Mark 8 8

Mark 8:8 kjv

So they did eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets.

Mark 8:8 nkjv

So they ate and were filled, and they took up seven large baskets of leftover fragments.

Mark 8:8 niv

The people ate and were satisfied. Afterward the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.

Mark 8:8 esv

And they ate and were satisfied. And they took up the broken pieces left over, seven baskets full.

Mark 8:8 nlt

They ate as much as they wanted. Afterward, the disciples picked up seven large baskets of leftover food.

Mark 8 verses

Mark 8 8 Meaning

Mark 8:8 describes the abundant outcome of Jesus miraculously feeding four thousand people. The verse indicates that everyone present ate until they were completely satisfied, and as a demonstration of super-abundance, a significant quantity of seven large baskets filled with leftover broken pieces of bread was collected by the disciples. This highlights Jesus's divine power, boundless compassion, and the overflowing nature of God's provision.

Mark 8 8 Context

Mark 8:8 concludes Jesus's second miraculous feeding of a large multitude. This event unfolds in a desolate area, likely in the region of the Decapolis, a largely Gentile territory east of the Sea of Galilee. Unlike the first feeding of the five thousand (Mark 6:30-44) which primarily served a Jewish crowd and yielded twelve baskets of leftovers, this miracle addresses a different, predominantly Gentile, group and features distinct numerical details: seven loaves fed four thousand people, resulting in seven baskets of fragments. The preceding verses (Mark 8:1-7) depict Jesus's compassion for the hungry crowd who had been with Him for three days, leading Him to initiate the miraculous provision, despite the disciples' skepticism regarding available resources.

Mark 8 8 Word analysis

• So they ate: (ἐφάγουσιν, ephagousin). The aorist indicative verb simply states the completed action of eating. It emphasizes that the direct command from Jesus to distribute the bread was obeyed, and the people consumed the miraculously multiplied food.
• and were filled: (ἐχορτάσθησαν, echortasthesan). This Greek verb, chortazo, means to be completely sated, to be satisfied to the full, often used of animals grazing until they are fully nourished. Its application here highlights not merely that they had enough to survive, but that they experienced abundant and complete physical satisfaction. It conveys the generous, superabundant nature of God's provision, exceeding expectation.
• And they took up: (ἦραν, ēran). This verb denotes picking up or collecting. It indicates the deliberate action of the disciples, under Jesus's instruction (as implied from the parallel in John 6:12), to gather the remaining fragments, signifying stewardship and valuing what God has provided, even in abundance.
• seven large baskets: (σπυρίδας ἑπτά, spyridas hepta). This specific phrase is highly significant. The "spuris" (σπυρίς) was a large wicker basket, notably larger than the "kophinos" (κόφινος) used in the earlier feeding miracle (Mark 6:43). A spuris was big enough to contain a man (cf. Acts 9:25 where Paul escaped in one). Its use here highlights the immense quantity of leftovers. The number 'seven' holds deep symbolic meaning in biblical literature, often representing completeness, perfection, divine fullness, or totality. In the context of the feeding of 4,000, frequently associated with a Gentile audience, 'seven' can symbolize God's perfect and complete provision for all nations.
• of leftover fragments: (κλασμάτων, klasmatōn). From klasma, meaning "broken piece" or "fragment." This term specifies that what remained were pieces of bread. It underscores the miraculous multiplication: from a few loaves, not only were thousands fed to satisfaction, but an overwhelming surplus of broken pieces remained, emphasizing the reality and scale of the miracle and that nothing of God's provision goes to waste.

Mark 8 8 Bonus section

• Stewardship Lesson: The collection of the "leftover fragments" highlights the importance of stewardship even amidst abundance. Nothing that God provides, no matter how much, should be wasted. This teaches carefulness and appreciation for God's blessings.
• Identity of Christ: This second feeding miracle, with its distinct details from the first, deepens the disciples' (and the readers') understanding of Jesus's identity. He is not just a prophet like Moses or Elisha, but one who possesses divine power to create food and sustain multitudes universally. This helps to set the stage for Peter's confession immediately following this narrative in Mark 8:29.
• Gospel's Inclusivity: The likely Gentile setting of this miracle, combined with the number seven symbolizing completeness, underscores the inclusivity of the Gospel message. Jesus's ministry and salvation are not limited to one ethnic group but extend to all humanity, fulfilling God's universal covenantal promises.

Mark 8 8 Commentary

Mark 8:8 powerfully culminates the narrative of Jesus feeding the four thousand, serving as a profound theological statement on Christ's divine nature and comprehensive provision. The phrase "they ate and were filled" emphasizes the complete satisfaction of the multitude, going beyond mere subsistence to underscore divine generosity and sufficiency. This fullness speaks to the holistic provision God offers, addressing deep human needs. The collection of "seven large baskets of leftover fragments" is pivotal. The large size of the "spuris" baskets, distinct from the smaller "kophinos" of the feeding of the five thousand, emphasizes the even greater quantity of leftovers in this second miracle. The number 'seven' is replete with biblical symbolism, denoting completeness, perfection, and universalism. This suggests Jesus's perfect and complete provision for a world that includes both Jew (represented in the earlier feeding with 12 baskets for the 12 tribes/apostles) and Gentile (represented here, given the probable Gentile context of the Decapolis region).

The leftover fragments attest to super-abundance; God's provision through Jesus is not just enough but overflows, highlighting His boundless grace and generosity. This miracle foreshadows the eschatological Messianic banquet where all nations will feast in the Kingdom of God, showcasing Christ as the ultimate, universal Provider of physical sustenance and spiritual salvation. It also serves as a pedagogical tool for the disciples, preparing them for their future ministry to a broader world, reminding them that with Jesus, resources are never lacking, and God's blessings are immeasurably more than can be contained.