Mark 8:28

KJV

And they answered, John the Baptist: but some [say], Elias; and others, One of the prophets.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} they answered {G611}, John {G2491} the Baptist {G910}: but {G1161} some {G243} say, Elias {G2243}; and {G2532} others {G243}, One {G1520} of the prophets {G4396}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Some say you are Yochanan the Immerser," they told him, "others say Eliyahu, and still others, one of the prophets."

Berean Standard Bible

They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.”

American Standard Version

And they told him, saying, John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; but others, One of the prophets.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 8:28 records the disciples' report of the public's varied perceptions of Jesus' identity, revealing a widespread recognition of His significant prophetic authority but a fundamental misunderstanding of His true divine and messianic nature. The responses—identifying Him as John the Baptist, Elijah, or one of the prophets—underscore the prevailing expectations within Jewish society for powerful spiritual figures, yet they fall short of grasping the unique, ultimate revelation embodied in Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is pivotal, immediately preceding Peter's monumental confession of Jesus as the Christ in [Mark 8:29](/mark/8-29 "Mark 8:29 - Peter's Confession"). It forms the climax of Jesus' public ministry in Galilee, setting the stage for His journey towards Jerusalem and the revelation of His suffering Messiahship. The question, "Who do people say that I am?" ([Mark 8:27](/mark/8-27 "Mark 8:27 - Jesus Asks About His Identity")), serves as a crucial transition from public speculation to the disciples' growing, though still incomplete, understanding of His true identity. This dialogue at Caesarea Philippi marks a turning point, shifting the narrative focus from Jesus' miracles and teachings to His impending passion and the cost of discipleship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Judea and Galilee were ripe with messianic fervor and eschatological expectations. The Jewish people eagerly awaited the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the coming of a deliverer, often envisioned as a political or military leader. Alongside this, there was a strong tradition of prophetic expectation, particularly the return of Elijah before the "great and dreadful day of the Lord" as prophesied in [Malachi 4:5-6](/malachi/4-5-6 "Malachi 4:5-6 - Prophecy of Elijah's Return"). John the Baptist, recently executed, had made a profound impact, and his ascetic lifestyle and powerful preaching had led many to consider him a prophet, perhaps even Elijah himself. The public's diverse answers reflect a common tendency to categorize Jesus within existing frameworks of understanding, rather than recognizing His unprecedented and unique identity.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Mark's Gospel. Firstly, it highlights the **misunderstanding of Jesus' identity**, contrasting popular opinion with the divine truth. While Jesus was clearly perceived as a powerful spiritual figure, the public's categories—John the Baptist, Elijah, or a prophet—demonstrate a failure to grasp His unique messianic and divine nature. Secondly, it underscores the **fulfillment of prophetic expectation**, albeit in an unexpected way. The anticipation of Elijah's return ([Malachi 4:5](/malachi/4-5 "Malachi 4:5 - The Return of Elijah")) was strong, and John the Baptist had indeed come "in the spirit and power of Elijah" ([Luke 1:17](/luke/1-17 "Luke 1:17 - John the Baptist in the Spirit of Elijah")), preparing the way for the Lord. The speculation about Jesus being Elijah or a prophet shows an awareness of God's continued work through His messengers, but without the full revelation that Jesus was more than a prophet—He was the very one to whom the prophets pointed. Finally, it sets up the theme of **revelation and confession**, as the limited public understanding provides a stark backdrop for Peter's Spirit-inspired confession that immediately follows in [Mark 8:29](/mark/8-29 "Mark 8:29 - Peter's Confession of Christ").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **answered (Greek, _apokrínomai'_):** This verb, G611, means "to conclude for oneself, i.e. (by implication) to respond." In a broader sense, it can also mean "to begin to speak where an address is expected." Here, it signifies the disciples' direct response to Jesus' inquiry, conveying the various conclusions or opinions people had formed about His identity. The act of answering implies a prior pondering or discussion among the populace regarding who Jesus might be.
* **Elias (Greek, _Hēlías'_):** G2243 is the Greek transliteration of the Hebrew name "Elijah." The mention of Elijah is highly significant due to the prophecy in [Malachi 4:5](/malachi/4-5 "Malachi 4:5 - Prophecy of Elijah's Return") that Elijah would return before the coming of the Messiah. This expectation was deeply ingrained in Jewish eschatology, leading many to look for a powerful prophetic figure to herald the new age. Identifying Jesus with Elijah would place Him within this framework of a divinely appointed forerunner, preparing for a greater event.
* **prophets (Greek, _prophḗtēs'_):** This term, G4396, refers to a "foreteller" or, by analogy, an "inspired speaker." It encompasses the long line of God's messengers in Israel's history, from Moses to Malachi, who spoke God's word to the people. To call Jesus "one of the prophets" acknowledges His divine authority and the power of His teaching and miracles, placing Him in the esteemed tradition of figures like Jeremiah or Isaiah, but still falling short of His unique status as the Son of God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they answered,"**: This phrase indicates the disciples' direct reply to Jesus' question in [Mark 8:27](/mark/8-27 "Mark 8:27 - Jesus Asks About His Identity"). It shows that they had been listening to public discourse and were aware of the various speculations circulating about Jesus' identity. Their answer is not their personal conviction but a summary of popular opinion.
* **"John the Baptist:"**: Some people believed Jesus was John the Baptist. This was a common and intriguing theory, especially given John's recent execution by Herod and the profound impact he had on the people. The idea might have stemmed from Jesus' similar message of repentance and the powerful, authoritative nature of His ministry, leading some to wonder if John had been resurrected or if Jesus was a reincarnation of him.
* **"but some [say], Elias;"**: Others speculated that Jesus was Elijah. This belief was rooted in the strong Jewish expectation of Elijah's return before the Messiah's advent, as prophesied in [Malachi 4:5](/malachi/4-5 "Malachi 4:5 - Prophecy of Elijah's Return"). Elijah was remembered as a powerful prophet who performed great miracles, and Jesus' own miraculous deeds and authoritative teaching would have naturally led some to connect Him with this revered figure.
* **"and others, One of the prophets."**: A third group held the more general belief that Jesus was "one of the prophets." This broad category acknowledged Jesus' prophetic gifts, His divine authority, and His role as a messenger from God, placing Him in the lineage of great Old Testament prophets like Jeremiah or Isaiah. While recognizing His spiritual significance, this view still limited Jesus to a human prophetic role, failing to grasp His unique divine Sonship.

