King James Version

What Does Mark 3:8 Mean?

Mark 3:8 in the King James Version says “And from Jerusalem, and from Idumaea, and from beyond Jordan; and they about Tyre and Sidon, a great multitude, when the... — study this verse from Mark chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And from Jerusalem, and from Idumaea, and from beyond Jordan; and they about Tyre and Sidon, a great multitude, when they had heard what great things he did, came unto him.

Mark 3:8 · KJV


Context

6

And the Pharisees went forth, and straightway took counsel with the Herodians against him, how they might destroy him.

7

But Jesus withdrew himself with his disciples to the sea: and a great multitude from Galilee followed him, and from Judaea,

8

And from Jerusalem, and from Idumaea, and from beyond Jordan; and they about Tyre and Sidon, a great multitude, when they had heard what great things he did, came unto him.

9

And he spake to his disciples, that a small ship should wait on him because of the multitude, lest they should throng him.

10

For he had healed many; insomuch that they pressed upon him for to touch him, as many as had plagues. pressed: or, rushed


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The multitude came 'when they had heard what great things he did'—reputation spread by word-of-mouth. The imperfect tense indicates continuous stream. They came because of miracles authenticating authority. While miracles alone don't produce saving faith, they serve apologetic purposes, drawing people to investigate. The emphasis on 'great things' (ὅσα ἐποίει) highlights Jesus' extraordinary power. Reformed theology affirms miracles as divine authentication.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

In the ancient world, reputation spread through oral communication and eyewitness testimony. News traveled rapidly. 'Great things' echoes Old Testament language for God's mighty acts (Deuteronomy 10:21; Psalm 106:21). By attributing 'great things' to Jesus, people implicitly recognized divine power. This popularity explains why authorities felt threatened. Jesus' fame became so great He could no longer enter cities openly (Mark 1:45).

Reflection Questions

  1. What draws you to Jesus—His benefits or His person and teaching?
  2. How does Jesus' reputation spread today through testimony?
  3. What 'great things' has Jesus done that you could share?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 25 words
καὶ1 of 25

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἀπὸ2 of 25

from

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

Ἱεροσολύμων3 of 25

Jerusalem

G2414

hierosolyma (i.e., jerushalaim), the capitol of palestine

καὶ4 of 25

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἀπὸ5 of 25

from

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

τῆς6 of 25
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἰδουμαίας7 of 25

Idumaea

G2401

idumaea (i.e., edom), a region east (and south) of palestine

καὶ8 of 25

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

πέραν9 of 25

from beyond

G4008

through (as adverb or preposition), i.e., across

τοῦ10 of 25
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἰορδάνου11 of 25

Jordan

G2446

the jordanes (i.e., jarden), a river of palestine

καὶ12 of 25

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

οἱ13 of 25
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

περὶ14 of 25

they about

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

Τύρον15 of 25

Tyre

G5184

the city of tyre

καὶ16 of 25

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

Σιδῶνα17 of 25

Sidon

G4605

sidon (i.e., tsidon), a place in palestine

πλῆθος18 of 25

multitude

G4128

a fulness, i.e., a large number, throng, populace

πολύ19 of 25

a great

G4183

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

ἀκούσαντες20 of 25

when they had heard

G191

to hear (in various senses)

ὅσα21 of 25

what great things

G3745

as (much, great, long, etc.) as

ἐποίει22 of 25

he did

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

ἦλθον23 of 25

came

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

πρὸς24 of 25

unto

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

αὐτόν25 of 25

him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Mark. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Mark 3:8 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Mark 3:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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