Mark 8:29

KJV

And he saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Peter answereth and saith unto him, Thou art the Christ.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he {G846} saith {G3004} unto them {G846}, But {G1161} whom {G5101} say {G3004} ye {G5210} that I {G3165} am {G1511}? And {G1161} Peter {G4074} answereth {G611} and saith {G3004} unto him {G846}, Thou {G4771} art {G1488} the Christ {G5547}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"But you," he asked, "who do you say I am?" Kefa answered, "You are the Mashiach."

Berean Standard Bible

“But what about you?” Jesus asked. “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “You are the Christ.”

American Standard Version

And he asked them, But who say ye that I am? Peter answereth and saith unto him, Thou art the Christ.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 8:29 marks a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry, where He directly challenges His disciples to articulate their personal understanding of His identity. Following a survey of popular opinion regarding who people perceive Him to be, Jesus turns the question inward, prompting Peter's profound and foundational confession, "Thou art the Christ." This declaration serves as a crucial turning point in the Gospel narrative, affirming Jesus' true nature and immediately preceding His explicit revelation of His suffering and redemptive mission.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed at the climax of Jesus' Galilean ministry, just before His journey towards Jerusalem and the cross begins. It immediately follows Jesus' inquiry about public opinion concerning His identity in [Mark 8:27-28](/mark/8-27-28 "Mark 8:27-28 - Jesus Asks About His Identity"). The disciples report various popular theories—John the Baptist, Elijah, or one of the prophets—reflecting a general recognition of Jesus as a significant prophetic figure, but not yet the Messiah. The shift in [Mark 8:29](/mark/8-29 "Mark 8:29 - Peter's Confession of Christ") is crucial: Jesus moves from general perception to a direct, personal challenge, "But whom say *ye* that I am?" Peter's confession is the disciples' collective answer, a profound theological breakthrough that sets the stage for Jesus' subsequent teaching about His suffering, death, and resurrection, beginning in [Mark 8:31](/mark/8-31 "Mark 8:31 - Jesus Predicts His Suffering"). This sequence underscores the idea that true understanding of Jesus' identity must precede an understanding of His mission.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting of Caesarea Philippi (mentioned in [Mark 8:27](/mark/8-27 "Mark 8:27 - Jesus and His Disciples Travel to Caesarea Philippi")) is highly significant. Located at the foot of Mount Hermon, it was a region steeped in pagan worship, dedicated to Pan and Caesar. This pagan backdrop contrasts sharply with Peter's confession of Jesus as the Christ, highlighting the universal scope of Jesus' messianic claim beyond Jewish borders. Jewish messianic expectations at the time were diverse, but often centered on a political, conquering king who would liberate Israel from Roman rule (as seen in [Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6-7 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - Prophecy of the Messiah's Reign")). Peter's confession, "Thou art the Christ," would have resonated with these expectations, yet Jesus immediately began to redefine the Messiah's role, emphasizing a path of suffering and servanthood, a concept largely foreign to popular Jewish understanding, as evidenced by Peter's subsequent rebuke of Jesus in [Mark 8:32-33](/mark/8-32-33 "Mark 8:32-33 - Peter Rebukes Jesus").
* **Key Themes:**
* **The Identity of Jesus:** This is the central theological question driving the entire Gospel of Mark. Peter's declaration provides the definitive answer from the disciples' perspective, affirming Jesus' true nature as the long-awaited Messiah. The Gospel moves from presenting Jesus as a powerful miracle-worker to revealing His messianic identity, culminating in His self-revelation through suffering.
* **Confession of Faith:** Peter's statement, "Thou art the Christ," is a foundational confession of faith, signifying a profound recognition of Jesus' unique role and status. It is not merely intellectual assent but a Spirit-revealed truth, as Jesus affirms in the parallel account in [Matthew 16:17](/matthew/16-17 "Matthew 16:17 - Jesus Blesses Peter's Confession"). This confession marks the disciples' transition from merely observing Jesus' works to understanding His person.
* **The Christ/Messiah:** Peter identifies Jesus as the divinely appointed, "Anointed One" (Christos in Greek, equivalent to Mashiach in Hebrew). While the Jewish expectation of the Messiah was often that of a conquering king (e.g., [Psalm 2:2](/psalm/2-2 "Psalm 2:2 - The Lord's Anointed")), Jesus immediately began to redefine this role, emphasizing His path of suffering, death, and resurrection (see [Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). This redefinition challenges the disciples' preconceived notions and sets the stage for the "Messianic secret" theme in Mark, where Jesus often silences those who recognize His identity until the proper time.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Say (Greek, _légō'_):** G3004. This primary verb means "to lay forth," or figuratively, "to relate in words," often implying a systematic or set discourse. In Jesus' question, "But whom say ye that I am?", *légō* emphasizes the disciples' considered, articulated response, not just a casual remark. It calls for a reasoned declaration of belief, reflecting their understanding based on their time spent with Him.
* **Art (Greek, _eî'_):** G1488. This is the second person singular present tense of the verb "to be" (eimi), meaning "thou art." In Peter's confession, "Thou art the Christ," the use of "art" is a direct, declarative statement of being. It signifies an ontological truth—Jesus *is* the Christ, not merely acts like Him or is thought to be Him. This present tense declaration asserts His inherent nature and identity.
* **Christ (Greek, _Christós'_):** G5547. Derived from *chriō* (to anoint), *Christós* means "Anointed One" and is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew "Messiah" (*Mashiach*). In ancient Israel, kings, priests, and sometimes prophets were anointed with oil as a sign of divine appointment to a specific office. By calling Jesus "the Christ," Peter is declaring Him to be the divinely appointed, long-prophesied deliverer, the ultimate King of Israel, and the one uniquely chosen by God for a special mission.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he saith unto them, 'But whom say ye that I am?'":** Jesus shifts from the general public's perception to a direct, personal, and collective inquiry of His closest followers. The "But" (G1161, *dé*) introduces a contrast, highlighting the critical nature of *their* understanding versus popular opinion. This question demands a personal confession, forcing the disciples to articulate their inner conviction about Jesus' unique identity, challenging them to move beyond superficial observations to a deeper, spiritual recognition.
* **"And Peter answereth and saith unto him, 'Thou art the Christ.'":** Peter, often the spokesman for the Twelve, responds immediately and definitively. His answer is a singular, bold declaration of faith. "Thou art" affirms Jesus' very being and inherent nature. "The Christ" identifies Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah, the Anointed One of God, fulfilling centuries of Old Testament prophecy. This confession is the theological high point of the disciples' journey thus far, signifying their recognition of Jesus' divine mission and authority.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 8:29 is rich in literary devices. The primary device is **Interrogation**, as Jesus poses a direct, probing question that demands a personal response from His disciples. This question functions as a turning point, shifting the narrative's focus from Jesus' public ministry to the disciples' understanding and the subsequent revelation of His suffering. Peter's response is a powerful **Confession**, a declarative statement of faith that serves as a theological anchor for the entire Gospel. There is also an element of **Dramatic Irony**, as Jesus already knows His identity, but the disciples are only just beginning to grasp it, and even Peter's confession, while accurate, is still incomplete regarding the nature of Jesus' messiahship. This verse also serves as a strong **Foreshadowing**, as Peter's confession immediately precedes Jesus' first explicit prediction of His suffering and death, revealing the true, unexpected path of the Messiah.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Peter's confession in Mark 8:29 is a foundational moment in Christian theology, establishing the core of Christology—the doctrine of Christ's person and work. It affirms Jesus' unique identity as the Son of God and the promised Messiah, the central figure in God's redemptive plan. This confession moves beyond mere human speculation to a divinely revealed truth, forming the bedrock upon which the church is built. It highlights the necessity of personal revelation and conviction in understanding who Jesus truly is, not just what He does. Furthermore, it sets the stage for Jesus' redefinition of the Messiah's role, shifting from a conquering king to a suffering servant, a concept crucial for understanding the nature of discipleship and the Kingdom of God.

