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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 8:5 mean?

Explanation

Mark 8:5 depicts a moment during Jesus' ministry when he is about to perform a miracle of feeding a large crowd.

In this specific verse, Jesus asks His disciples about the quantity of bread they have.

The disciples respond that they have seven loaves.

This is not just a record of the logistical details but prompts readers to anticipate the extraordinary; a sign that Jesus is about to work a multiplication miracle akin to the feeding of the five thousand, earlier in Mark’s Gospel.

This miracle is a testament to Jesus' divine power to provide and demonstrates His compassion for the people who had been following him.

Top Rated Mark Books

Historical Context

This event is part of Jesus' ministry in the region of the Decapolis, a group of ten cities on the eastern frontier of the Roman Empire with a predominantly Gentile population.

The first-century context of the event highlights a time of socio-economic diversities where food scarcity could have been common, especially for large crowds in remote areas.

This account follows other significant events, including healings and teachings, showing Jesus’ active engagement with people beyond Jewish territories, which is significant in understanding the expansion of Jesus' ministry to Gentiles.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse and the surrounding narrative illustrate several important concepts:

Jesus as the provider and sustainer, reflecting Old Testament imagery such as God's provision of manna in the wilderness for the Israelites. 2.

The notion of Jesus' miracles as signs of the Kingdom of God, pointing to the inbreaking of God’s rule that brings abundance and care. 3.

The sufficiency of Christ, with the seven loaves being enough for Jesus to meet the needs of the multitude. 4.

Inclusion of the Gentiles in the ministry of Jesus, signifying the widening of God’s covenant to include all nations.

From a typological perspective, Jesus' feeding miracles have been seen as foreshadowing the Eucharist, where Christ feeds His followers spiritually.

Practical Applications

Practically, the verse encourages faith in God's ability to meet physical and spiritual needs even when resources seem inadequate.

It challenges believers to bring what they have to Jesus, no matter how meager, and trust Him for the multiplication.

It also urges compassion and action to address the needs of those around us, fostering a trusting community where resources are shared.

Cross-References

Mark 6:38 - "He saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? go and see.

And when they knew, they say, Five, and two fishes."

Matthew 15:34 - "And Jesus saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven, and a few little fishes."
Matthew 14:17 - "And they say unto him, We have here but five loaves, and two fishes."
Exodus 16:4 - "Then said the LORD unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or no."

Language Study

The key term in the original Greek text is "ἄρτοι" (artoi), which translates to "loaves" in English.

This term denotes bread, typically in the form of a loaf, which was a common staple food in the ancient Near East.

The use of the number "seven" (επτά, hepta in Greek) may have symbolic significance, as seven is often associated with completion or wholeness in biblical numerology.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient cultures, bread was a fundamental part of the diet, often symbolizing life and sustenance; thus, Jesus' multiplication of bread would have a significant impact on His audience.

Within other religious traditions, there are myths and stories of deities or heroes providing food miraculously, such as the Cornucopia in Greek mythology.

Comparatively, Jesus feeding the multitude stands out as not only a miracle but an enactment of God’s provision.

Scientific Perspectives

From a modern scientific standpoint, the multiplication of the loaves cannot be explained naturally and thus remains categorized as a miraculous event.

Today's science understands the conservation of mass and energy, yet this miracle narrative speaks of an inexplicable increase in physical resources which defies these natural laws.

It posits the function of divine intervention as beyond the scope of science.

commentaries

Biblical scholars have offered various interpretations of this passage.

Many concur that the event demonstrates Jesus' power and authority, establishing Him as a figure with divine qualities.

Some suggest the story functioned to bolster the faith of early Christians, reminding them of Christ's ability to provide in times of need.

John Calvin writes of this incident as a vivid illustration of Jesus caring for the Gentiles, indicating the broad scope of His mission.

Contemporary commentators may emphasize the symbolic links between this story and themes of trust in God, communal sharing, and Jesus as the bread of life.

Mark 8

Mark 8

What does Mark 8:5 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 8:5 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?