Mark 8:21

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

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

Complete Jewish Bible:

He said to them, "And you still don't understand?"

Berean Standard Bible:

Then He asked them, “Do you still not understand?”

American Standard Version:

And he said unto them, Do ye not yet understand?

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And^{G2532} he said^{G3004} unto them^{G846}, How^{G4459} is it that ye do^{G4920} not^{G3756} understand^{G4920}?

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Mark 8:21

Mark 8:21 is a verse that captures a moment of exasperation from Jesus as he interacts with his disciples. The verse reads, "And he said unto them, How is it that ye do not understand?" This statement comes after Jesus has just fed a crowd of four thousand people with seven loaves of bread and a few small fish, which echoes a similar earlier miracle where he fed five thousand with five loaves and two fish (Mark 6:30-44).

In the historical context, Jesus is ministering in a society where many were looking for a political Messiah who would restore the kingdom of Israel. His miracles, including the feeding of the multitudes, were seen as signs of his messianic authority. However, his disciples, despite being close to him and witnessing these miracles, often struggled to grasp the spiritual significance of his actions and teachings.

The theme of misunderstanding is central to this verse. Jesus' question to his disciples reflects his concern over their spiritual insight, or lack thereof. They are preoccupied with practical matters, such as the lack of bread in their boat, while Jesus is teaching them about the danger of the "leaven" of the Pharisees and Herod (Mark 8:15). The leaven here symbolizes the corrupting influence of false teachings and hypocrisy. Jesus is urging them to look beyond the physical and understand the deeper, spiritual truths he is imparting.

This verse underscores the disciples' journey of faith and understanding, which is a recurring theme in the Gospel of Mark. It highlights the disciples' gradual process of recognizing Jesus' true identity and mission, which goes beyond their expectations of a messianic figure. The verse also serves as a reminder to readers to seek spiritual understanding and to be aware of the potential for spiritual blindness, even among those who are close followers of Jesus.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: G2532
   There are 5212 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: καί
   Transliteration: kaí
   Pronunciation: kahee
   Description: apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:--and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.
   
2. Strong's Number: G3004
   There are 1244 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: λέγω
   Transliteration: légō
   Pronunciation: leg'-o
   Description: a primary verb; properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas ἔπω and φημί generally refer to an individual expression or speech respectively; while ῥέω is properly to break silence merely, and λαλέω means an extended or random harangue)); by implication, to mean:--ask, bid, boast, call, describe, give out, name, put forth, say(-ing, on), shew, speak, tell, utter.
   
3. Strong's Number: G846
   There are 3776 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: αὐτός
   Transliteration: autós
   Pronunciation: ow-tos'
   Description: from the particle (perhaps akin to the base of ἀήρ through the idea of a baffling wind) (backward); the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative ἑαυτοῦ) of the third person , and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons:--her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, - by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which. Compare αὑτοῦ.
   
4. Strong's Number: G4459
   There are 100 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: πῶς
   Transliteration: pōs
   Pronunciation: poce
   Description: adverb from the base of ποῦ; an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!:--how, after (by) what manner (means), that. (Occasionally unexpressed in English).
   
5. Strong's Number: G4920
   There are 25 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: συνίημι
   Transliteration: syníēmi
   Pronunciation: soon-ee'-ay-mee
   Description: from σύν and (to send); to put together, i.e. (mentally) to comprehend; by implication, to act piously:-- consider, understand, be wise.
   
6. Strong's Number: G3756
   There are 1328 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: οὐ
   Transliteration: ou
   Pronunciation: ookh
   Description: a primary word; the absolute negative (compare μή) adverb; no or not:--+ long, nay, neither, never, no (X man), none, (can-)not, + nothing, + special, un(-worthy), when, + without, + yet but. See also οὐ μή, μῆκος.