Mark 2:8

And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, he said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts?

And {G2532} immediately {G2112} when Jesus {G2424} perceived {G1921} in his {G846} spirit {G4151} that {G3754} they so {G3779} reasoned {G1260} within {G1722} themselves {G1438}, he said {G2036} unto them {G846}, Why {G5101} reason ye {G1260} these things {G5023} in {G1722} your {G5216} hearts {G2588}?

But immediately Yeshua, perceiving in his spirit what they were thinking, said to them, "Why are you thinking these things?

At once Jesus knew in His spirit that they were thinking this way within themselves. “Why are you thinking these things in your hearts?” He asked.

And straightway Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, saith unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts?

Context

This verse is central to the narrative of Jesus healing a paralytic man in Capernaum. The preceding verses (Mark 2:3-4) describe how the man was lowered through the roof to reach Jesus. Before healing him physically, Jesus first declared, "Son, thy sins be forgiven thee" (Mark 2:5). This statement immediately provoked silent, internal criticism from the scribes present, who considered it blasphemy, as only God could forgive sins. Mark 2:8 reveals Jesus' supernatural response to their unspoken thoughts, setting the stage for His demonstration of divine authority.

Key Themes

  • Jesus' Divine Omniscience: This verse powerfully demonstrates Jesus' divine attribute of knowing the secret thoughts and reasonings of individuals. He didn't need to be told what the scribes were thinking; He perceived it "in his spirit," underscoring His inherent divinity.
  • Authority to Forgive Sins: Jesus' ability to perceive their internal doubts directly supports His claim to have the authority to forgive sins. By knowing their thoughts, He preempts their challenge and sets up the subsequent miracle as proof of His spiritual power (Mark 2:10).
  • Confronting Skepticism: Jesus directly addresses the scribes' unspoken skepticism and unbelief. His question, "Why reason ye these things in your hearts?", challenges their internal resistance to His claims and forces them to confront their own spiritual blind spots.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "perceived in his spirit" uses the Greek word epignous (ἐπιγνούς), which means "having come to know fully" or "recognizing completely." Coupled with "in his spirit" (pneumati autou), it emphasizes that Jesus' understanding was not based on observation or deduction, but on an innate, divine perception. This points to His unique nature as God incarnate, who is able to search the hearts and minds of men (1 Kings 8:39).

The term "reasoned within themselves" comes from the Greek word dialogizomai (διαλογίζομαι), which describes an internal debate, deliberation, or questioning, often with an element of doubt or dispute. It perfectly captures the scribes' silent, critical assessment of Jesus' words and authority, highlighting their intellectual and spiritual resistance.

Practical Application

Mark 2:8 offers a profound reminder that Jesus is not only aware of our outward actions and words but also intimately knows our deepest thoughts, intentions, and internal struggles. This divine perception should encourage sincerity in our faith and actions, as nothing is hidden from Him. It also serves as an invitation to bring our doubts, questions, and anxieties before Him, knowing that He fully comprehends our inner world and is ready to meet us with His divine authority and grace. Just as He challenged the scribes' skepticism, He calls us to move beyond mere intellectual reasoning to genuine faith in His power to forgive and transform.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Ezekiel 38:10

    Thus saith the Lord GOD; It shall also come to pass, [that] at the same time shall things come into thy mind, and thou shalt think an evil thought:

  • John 2:24

    But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all [men],

  • John 2:25

    And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.

  • Psalms 139:2

    Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.

  • Acts 8:22

    Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.

  • Luke 6:8

    But he knew their thoughts, and said to the man which had the withered hand, Rise up, and stand forth in the midst. And he arose and stood forth.

  • Matthew 9:4

    And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?

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