#### Literary Devices
Mark employs **Foreshadowing** in this verse, as the public's limited understanding of Jesus' identity sets the stage for the dramatic revelation and confession of Peter in the very next verse. The diverse, yet inadequate, answers highlight the **Dramatic Irony** of the situation: the audience knows, or is about to learn, Jesus' true identity, while the characters within the narrative (the general public) remain largely ignorant. The **Juxtaposition** of these popular opinions with Peter's subsequent confession emphasizes the profound difference between human speculation and divine revelation. Furthermore, the mention of John the Baptist, Elijah, and other prophets serves as **Allusion** to significant figures in Israel's prophetic history, grounding Jesus' ministry within the continuity of God's redemptive plan while simultaneously demonstrating how He transcends all previous prophetic roles.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates the chasm between human perception and divine reality. The public's attempts to categorize Jesus within familiar prophetic frameworks, while acknowledging His extraordinary power and authority, ultimately fall short of His true identity as the Christ, the Son of God. This theological truth underscores that genuine understanding of Jesus does not come from popular opinion or human reasoning alone, but from divine revelation. The diverse answers also highlight the Jewish people's deep-seated expectation for God's continued intervention through prophetic figures, even as they struggled to recognize the ultimate fulfillment of prophecy standing before them. The inability to fully grasp who Jesus was, despite His powerful ministry, serves as a poignant reminder that spiritual truth often transcends conventional categories and requires a supernatural unveiling.

* [Mark 8:29](/mark/8-29 "Mark 8:29 - Peter's Confession of Christ")
* [Luke 9:7-9](/luke/9-7-9 "Luke 9:7-9 - Herod's Confusion About Jesus")
* [John 1:19-23](/john/1-19-23 "John 1:19-23 - John the Baptist Denies Being Elijah")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 8:28 challenges believers to move beyond superficial or culturally inherited understandings of Jesus and to seek a deeper, Spirit-revealed knowledge of who He truly is. Just as the crowds of Jesus' day had various, yet incomplete, ideas about Him, so too does contemporary society often reduce Jesus to a mere historical figure, a great moral teacher, or a spiritual guru, without embracing His unique identity as the Son of God and Savior. This verse calls us to examine the foundation of our own faith: Is our understanding of Jesus based on popular opinion, or on the profound truth revealed in Scripture and by the Holy Spirit? It reminds us that a genuine relationship with Christ demands more than intellectual assent to His historical existence; it requires a personal confession of His Lordship and a commitment to follow Him, even when the path leads to suffering. Our spiritual growth is intrinsically linked to our ever-deepening apprehension of His true nature and mission.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are some popular perceptions of Jesus in our culture today, and how do they compare to His true identity as revealed in Scripture?**
* **In what ways might we, like the crowds, inadvertently limit our understanding of Jesus to fit our preconceived notions or expectations?**
* **How does understanding Jesus as "more than a prophet" impact our worship, our discipleship, and our evangelism?**
* **What steps can we take to cultivate a deeper, Spirit-revealed understanding of Jesus Christ in our own lives?**

