About Mark

Mark presents Jesus as the suffering Servant of God, emphasizing His actions and authority.

Author: John MarkWritten: c. AD 50-65Reading time: ~5 minVerses: 38
ServantActionAuthoritySufferingDiscipleshipMessianic Secret

King James Version

Mark 8

38 verses with commentary

Jesus Feeds the Four Thousand

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

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>In those days the multitude being very great, and having nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples unto him, and saith unto them,</strong> Mark introduces the feeding of the four thousand with temporal markers indicating continuity with previous events. <strong>In those days</strong> (ἐν ἐκείναις ταῖς ἡμέραις, <em>en ekeinais tais hēmerais</em>) connects this miracle to Jesus' ministry in...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

**VIII.** (1) **In those days.**—See Notes on Matthew 15:32-38

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**56. and besought him that they might touch if it were but the border of his garment--**having heard, no doubt, of what the woman with the issue of blood experienced on doing so (Mr 5:25-29), and perhaps of other unrecorded cases of the same nature. **and as many as touched him--**or "it"--the border of His garment. **were made whole--**All this they continued to do and to experience while ou...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 8 Chapter Outline Four thousand fed by a miracle.(1-10) Christ cautions against the Pharisees and Herodians.(11-21) A blind man healed.(22-26) Peter's testimony to Christ.(27-33) Christ must be followed.(34-38) **Verses 1-10** Our Lord Jesus encouraged the meanest to come to him for life and grace. Christ knows and considers our frames. The bounty of Christ is...
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I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now been with me three days, and have nothing to eat:

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now been with me three days, and have nothing to eat:</strong> Jesus articulates the motivation for the coming miracle—divine compassion. <strong>I have compassion</strong> (σπλαγχνίζομαι, <em>splanchnizomai</em>) is a strong Greek verb indicating deep, visceral emotion—literally referring to the bowels or inner organs, considered the s...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 8 Chapter Outline Four thousand fed by a miracle.(1-10) Christ cautions against the Pharisees and Herodians.(11-21) A blind man healed.(22-26) Peter's testimony to Christ.(27-33) Christ must be followed.(34-38) **Verses 1-10** Our Lord Jesus encouraged the meanest to come to him for life and grace. Christ knows and considers our frames. The bounty of Christ is...
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And if I send them away fasting to their own houses, they will faint by the way: for divers of them came from far.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And if I send them away fasting to their own houses, they will faint by the way: for divers of them came from far.</strong> Jesus articulates the practical danger facing the crowd if dismissed without food. <strong>If I send them away fasting</strong> (ἐὰν ἀπολύσω αὐτοὺς νήστεις, <em>ean apolusō autous nēsteis</em>)—the conditional clause considers the consequence of dismissing them in the...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(3) **For divers of them.**—Better, *and some of them are* (or, *are come*)* from afar.* The words are given as spoken by our Lord, and are in the perfect tense.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 8 Chapter Outline Four thousand fed by a miracle.(1-10) Christ cautions against the Pharisees and Herodians.(11-21) A blind man healed.(22-26) Peter's testimony to Christ.(27-33) Christ must be followed.(34-38) **Verses 1-10** Our Lord Jesus encouraged the meanest to come to him for life and grace. Christ knows and considers our frames. The bounty of Christ is...
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And his disciples answered him, From whence can a man satisfy these men with bread here in the wilderness?

