Mark 8:20

KJV

And when the seven among four thousand, how many baskets full of fragments took ye up? And they said, Seven.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 8:20 captures a pivotal moment in Jesus's ministry where He challenges His disciples to recall the details of the miraculous feeding of the four thousand. This question, posed immediately after the event, serves not merely as a memory test but as a profound spiritual probe, exposing their lingering spiritual dullness and lack of comprehension despite witnessing undeniable demonstrations of divine power and abundant provision. Their simple, factual answer—"Seven"—underscores their struggle to connect the physical miracle with its deeper theological implications concerning Jesus's identity and His boundless capacity to meet every need.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Mark 8:20 is embedded within a critical section of Mark's Gospel (Mark 8:14-21) that immediately follows the second miraculous feeding of the four thousand in [Mark 8:1-9](/mark/8-1-9 "Mark 8:1-9 - Jesus Feeds the Four Thousand"). This dialogue is strategically placed before Peter's pivotal confession of Jesus as the Christ in [Mark 8:29](/mark/8-29 "Mark 8:29 - Peter's Confession of Christ") and the subsequent first prediction of Jesus's suffering and resurrection. Jesus's questioning here, which also references the earlier feeding of the five thousand in [Mark 6:30-44](/mark/6-30-44 "Mark 6:30-44 - Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand"), highlights the disciples' persistent struggle to grasp His identity and power. Despite witnessing two distinct, large-scale miracles of provision, they remain spiritually obtuse, failing to connect these acts to who Jesus truly is. The passage is a stark portrayal of the disciples' spiritual blindness, a recurring theme in Mark's narrative leading up to their eventual, though still incomplete, understanding.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting for this dialogue is likely in the region of Dalmanutha or the district of Magadan, on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee, a predominantly Gentile area. Large crowds following a rabbi or prophet were common, but the logistical challenge of feeding thousands in a remote, unpopulated area would have been immense, making the miraculous provision all the more astounding. Bread was a staple of the ancient diet, and shared meals often carried significant social and religious meaning, symbolizing fellowship, covenant, and divine blessing. The act of collecting "fragments" or leftovers was a common practice, emphasizing the value of every morsel and the abundance of the provision. The disciples, being Jewish, would have understood the cultural significance of these elements, yet they struggled to apply that understanding to the radical new reality presented by Jesus. Their background as ordinary people, mostly fishermen, meant they were accustomed to practical realities, but perhaps less adept at discerning spiritual truths from extraordinary events.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes woven throughout Mark's Gospel. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Provision and Abundance**, demonstrating Jesus's boundless power to provide for His people, not just adequately but superabundantly, as evidenced by the leftover fragments. This theme contrasts sharply with human limitations and anxieties. Secondly, it highlights the **Disciples' Spiritual Dullness and Lack of Understanding**. Despite repeated miracles and direct teaching, the disciples consistently fail to grasp the full implications of Jesus's identity and mission, as explicitly stated in [Mark 8:17](/mark/8-17 "Mark 8:17 - The Disciples' Lack of Understanding"). Their factual memory of the events does not translate into spiritual insight, revealing a profound disconnect between observation and comprehension. Lastly, the passage showcases **Jesus's Pedagogical Patience and Method**. Jesus does not immediately rebuke or dismiss His disciples but patiently questions them, guiding them through their own experiences to prompt deeper reflection and a more profound understanding of His identity as the Christ, the one who truly satisfies all hunger, both physical and spiritual. This patient teaching method is crucial for their eventual, albeit imperfect, spiritual growth.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **seven (Greek, _heptá'_):** This numerical term, G2033, refers specifically to the quantity of baskets of fragments collected after the feeding of the four thousand. In biblical numerology, "seven" often symbolizes completeness, perfection, or divine fullness. Its recurrence here, distinct from the "twelve" baskets in the first feeding miracle, emphasizes the distinct yet equally complete and abundant nature of God's provision in different contexts.
* **baskets (Greek, _spyrís'_):** The Greek word G4711, _spyrís_, denotes a large hamper or lunch-receptacle, distinct from the smaller _kophinos_ (G2894) used in the feeding of the five thousand. This distinction in the type of basket, consistently maintained in the Gospel accounts, serves as a subtle mnemonic for the disciples, reinforcing that these were two separate, equally miraculous events, each with its own unique details of abundant leftovers. The large size of the _spyrís_ further underscores the sheer volume of the fragments.
* **fragments (Greek, _klásma'_):** Derived from the verb "to break," G2801, _klásma_ refers to the broken pieces or bits of bread left over. The presence of substantial "fragments" after thousands have eaten highlights the miraculous abundance of Jesus's provision, demonstrating that His power not only meets needs but overflows them. It signifies that God's supply is inexhaustible and generous beyond measure.
* **took ye up (Greek, _aírō'_):** This verb, G142, _aírō_, means "to lift up" or "to take up or away." In this context, it refers to the act of gathering the leftover fragments. Jesus's use of this verb compels the disciples to recall their active participation in collecting the surplus, making the miracle a tangible, undeniable experience for them. It emphasizes the physical reality of the abundance they personally handled.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when the seven among four thousand":** Jesus initiates the question by directing their memory to the recent miracle, specifically recalling the number of baskets (seven) and the approximate size of the crowd (four thousand). This precise reference forces the disciples to confront a recent, undeniable event, setting the stage for the probing nature of His inquiry. It serves as a factual anchor for their recollection.
* **"how many baskets full of fragments took ye up?":** This is the core of Jesus's question, directly asking about the quantity of leftover bread collected. The phrasing emphasizes the "fragments" (broken pieces), highlighting the abundance even after a massive crowd had eaten. The question is designed to prompt not just a numerical answer, but a deeper reflection on the source and nature of such overwhelming provision.
* **"And they said, Seven.":** The disciples' immediate and accurate response confirms their factual memory of the event. However, the brevity and simplicity of their answer, without further elaboration or expression of wonder, subtly reveals their continued spiritual dullness. They can recall the number, but they seemingly fail to grasp the profound theological implications of what that "seven" truly represents regarding Jesus's identity and power.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 8:20 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Interrogatio**, or a **rhetorical question**. Jesus asks a question not because He lacks the information, but to prompt His disciples to reflect, recall, and ultimately gain deeper understanding. His question serves as a pedagogical tool, forcing them to engage with their own experiences and draw conclusions about His identity and power. There is also a subtle element of **Irony** present; the disciples, having just witnessed an astounding miracle, can accurately recall the numerical details of the leftovers, yet they remain spiritually blind to the profound implications of Jesus's power and identity, a theme explicitly stated in [Mark 8:17-18](/mark/8-17-18 "Mark 8:17-18 - The Disciples' Lack of Understanding"). The "seven" baskets of fragments also carry **Symbolism**, representing completeness and superabundant provision, a divine fullness that transcends human limitations. This numerical detail, along with the "four thousand" fed, serves as a tangible symbol of God's limitless capacity to provide.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 8:20 stands as a poignant reminder of God's unfailing and abundant provision, a truth consistently demonstrated through Jesus's ministry. The miraculous feedings underscore Jesus's identity as the divine provider, capable of sustaining His people beyond all human expectation. Yet, the disciples' struggle to grasp this reality, despite direct experience, highlights a persistent human tendency towards spiritual amnesia and an inability to connect God's past faithfulness with present challenges. This passage challenges believers to move beyond mere factual recall of God's works to a deeper, transformative understanding of His character and power. It emphasizes that true faith involves not just remembering what God has done, but trusting in who He is, recognizing that His provision extends far beyond the physical to encompass every spiritual need. The leftover "fragments" powerfully symbolize that God's generosity is not merely sufficient but overflows, leaving an undeniable testimony to His boundless grace and power.

* [Matthew 16:9-10](/matthew/16-9-10 "Matthew 16:9-10 - Jesus Rebukes the Disciples for Their Lack of Understanding")
* [John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")
* [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Will Supply All Your Needs")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 8:20 serves as a powerful mirror for contemporary believers, inviting us to examine the depth of our own faith and understanding. Like the disciples, we often witness God's miraculous provision and faithfulness in our lives, yet when new challenges arise, we can quickly forget His past deeds and fall into anxiety or doubt. This verse challenges us to move beyond a mere intellectual acknowledgment of God's power to a heart-level trust that truly believes He is the ultimate provider, capable of meeting every need, physical and spiritual. It calls us to cultivate a spiritual memory that actively recalls God's past interventions, allowing those memories to build our faith for future trials. Are we truly learning from our experiences of God's grace, or are we, like the disciples, prone to spiritual amnesia, failing to connect His consistent faithfulness with our present circumstances? This passage urges us to seek a deeper, transformative understanding of Jesus's identity, allowing His boundless power to shape our worldview and alleviate our fears, trusting that His provision, like the overflowing baskets, is always more than enough.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you currently experiencing a "lack" or "need"? How does recalling God's past provision in your life, or in the lives of others, encourage you in these areas?**
* **Do you find yourself, like the disciples, remembering the facts of God's works but struggling to grasp their deeper spiritual implications for your daily walk? What steps can you take to move from factual recall to spiritual understanding?**
* **How does Jesus's patient teaching method with His disciples in this passage encourage you in your own spiritual growth journey? How can you apply this patience to your own understanding of God's will?**
* **The "fragments" symbolize abundance. How can you recognize and appreciate the "fragments" of God's blessings in your life, even in seemingly small or overlooked ways?**

