Devine Scripture

Mark 2:8

What does Mark 2:8 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 2:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 2:8 means

Immediately aware of their unspoken thoughts and internal questioning, Jesus confronted the scribes, asking why they harbored such reasoning in their hearts. This demonstrates Jesus' divine omniscience, knowing their private judgments without being told. His direct challenge forces their hidden skepticism into the open, preparing them and the crowd for His deeper revelation of His authority, showing He knew their hearts.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And straightway Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, saith unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, he said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And straightway Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, saith unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And Jesus, having knowledge in his spirit of their thoughts, said to them, Why are you reasoning about these things in your hearts?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And immediately Jesus, having known in his spirit that they thus reason in themselves, said to them, `Why these things reason ye in your hearts?

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Which Jesus presently knowing in his spirit that they so thought within themselves, saith to them: Why think you these things in your hearts?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And straightway Jesus, knowing in his spirit that they are reasoning thus within themselves, said to them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts?

Context

This verse demonstrates Jesus' divine knowledge, as He perceives the scribes' unspoken accusations from verses 6-7. His direct response to their silent thoughts establishes His supernatural insight and prepares the way for His argument concerning His authority. This confrontation moves the narrative from internal questioning to direct verbal engagement, as Jesus sets out to validate His claim to forgive sins.

v.7Why doth this man thus speak? he blasphemeth: who can forgive sins but one, even God?

v.8This passage

v.9Which is easier, to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins are forgiven; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk?

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Matthew 9:4

    And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?

  • John 6:64

    But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who it was that should betray him.

  • Luke 6:8

    But he knew their thoughts; and he said to the man that had his hand withered, Rise up, and stand forth in the midst. And he arose and stood forth.

  • Acts 8:22

    Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray the Lord, if perhaps the thought of thy heart shall be forgiven thee.

  • Proverbs 15:26

    Evil devices are an abomination to Jehovah; But pleasant wordsarepure.

  • Acts 5:3

    But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thy heart to lie to the Holy Spirit, and to keep back part of the price of the land?

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