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And his disciples answered him, From whence can a man satisfy these men with bread here in the wilderness?</strong> The disciples' response reveals persistent unbelief despite witnessing the earlier feeding of five thousand (Mark 6:30-44). <strong>From whence</strong> (πόθεν, <em>pothen</em>) asks about the source—where would sufficient bread come from? <strong>Can a man satisfy</strong> (...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(4) **Satisfy.**—The verb is the same as the “filled” of Mark 7:27. **Here in the wilderness.**—The word here, as in Matthew 15:33, is not the one usually employed, and is abstract, not concrete, in its form, suggesting the idea, *i.e.,* of “loneliness;” and through that, of a lonely place. It is used in a like sense in 2Corinthians 11:26; Hebrews 11:38. Like many other abstract words, it seems to...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 8 Chapter Outline Four thousand fed by a miracle.(1-10) Christ cautions against the Pharisees and Herodians.(11-21) A blind man healed.(22-26) Peter's testimony to Christ.(27-33) Christ must be followed.(34-38) **Verses 1-10** Our Lord Jesus encouraged the meanest to come to him for life and grace. Christ knows and considers our frames. The bounty of Christ is...
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And he asked them, How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And he asked them, How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven.</strong> Jesus responds to the disciples' despairing question (v. 4) with a practical inquiry about available resources. <strong>He asked them</strong> (ἐπηρώτα αὐτούς, <em>epērōta autous</em>)—the imperfect tense suggests Jesus questioned them deliberately, perhaps to draw out their faith and prepare them for the miracle. <...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 8 Chapter Outline Four thousand fed by a miracle.(1-10) Christ cautions against the Pharisees and Herodians.(11-21) A blind man healed.(22-26) Peter's testimony to Christ.(27-33) Christ must be followed.(34-38) **Verses 1-10** Our Lord Jesus encouraged the meanest to come to him for life and grace. Christ knows and considers our frames. The bounty of Christ is...
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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.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>He commanded the people to sit down on the ground</strong>—Jesus orders (παραγγέλλω, parangellō) the crowd, demonstrating His authority over the multitude. <strong>He took the seven loaves, and gave thanks</strong> (εὐχαριστήσας, eucharistēsas)—the same verb from which we derive 'Eucharist,' signifying grateful acknowledgment of God's provision. Jesus models dependence on the Father even i...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(6) **To sit down.**—The Greek word implies the usual Eastern position of reclining, rather than our sitting.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 8 Chapter Outline Four thousand fed by a miracle.(1-10) Christ cautions against the Pharisees and Herodians.(11-21) A blind man healed.(22-26) Peter's testimony to Christ.(27-33) Christ must be followed.(34-38) **Verses 1-10** Our Lord Jesus encouraged the meanest to come to him for life and grace. Christ knows and considers our frames. The bounty of Christ is...
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And they had a few small fishes: and he blessed, and commanded to set them also before them.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>They had a few small fishes</strong> (ἰχθύδια, ichthydia)—the diminutive form emphasizes the smallness of resources. <strong>He blessed</strong> (εὐλογήσας, eulogēsas) them separately from the bread, showing Jesus' meticulous thanksgiving for all provisions, however meager. The verb eulogeō means to speak well of, to invoke divine favor—Jesus doesn't merely pray over food but pronounces Go...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 8 Chapter Outline Four thousand fed by a miracle.(1-10) Christ cautions against the Pharisees and Herodians.(11-21) A blind man healed.(22-26) Peter's testimony to Christ.(27-33) Christ must be followed.(34-38) **Verses 1-10** Our Lord Jesus encouraged the meanest to come to him for life and grace. Christ knows and considers our frames. The bounty of Christ is...
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So they did eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>They did eat, and were filled</strong> (ἐχορτάσθησαν, echortasthēsan)—literally 'were satisfied' or 'fattened like cattle,' indicating complete satiation beyond mere survival. This fulfills Psalm 132:15: 'I will satisfy her poor with bread.' The passive voice indicates God's action—Jesus sovereignly satisfies human hunger.<br><br><strong>They took up of the broken meat that was left seven ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(8) **Broken meat.**—Better, *fragments.* **Seven baskets.**—See Note on Matthew 15:37.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 8 Chapter Outline Four thousand fed by a miracle.(1-10) Christ cautions against the Pharisees and Herodians.(11-21) A blind man healed.(22-26) Peter's testimony to Christ.(27-33) Christ must be followed.(34-38) **Verses 1-10** Our Lord Jesus encouraged the meanest to come to him for life and grace. Christ knows and considers our frames. The bounty of Christ is...
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And they that had eaten were about four thousand: and he sent them away.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>They that had eaten were about four thousand</strong> (τετρακισχίλιοι, tetrakischilioi)—the specific number underscores historical reality and witnesses' testimony. Matthew 15:38 adds 'besides women and children,' meaning the actual crowd exceeded 4,000, perhaps 10,000-15,000 total. The feeding demonstrates Jesus' messianic credentials—only God can create bread from nothing.<br><br><strong...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 8 Chapter Outline Four thousand fed by a miracle.(1-10) Christ cautions against the Pharisees and Herodians.(11-21) A blind man healed.(22-26) Peter's testimony to Christ.(27-33) Christ must be followed.(34-38) **Verses 1-10** Our Lord Jesus encouraged the meanest to come to him for life and grace. Christ knows and considers our frames. The bounty of Christ is...
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And straightway he entered into a ship with his disciples, and came into the parts of Dalmanutha.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Straightway he entered into a ship</strong> (εὐθὺς, euthys)—Mark's characteristic 'immediately' emphasizes rapid transition from public ministry to private instruction. Jesus withdraws from Gentile territory after the feeding, crossing back to Jewish regions. <strong>Came into the parts of Dalmanutha</strong>—location unknown, possibly near Magdala on Galilee's western shore (Matthew 15:39...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(10) **He entered into a ship.**—Better, the ship, or *boat.* **Dalmanutha.**—St. Mark’s use of the word, instead of the Magdala or “Magada” of St. Matthew, may be noted as an instance of his independence. It is mentioned by no other writer. On its probable site, see Note on Matthew 15:39.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 8 Chapter Outline Four thousand fed by a miracle.(1-10) Christ cautions against the Pharisees and Herodians.(11-21) A blind man healed.(22-26) Peter's testimony to Christ.(27-33) Christ must be followed.(34-38) **Verses 1-10** Our Lord Jesus encouraged the meanest to come to him for life and grace. Christ knows and considers our frames. The bounty of Christ is...
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The Pharisees Demand a Sign

