King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
And when the seven among four thousand, how many baskets full of fragments took ye up? And they said, Seven.
Complete Jewish Bible:
"And when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you collect?" "Seven," they answered.
Berean Standard Bible:
“And when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many basketfuls of broken pieces did you collect?” “Seven,” they said.
American Standard Version:
And when the seven among the four thousand, how many basketfuls of broken pieces took ye up? And they say unto him, Seven.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
And{G1161} when{G3753} the seven{G2033} among{G1519} four thousand{G5070}, how many{G4214} baskets{G4711} full{G4138} of fragments{G2801} took ye up{G142}? And{G1161} they said{G2036}, Seven{G2033}.
Cross-References (KJV):
Matthew 15:34
- And Jesus saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven, and a few little fishes.
Matthew 15:38
- And they that did eat were four thousand men, beside women and children.
Mark 8:1
- ¶ In those days the multitude being very great, and having nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples [unto him], and saith unto them,
Mark 8:9
- And they that had eaten were about four thousand: and he sent them away.
Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:
Commentary for Mark 8:20
Mark 8:20 is a verse that captures a moment in Jesus' ministry where He is questioning His disciples about two instances of miraculous feedings. In this verse, Jesus is specifically referring to the feeding of the four thousand, which is recorded earlier in Mark 8:1-9. The historical context of this verse is set during Jesus' extensive teaching and healing ministry throughout the regions of Galilee and beyond.
The theme of this verse revolves around Jesus' intention to deepen His disciples' understanding and faith. By asking them about the leftover baskets from the feeding of the four thousand, He is not merely inquiring about the quantity of food but rather drawing their attention to the significance of the miracle and its implications. The disciples' role in these miracles was to distribute the food and collect the leftovers, which served as a tangible sign of God's abundant provision through Jesus.
The number seven in the answer given by the disciples is significant as it often symbolizes completeness or perfection in biblical numerology. The seven baskets full of fragments collected after feeding the four thousand contrast with the twelve baskets collected after the feeding of the five thousand (Mark 6:43), which may symbolize the sufficiency of God's provision for both Jews (twelve tribes) and Gentiles (symbolized by the number seven).
This verse also highlights the disciples' struggle to comprehend Jesus' identity and mission fully. Despite witnessing these miracles, they often missed the deeper spiritual lessons embedded within Jesus' actions. Jesus' questioning was a teaching tool aimed at provoking thought and leading them to a greater realization of who He was—the Messiah with authority over nature and the one who would provide spiritual sustenance.
In summary, Mark 8:20 reflects a moment of instruction where Jesus challenges His disciples to reflect on the miracles they had witnessed, emphasizing the theme of divine provision and the call to understand the spiritual significance of His actions. The historical context is set within Jesus' public ministry, and the verse underscores the ongoing development of the disciples' faith as they journeyed towards a fuller comprehension of Jesus' messianic role.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: G1161
There are 2556 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: δέ
Transliteration: dé
Pronunciation: deh
Description: a primary particle (adversative or continuative); but, and, etc.:--also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English). - Strong's Number: G3753
There are 105 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ὅτε
Transliteration: hóte
Pronunciation: hot'-eh
Description: from ὅς and τέ; at which (thing) too, i.e. when:--after (that), as soon as, that, when, while. - Strong's Number: G2033
There are 63 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ἑπτά
Transliteration: heptá
Pronunciation: hep-tah'
Description: a primary number; seven:--seven. - Strong's Number: G1519
There are 1513 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: εἰς
Transliteration: eis
Pronunciation: ice
Description: a primary preposition; to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases:--(abundant-)ly, against, among, as, at, (back-)ward, before, by, concerning, + continual, + far more exceeding, for (intent, purpose), fore, + forth, in (among, at, unto, -so much that, -to), to the intent that, + of one mind, + never, of, (up-)on, + perish, + set at one again, (so) that, therefore(-unto), throughout, til, to (be, the end, -ward), (here-)until(-to), …ward, (where-)fore, with. Often used in composition with the same general import, but only with verbs (etc.) expressing motion (literally or figuratively). - Strong's Number: G5070
There are 5 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: τετρακισχίλιοι
Transliteration: tetrakischílioi
Pronunciation: tet-rak-is-khil'-ee-oy
Description: from the multiplicative adverb of τέσσαρες and χίλιοι; four times a thousand:--four thousand. - Strong's Number: G4214
There are 27 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: πόσος
Transliteration: pósos
Pronunciation: pos'-os
Description: from an absolute (who, what) and ὅς; interrogative pronoun (of amount) how much (large, long or (plural) many):--how great (long, many), what. - Strong's Number: G4711
There are 5 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: σπυρίς
Transliteration: spyrís
Pronunciation: spoo-rece'
Description: from σπείρω (as woven); a hamper or lunch-receptacle:--basket. - Strong's Number: G4138
There are 17 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: πλήρωμα
Transliteration: plḗrōma
Pronunciation: play'-ro-mah
Description: from πληρόω; repletion or completion, i.e. (subjectively) what fills (as contents, supplement, copiousness, multitude), or (objectively) what is filled (as container, performance, period):--which is put in to fill up, piece that filled up, fulfilling, full, fulness. - Strong's Number: G2801
There are 9 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: κλάσμα
Transliteration: klásma
Pronunciation: klas'-mah
Description: from κλάω; a piece (bit):--broken, fragment. - Strong's Number: G142
There are 168 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: αἴρω
Transliteration: aírō
Pronunciation: ah'-ee-ro
Description: a primary root; 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 anchor); by Hebraism (compare נָשָׂא) to expiate sin:--away with, bear (up), carry, lift up, loose, make to doubt, put away, remove, take (away, up). - Strong's Number: G2036
There are 901 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ἔπω
Transliteration: épō
Pronunciation: ep'-o
Description: a primary verb (used only in the definite past tense, the others being borrowed from ἐρέω, ῥέω, and φημί); to speak or say (by word or writing):--answer, bid, bring word, call, command, grant, say (on), speak, tell. Compare λέγω.