Mark 8:17
What does Mark 8:17 mean?
A plain-English look at Mark 8:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Mark 8:17 means
Jesus, perceiving their discussion about the lack of bread, challenged His disciples' failure to understand. He questioned their reasoning rooted in physical concerns, asking if their hearts were hardened, thereby connecting their literal interpretation to a deeper spiritual insensitivity. His words suggest a growing frustration with their persistent inability to grasp spiritual truths despite repeated demonstrations of His power and teaching.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And Jesus perceiving it saith unto them, Why reason ye, because ye have no bread? do ye not yet perceive, neither understand? have ye your heart hardened?
KJV
King James Version · 1611And when Jesus knew it, he saith unto them, Why reason ye, because ye have no bread? perceive ye not yet, neither understand? have ye your heart yet hardened?
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And Jesus perceiving it saith unto them, Why reason ye, because ye have no bread? do ye not yet perceive, neither understand? have ye your heart hardened?
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And Jesus, hearing it, said to them, Why are you reasoning among yourselves because you have no bread? do you still not see, and is it still not clear to you? are your hearts so hard?
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And Jesus having known, saith to them, `Why do ye reason, because ye have no loaves? do ye not yet perceive, nor understand, yet have ye your heart hardened?
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Which Jesus knowing, saith to them: Why do you reason, because you have no bread? Do you not yet know nor understand? Have you still your heart blinded?
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And Jesus knowing [it], says to them, Why reason ye because ye have no bread? Do ye not yet perceive nor understand? Have ye your heart [yet] hardened?
Context
This verse marks Jesus' direct response to the disciples' misunderstanding, as He immediately addresses their literal interpretation of His warning. It follows their private reasoning about having no bread and precedes a series of rhetorical questions designed to remind them of His miraculous provision and spiritual lessons.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and quick to discern the thoughts and intents of the heart.
- Mark 3:5
And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved at the hardening of their heart, he saith unto the man, Stretch forth thy hand. And he stretched it forth; and his hand was restored.
- Revelation 2:23
And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he that searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto each one of you according to your works.
- Matthew 15:17
Perceive ye not, that whatsoever goeth into the mouth passeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught?
- Hebrews 5:11
Of whom we have many things to say, and hard of interpretation, seeing ye are become dull of hearing.
- Mark 6:52
for they understood not concerning the loaves, but their heart was hardened.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Mark 8
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Mark 8.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Selfishness
Selfishness stands in direct opposition to God’s nature and His call for us to love others as ourselves, leading to spiritual decay.
Topic
Bible Verses About Adultery
Adultery, a grave sin against God and marriage, represents a betrayal of trust and a violation of sacred vows.
Topic
Bible Verses About Baptism
Baptism is a significant act symbolizing new life in Christ, repentance, and identification with his death, burial, and resurrection.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You Feel Spiritually Numb
When God feels distant and you feel nothing — verses for the dry season.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When Your Marriage Is Falling Apart
When the silence at home is louder than the words — verses to pray for your marriage.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Burnout as a Christian
When ministry, work, or caregiving has emptied you — scripture for refilling.