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Mark 8:6

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And he commanded the people to sit down on the ground: and he took the seven loaves, and gave thanks, and brake, and gave to his disciples to set before [them]; and they did set [them] before the people.

And {G2532} he commanded {G3853} the people {G3793} to sit down {G377} on {G1909} the ground {G1093}: and {G2532} he took {G2983} the seven {G2033} loaves {G740}, and gave thanks {G2168}, and brake {G2806}, and {G2532} gave {G1325} to his {G846} disciples {G3101} to {G2443} set before {G3908} them; and {G2532} they did set them before {G3908} the people {G3793}.

He then told the crowd to sit down on the ground, took the seven loaves, made a b'rakhah, broke the loaves and gave them to his talmidim to serve to the people.

And He instructed the crowd to sit down on the ground. Then He took the seven loaves, gave thanks and broke them, and gave them to His disciples to set before the people. And they distributed them to the crowd.

And he commandeth the multitude to sit down on the ground: and he took the seven loaves, and having given thanks, he brake, and gave to his disciples, to set before them; and they set them before the multitude.

Commentary

Context of Mark 8:6

Mark 8:6 is a pivotal verse within the account of Jesus miraculously feeding over four thousand people, often referred to as the "second feeding of the multitude." This event immediately follows Jesus' deep compassion for the crowd who had been with Him for three days and had nothing to eat (Mark 8:2). Unlike the feeding of the five thousand (recorded in Mark 6:41), which primarily occurred in Jewish territory, this miracle likely took place in the Decapolis region, a Gentile area, highlighting Jesus' inclusive ministry and divine care for all people.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Provision and Power: This verse beautifully illustrates Jesus' supernatural ability to provide for vast numbers from extremely limited resources. Starting with only seven loaves, Jesus demonstrates His power over creation and His boundless capacity to meet human needs, far beyond what seems logically possible.
  • Order and Submission: The command for the people to "sit down on the ground" emphasizes the need for order and the crowd's willing submission to Jesus' authority. This structured approach ensured an organized distribution and a clear demonstration of the miracle.
  • Gratitude and Thanksgiving: Jesus' act of "gave thanks" before breaking the bread is a profound spiritual lesson. It underscores the importance of gratitude to God for His provision, even when resources seem meager. This practice of thanksgiving is consistent in Jesus' miracles of provision (John 6:11) and at the Last Supper (Luke 22:19).
  • Disciples' Active Role: The disciples are not mere spectators; they are actively involved in the distribution process, receiving the broken bread from Jesus and setting it before the people. This highlights their role as co-laborers in God's work, learning to serve and participate in the spreading of God's blessings.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "gave thanks" in the Greek is eucharisteō (εὐχαριστέω), which is the root of the English word "Eucharist." This term signifies a deep sense of gratitude and blessing, often involving a prayer of thanks. Jesus' consistent practice of giving thanks before performing miracles of provision or sharing significant meals emphasizes that all blessings flow from God and should be received with a thankful heart.

Practical Application

Mark 8:6 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Trust in God's Provision: Just as Jesus provided for the multitude, we are reminded to trust in God's ability to meet our needs, even in seemingly impossible situations. Our resources may be limited, but His are infinite.
  • Cultivate Gratitude: Emulate Jesus' example by consistently giving thanks for what we have, no matter how small it may seem. A thankful heart opens us to recognizing God's blessings.
  • Serve Others: Like the disciples, we are called to be channels of God's blessing to others. Our role is to take what God has given us, break it, and share it with those in need, participating in His work of compassion and provision in the world.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Colossians 3:17 (4 votes)

    And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, [do] all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

  • Matthew 14:18 (3 votes)

    He said, Bring them hither to me.

  • Matthew 14:19 (3 votes)

    And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to [his] disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.

  • John 6:10 (3 votes)

    And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand.

  • John 6:11 (3 votes)

    And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would.

  • Matthew 15:35 (3 votes)

    And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground.

  • Matthew 15:36 (3 votes)

    And he took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and brake [them], and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.