FocusRecognizing Jesus' provision
Connection to the wholeThe feeding and ensuing exchanges expose the difference between seeing mighty works and understanding their significance.
interpretation Mark 8:3
KJVAnd if I send them away fasting to their own houses, they will faint by the way: for divers of them came from far.
Read it in context
Bread, signs, and misunderstanding
Start reading at Mark 8:1 (Mark 8:1 to Mark 8:21).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The feeding and ensuing exchanges expose the difference between seeing mighty works and understanding their significance.
- 8:1 In those days the multitude being very great, and having nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples unto him, and saith unto them,
- 8:2 I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now been with me three days, and have nothing to eat:
- 8:3 And if I send them away fasting to their own houses, they will faint by the way: for divers of them came from far.
- 8:4 And his disciples answered him, From whence can a man satisfy these men with bread here in the wilderness?
- 8:5 And he asked them, How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven.
- 8:6 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.
- 8:7 And they had a few small fishes: and he blessed, and commanded to set them also before them.
- 8:8 So they did eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets.
- 8:9 And they that had eaten were about four thousand: and he sent them away.
- 8:10 And straightway he entered into a ship with his disciples, and came into the parts of Dalmanutha.
- 8:11 And the Pharisees came forth, and began to question with him, seeking of him a sign from heaven, tempting him.
- 8:12 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.
- 8:13 And he left them, and entering into the ship again departed to the other side.
- 8:14 Now the disciples had forgotten to take bread, neither had they in the ship with them more than one loaf.
- 8:15 And he charged them, saying, Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and of the leaven of Herod.
- 8:16 And they reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have no bread.
- 8:17 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?
- 8:18 Having eyes, see ye not? and having ears, hear ye not? and do ye not remember?
- 8:19 When I brake the five loaves among five thousand, how many baskets full of fragments took ye up? They say unto him, Twelve.
- 8:20 And when the seven among four thousand, how many baskets full of fragments took ye up? And they said, Seven.
- 8:21 And he said unto them, How is it that ye do not understand?
Who
- Who wrote the book? Mark, traditionally identified as John Mark and associated with Peter's preaching, is the author named by early church testimony. Biblical references: Acts 12:12; 1 Peter 5:13. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, Mark, Gospel of. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Mark 8:1–8:38): Jesus feeds a crowd, responds to Pharisees, and teaches His disciples. A blind man is healed; Peter confesses Jesus as Christ before Jesus teaches about His suffering. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Readers who needed explanations of Jewish customs and Aramaic words, indicating a substantial Gentile audience. An association with Rome is early tradition, not an explicit address in the Gospel. Biblical references: Mark 5:41; Mark 7:3; Mark 7:4. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Mark, Gospel of. book background
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Bread, signs, and misunderstanding. Read Mark 8:1 through Mark 8:21 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? The feeding and ensuing exchanges expose the difference between seeing mighty works and understanding their significance. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The account begins with John the Baptist and follows Jesus' public ministry through His death and resurrection. It does not give a composition date. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? Galilee, surrounding regions, the journey toward Jerusalem, and Jerusalem form the main narrative movement. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Bread, signs, and misunderstanding (Mark 8:1 to Mark 8:21). Start reading at Mark 8:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Mark explicitly presents the gospel of Jesus Christ and connects His service with giving His life a ransom for many. His identity and the call to follow Him shape the narrative. See Mark 1:1, Mark 8:34, Mark 10:45. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Follow Jesus with obedient service rather than status-seeking. Read predictions of suffering and calls to discipleship alongside accounts of power and deliverance. interpretation
Cited: Mark 8:1, Mark 8:21, Mark 1:1, Mark 8:34, Mark 10:45
Who wrote it, and how we know
John Mark, recording Peter's preaching (traditional)
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe book does not name its author.
Early traditionPapias, quoting an earlier elder, records that Mark wrote down Peter's preaching accurately.
What is debatedThe name is not in the text.
Other accounts of this event
Feeding the four thousand
Parallel accounts
This is distinct from the feeding of the five thousand.
Related passages
- And if I send them away fasting to their … Judg 8:4-6 1 Sam 14:28-31 1 Sam 30:10-12 Isa 40:31
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Mark 8
This Gospel identifies its subject as Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and follows His ministry toward the cross and resurrection. No particular original recipient is named in its opening.
A blind man receives sight
Mark 8:22–26FocusRestoration at Bethsaida
Connection to the wholeThe healing stands between the disciples' misunderstanding and the decisive conversation about Jesus' identity.
interpretation The Christ and the cross
Mark 8:27–38FocusConfession and costly following
Connection to the wholePeter identifies Jesus as the Christ, but Jesus immediately teaches that His suffering also defines the path of His followers.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Mark
This Gospel identifies its subject as Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and follows His ministry toward the cross and resurrection. No particular original recipient is named in its opening.
The ministry prepared
Mark 1:1–13FocusJohn, baptism, and temptation
Connection to the wholeThe brief opening introduces Jesus and His forerunner, moving rapidly toward the proclamation of the kingdom.
interpretation Authority and opposition
Mark 1:14–3:6FocusTeaching, deliverance, and conflict
Connection to the wholeJesus' works and teaching draw followers while controversies bring the first explicit plot against Him.
interpretation FocusDisciples, crowds, and understanding
Connection to the wholeTeaching, mighty works, and varied responses repeatedly expose both Jesus' authority and the disciples' difficulty understanding.
interpretation The way to Jerusalem
Mark 8:27–10:52FocusThe Messiah's suffering and following
Connection to the wholePeter's confession is followed by repeated passion predictions and teaching that redefines greatness and discipleship through service.
interpretation Jerusalem and coming judgment
Mark 11:1–13:37FocusTemple conflict and watchfulness
Connection to the wholeJesus' actions and disputes in Jerusalem lead into His teaching about coming troubles and the command to watch.
interpretation Passion and resurrection
Mark 14:1–16:20FocusDeath, the empty tomb, and proclamation
Connection to the wholeBetrayal, trial, and crucifixion lead to the resurrection proclamation and commission recorded in the KJV's final chapter.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.