### FAQ
**Why did people think Jesus was John the Baptist, especially since John had already been executed?**

Answer: The speculation that Jesus was John the Baptist, even after John's execution, likely stemmed from a few factors. Firstly, there was a belief in resurrection or reincarnation among some Jewish groups. Herod Antipas himself, according to [Mark 6:14-16](/mark/6-14-16 "Mark 6:14-16 - Herod's Belief About Jesus"), thought Jesus was John raised from the dead. Secondly, both John and Jesus preached a message of repentance and the coming of God's kingdom, and both had significant followings. Their ministries overlapped, and John himself had pointed to a greater one coming after him ([John 1:26-27](/john/1-26-27 "John 1:26-27 - John the Baptist Points to Jesus")). The powerful nature of Jesus' miracles and teachings might have led some to conclude that the impactful ministry of John had somehow returned or continued through Jesus.

**What was the significance of identifying Jesus with Elijah?**

Answer: Identifying Jesus with Elijah was highly significant due to the prophecy in [Malachi 4:5-6](/malachi/4-5-6 "Malachi 4:5-6 - Prophecy of Elijah's Return"), which stated that the prophet Elijah would return before the "great and dreadful day of the Lord" to prepare the way. Elijah was a revered figure in Jewish tradition, known for his powerful miracles, his confrontation with idolatry, and his ascension to heaven without dying. Many expected Elijah to be the forerunner of the Messiah. While Jesus affirmed that John the Baptist came in the "spirit and power of Elijah" ([Luke 1:17](/luke/1-17 "Luke 1:17 - John the Baptist in the Spirit of Elijah")), the public's direct association of Jesus with Elijah underscored their expectation of a powerful prophetic figure heralding a new divine intervention.

**How does this verse relate to Peter's confession in Mark 8:29?**

Answer: Mark 8:28 serves as a crucial setup for Peter's confession in [Mark 8:29](/mark/8-29 "Mark 8:29 - Peter's Confession of Christ"). The public's varied and incomplete answers ("John the Baptist," "Elias," "one of the prophets") highlight the prevailing confusion and limited understanding of Jesus' identity. This provides a stark contrast to Peter's divinely inspired declaration, "You are the Christ." The transition from popular speculation to a Spirit-revealed truth underscores the unique nature of Jesus' identity and the necessity of divine revelation for truly knowing Him. It marks a turning point where the disciples begin to grasp, however imperfectly, the true nature of their Lord, distinct from any other prophet or figure.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 8:28, with its portrayal of the public's limited understanding of Jesus, powerfully sets the stage for His Christ-centered fulfillment. The various speculations—John the Baptist, Elijah, or a prophet—represent the highest human categories for a divine messenger, yet they fall infinitely short of Jesus' true identity. Jesus is not merely a resurrected prophet, nor is He simply the forerunner; He is the very one to whom all prophets pointed, the fulfillment of all prophecy. He is the [Word made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), the [Son of God](/mark/1-1 "Mark 1:1 - The Beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God"), the [Messiah](/john/4-25-26 "John 4:25-26 - Jesus Reveals Himself as the Messiah"). Unlike the prophets who spoke *for* God, Jesus *is* God, embodying the fullness of the divine nature ([Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - The Fullness of Deity in Christ")). His identity transcends all previous categories because He is the unique mediator between God and humanity, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), and the [resurrected Lord](/romans/10-9 "Romans 10:9 - Confession of Jesus as Lord"). The public's inability to fully grasp His identity underscores the profound truth that Jesus is not just *a* prophet, but the very [prophet like Moses](/deuteronomy/18-15 "Deuteronomy 18:15 - A Prophet Like Moses") whom God promised, the ultimate revelation of God to humanity, through whom alone salvation is found ([Acts 4:12](/acts/4-12 "Acts 4:12 - Salvation Through No Other Name")).

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

John 1:21

And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No.

Matthew 14:2

And said unto his servants, This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead; and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him.

Mark 9:11

And they asked him, saying, Why say the scribes that Elias must first come?

Mark 9:13

But I say unto you, That Elias is indeed come, and they have done unto him whatsoever they listed, as it is written of him.

Malachi 4:5

Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD:

Matthew 16:14

And they said, Some [say that thou art] John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.

Mark 6:14

¶ And king Herod heard [of him]; (for his name was spread abroad:) and he said, That John the Baptist was risen from the dead, and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him.