Mark 8:33

KJV

But when he had turned about and looked on his disciples, he rebuked Peter, saying, Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} when he had turned about {G1994} and {G2532} looked {G1492} on his {G846} disciples {G3101}, he rebuked {G2008} Peter {G4074}, saying {G3004}, Get thee {G5217} behind {G3694} me {G3450}, Satan {G4567}: for {G3754} thou savourest {G5426} not {G3756} the things that be of God {G2316}, but {G235} the things that be of men {G444}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But, turning around and looking at his talmidim, he rebuked Kefa. "Get behind me, Satan!" he said, "For your thinking is from a human perspective, not from God's perspective!"

Berean Standard Bible

But Jesus, turning and looking at His disciples, rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind Me, Satan! For you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.”

American Standard Version

But he turning about, and seeing his disciples, rebuked Peter, and saith, Get thee behind me, Satan; for thou mindest not the things of God, but the things of men.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 8:33 captures a profoundly dramatic and pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry, immediately following Peter's Spirit-inspired confession of Jesus as the Christ. In a stark and public rebuke, Jesus confronts Peter, not for his confession, but for his subsequent attempt to dissuade Jesus from the path of suffering and death, revealing the profound clash between divine will and human expectation concerning the Messiah's mission. This verse underscores Jesus' unwavering commitment to God's redemptive plan, even when it directly opposed the well-intentioned but misguided desires of His closest disciples, identifying Peter's human perspective as an unwitting echo of satanic temptation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This sharp rebuke occurs at a critical juncture in Mark's Gospel, directly after Peter's monumental confession at Caesarea Philippi, where he declares Jesus to be "the Christ" [Mark 8:29](/mark/8-29 "Peter's Confession of Christ"). Immediately following this, Jesus begins to teach His disciples about His impending suffering, rejection, death, and resurrection, marking the first of three passion predictions in Mark's Gospel [Mark 8:31-32](/mark/8-31-32 "Jesus Foretells His Suffering and Resurrection"). Peter, unable to reconcile his messianic expectations with a suffering Messiah, takes Jesus aside to "rebuke" Him, attempting to divert Him from this path. Jesus' public and severe response in [Mark 8:33](/mark/8-33 "Jesus Rebukes Peter") serves as a powerful correction, not just for Peter, but for all the disciples who struggled to grasp the true nature of the Messiah's mission, setting the stage for Jesus' subsequent teaching on the cost of discipleship [Mark 8:34](/mark/8-34 "The Call to Take Up the Cross").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Judaism was rife with diverse messianic expectations, but the dominant hope was for a conquering king, a political and military leader who would overthrow Roman oppression and restore Israel's national sovereignty and glory. The concept of a suffering Messiah, particularly one who would die a shameful death, was antithetical to these popular expectations. Peter, a devout Jew, undoubtedly shared in these common hopes, making Jesus' pronouncements about suffering and death deeply unsettling and seemingly contradictory to his understanding of the Christ. The setting of Caesarea Philippi, a region known for its pagan worship and Roman imperial presence, further highlighted the contrast between earthly kingdoms and the spiritual, redemptive kingdom Jesus came to establish, a kingdom not built on worldly power but on self-sacrifice.
* **Key Themes:** Mark 8:33 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Mark's Gospel. Foremost is the **Nature of True Messiahship**, emphasizing that Jesus' identity as the Christ is intrinsically linked to His suffering and sacrificial death, a concept radically different from human expectations. This passage highlights the tension between a **Spiritual vs. Worldly Mindset**, demonstrating how even well-intentioned human desires can align with spiritual opposition to God's perfect plan. Peter's rebuke of Jesus, and Jesus' counter-rebuke, illuminate the constant struggle between divine will and human inclination, echoing the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness where Satan sought to divert Him from the path of suffering and obedience [Matthew 4:10](/matthew/4-10 "Jesus Rebukes Satan"). Finally, this incident sets the stage for the theme of **The Cost of Discipleship**, as Jesus immediately follows this encounter with a call to self-denial and cross-bearing for all who would follow Him [Mark 8:34-38](/mark/8-34-38 "The Conditions of Discipleship").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **rebuked (Greek, _epitimáō'_):** This verb, derived from _epi_ (upon) and _timáō_ (to honor, value), literally means "to put a price upon," but in a negative sense, "to tax upon," "to censure," or "to admonish." By implication, it means "to forbid." Jesus' use of this word indicates a severe, authoritative, and direct confrontation, not merely a gentle correction. It implies a strong disapproval and a command to cease an action or thought.
