King James Version

What Does Mark 8:17 Mean?

Mark 8:17 in the King James Version says “And when Jesus knew it, he saith unto them, Why reason ye, because ye have no bread? perceive ye not yet, neither unders...” — study this verse from Mark chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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?”

Mark 8:17 · King James Version


Context

15

And he charged them, saying, Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and of the leaven of Herod.

16

And they reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have no bread.

17

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?

18

Having eyes, see ye not? and having ears, hear ye not? and do ye not remember?

19

When I brake the five loaves among five thousand, how many baskets full of fragments took ye up? They say unto him, Twelve.


Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
When Jesus knew it (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. Why reason ye, because ye have no bread?—five rapid-fire questions (vv. 17-18) express Jesus' astonishment at their dullness after witnessing two miraculous feedings.

Perceive ye not yet, neither understand? (οὔπω νοεῖτε οὐδὲ συνίετε, oupō noeite oude syniete)—two verbs emphasizing cognitive and intuitive understanding. They lack both intellectual grasp and spiritual insight. Have ye your heart yet hardened? (πεπωρωμένην ἔχετε τὴν καρδίαν, pepōrōmenēn echete tēn kardian)—the perfect participle suggests settled condition. Jesus uses 'hardened' (pōroō), the same term describing Pharaoh (Romans 9:18) and Israel (Romans 11:7), shocking language equating disciples' dullness with notorious unbelief. Yet Jesus continues teaching them, demonstrating patient grace toward slow learners.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Heart-hardening was serious charge in Jewish thought, recalling Israel's wilderness rebellion (Psalm 95:8; Hebrews 3:8). Deuteronomy 29:4 lamented Israel's failure despite witnessing mighty acts: 'The LORD hath not given you a heart to perceive.' Jesus' rebuke echoes Moses' frustration, but unlike Moses, Jesus doesn't abandon dull disciples—He persists in teaching them. This patience foreshadows Peter's post-resurrection restoration (John 21:15-19) and demonstrates grace toward stumbling followers.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' diagnosis of 'hardened hearts' challenge you to examine areas of spiritual dullness in your life?
  2. What does Jesus' patient questioning (rather than immediate abandonment) reveal about His commitment to slow learners?
  3. How might the Spirit be prompting you to move from mere cognitive knowledge to heart-deep understanding of Christ?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
καὶ1 of 22

“And”

G2532

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

γνοὺς2 of 22

“knew”

G1097

to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)

ὁ3 of 22
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦς4 of 22

“when Jesus”

G2424

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

λέγει5 of 22

“it he 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

αὐτοῖς6 of 22

“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

Τί7 of 22

“Why”

G5101

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

διαλογίζεσθε8 of 22

“reason ye”

G1260

to reckon thoroughly, i.e., (genitive case) to deliberate (by reflection or discussion)

ὅτι9 of 22

“because”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἄρτους10 of 22

“bread”

G740

bread (as raised) or a loaf

οὐκ11 of 22

“no”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἔχετε12 of 22

“have ye”

G2192

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

οὔπω13 of 22

“not yet”

G3768

not yet

νοεῖτε14 of 22

“perceive ye”

G3539

to exercise the mind (observe), i.e., (figuratively) to comprehend, heed

οὐδὲ15 of 22

“neither”

G3761

not however, i.e., neither, nor, not even

συνίετε16 of 22

“understand”

G4920

to put together, i.e., (mentally) to comprehend; by implication, to act piously

ἔτι17 of 22

“yet”

G2089

"yet," still (of time or degree)

πεπωρωμένην18 of 22

“hardened”

G4456

to petrify, i.e., (figuratively) to indurate (render stupid or callous)

ἔχετε19 of 22

“have ye”

G2192

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

τὴν20 of 22
G3588

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

καρδίαν21 of 22

“heart”

G2588

the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle

ὑμῶν22 of 22

“your”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you


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 8:17 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 8:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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