King James Version

What Does Mark 8:1 Mean?

Mark 8:1 in the King James Version says “In those days the multitude being very great, and having nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples unto him, and saith ...” — study this verse from Mark chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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 · KJV

Context

1

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

2

I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now been with me three days, and have nothing to eat:

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.

Read Mark 8 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
In those days the multitude being very great, and having nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples unto him, and saith unto them, Mark introduces the feeding of the four thousand with temporal markers indicating continuity with previous events. In those days (ἐν ἐκείναις ταῖς ἡμέραις, en ekeinais tais hēmerais) connects this miracle to Jesus' ministry in the Decapolis region (7:31)—predominantly Gentile territory east of the Sea of Galilee. The multitude being very great (πολλοῦ ὄχλου ὄντος, pollou ochlou ontos) emphasizes the crowd's size—later specified as four thousand men (v. 9), likely eight to twelve thousand total including women and children.

And having nothing to eat (καὶ μὴ ἐχόντων τί φάγωσιν, kai mē echontōn ti phagōsin) describes their desperate condition. They'd followed Jesus for three days (v. 2) in wilderness, exhausting food supplies. The genitive absolute construction emphasizes the circumstance prompting Jesus' action. Jesus called his disciples (προσκαλεσάμενος τοὺς μαθητὰς αὐτοῦ, proskalesamenos tous mathētas autou)—Jesus initiates the response, demonstrating His awareness and compassion. He doesn't wait for disciples to point out the need but moves proactively.

This miracle parallels the feeding of the five thousand (Mark 6:30-44) but with significant differences: different location (Gentile Decapolis vs. Jewish Galilee), different crowd size, different amounts of food and leftovers. Some scholars wrongly claim these are duplicate accounts of one event, but the details are distinct and Jesus later references both feedings separately (Mark 8:19-20). The dual feedings demonstrate Christ's compassion extends to both Jews (5,000) and Gentiles (4,000), foreshadowing the gospel going to all nations.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Decapolis was a confederation of ten Greco-Roman cities east and southeast of the Sea of Galilee, predominantly Gentile with significant Jewish minorities. Jesus' ministry there (Mark 7:31) brought the kingdom to Gentile territory, anticipating the Great Commission to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19). The wilderness setting recalls Israel's wilderness wandering when God provided manna (Exodus 16)—Jesus is the greater Moses providing bread in the desert. First-century audiences would recognize the messianic significance: prophets foretold that Messiah would bring abundant provision (Isaiah 25:6-9, 55:1-2). By feeding multitudes in the wilderness, Jesus demonstrated His messianic identity and divine power to provide. The three-day duration indicates the crowd's commitment—they prioritized hearing Jesus teach over physical needs, willing to endure hunger to receive spiritual nourishment. This challenges modern Christianity's consumer mentality that demands comfort and convenience.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' proactive compassion in recognizing the crowd's need challenge us to be attentive to others' physical and spiritual hunger?
  2. What does the crowd's willingness to follow Jesus for three days without food teach about priorities and the cost of discipleship?
  3. How do the two feeding miracles (Jews and Gentiles) demonstrate that Christ's saving work extends to all people, fulfilling God's promise to bless all nations through Abraham's seed?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
Ἐν1 of 20

“In”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ἐκείναις2 of 20

“those”

G1565

that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed

ταῖς3 of 20
G3588

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

ἡμέραις4 of 20

“days”

G2250

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

παμπολλοῦ5 of 20

“very great”

G3827

full many, i.e., immense

ὄχλου6 of 20

“the multitude”

G3793

a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot

ὄντος7 of 20

“being”

G5607

being

καὶ8 of 20

“and”

G2532

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

μὴ9 of 20

“nothing”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ἐχόντων10 of 20

“having”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

τί11 of 20
G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

φάγωσιν12 of 20

“to eat”

G5315

to eat (literally or figuratively)

προσκαλεσάμενος13 of 20

“called”

G4341

to call toward oneself, i.e., summon, invite

ὁ14 of 20
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦς15 of 20

“Jesus”

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

τοὺς16 of 20
G3588

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

μαθητὰς17 of 20

“disciples”

G3101

a learner, i.e., pupil

αὐτοῖς18 of 20

“unto them”

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

λέγει19 of 20

“unto him and saith”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

αὐτοῖς20 of 20

“unto them”

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 8:1 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 8:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 15:32-39Mark 6:34-44

Test Your Knowledge

Mark 8 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterMark Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Mark 8 with CommentaryAll Mark ChaptersComplete Mark QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes