Mark 8:20

And when the seven among four thousand, how many baskets full of fragments took ye up? And they said, Seven.

And {G1161} when {G3753} the seven {G2033} among {G1519} four thousand {G5070}, how many {G4214} baskets {G4711} full {G4138} of fragments {G2801} took ye up {G142}? And {G1161} they said {G2036}, Seven {G2033}.

"And when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you collect?" "Seven," they answered.

“And when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many basketfuls of broken pieces did you collect?” “Seven,” they said.

And when the seven among the four thousand, how many basketfuls of broken pieces took ye up? And they say unto him, Seven.

Commentary

Context

Mark 8:20 is part of a crucial dialogue between Jesus and His disciples, occurring immediately after the second miraculous feeding of the multitudes, where four thousand people were fed with seven loaves and a few small fish. Jesus is prompting them to recall the details of this astonishing event, as well as the previous miracle of feeding the five thousand (Mark 6:43).

This conversation takes place shortly before Peter's confession of Jesus as the Christ, highlighting the disciples' ongoing struggle to fully comprehend Jesus' identity and power, despite witnessing undeniable signs.

Key Themes

  • Divine Provision: Jesus consistently demonstrates His ability to provide abundantly for His people, even in seemingly impossible situations. The leftover fragments emphasize that God's provision is not just sufficient but overflows.
  • Disciples' Spiritual Dullness: Despite witnessing two astounding miracles of provision, the disciples still struggle to grasp the full extent of Jesus' power and identity. This conversation highlights their spiritual 'dullness' or lack of 'understanding' (Mark 8:17). They remember the facts but miss the profound implications.
  • Jesus' Patience and Teaching Method: Jesus patiently questions His disciples, guiding them through their memories to prompt deeper reflection on His identity and mission. He uses their own experiences to challenge their limited perceptions.

Linguistic Insights

The number 'seven' (Greek: hepta) here not only refers to the specific number of baskets full of fragments but also carries symbolic weight in biblical numerology, often associated with completeness, perfection, or divine fullness. The 'fragments' (Greek: klasma) denote the substantial leftovers, emphasizing the boundless nature of Jesus' provision, even after thousands have eaten. This detail underscores the miraculous abundance.

Significance and Application

Mark 8:20 serves as a powerful reminder that Jesus' power is not limited by human resources or circumstances. He is the ultimate provider. For believers today, this verse encourages us to trust in God's boundless provision and to continually seek a deeper understanding of who Jesus is and what He has done.

It challenges us to examine our own hearts: do we truly grasp the spiritual realities of Christ's power, or do we, like the disciples, sometimes forget past demonstrations of His faithfulness when faced with new challenges? This passage calls for genuine faith that recognizes Christ as the 'Bread of Life', capable of meeting all our needs, both physical and spiritual. It reminds us not to be spiritually blind to God's consistent working in our lives.

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Cross-References

  • Matthew 15:34 (3 votes)

    And Jesus saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven, and a few little fishes.

  • Matthew 15:38 (3 votes)

    And they that did eat were four thousand men, beside women and children.

  • Mark 8:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ In those days the multitude being very great, and having nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples [unto him], and saith unto them,

  • Mark 8:9 (2 votes)

    And they that had eaten were about four thousand: and he sent them away.