And the Pharisees came forth, and began to question with him, seeking of him a sign from heaven, tempting him.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>The Pharisees came forth, and began to question with him</strong> (συζητεῖν, syzētein)—the verb implies hostile debate, not genuine inquiry. <strong>Seeking of him a sign from heaven</strong> (σημεῖον ἀπὸ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ, sēmeion apo tou ouranou)—they demand spectacular celestial proof like Joshua's sun-standing-still (Joshua 10:12-13) or Samuel's thunder (1 Samuel 12:18). They reject Jesus' e...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(11-12) **And the Pharisees came forth.**—See Notes on Matthew 16:1-4*.* St. Mark, it may be noted, docs not mention the presence of the Pharisees, and gives only part of our Lord’s answer. On the other and, he characteristically describes the “sighing deeply in spirit” in Mark 8:12, which St. Matthew does not give.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 11-21** Obstinate unbelief will have something to say, though ever so unreasonable. Christ refused to answer their demand. If they will not be convinced, they shall not. Alas! what cause we have to lament for those around us, who destroy themselves and others by their perverse and obstinate unbelief, and enmity to the gospel! When we forget the works of God, and distrust him, we shoul...
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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.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>He sighed deeply in his spirit</strong> (ἀναστενάξας τῷ πνεύματι, anastenaxas tō pneumati)—a profound groan from Jesus' innermost being, expressing grief over spiritual blindness. The compound verb emphasizes intensity—this isn't mild frustration but anguished sorrow. Jesus feels the tragic irony: the Son of God stands before them performing messianic signs, yet they demand more proof. His...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(12) **There shall no sign be given.**—We note the omission of “the sign of the prophet Jonas,” as given in Matthew 16:4.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 11-21** Obstinate unbelief will have something to say, though ever so unreasonable. Christ refused to answer their demand. If they will not be convinced, they shall not. Alas! what cause we have to lament for those around us, who destroy themselves and others by their perverse and obstinate unbelief, and enmity to the gospel! When we forget the works of God, and distrust him, we shoul...
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And he left them, and entering into the ship again departed to the other side.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>He left them</strong> (ἀφεὶς, apheis)—the participle suggests decisive abandonment. Jesus doesn't argue or attempt to persuade hardened hearts. This foreshadows His ultimate 'leaving' at the ascension and Israel's consequent judgment (AD 70). Matthew 23:38 pronounces Jerusalem's 'house left desolate.' When people persistently reject light, God eventually withdraws it—a sobering warning abo...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(13-21) See Notes on Matthew 16:4-12.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 11-21** Obstinate unbelief will have something to say, though ever so unreasonable. Christ refused to answer their demand. If they will not be convinced, they shall not. Alas! what cause we have to lament for those around us, who destroy themselves and others by their perverse and obstinate unbelief, and enmity to the gospel! When we forget the works of God, and distrust him, we shoul...
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The Leaven of the Pharisees

Now the disciples had forgotten to take bread, neither had they in the ship with them more than one loaf.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>The disciples had forgotten to take bread</strong>—immediately after two miraculous feedings (5,000 and 4,000), the disciples worry about provisions. The irony is staggering—the Bread of Life sits in their boat, yet they fret about literal bread. This forgetfulness reveals spiritual dullness that Jesus will rebuke (vv. 17-21). <strong>Neither had they in the ship with them more than one lo...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(14) **Now the disciples.**—Better, *and the disciples,* in close connection with the preceding verse, and not as the beginning of a new section. **More than one loaf.**—Another detail peculiar to St. Mark.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 11-21** Obstinate unbelief will have something to say, though ever so unreasonable. Christ refused to answer their demand. If they will not be convinced, they shall not. Alas! what cause we have to lament for those around us, who destroy themselves and others by their perverse and obstinate unbelief, and enmity to the gospel! When we forget the works of God, and distrust him, we shoul...
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And he charged them, saying, Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and of the leaven of Herod.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Take heed, beware</strong> (ὁρᾶτε, βλέπετε, horate, blepete)—two imperatives meaning 'see' and 'watch,' emphasizing vigilance. Jesus warns against spiritual danger requiring constant alertness. <strong>The leaven of the Pharisees, and of the leaven of Herod</strong> (ζύμη, zymē)—leaven symbolizes pervasive corrupting influence (1 Corinthians 5:6-8). A small amount of yeast permeates entire...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(15) **He charged them.**—The verb is in the imperfect tense, and implies that the command was more than once repeated. Hence they, too, “were reasoning,” more than once, what was the meaning of the precept on which so much stress was laid. **The leaven of Herod.**—The words imply the presence among the questioners of Mark 8:11 of others besides the Pharisees. On the connection between the “leaven...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 11-21** Obstinate unbelief will have something to say, though ever so unreasonable. Christ refused to answer their demand. If they will not be convinced, they shall not. Alas! what cause we have to lament for those around us, who destroy themselves and others by their perverse and obstinate unbelief, and enmity to the gospel! When we forget the works of God, and distrust him, we shoul...
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And they reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have no bread.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>They reasoned among themselves</strong> (διελογίζοντο πρὸς ἀλλήλους, dielogizonto pros allēlous)—the imperfect tense suggests ongoing confused discussion. <strong>It is because we have no bread</strong>—the disciples completely misunderstand Jesus' metaphorical warning, interpreting it literally. This exposes profound spiritual dullness—they think Jesus is scolding them for forgetting prov...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 11-21** Obstinate unbelief will have something to say, though ever so unreasonable. Christ refused to answer their demand. If they will not be convinced, they shall not. Alas! what cause we have to lament for those around us, who destroy themselves and others by their perverse and obstinate unbelief, and enmity to the gospel! When we forget the works of God, and distrust him, we shoul...
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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?