* [Matthew 16:16](/matthew/16-16 "Matthew 16:16 - Peter's Confession in Matthew")
* [John 6:68-69](/john/6-68-69 "John 6:68-69 - Peter's Confession of Eternal Life")
* [1 John 4:15](/1_john/4-15 "1 John 4:15 - Confessing Jesus as the Son of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 8:29 poses the same essential question to every reader today: "Who do *you* say that I am?" This is not a theoretical or academic inquiry but a profoundly personal one that demands a response from the heart. True faith is not based on popular opinion, inherited traditions, or what others believe, but on a personal, Spirit-revealed conviction about Jesus' true identity as the Christ, the Anointed Savior. Acknowledging Jesus as the Christ means more than intellectual assent; it involves surrendering to His Lordship, trusting in His redemptive work, and committing to follow His path, even when it leads through suffering or requires sacrifice. This confession is the bedrock upon which our entire Christian life is built, shaping our understanding of God, humanity, and our purpose in the world. It calls us to a life of discipleship that aligns with the suffering and serving nature of the Messiah revealed in the Gospels.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Beyond popular opinion, what is your personal, Spirit-revealed conviction about Jesus' identity?**
* **How does Peter's confession, "Thou art the Christ," impact your understanding of Jesus' mission and your own salvation?**
* **In what practical ways does acknowledging Jesus as "the Christ" influence your daily decisions and priorities?**
* **How might your life reflect the "suffering servant" aspect of Christ's messiahship, as Jesus began to reveal immediately after Peter's confession?**

