Mark 8:27

KJV

¶ And Jesus went out, and his disciples, into the towns of Caesarea Philippi: and by the way he asked his disciples, saying unto them, Whom do men say that I am?

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} Jesus {G2424} went out {G1831}, and {G2532} his {G846} disciples {G3101}, into {G1519} the towns {G2968} of Caesarea {G2542} Philippi {G5376}: and {G2532} by {G1722} the way {G3598} he asked {G1905} his {G846} disciples {G3101}, saying {G3004} unto them {G846}, Whom {G5101} do {G3004} men {G444} say {G3004} that I {G3165} am {G1511}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Yeshua and his talmidim went on to the towns of Caesarea Philippi. On the way, he asked his talmidim, "Who are people saying I am?"

Berean Standard Bible

Then Jesus and His disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way, He questioned His disciples: “Who do people say I am?”

American Standard Version

And Jesus went forth, and his disciples, into the villages of Cæsarea Philippi: and on the way he asked his disciples, saying unto them, Who do men say that I am?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 8:27 initiates a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry, representing a significant turning point in the Gospel of Mark. As Jesus leads his disciples away from the familiar Jewish territories into the distinctly pagan region of Caesarea Philippi, he poses a profound question about his identity, first inquiring about public perception and then preparing to challenge his disciples to articulate their own understanding of who he truly is. This encounter sets the stage for Peter's confession and Jesus' subsequent teaching on his impending suffering, death, and resurrection.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks a crucial transition in Mark's narrative, moving from Jesus' public ministry and miraculous deeds (e.g., the feeding of the four thousand in [Mark 8:1-10](/mark/8-1-10 "Mark 8:1-10 - Feeding the Four Thousand") and the healing of the blind man at Bethsaida in [Mark 8:22-26](/mark/8-22-26 "Mark 8:22-26 - Healing the Blind Man")) to a more focused, private instruction of his disciples concerning his true identity and the nature of his Messiahship. It immediately precedes Peter's confession of Jesus as the Christ ([Mark 8:29](/mark/8-29 "Mark 8:29 - Peter's Confession")) and Jesus' first explicit prediction of his suffering, death, and resurrection ([Mark 8:31](/mark/8-31 "Mark 8:31 - Jesus Predicts His Death")). This strategic placement underscores the shift from demonstrating power to revealing purpose, demanding a deeper understanding from those who follow him.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Caesarea Philippi, located at the foot of Mount Hermon, far north of Galilee, was a region steeped in paganism and Roman imperial worship. Originally known as Paneas (after the Greek god Pan, whose shrine was prominent there), it was renamed Caesarea Philippi by Philip the Tetrarch in honor of Emperor Augustus Caesar and himself. This area boasted a magnificent temple dedicated to Caesar, making it a powerful symbol of worldly power and idolatry. By choosing this remote, gentile-dominated location, Jesus deliberately removes his disciples from the immediate pressures of Jewish expectations concerning the Messiah and the scrutiny of the Jerusalem religious authorities. This setting provides a stark backdrop against which the question of Jesus' divine identity would resonate with even greater force, contrasting the claims of Caesar with the true King.
* **Key Themes:** Mark 8:27 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the Gospel of Mark. Firstly, it highlights the **Central Question of Jesus' Identity**, moving beyond popular misconceptions to demand a personal, revelatory understanding of who he is. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Discipleship and Understanding**, revealing the disciples' initial struggle to grasp the full implications of Jesus' Messiahship, particularly his suffering servant role, which contrasts sharply with prevailing messianic expectations (as seen in [Mark 8:32-33](/mark/8-32-33 "Mark 8:32-33 - Peter Rebukes Jesus")). Thirdly, the setting in Caesarea Philippi emphasizes the **Clash of Kingdoms**, pitting the worldly authority and idolatry represented by Roman rule against the spiritual authority and true kingship of Jesus, foreshadowing his universal reign that transcends earthly powers, a theme woven throughout the Gospels, for example, in the encounter with Pilate in [John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **asked (Greek, _eperōtáō'_):** This verb, derived from _epi_ (upon) and _erōtáō_ (to ask), implies a direct, pointed inquiry, often with the expectation of a specific answer or for the purpose of eliciting information. It suggests a deliberate and significant questioning, not a casual conversation. Jesus is not merely curious; he is initiating a crucial pedagogical moment to prompt a confession from his disciples.
* **saying (Greek, _légō'_):** While a common verb for "to say," in this context, it emphasizes the act of verbal declaration or articulation. Jesus is asking his disciples to voice what others are saying, and then, by implication, what *they* themselves believe. This highlights the importance of verbalizing one's understanding of his identity.
* **am (Greek, _eînai'_):** This is the present infinitive of the verb "to be" (_eimi_). Its presence in the question "Whom do men say that I am?" is profoundly significant. It directly probes Jesus' very essence and existence. The question is not about what Jesus *does*, but fundamentally about *who* he *is*—his nature, his being, his identity. This echoes the divine "I AM" statements found throughout scripture, subtly hinting at his divine nature even in the context of human perception.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jesus went out, and his disciples, into the towns of Caesarea Philippi:"** This opening clause establishes the setting, emphasizing a deliberate journey away from the more familiar Jewish regions. The choice of Caesarea Philippi, a Gentile-dominated area known for its pagan worship and imperial cult, is highly symbolic, setting the stage for a revelation about Jesus' identity that transcends narrow Jewish expectations and challenges worldly power structures.
* **"and by the way he asked his disciples,"** This phrase indicates that the conversation took place during their journey, suggesting an opportune moment for private instruction away from the crowds. The act of "asking" is central, indicating Jesus' intentional pedagogy. He is not lecturing but engaging them in a dialogue, prompting them to reflect.
* **"saying unto them, "Whom do men say that I am?""** This is the pivotal question. Jesus first probes the disciples about popular opinion, demonstrating his awareness of public discourse surrounding him. This initial question serves as a warm-up, allowing the disciples to articulate common perceptions before Jesus narrows the focus to their personal conviction in the subsequent verses. The question about "men" (plural) highlights the widespread speculation about his identity.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 8:27 employs several significant literary devices. The **Setting** in Caesarea Philippi functions as powerful **Symbolism**. This pagan stronghold, dedicated to Caesar and Pan, stands in stark **Contrast** to the true identity of Jesus, the Messiah and Son of God. The question "Whom do men say that I am?" is a **Rhetorical Question** in the sense that Jesus already knows the answer, but he poses it to elicit a response and to guide his disciples toward a deeper truth. It serves as a **Catalyst** for the profound revelation that follows. The structure of the question, moving from general public opinion to the disciples' personal conviction, is a form of **Gradual Revelation**, characteristic of Mark's narrative where understanding of Jesus' true identity unfolds progressively.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 8:27 serves as the theological hinge of Mark's Gospel, pivoting from Jesus' public ministry of power and teaching to his private instruction concerning his suffering Messiahship. This verse initiates the crucial dialogue about Christology—the doctrine of Christ's person and work. By asking "Whom do men say that I am?", Jesus directly confronts the various human perceptions and expectations of the Messiah, preparing the way for the divine revelation of his true identity as the Christ, the Son of God, and the Suffering Servant. This moment underscores that true faith requires not just witnessing miracles or hearing teachings, but a personal, Spirit-revealed conviction about who Jesus fundamentally is. It is a foundational question that every believer must answer.

