Keraia
Mark 8

Mark 8:20

The Leaven of the Pharisees and of Herod · Mark 8:14–21
Read Mark 8

Translations

Modern
“And when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many basketfuls of broken pieces did you collect?” “Seven,” they said.
Traditional
And when the seven among four thousand, how many baskets full of fragments took ye up? And they said, Seven.
Literal
“When also the seven were for the four thousand, how many baskets full of fragments did you take up?” And they said, “Seven.”
Latin
Quando et septem panes in quatuor millia: quot sportas fragmentorum tulistis? Et dicunt ei: Septem.

Interlinear

Greek
English
“And when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many basketfuls of broken pieces did you collect?” “Seven,” they said.

Notes

Mark 8:19–20

The questions of Jesus clearly recalled the feeding miracles (6:30–44; 8:1–10). He asked the disciples how many baskets of leftovers they had gathered after each event. By asking these questions, Jesus reminded them of what had already happened.

Mark 8:17–20

Jesus asked eight questions that rebuked the disciples. They, of all people, should have been aware of the miraculous power of the Son of God. Although the disciples still remembered the feeding miracles, they did not apply their meaning to the situation they were facing.

Mark 8:14–21

This story of the journey across the Sea of Galilee reflects on the greatness of Jesus, shown in the two feeding miracles. It also emphasizes the disciples’ lack of understanding.

They do not see, hear, or understand because their hearts are hardened (not open to learning; see 4:9–20; 6:52).

Events

Parallels

Matthew 16:5–12 Luke 12:1–3

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Fullness Heal, Healing Mark, Gospel of Miracle

Topics

Jesus, the Christ: Cautions his Disciples Against, the Leaven of Hypocrisy