Mark 8:2
What does Mark 8:2 mean?
A plain-English look at Mark 8:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Mark 8:2 means
Jesus expressed profound compassion for the multitude, recognizing their physical exhaustion and hunger after three days away from home. His concern was not merely for their immediate comfort but also for their well-being on their journey home. This verse reveals Jesus' intrinsic nature of mercy and His practical care for human needs, going beyond just spiritual teaching to address their physical sustenance.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat:
KJV
King James Version · 1611I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now been with me three days, and have nothing to eat:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949I have pity for these people because they have been with me now three days, and have no food;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`I have compassion upon the multitude, because now three days they do continue with me, and they have not what they may eat;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752I have compassion on the multitude, for behold they have now been with me three days and have nothing to eat.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890I have compassion on the crowd, because they have stayed with me already three days and they have not anything they can eat,
Context
Jesus' statement of compassion sets the stage for the miracle that is about to unfold. It immediately follows His observation of the hungry crowd and precedes the disciples' skeptical response, underscoring that the impetus for the miracle came from Jesus' loving heart, not from a request by the crowd or His disciples.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 103:13
Like as a father pitieth his children, So Jehovah pitieth them that fear him.
- Matthew 9:36
But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion for them, because they were distressed and scattered, as sheep not having a shepherd.
- Matthew 6:32
For after all these things do the Gentiles seek; for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
- Psalms 145:15
The eyes of all wait for thee; And thou givest them their food in due season.
- Matthew 4:2
And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he afterward hungered.
- Hebrews 2:17
Wherefore it behooved him in all things to be made like unto his brethren, that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.
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