* [Matthew 16:13](/matthew/16-13 "Matthew 16:13 - Parallel Account of Jesus' Question")
* [Luke 9:18](/luke/9-18 "Luke 9:18 - Parallel Account of Jesus' Question")
* [John 6:67-69](/john/6-67-69 "John 6:67-69 - Peter's Confession After Many Depart")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jesus' question in Mark 8:27 remains profoundly relevant for believers today. It challenges us to move beyond superficial understandings or popular cultural portrayals of Jesus and to engage in a deep, personal reflection on who we believe him to be. In a world full of competing voices and ideologies, it is crucial to anchor our faith not in hearsay or fleeting opinions, but in the revealed truth of Scripture and the conviction of the Holy Spirit. Our answer to this question shapes our worship, our discipleship, and our mission. It calls us to examine whether our understanding of Jesus is merely intellectual assent or a transformative, life-altering belief that compels us to follow him, even when the path leads to suffering and self-denial, as he would soon reveal.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Who do *I* say that Jesus is, beyond what others might say or what popular culture portrays?**
* **How has my understanding of Jesus' identity deepened or changed over time?**
* **What are the practical implications of my answer to this question for my daily life and discipleship?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to conform my view of Jesus to popular opinion rather than biblical truth?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus ask this question in Caesarea Philippi, a pagan region?**

Answer: Jesus' choice of Caesarea Philippi was highly intentional and symbolic. This region, dominated by pagan worship (including a shrine to Pan and a temple dedicated to Caesar), stood in stark contrast to the Jewish expectations of the Messiah. By asking the question "Whom do men say that I am?" in this particular setting, Jesus underscored that his identity and kingdom transcended the narrow confines of Jewish nationalism and worldly imperial power. It provided a secluded environment, away from the crowds and religious authorities in Jerusalem, allowing for a focused and profound discussion with his disciples about his true nature and universal mission, preparing them for the revelation that his Messiahship would involve suffering and not just earthly triumph. The location itself served as a powerful backdrop, highlighting the clash between the claims of Caesar and the true King of kings.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 8:27, with Jesus' pivotal question, finds its Christ-centered fulfillment in the ultimate revelation of Jesus as the promised Messiah and Son of God, whose identity is inextricably linked to his redemptive mission. The question "Whom do men say that I am?" sets the stage for Peter's Spirit-inspired confession in [Mark 8:29](/mark/8-29 "Mark 8:29 - Peter's Confession of Jesus as the Christ"), which, in turn, immediately precedes Jesus' first prediction of his suffering, death, and resurrection ([Mark 8:31](/mark/8-31 "Mark 8:31 - Jesus Predicts His Death and Resurrection")). This sequence reveals that the true Christ is not merely a powerful king or prophet, but the Suffering Servant of [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant"), whose ultimate act of love would be to lay down his life for the redemption of humanity. His identity as the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")) is the answer to the question posed in Caesarea Philippi, culminating in his atoning sacrifice on the cross and his glorious resurrection, which validates his claim to be the Son of God ([Romans 1:4](/romans/1-4 "Romans 1:4 - Declared Son of God by Resurrection")). Thus, the question about his identity is fully answered in his work of salvation, establishing him as the unique Lord and Savior, to whom all authority in heaven and on earth has been given ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")).

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

Luke 9:18

¶ And it came to pass, as he was alone praying, his disciples were with him: and he asked them, saying, Whom say the people that I am?

Luke 9:20

He said unto them, But whom say ye that I am? Peter answering said, The Christ of God.

Matthew 16:13

¶ When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?

Matthew 16:20

Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ.