Mark 8 1

Mark 8:1 kjv

In those days the multitude being very great, and having nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples unto him, and saith unto them,

Mark 8:1 nkjv

In those days, the multitude being very great and having nothing to eat, Jesus called His disciples to Him and said to them,

Mark 8:1 niv

During those days another large crowd gathered. Since they had nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples to him and said,

Mark 8:1 esv

In those days, when again a great crowd had gathered, and they had nothing to eat, he called his disciples to him and said to them,

Mark 8:1 nlt

About this time another large crowd had gathered, and the people ran out of food again. Jesus called his disciples and told them,

Mark 8 verses

Mark 8 1 Meaning

Mark 8:1 introduces Jesus initiating a miraculous provision of food for a large, hungry crowd in a desolate place, demonstrating His divine compassion and authority. This event parallels an earlier feeding miracle but signifies a new context, possibly among Gentiles, highlighting the universality of Jesus' provision and His active care for the multitude's immediate needs, even as He engages His disciples in the problem-solving process.

Mark 8 1 Context

Mark 8:1 initiates the account of the second miraculous feeding of a multitude, following the earlier feeding of the five thousand recorded in Mark 6. This event likely takes place in the Decapolis region, east of the Sea of Galilee, a predominantly Gentile area, broadening the scope of Jesus' compassion beyond purely Jewish contexts. The crowd's lack of food after spending several days with Jesus presents a recurring dilemma, despite the disciples having recently witnessed Jesus multiply loaves and fish to feed a much larger crowd. This verse highlights Jesus' active awareness of the crowd's physical needs and His immediate concern, leading Him to take initiative by addressing His disciples about the situation, thereby setting the stage for another display of His divine power and provision. It also serves as a crucial moment in Mark's narrative to demonstrate the disciples' continued inability to grasp Jesus' true identity and power, a major theme developed further in this chapter.

Mark 8 1 Word analysis

• In those days (Ἐν ἐκείναις ταῖς ἡμέραις - En ekeinais tais hēmerais): This phrase serves as a transitional marker, common in biblical narratives, signaling a new significant event while maintaining continuity with the preceding narrative. It indicates that the events occurred shortly after those of the previous chapter, likely days, as the crowd had already been with Jesus for three days (Mk 8:2).
• when again (πάλιν - palin): The word "again" is highly significant. It explicitly links this event to the previous feeding miracle (Mark 6:30-44). For the discerning reader, it immediately brings to mind the disciples' previous experience, underscoring their surprising forgetfulness or limited understanding that becomes apparent in later verses (Mk 8:14-21). It highlights Jesus' repetitive display of compassion and power.
• a great crowd (πολλοῦ ὄχλου - pollou ochlou): "Crowd" (ochlos) denotes a large, undifferentiated mass of people. Its mention indicates Jesus' continued widespread appeal and the substantial human need He constantly encountered. The "greatness" of the crowd emphasizes the scale of the logistical problem and the subsequent miracle.
• had gathered (συναχθέντος - synachthēntos): The perfect participle indicates that the gathering was a completed action, and the crowd had assembled and remained there for a period, implying a sustained interest in Jesus and His teaching.
• and they had nothing to eat (μὴ ἐχόντων τί φάγωσιν - mē echontōn ti phagōsin): This phrase clearly states the pressing physical need that precipitates Jesus' intervention. "Nothing to eat" underscores the absolute lack, a common biblical motif (e.g., in the wilderness journeys of Israel), emphasizing reliance on divine provision. It highlights human helplessness without external aid.
• Jesus called his disciples to him (προσκαλεσάμενος τοὺς μαθητὰς αὐτοῦ ὁ Ἰησοῦς - proskalesamenos tous mathētas autou ho Iēsous): "Called to him" (proskalesamenos) indicates a deliberate, purposeful summons by Jesus. He doesn't act immediately but involves His inner circle, not merely to inform them, but to prompt their thinking, challenge their understanding, and test their faith after a similar previous experience. This act sets up a didactic moment for His disciples.
• and said to them (λέγει αὐτοῖς - legei autois): This introduces Jesus' direct address, signifying His active initiative in discerning the need and preparing for action. His words that follow (in Mk 8:2) will reveal His deep compassion.

• "In those days, when again a great crowd had gathered": This group of words sets the scene for a new phase of ministry that mirrors past events but perhaps with new significance. The recurrence of a large following emphasizes the consistent demand on Jesus and His ever-present mission.
• "and they had nothing to eat": This phrase succinctly captures the critical state of the multitude, revealing their vulnerability and absolute dependency. It frames the entire subsequent miracle as a direct response to a fundamental human need.
• "Jesus called his disciples to him and said to them": This demonstrates Jesus' intentionality and His method of leadership. He proactively addresses a problem He observes, bringing His core followers into His thought process and setting them up to witness, learn from, and perhaps participate in His divine work. It's a moment of pedagogical interaction before a display of power.

Mark 8 1 Bonus section

The mention of "again a great crowd" (Mk 8:1) and the parallel structure of Mark 6:30-44 often leads scholars to emphasize the pedagogical aspect for the disciples. Despite witnessing a similar feeding miracle recently, their subsequent struggle to grasp the meaning of the "bread" (Mk 8:14-21) demonstrates a key Markan theme: the disciples' spiritual dullness or their limited comprehension of Jesus' true identity and power. This repeated scenario serves to intensify Jesus' later rebuke of their lack of understanding. The location (likely Decapolis, as hinted by other narratives around this section in Mark) could imply a largely Gentile crowd, thus extending Jesus' compassion and the reach of God's Kingdom beyond Jewish confines, setting a precedent for universal salvation. This echoes Old Testament patterns where God provided for Israel in the wilderness (Ex 16, Deut 8:3), reinforcing Jesus as the fulfillment of divine provision.

Mark 8 1 Commentary

Mark 8:1 lays the foundation for Jesus' second feeding miracle, underscoring His profound compassion for humanity's most basic needs. The verse establishes the urgent situation of a hungry, gathered multitude and, critically, Jesus' active, discerning initiative in addressing this need by calling His disciples. Unlike simply reacting to a request, Jesus observes the problem and involves His closest followers. This not only prepares the reader for the subsequent miraculous provision but also subtly hints at the disciples' lack of foresight and faith, given their recent experience of a similar miracle. It highlights Jesus' role as the divine provider, meeting physical hunger, and serving as a tangible manifestation of His future spiritual provision, reminding all of God's abundant care in times of scarcity.