King James Version

What Does Mark 8:31 Mean?

Mark 8:31 in the King James Version says “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... — study this verse from Mark chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Mark 8:31 · KJV


Context

29

And he saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Peter answereth and saith unto him, Thou art the Christ.

30

And he charged them that they should tell no man of him.

31

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.

32

And he spake that saying openly. And Peter took him, and began to rebuke him.

33

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.


Commentary

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 anastenai resurrection. Redefines messianic expectations. Suffering precedes glory. Cross before crown. Peter rebukes Jesus (v. 32) demonstrates disciples did not understand. Reformed theology emphasizes Christ substitutionary atonement necessary for salvation.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish messianic expectation was conquering warrior king. Suffering Servant Isaiah 53 not connected to Messiah by most Jews. Jesus combines Daniel 7 Son of man with Isaiah 53 Suffering Servant. Disciples struggle understanding. Three Passion predictions Mark 8:31 9:31 10:33-34 progressively detailed. After resurrection disciples understood. Early church proclaimed crucified Messiah stumbling block to Jews foolishness to Greeks (1 Cor 1:23). But God power God wisdom to believers.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why was suffering Messiah stumbling block to Jewish expectations how does this challenge our expectations of God?
  2. What does divine necessity (must suffer) teach about God plan of salvation through cross?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 28 words
καὶ1 of 28

And

G2532

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

ἤρξατο2 of 28

he began

G756

to commence (in order of time)

διδάσκειν3 of 28

to teach

G1321

to teach (in the same broad application)

αὐτοὺς4 of 28

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

ὅτι5 of 28

that

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

δεῖ6 of 28

must

G1163

also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)

τὸν7 of 28
G3588

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

υἱὸν8 of 28

the Son

G5207

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

τοῦ9 of 28
G3588

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

ἀνθρώπου10 of 28

of man

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

πολλὰ11 of 28

many things

G4183

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

παθεῖν12 of 28

suffer

G3958

to experience a sensation or impression (usually painful)

καὶ13 of 28

And

G2532

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

ἀποδοκιμασθῆναι14 of 28

be rejected

G593

to disapprove, i.e., (by implication) to repudiate

ἀπὸ15 of 28

of

G575

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

τῶν16 of 28
G3588

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

πρεσβυτέρων17 of 28

the elders

G4245

older; as noun, a senior; specially, an israelite sanhedrist (also figuratively, member of the celestial council) or christian "presbyter"

καὶ18 of 28

And

G2532

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

ἀρχιερέων19 of 28

of the chief priests

G749

the high-priest (literally, of the jews; typically, christ); by extension a chief priest

καὶ20 of 28

And

G2532

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

γραμματέων21 of 28

scribes

G1122

a professional writer

καὶ22 of 28

And

G2532

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

ἀποκτανθῆναι23 of 28

be killed

G615

to kill outright; figuratively, to destroy

καὶ24 of 28

And

G2532

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

μετὰ25 of 28

after

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

τρεῖς26 of 28

three

G5140

"three"

ἡμέρας27 of 28

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

ἀναστῆναι·28 of 28

rise again

G450

to stand up (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)


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 8:31 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 8:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study