Mark 8:16

And they reasoned among themselves, saying, [It is] because we have no bread.

And {G2532} they reasoned {G1260} among {G4314} themselves {G240}, saying {G3004}, It is because {G3754} we have {G2192} no {G3756} bread {G740}.

they thought he had said it because they had no bread.

So they began to discuss with one another the fact that they had no bread.

And they reasoned one with another, saying, We have no bread.

Commentary

Context

Mark 8:16 occurs immediately after Jesus warns His disciples about the "leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod" (Mark 8:15). This warning follows two miraculous feedings of large crowds (the five thousand in Mark 6:41-44 and the four thousand in Mark 8:6-9). Despite witnessing these profound demonstrations of Jesus' power to provide, the disciples are preoccupied with their lack of physical bread on their journey. Their internal discussion reveals a significant misunderstanding of Jesus' spiritual teaching, setting the stage for His subsequent rebuke and questioning of their spiritual perception in Mark 8:17-21.

Key Themes

  • Spiritual Dullness: The verse highlights the disciples' persistent difficulty in grasping Jesus' spiritual messages, often interpreting them literally. They fail to understand the symbolic meaning of "leaven" as corrupting influence or false doctrine, instead focusing on their physical needs.
  • Lack of Faith and Forgetfulness: Despite having just witnessed Jesus supernaturally provide food for thousands, the disciples quickly forget His power and fret over their immediate lack of provisions. This demonstrates a limited faith and a short memory of God's abundant faithfulness.
  • Misinterpretation of Divine Warning: Jesus' warning about the "leaven" (zymΔ“ in Greek) was a crucial caution against the hypocrisy and legalism of the Pharisees and the worldly, materialistic ambition of Herod. The disciples' misinterpretation underscores the danger of missing the spiritual implications of Christ's words due to worldly concerns.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "reasoned among themselves" is dialogizonto, which implies an internal debate or discussion, often tinged with doubt, questioning, or anxious deliberation. This accurately portrays the disciples' state of mind as they struggled to comprehend Jesus' deeper meaning, focusing instead on a practical, earthly problem.

Practical Application

Mark 8:16 serves as a powerful reminder for believers today:

  • Guard Against Spiritual Blindness: We must constantly seek to understand God's Word spiritually, not just literally, and ask for discernment to perceive His deeper truths. Our focus on worldly concerns can often overshadow and prevent us from grasping spiritual realities.
  • Remember God's Provision: Like the disciples, we can easily forget God's past faithfulness in providing for us. This verse encourages us to recall His past miracles and trust in His continued ability to meet our needs, both physical and spiritual (Philippians 4:19).
  • Beware of Corrupting Influences: The "leaven" represents any pervasive influence that can corrupt our faith or understanding. This includes false doctrines, worldly values, materialism, and hypocrisy. We are called to be spiritually discerning and to guard our hearts and minds against such detrimental influences.
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Cross-References

  • Luke 20:5 (2 votes)

    And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then believed ye him not?

  • Matthew 16:7 (2 votes)

    And they reasoned among themselves, saying, [It is] because we have taken no bread.

  • Matthew 16:8 (2 votes)

    [Which] when Jesus perceived, he said unto them, O ye of little faith, why reason ye among yourselves, because ye have brought no bread?

  • Luke 9:46 (2 votes)

    Then there arose a reasoning among them, which of them should be greatest.