* **Satan (Greek, _Satanâs'_):** Of Chaldee origin, this term means "the accuser" or "adversary." In this context, Jesus is not literally calling Peter the devil, but rather identifying the source and nature of the temptation Peter has become an unwitting agent of. It points to the spiritual force of opposition that seeks to thwart God's redemptive plan, just as Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness to avoid the cross.
* **savourest (Greek, _phronéō'_):** This verb signifies "to exercise the mind," "to entertain or have a sentiment or opinion," "to be mentally disposed," or "to set the affection on." It implies a deep-seated way of thinking or prioritizing. Jesus' statement means Peter's mindset, his values, and his understanding were aligned with human, earthly considerations and desires (comfort, power, glory) rather than with God's divine, self-sacrificial plan. Peter was not "minding" or "appreciating" the things of God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But when he had turned about and looked on his disciples":** This opening phrase highlights Jesus' intentionality and the public nature of His rebuke. He doesn't whisper to Peter or take him aside privately; rather, He turns to face Peter, with the other disciples as witnesses. This suggests that Peter's misguided counsel, though perhaps offered privately, represented a widespread misunderstanding among the disciples regarding the Messiah's mission, making a public correction necessary for their collective instruction.
* **"he rebuked Peter, saying, 'Get thee behind me, Satan'":** The directness and severity of Jesus' words are startling. The command "Get thee behind me" (Greek: _hypágō opísō moû_) echoes Jesus' rebuke of Satan during the wilderness temptations [Matthew 4:10](/matthew/4-10 "Jesus Rebukes Satan in the Wilderness"), signifying a rejection of any path that deviates from God's will. By identifying Peter's suggestion with "Satan," Jesus is not condemning Peter as inherently evil, but rather exposing the spiritual source of the temptation to avoid the cross. Peter, in his human desire to protect Jesus, had become an unwitting mouthpiece for the adversary's agenda to derail God's plan of salvation.
* **"for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men.":** This clause provides the core reason for Jesus' stern rebuke. Peter's mindset, his priorities, and his understanding were not aligned with God's divine purposes but were rooted in human, worldly perspectives. "The things that be of God" refer to God's sovereign plan for redemption through Christ's suffering and death. "The things that be of men" refer to human expectations, desires for earthly glory, comfort, and power, which stood in direct opposition to the path of self-sacrifice ordained by the Father. This reveals the fundamental conflict between divine wisdom and human wisdom.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 8:33 is rich in **dramatic tension** and **irony**. The tension is palpable as Peter, moments after his profound confession, shifts from being divinely inspired to acting as an unwitting agent of temptation. The **irony** lies in Peter, the one who just recognized Jesus as the Christ, now attempting to "save" Jesus from the very path of suffering that defines His messianic mission. Jesus employs **metonymy** and **symbolism** when He addresses Peter as "Satan." He is not literally calling Peter the devil, but rather identifying the satanic influence behind Peter's suggestion, which aligns with the adversary's desire to thwart God's plan. The verse also features a stark **contrast** between "the things that be of God" and "the things that be of men," highlighting the fundamental difference between divine wisdom and human understanding, and serving as a pivotal moment in the narrative's exploration of true discipleship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 8:33 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of God's redemptive plan and the constant opposition it faces, even from within the circle of faith. It underscores the absolute necessity of the cross in God's design for salvation, revealing that any attempt to circumvent or redefine this path, no matter how well-intentioned, is an act of spiritual opposition. This passage teaches that true spiritual discernment requires aligning one's mind and desires with God's revealed will, even when it contradicts human logic or comfort. It highlights the subtle yet potent nature of temptation, which often appears not as overt evil, but as a seemingly good or protective alternative to God's difficult path, thereby challenging believers to constantly examine their motives and perspectives against the plumb line of divine truth.