### FAQ

**Why does Jesus ask His disciples a question He already knows the answer to?**

Answer: Jesus's question in [Mark 8:20](/mark/8-20 "Mark 8:20 - Jesus Questions the Disciples") is not for His own information but is a pedagogical tool designed to prompt His disciples' reflection and spiritual growth. He is guiding them to connect the dots between the miraculous events they witnessed and His true identity and power. By making them recall the specific numbers of baskets of leftovers from both the feeding of the five thousand ([Mark 6:43](/mark/6-43 "Mark 6:43 - The Twelve Baskets of Leftovers")) and the four thousand ([Mark 8:8](/mark/8-8 "Mark 8:8 - The Seven Baskets of Leftovers")), Jesus aims to expose their spiritual dullness and challenge them to understand that if He can provide so abundantly for thousands with so little, He can surely provide for their every need and is indeed the Son of God with divine authority. It's a call to move from factual memory to spiritual insight.

**What is the significance of the numbers "seven" and "four thousand" in this context?**

Answer: The numbers in [Mark 8:20](/mark/8-20 "Mark 8:20 - Jesus Questions the Disciples") are highly significant. The "four thousand" people fed in the second miracle, often understood to be predominantly Gentiles (as opposed to the "five thousand" who were likely mostly Jews), suggests Jesus's universal mission to provide for all nations. The "seven" baskets of fragments collected afterward is also symbolic. In biblical numerology, "seven" often represents completeness, perfection, or divine fullness, reinforcing the idea that God's provision is not just sufficient but superabundant. The distinct numbers (five thousand fed with twelve baskets in the first miracle vs. four thousand fed with seven baskets in the second) serve as a clear distinction between the two separate miracles, emphasizing that Jesus's power is not a one-time event but a consistent, overflowing reality, available to both Jew and Gentile.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 8:20, with its focus on Jesus's abundant provision and the disciples' spiritual dullness, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment found in the New Testament. The physical bread, miraculously multiplied and overflowing in "seven" baskets, points to Jesus Himself as the true "Bread of Life" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")), who fully satisfies the deepest spiritual hunger of humanity. The disciples' inability to grasp the profound implications of these miracles highlights humanity's inherent spiritual blindness, which can only be overcome through the revelation of Christ. Just as Jesus provided physical sustenance, He ultimately offers Himself as the spiritual sustenance through His atoning sacrifice on the cross ([John 6:51](/john/6-51 "John 6:51 - Jesus Gives His Flesh for the Life of the World")). The "fragments" of bread, symbolizing overflowing abundance, become a powerful metaphor for the inexhaustible grace and mercy poured out through Christ's death and resurrection, sufficient for the sins of the entire world ([1 John 2:2](/1_john/2-2 "1 John 2:2 - Christ, the Atoning Sacrifice")). Furthermore, the disciples' eventual understanding of Jesus's identity, though slow, is ultimately a work of the Holy Spirit, who illuminates the truth of Christ to believers ([John 16:13-14](/john/16-13-14 "John 16:13-14 - The Spirit of Truth Will Guide You")). Thus, Mark 8:20 serves as a vital stepping stone, revealing Jesus as the divine provider whose ultimate provision is Himself, freely given to satisfy every spiritual need and transform spiritually dull hearts into those that truly comprehend and worship Him.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.