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>When Jesus knew it</strong> (γνοὺς, gnous)—Jesus possesses supernatural knowledge of their private discussion, demonstrating His divine omniscience. He doesn't wait for them to voice confusion but proactively addresses their misunderstanding. <strong>Why reason ye, because ye have no bread?</strong>—five rapid-fire questions (vv. 17-18) express Jesus' astonishment at their dullness after w...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(17) **Have ye your heart yet hardened?**—The question is peculiar to St. Mark, as are also the two first questions in Mark 8:18. The expression of indignant astonishment is characteristically more vivid and emphatic in St. Mark’s report.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 11-21** Obstinate unbelief will have something to say, though ever so unreasonable. Christ refused to answer their demand. If they will not be convinced, they shall not. Alas! what cause we have to lament for those around us, who destroy themselves and others by their perverse and obstinate unbelief, and enmity to the gospel! When we forget the works of God, and distrust him, we shoul...
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Having eyes, see ye not? and having ears, hear ye not? and do ye not remember?

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Having eyes, see ye not? and having ears, hear ye not?</strong>—Jesus quotes Jeremiah 5:21 and Ezekiel 12:2, prophetic indictments of Israel's spiritual blindness. Physical faculties without spiritual illumination produce no true perception. This echoes Isaiah 6:9-10, which Jesus quotes explaining why He teaches in parables (Mark 4:12)—parables reveal truth to receptive hearts while concea...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 11-21** Obstinate unbelief will have something to say, though ever so unreasonable. Christ refused to answer their demand. If they will not be convinced, they shall not. Alas! what cause we have to lament for those around us, who destroy themselves and others by their perverse and obstinate unbelief, and enmity to the gospel! When we forget the works of God, and distrust him, we shoul...
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When I brake the five loaves among five thousand, how many baskets full of fragments took ye up? They say unto him, Twelve.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>When I brake the five loaves among five thousand, how many baskets full of fragments took ye up?</strong>—Jesus employs Socratic questioning to awaken memory and understanding. He doesn't immediately explain but guides disciples to recall specific details. <strong>They say unto him, Twelve</strong>—their correct answer proves the issue isn't cognitive deficiency but spiritual blindness. Th...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(19-20) **How many baskets** . . .?—The words for “baskets” are, as has been said, different in the two verses. (See Note on Matthew 15:37.)

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 11-21** Obstinate unbelief will have something to say, though ever so unreasonable. Christ refused to answer their demand. If they will not be convinced, they shall not. Alas! what cause we have to lament for those around us, who destroy themselves and others by their perverse and obstinate unbelief, and enmity to the gospel! When we forget the works of God, and distrust him, we shoul...
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And when the seven among four thousand, how many baskets full of fragments took ye up? And they said, Seven.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>When the seven among four thousand, how many baskets full of fragments took ye up? And they said, Seven</strong>—Jesus continues the catechism, forcing disciples to recall the second feeding's details. The seven large baskets (σπυρίδες, spyrides) from the 4,000 feeding (Gentile audience) parallel the twelve kophinoi from the 5,000 feeding (Jewish audience). Both demonstrate superabundant p...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 11-21** Obstinate unbelief will have something to say, though ever so unreasonable. Christ refused to answer their demand. If they will not be convinced, they shall not. Alas! what cause we have to lament for those around us, who destroy themselves and others by their perverse and obstinate unbelief, and enmity to the gospel! When we forget the works of God, and distrust him, we shoul...
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And he said unto them, How is it that ye do not understand?

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>How is it that ye do not understand?</strong> (πῶς οὐ συνίετε, pōs ou syniete)—Jesus' final question isn't rhetorical but genuinely laments their incomprehension. After recalling two miraculous feedings with specific numeric evidence (twelve baskets, seven baskets), disciples should grasp the obvious conclusion: Jesus possesses creative power to provide for all needs. Their continued anxie...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 11-21** Obstinate unbelief will have something to say, though ever so unreasonable. Christ refused to answer their demand. If they will not be convinced, they shall not. Alas! what cause we have to lament for those around us, who destroy themselves and others by their perverse and obstinate unbelief, and enmity to the gospel! When we forget the works of God, and distrust him, we shoul...
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Jesus Heals a Blind Man at Bethsaida

