King James Version

What Does Mark 8:20 Mean?

Mark 8:20 in the King James Version says “And when the seven among four thousand, how many baskets full of fragments took ye up? And they said, Seven.” — study this verse from Mark chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And when the seven among four thousand, how many baskets full of fragments took ye up? And they said, Seven.”

Mark 8:20 · KJV

Context

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.

20

And when the seven among four thousand, how many baskets full of fragments took ye up? And they said, Seven.

21

And he said unto them, How is it that ye do not understand?

22

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

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
When the seven among four thousand, how many baskets full of fragments took ye up? And they said, Seven—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 provision—different numbers but identical principle: Christ provides more than enough for all who come to Him.

Seven signifies covenant completeness (creation week, sabbatical cycles)—Jesus' provision for Gentiles is just as complete as for Jews. The parallel interrogation (v. 19: five/five thousand/twelve; v. 20: seven/four thousand/seven) emphasizes dual testimony—two feeding miracles establish irrefutable witness to Jesus' creative power (Deuteronomy 19:15). Yet disciples worry about one loaf (v. 14). Jesus exposes the absurdity: He who made twelve baskets from five loaves and seven baskets from seven loaves can certainly sustain them with one loaf—or with no loaves at all.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The large baskets (spyrides) were substantial containers used for cargo transport (big enough to hold a person, Acts 9:25). This emphasizes the magnitude of surplus—not handfuls but massive quantities remained. The Gentile feeding in Decapolis (Mark 7:31-8:9) demonstrated Jesus' mission beyond Israel's borders, fulfilling Isaiah's prophecy of Gentile inclusion (Isaiah 49:6; 56:6-7). Early church saw these two feedings as foreshadowing the gospel's proclamation to Jews first, then Gentiles (Romans 1:16).

Reflection Questions

  1. How do the two feedings (twelve and seven baskets) demonstrate that Christ's provision doesn't discriminate between ethnic or social categories?
  2. What does Jesus' patient questioning teach about the process of spiritual awakening—leading people to recognize truth rather than forcing conclusions?
  3. How might anxiety about present needs be revealing failure to remember and apply past experiences of God's faithfulness?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
Ὅτε1 of 16

“when”

G3753

at which (thing) too, i.e., when

δὲ2 of 16

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

τοὺς3 of 16
G3588

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

Ἑπτά4 of 16

“Seven”

G2033

seven

εἰς5 of 16

“among”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τοὺς6 of 16
G3588

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

τετρακισχιλίους7 of 16

“four thousand”

G5070

four times a thousand

πόσων8 of 16

“how many”

G4214

interrogative pronoun (of amount) how much (large, long or (plural) many)

σπυρίδων9 of 16

“baskets”

G4711

a hamper or lunch-receptacle

πληρώματα10 of 16

“full”

G4138

repletion or completion, i.e., (subjectively) what fills (as contents, supplement, copiousness, multitude), or (objectively) what is filled (as contai

κλασμάτων11 of 16

“of fragments”

G2801

a piece (bit)

ἤρατε12 of 16

“took ye up”

G142

to lift up; by implication, to take up or away; figuratively, to raise (the voice), keep in suspense (the mind), specially, to sail away (i.e., weigh

Οἱ13 of 16
G3588

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

δὲ14 of 16

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

εἶπον,15 of 16

“they said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

Ἑπτά16 of 16

“Seven”

G2033

seven

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 8:20 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 8:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 15:34-38Mark 8:1-9

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