* [Matthew 4:10](/matthew/4-10 "Jesus Rebukes Satan in the Wilderness")
* [1 Corinthians 2:14](/1_corinthians/2-14 "The Natural Person Does Not Accept the Things of God")
* [Mark 8:34](/mark/8-34 "The Call to Self-Denial and Cross-Bearing")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 8:33 remains a timeless and challenging passage for believers today, urging us to cultivate profound spiritual discernment and unwavering commitment to God's will, even when it defies our human logic or comfort. It reminds us that our greatest temptations may not always come from overtly evil sources, but can subtly arise from our own well-meaning desires, our cultural expectations, or even the advice of those closest to us, if those perspectives are not rooted in God's divine wisdom. This passage calls us to examine our "savouring"—what we prioritize, what we set our minds on, and what we truly value. Are we aligning our thoughts and aspirations with the things of God, which often involve sacrifice, humility, and a counter-cultural embrace of the cross, or are we inadvertently succumbing to "the things that be of men," which prioritize comfort, earthly success, or avoidance of suffering? True discipleship demands a radical reorientation of our minds to God's purposes, trusting His perfect plan above our own limited understanding.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might my "savouring" align more with "the things that be of men" than "the things that be of God"?**
* **How do I discern between well-intentioned human advice and divine guidance, especially when God's path seems difficult or counter-intuitive?**
* **What temptations, disguised as good or protective, might be subtly steering me away from God's ordained path of sacrifice or obedience?**
* **How does my understanding of Christ's suffering and sacrifice impact my willingness to embrace my own cross as a disciple?**

### FAQ

**Was Jesus literally calling Peter "Satan" in this verse?**

Answer: No, Jesus was not literally calling Peter the devil. The phrase "Get thee behind me, Satan" is an identification of the spiritual force or mindset behind Peter's suggestion, not an indictment of Peter's person. Just as Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness to avoid the path of suffering and glory through the cross [Matthew 4:10](/matthew/4-10 "Jesus Rebukes Satan in the Wilderness"), Peter's attempt to dissuade Jesus from His impending suffering aligned with the adversary's agenda to thwart God's redemptive plan. Jesus was rebuking the satanic influence that had momentarily manifested through Peter's well-intentioned but misguided human perspective.

**Why was Jesus' rebuke of Peter so harsh, especially after Peter had just confessed Him as the Christ?**

Answer: Jesus' rebuke was harsh because Peter's suggestion represented a profound spiritual danger and a direct challenge to God's sovereign plan for salvation. Peter's misunderstanding of the Messiah's mission—expecting an earthly king rather than a suffering servant—threatened to derail the very purpose for which Jesus came. The severity of the rebuke underscores the critical importance of the cross in God's redemptive design. Jesus' response was not merely a personal reprimand but a public declaration to all the disciples about the true nature of His mission and the absolute necessity of His suffering and death. It was a moment of intense spiritual warfare, where the stakes were nothing less than the salvation of humanity.

**What does it mean to "savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men"?**

Answer: The phrase "thou savourest not" comes from the Greek word _phronéō_, which means "to set one's mind on," "to think," or "to be disposed towards." It refers to one's mindset, priorities, and values. When Jesus says Peter "savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men," He means that Peter's thinking and desires were aligned with human, earthly perspectives (e.g., comfort, power, avoiding suffering) rather than with God's divine purposes (e.g., the necessity of the cross for redemption). It highlights a fundamental misalignment of priorities and understanding, where human wisdom, though seemingly logical or protective, stands in opposition to God's higher, often counter-intuitive, wisdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 8:33 profoundly illuminates the Christ-centered nature of God's redemptive plan by showcasing Jesus' unwavering commitment to the cross as the indispensable means of salvation. Peter's attempt to divert Jesus from suffering reveals the universal human tendency to seek glory without sacrifice, a path fundamentally opposed to God's design. In this moment, Jesus fully embodies the Suffering Servant prophesied in [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant"), demonstrating His resolute obedience to the Father's will, even unto death. His sharp rebuke of Peter underscores that His Messiahship is defined not by earthly power or human acclamation, but by His willingness to lay down His life as a ransom for many [Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "The Son of Man Came to Serve and Give His Life"). This passage foreshadows Christ's ultimate victory over sin and death through His atoning sacrifice, demonstrating that the "things that be of God" culminate in the cross, through which humanity finds reconciliation and new life. Jesus' resolute determination to embrace the cross, despite human opposition, reveals Him as the faithful High Priest who perfectly fulfilled God's redemptive purpose, becoming the author and perfecter of our faith [Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of Faith"). He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, precisely because He did not "savour" the things of men but fully embraced the divine path of suffering and resurrection [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God").

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 4:10

Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

1 John 2:15

Love not the world, neither the things [that are] in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

Philippians 3:19

Whose end [is] destruction, whose God [is their] belly, and [whose] glory [is] in their shame, who mind earthly things.)

Genesis 3:4

And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:

Genesis 3:6

¶ And when the woman saw that the tree [was] good for food, and that it [was] pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make [one] wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.

James 3:15

This wisdom descendeth not from above, but [is] earthly, sensual, devilish.

James 3:18

And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.