And he cometh to Bethsaida; and they bring a blind man unto him, and besought him to touch him.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And he cometh to Bethsaida; and they bring a blind man unto him</strong>—The arrival at Bethsaida (Βηθσαϊδά, 'house of fishing') introduces Mark's unique two-stage healing miracle. The verb <em>parakalosin</em> (παρακαλῶσιν, 'they besought') indicates earnest intercession by friends on the blind man's behalf, demonstrating faith-filled advocacy. This healing forms the structural center of ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(22) **And he cometh to Bethsaida.**—This miracle also is recorded by St. Mark only. Judging by the localities named previously, Dalmanutha (Mark 8:10), the passage across the lake (Mark 8:13), and afterwards “the villages of Cæsarea Philippi (Mark 8:27), it is probable that this was the Bethsaida on the northeastern shore of the Sea of Galilee.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 22-26** Here is a blind man brought to Christ by his friends. Therein appeared the faith of those that brought him. If those who are spiritually blind, do not pray for themselves, yet their friends and relations should pray for them, that Christ would be pleased to touch them. The cure was wrought gradually, which was not usual in our Lord's miracles. Christ showed in what method thos...
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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.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>He took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town</strong>—Jesus's personal touch (ἐπιλαβόμενος, <em>epilabomenos</em>, 'taking hold of') demonstrates compassionate guidance, leading one who cannot see. Removing him from the town may indicate avoiding public spectacle (note verse 26's command to silence) or escaping the unbelieving atmosphere that characterized Bethsaida (Matt...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(23) **He took the blind man by the hand.**—We note in the act the same considerate adaptation of the method of healing to the man’s infirmities as in the case of the deaf man in Mark 7:33. As far as the first three Gospels are concerned, these are the two instances of the “spitting” here recorded, but it is one of the links that connect St. Mark with the fourth Gospel (John 9:6). **If he saw ough...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 22-26** Here is a blind man brought to Christ by his friends. Therein appeared the faith of those that brought him. If those who are spiritually blind, do not pray for themselves, yet their friends and relations should pray for them, that Christ would be pleased to touch them. The cure was wrought gradually, which was not usual in our Lord's miracles. Christ showed in what method thos...
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And he looked up, and said, I see men as trees, walking.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>I see men as trees, walking</strong>—This remarkable statement captures partial restoration: <em>blepo</em> (βλέπω, 'I see') indicates vision received, but perception remains distorted. The Greek construction <em>hōs dendra</em> (ὡς δένδρα, 'as trees') suggests upright figures lacking definition—he perceives movement and vertical forms but cannot distinguish features. Some scholars propose...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(24) **I see men as trees, walking.**—The better MSS. give two words expressing different forms of perception, “I behold men, for I see them walking as trees.” His sight was not yet clear, but he interpreted what it told him rightly. The naturalness of this description of the first impression of the restored sense strikes every reader. From the point of view which looks on our Lord’s miracles as h...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 22-26** Here is a blind man brought to Christ by his friends. Therein appeared the faith of those that brought him. If those who are spiritually blind, do not pray for themselves, yet their friends and relations should pray for them, that Christ would be pleased to touch them. The cure was wrought gradually, which was not usual in our Lord's miracles. Christ showed in what method thos...
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After that he put his hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>After that he put his hands again upon him</strong>—The Greek <em>palin</em> (πάλιν, 'again') emphasizes the deliberate two-stage process. This second imposition of hands (<em>epithēken tas cheiras</em>, ἐπέθηκεν τὰς χεῖρας) brings complete restoration. The verb <em>dieblepsen</em> (διέβλεψεν, 'he looked intently') is intensive, meaning 'to see clearly, to look through.' Mark alone preserv...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(25) **Every man.**—The better MSS. give “all things.” Clearly.—This is probably the right rendering of the true reading; but the received text gives a word which implies that he was far, as well as clear, sighted.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 22-26** Here is a blind man brought to Christ by his friends. Therein appeared the faith of those that brought him. If those who are spiritually blind, do not pray for themselves, yet their friends and relations should pray for them, that Christ would be pleased to touch them. The cure was wrought gradually, which was not usual in our Lord's miracles. Christ showed in what method thos...
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And he sent him away to his house, saying, Neither go into the town, nor tell it to any in the town.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Neither go into the town, nor tell it to any in the town</strong>—Jesus's command for silence (variations of which appear throughout Mark as the 'messianic secret') reflects careful timing regarding public messianic claims. The Greek construction <em>mēde eis tēn kōmēn eiselthēs</em> (μηδὲ εἰς τὴν κώμην εἰσέλθῃς, 'neither enter into the village') with <em>mēde eipēs tini</em> (μηδὲ εἴπῃς τ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(26) **Neither go into the town.**—As in other works of healing, so in this, our Lord seems to have prescribed quietude after, as well as before, the miracle, as a spiritual discipline—partly, we may believe, because the work that had been done called for prayer for the right use of the new, or the restored, power; partly (as in Matthew 12:16), because He would not seem Himself to court the fame o...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

CHAPTER 7 Mr 7:1-23. Discourse on Ceremonial Pollution. ( = Mt 15:1-20). See on Mt 15:1-20. Mr 7:24-37. The Syrophoenician Woman and Her Daughter--A Deaf and Dumb Man Healed. ( = Mt 15:21-31). The Syrophoenician Woman and Her Daughter (Mr 7:24-30). The first words of this narrative show that the incident followed, in point of time, immediately on what precedes it. **24. And from thence h...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 22-26** Here is a blind man brought to Christ by his friends. Therein appeared the faith of those that brought him. If those who are spiritually blind, do not pray for themselves, yet their friends and relations should pray for them, that Christ would be pleased to touch them. The cure was wrought gradually, which was not usual in our Lord's miracles. Christ showed in what method thos...
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Peter Confesses Jesus as the Christ

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?