### FAQ
**Why is Peter's confession so significant in Mark's Gospel?**

Answer: Peter's confession in [Mark 8:29](/mark/8-29 "Mark 8:29 - Peter's Confession of Christ") is the theological turning point of Mark's Gospel because it marks the first time a human character explicitly identifies Jesus as the Christ (Messiah). Up to this point, Jesus' identity has been revealed primarily through His actions, miracles, and the confessions of demons. This moment signifies the disciples' dawning understanding of who Jesus truly is, moving beyond seeing Him merely as a prophet to recognizing His unique divine appointment. It immediately precedes Jesus' first passion prediction ([Mark 8:31](/mark/8-31 "Mark 8:31 - Jesus Predicts His Suffering")), linking His messianic identity directly to His suffering and death, which is central to Mark's portrayal of Jesus as the suffering servant Messiah.

**What did "the Christ" mean to a first-century Jew, and how did Jesus redefine it?**

Answer: For many first-century Jews, "the Christ" (or Messiah) was primarily understood as a political and military leader, a descendant of David who would liberate Israel from foreign oppression and restore the Davidic kingdom (e.g., [Psalm 89:3-4](/psalm/89-3-4 "Psalm 89:3-4 - God's Covenant with David")). They anticipated a conquering king who would establish an earthly reign of righteousness and peace. However, Jesus immediately began to redefine this expectation. After Peter's confession in [Mark 8:29](/mark/8-29 "Mark 8:29 - Peter's Confession of Christ"), Jesus explicitly taught that the Son of Man must suffer many things, be rejected, killed, and after three days rise again ([Mark 8:31](/mark/8-31 "Mark 8:31 - Jesus Predicts His Suffering")). This redefinition emphasized a suffering Messiah (as prophesied in [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant")), whose mission was not political liberation but spiritual redemption through self-sacrifice and servanthood ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Peter's confession, "Thou art the Christ," in [Mark 8:29](/mark/8-29 "Mark 8:29 - Peter's Confession of Christ") stands as a profound Christ-centered fulfillment, articulating the very heart of the Gospel message. This declaration identifies Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah, the Anointed One foretold throughout the Old Testament (e.g., [Daniel 9:25-26](/daniel/9-25-26 "Daniel 9:25-26 - Prophecy of the Anointed One")). While the disciples, including Peter, initially struggled with the concept of a suffering Messiah, Jesus immediately began to clarify that His messianic identity was inextricably linked to His redemptive mission of suffering, death, and resurrection ([Mark 8:31](/mark/8-31 "Mark 8:31 - Jesus Predicts His Suffering")). This redefinition of the Messiah's role, from a conquering king to a self-sacrificing servant, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus' crucifixion and glorious resurrection, which validated His claim to be the Christ ([Romans 1:3-4](/romans/1-3-4 "Romans 1:3-4 - Jesus Declared Son of God by Resurrection")). Thus, Peter's confession, though initially incomplete in its understanding of the Messiah's path, ultimately points to the cross and empty tomb as the definitive proof that Jesus is indeed the Christ, the Lord of all, through whom salvation is offered to humanity ([Acts 2:36](/acts/2-36 "Acts 2:36 - God Made Jesus Both Lord and Christ")). His identity as Christ is not merely a title but the very essence of God's redemptive plan, culminating in His exaltation and universal Lordship ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Jesus Exalted as Lord")).

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

1 John 4:15

Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.

Matthew 16:15

He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?

Matthew 16:16

And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.

1 John 5:1

¶ Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.

Luke 9:20

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

John 11:27

She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.

Acts 9:20

And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.