed as a criminal by the Romans, could be socially or even physically dangerous.

In this context, Jesus' words served as both warning and encouragement to His followers, urging them to steadfastness in the face of adversity.

Theological Insights

Theologically, different Christian traditions have interpreted Mark 8:38 in various ways. For example:

Evangelical Perspective: This verse is viewed as underlining the cost of discipleship and the importance of openly confessing one's faith in Christ without succumbing to societal pressure or embarrassment.
Catholic Perspective: Along with the evangelical understanding, the Catholic interpretation may further point to the communal aspect of faith and the importance of the Church community's public witness.
Liberal Protestant Perspective: This school might focus on the verse as a call to social justice and a challenge against the structures of sin within society.
Eschatological Perspective: The reference to the "Son of man" coming in glory with the angels is often tied to eschatological beliefs concerning the end times and the second coming of Christ.

Practical Applications

Mark 8:38 can apply to individuals' daily lives in several ways:

Encouraging believers not to hide their faith for fear of judgment or alienation.
Motivating Christians to maintain their integrity and testify to their beliefs in challenging environments.
Reminding believers of the eternal perspective and the importance of living a life that is true to one's convictions, irrespective of temporary societal norms.

Cross-References

Luke 9:26: "For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels."
Matthew 10:33: "But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven."
2 Timothy 2:12: "If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us."

Language Study

In the original Greek text of this verse, important words are:

Ashamed ("ἐπαισχυνθῇ"): Refers to feeling shame or disgrace, typically associated with public humiliation.
Adulterous ("μοιχαλίδος"): Often used metaphorically for unfaithfulness to God, indicating a breach of covenant relationship.
Sinful ("ἁμαρτωλῶν"): Common New Testament term for sinners or those missing the mark of God's standards.
Glory ("δόξης"): Often used of the divine splendor, majesty, and presence associated with God or Christ.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the cultural and religious context of the time, the shame-honor dynamic was significant in the Middle East.

Other religious traditions, such as Judaism and Islam, also emphasize faithfulness to God/Allah and sometimes carry the concept of standing firm despite societal opposition.

This verse aligns with the broader cultural importance of personal honor and public confession of one's beliefs.

Scientific Perspectives

This verse does not have a direct correlation with scientific perspectives as it deals primarily with fidelity to faith and the concept of eschatology.

However, the theme of peer pressure and sociological studies on religious identity may provide insights into understanding the psychological and social dynamics that influence a person's expression of faith or lack thereof.

Commentaries

Various Bible commentators offer insights into Mark 8:38:

John Calvin: Emphasizes the gravity of being ashamed of Christ and how it equates to despising the gospel and preferring the favor of people.
William Barclay: Suggests that the Christian message has always been delivered in the face of a world that does not want to hear it, and true discipleship means a willingness to speak and live the truth regardless.
**R.T.

France**: Reflects on the eschatological aspect, noting that this warning by Jesus is anchored in the expectation of his return in glory, which gives the pronouncement a future-oriented significance.

Mark 8

Mark 8

What does Mark 8:38 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 8:38 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?