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And Jesus went out, and his disciples...</strong> Jesus probes disciples' understanding. This passage demonstrates Christ's divine authority and teaching, challenging religious traditions while establishing kingdom principles. Reformed theology sees here the fulfillment of Old Testament promises and the pattern for New Covenant faith.

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(27-29) See Notes on Matthew 16:13-16. **The towns of Cæsarea Philippi.**—Better, *villages.* **He asked his disciples.**—The tense of the Greek verb implies that it was not a single question only, but a continued and, as it were, searching inquiry. The time was come to test the faith of the disciples thoroughly.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**25. For a certain woman, whose young daughter had an unclean spirit--**or, as in Matthew (Mt 15:22), "was badly demonized." **heard of him--**One wonders how; but distress is quick of hearing. and fell at his feet:

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 27-33** These things are written, that we may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. These miracles of our Lord assure us that he was not conquered, but a Conqueror. Now the disciples are convinced that Jesus is the Christ; they may bear to hear of his sufferings, of which Christ here begins to give them notice. He sees that amiss in what we say and do, of which we ourselve...
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And they answered, John the Baptist: but some say, Elias; and others, One of the prophets.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>John the Baptist: but some say, Elias; and others, One of the prophets</strong>—The disciples report popular speculation about Jesus's identity, revealing partial recognition without full comprehension. <em>Iōannēn ton Baptistēn</em> (Ἰωάννην τὸν Βαπτιστήν) was suggested by Herod Antipas himself (Mark 6:14-16), perhaps from guilty conscience. <em>Ēlian</em> (Ἠλίαν, 'Elijah') reflected Mala...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**26. The woman was a Greek--**that is, "a Gentile," as in the Margin. **a Syrophoenician by nation--**so called as inhabiting the Phoenician tract of Syria. Juvenal uses the same term, as was remarked by Justin Martyr and Tertullian. Matthew (Mt 15:22) calls her "a woman of Canaan"--a more intelligible description to his Jewish readers (compare Jud 1:30, 32, 33). **and she besought him that h...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 27-33** These things are written, that we may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. These miracles of our Lord assure us that he was not conquered, but a Conqueror. Now the disciples are convinced that Jesus is the Christ; they may bear to hear of his sufferings, of which Christ here begins to give them notice. He sees that amiss in what we say and do, of which we ourselve...
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And he saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Peter answereth and saith unto him, Thou art the Christ.

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KJV Study Commentary

This verse records the pivotal moment when Peter confesses Jesus' identity as the Christ (Messiah). Jesus' question "But whom say ye that I am?" (ὑμεῖς δὲ τίνα με λέγετε εἶναι, hymeis de tina me legete einai) emphasizes the personal pronoun "you" (hymeis)—contrasting the disciples' confession with popular opinion reported in the previous verse. Jesus demands personal commitment, not secondhand rep...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**27. But Jesus said unto her, Let the children first be filled--**"Is there hope for me here?" "Filled FIRST?" "Then my turn, it seems, is coming!--but then, 'The CHILDREN first?' Ah! when, on that rule, shall my turn ever come!" But ere she has time for these ponderings of His word, another word comes to supplement it. **for it is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it unto the ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 27-33** These things are written, that we may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. These miracles of our Lord assure us that he was not conquered, but a Conqueror. Now the disciples are convinced that Jesus is the Christ; they may bear to hear of his sufferings, of which Christ here begins to give them notice. He sees that amiss in what we say and do, of which we ourselve...
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And he charged them that they should tell no man of him.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And he charged them that they should tell no man of him</strong>—Despite Peter's correct confession (<em>Su ei ho Christos</em>, Σὺ εἶ ὁ Χριστός, 'You are the Christ,' verse 29), Jesus immediately commands silence: <em>epetimēsen autois</em> (ἐπετίμησεν αὐτοῖς, 'He sternly warned them') followed by <em>hina mēdeni legōsin</em> (ἵνα μηδενὶ λέγωσιν, 'that to no one they should speak'). The v...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(30) **And he charged them.**—On the assumption of a connection between the writer of this Gospel and St. Peter (see *Introduction*)*,* the omission of the promise to the latter, recorded so fully by St. Matthew, may fairly be regarded as an evidence of the humility of the Apostle, who shrank from what might seem to savour of self-assertion.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**28. And she answered and said unto him, Yes, Lord--**or, as the same word is rendered in Mt 15:27. "Truth, Lord." **yet the dogs eat of the children's crumbs--**"which fall from their master's table" (Mt 15:27). "I thank Thee, O blessed One, for that word! That's my whole case. Not of the children? True. A dog? True also: Yet the dogs under the table are allowed to eat of the children's crumbs...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 27-33** These things are written, that we may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. These miracles of our Lord assure us that he was not conquered, but a Conqueror. Now the disciples are convinced that Jesus is the Christ; they may bear to hear of his sufferings, of which Christ here begins to give them notice. He sees that amiss in what we say and do, of which we ourselve...
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Jesus Foretells His Death and Resurrection

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.

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KJV Study Commentary

He began teach them Son of man must suffer many things rejected elders chief priests scribes killed after three days rise. First Passion prediction. Must dei divine necessity. Suffer pathein experience pain rejection. Many things polla extensive. Rejected apodokimasthenai examined failed. By religious leaders establishment. Killed apokten ōi executed. After three days meta treis hēmeras. Rise anas...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(31-33) **And he began to teach them.**—See Notes on Matthew 16:21-23. The points peculiar to St. Mark are, (1) that our Lord “spake that saying openly”—the absence of any reticence in this announcement of apparent failure was what startled the disciples; and (2) the graphic touch that as He rebuked Peter, He turned and looked, not on that Apostle only, but on the whole company of the disciples.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**29. And he said unto her--**"O woman, great is thy faith" (Mt 15:28). As Bengel beautifully remarks, Jesus "marvelled" only at two things--faith and unbelief (see Lu 7:9). **For this saying go thy way; the devil is gone out of thy daughter--**That moment the deed was done.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 27-33** These things are written, that we may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. These miracles of our Lord assure us that he was not conquered, but a Conqueror. Now the disciples are convinced that Jesus is the Christ; they may bear to hear of his sufferings, of which Christ here begins to give them notice. He sees that amiss in what we say and do, of which we ourselve...
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And he spake that saying openly. And Peter took him, and began to rebuke him.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And he spake that saying openly</strong>—The adverb <em>parrēsia</em> (παρρησίᾳ, 'openly, plainly, boldly') marks a turning point in Jesus's ministry. Previously using veiled parables about His fate, He now speaks <em>ton logon</em> (τὸν λόγον, 'the word, the message') frankly: the Son of Man must suffer, be rejected by religious leaders, be killed, and rise after three days (verse 31).<br...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**30. And when she was come to her house, she found the devil gone out, and her daughter laid upon the bed--**But Matthew (Mt 15:28) is more specific; "And her daughter was made whole from that very hour." The wonderfulness of this case in all its features has been felt in every age of the Church, and the balm it has administered, and will yet administer, to millions will be known only in that day...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 27-33** These things are written, that we may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. These miracles of our Lord assure us that he was not conquered, but a Conqueror. Now the disciples are convinced that Jesus is the Christ; they may bear to hear of his sufferings, of which Christ here begins to give them notice. He sees that amiss in what we say and do, of which we ourselve...
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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.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men</strong>—Jesus's rebuke is the most severe in the Gospels: <em>Hupage opisō mou, Satana</em> (Ὕπαγε ὀπίσω μου, Σατανᾶ, 'Go behind me, Satan'). The same phrase appears during wilderness temptation (Matthew 4:10), linking Peter's resistance to satanic opposition. Jesus doesn't call Pete...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**31. And again, departing from the coasts of Tyre and Sidon, he came unto the Sea of Galilee--**or, according to what has very strong claims to be regarded as the true text here, "And again, departing from the coasts of Tyre, He came through Sidon to the Sea of Galilee." The manuscripts in favor of this reading, though not the most numerous, are weighty, while the versions agreeing with it are am...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 27-33** These things are written, that we may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. These miracles of our Lord assure us that he was not conquered, but a Conqueror. Now the disciples are convinced that Jesus is the Christ; they may bear to hear of his sufferings, of which Christ here begins to give them notice. He sees that amiss in what we say and do, of which we ourselve...
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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.

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KJV Study Commentary

This verse articulates the non-negotiable cost of following Jesus with three radical demands. "Whosoever will come after me" (ὅστις θέλει ὀπίσω μου ἀκολουθεῖν, hostis thelei opisō mou akolouthein) establishes that discipleship is voluntary—"will" (thelei) indicates volitional desire, not coercion. But the cost is absolute. First, "let him deny himself" (ἀπαρνησάσθω ἑαυτόν, aparnēsasthō heauton) de...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(34-38) **And when he had called the people.**—See Notes on Matthew 16:24-28. The “calling the people,” or better, *the multitude,* to hear what involved the apparent failure of His mission announced in the preceding verses is an addition to St. Matthew’s narrative. It is confirmed by St. Luke’s “He said unto all” (Luke 9:23).

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**32. And they bring unto him one that was deaf ... and they beseech him to put his hand upon him--**In their eagerness they appear to have been somewhat too officious. Though usually doing as here suggested, He will deal with this case in His own way.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 34-38** Frequent notice is taken of the great flocking there was to Christ for help in various cases. All are concerned to know this, if they expect him to heal their souls. They must not indulge the ease of the body. As the happiness of heaven with Christ, is enough to make up for the loss of life itself for him, so the gain of all the world in sin, will not make up for the ruin of t...
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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.

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KJV Study Commentary

Whosoever will save life shall lose it but whosoever shall lose life for my sake gospel shall save it. Paradoxical saying. Save sōsai preserve protect. Life psychēn soul life existence. Shall lose apolesei destroy forfeit eternally. But adversative. Lose apolesei give up sacrifice. For my sake heneken emou because of Christ. And gospel euangelia. Shall save sōsei preserve eternally. Self-preservat...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(35) **And the gospel’s.**—In St. Matthew we find simply “for Me.” The addition is significant, as showing that though our Lord demanded in the first instance entire personal devotion, it was for Himself as identified with the cause of the good news from God of which He had borne witness, and of which He was to be the martyr (John 18:37).

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**33. And he took him aside from the multitude--**As in another case He "took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the town" (Mr 8:23), probably to fix his undistracted attention on Himself, and, by means of certain actions He was about to do, to awaken and direct his attention to the proper source of relief. **and put his fingers into his ears--**As his indistinct articulation arose fro...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 34-38** Frequent notice is taken of the great flocking there was to Christ for help in various cases. All are concerned to know this, if they expect him to heal their souls. They must not indulge the ease of the body. As the happiness of heaven with Christ, is enough to make up for the loss of life itself for him, so the gain of all the world in sin, will not make up for the ruin of t...
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For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?

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KJV Study Commentary

This rhetorical question exposes the fundamental calculus of human existence—the infinite value of the soul versus the finite value of material gain. The Greek psychēn (ψυχήν, "soul") refers to the immaterial, eternal essence of personhood that survives bodily death. Jesus contrasts gaining the kosmon holon (κόσμον ὅλον, "whole world")—comprehensive earthly success, wealth, power, pleasure—with lo...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(36, 37) **His own soul.**—Better, *life* in both verses. The word “lose” is not the same as in Mark 8:35, and had, perhaps, better be rendered *forfeit,* as implying, what the other word does not necessarily imply, the idea of a penalty.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**34. And looking up to heaven--**ever acknowledging His Father, even while the healing was seen to flow from Himself (see on Joh 5:19). **he sighed--**"over the wreck," says Trench, "which sin had brought about, and the malice of the devil in deforming the fair features of God's original creation." But, we take it, there was a yet more painful impression of that "evil thing and bitter" whence a...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 34-38** Frequent notice is taken of the great flocking there was to Christ for help in various cases. All are concerned to know this, if they expect him to heal their souls. They must not indulge the ease of the body. As the happiness of heaven with Christ, is enough to make up for the loss of life itself for him, so the gain of all the world in sin, will not make up for the ruin of t...
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Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

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KJV Study Commentary

What shall man give in exchange for his soul. Rhetorical question. Give dōsei pay offer. In exchange antallagma substitute price. Soul psychēs life eternal destiny. Nothing of equivalent value. Soul is priceless. All worldly gain cannot compensate for lost soul. Eternal realities transcend temporal. Reformed theology emphasizes eternal perspective. This life is brief preparation for eternity. Gain...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**35. And straightway his ears were opened--**This is mentioned first as the source of the other derangement. **and the string of his tongue was loosed, and he spake plain--**The cure was thus alike instantaneous and perfect.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 34-38** Frequent notice is taken of the great flocking there was to Christ for help in various cases. All are concerned to know this, if they expect him to heal their souls. They must not indulge the ease of the body. As the happiness of heaven with Christ, is enough to make up for the loss of life itself for him, so the gain of all the world in sin, will not make up for the ruin of t...
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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.

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KJV Study Commentary

Whosoever ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous sinful generation of him shall Son of man be ashamed when comes in glory of Father with holy angels. Ashamed epaischynthē embarrassed deny distance from. Me emou Christ person. My words logous teaching. Adulterous moichalis unfaithful covenant breaking. Sinful hamartōlo morally corrupt. Son of man Christ self designation. Ashamed epaischynthē...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(38) **Whosoever therefore.**—Here St. Mark differs from St. Matthew, who omits these words, and agrees, though not quite verbally, with St. Luke. It is obvious that general as the words are, they had a special bearing on those who, like Peter, and probably the other disciples, had shown that they were “ashamed” of the words which had just been spoken. **This adulterous and sinful generation.**—Th...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**36. And he charged them that they should tell no man--**Into this very region He had sent the man out of whom had been cast the legion of devils, to proclaim "what the Lord had done for him" (Mr 5:19). Now He will have them "tell no man." But in the former case there was no danger of obstructing His ministry by "blazing the matter" (Mr 1:45), as He Himself had left the region; whereas now He was...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 34-38** Frequent notice is taken of the great flocking there was to Christ for help in various cases. All are concerned to know this, if they expect him to heal their souls. They must not indulge the ease of the body. As the happiness of heaven with Christ, is enough to make up for the loss of life itself for him, so the gain of all the world in sin, will not make up for the ruin of t...
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