Mark 8:3
What does Mark 8:3 mean?
A plain-English look at Mark 8:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Mark 8:3 means
Jesus explained His concern that sending the hungry crowd away without food would cause some to faint, especially those who had traveled a considerable distance. This detail emphasizes the seriousness of their hunger and the potential danger. It further illustrates Jesus' thoughtful consideration for the physical frailty of people and His desire to prevent suffering, revealing a practical aspect of His divine compassion.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000and if I send them away fasting to their home, they will faint on the way; and some of them are come from far.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And if I send them away fasting to their own houses, they will faint by the way: for divers of them came from far.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901and if I send them away fasting to their home, they will faint on the way; and some of them are come from far.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949If I send them away to their houses with no food, they will be overcome by weariness on the way; and some of them have come from far.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and if I shall let them away fasting to their home, they will faint in the way, for certain of them are come from far.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And if I shall send them away fasting to their home, they will faint in the way: for some of them came from afar off.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890and if I should dismiss them to their home fasting, they will faint on the way; for some of them are come from far.
Context
This verse continues Jesus' explanation for His concern over the hungry multitude, building upon His initial expression of compassion. It provides the rationale behind the upcoming meal and directly precedes the disciples' questioning of how such a large group could possibly be fed in a desolate area, highlighting their ongoing inability to grasp Jesus' power.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Samuel 30:10
But David pursued, he and four hundred men; for two hundred stayed behind, who were so faint that they could not go over the brook Besor.
- Judges 8:4
And Gideon came to the Jordan, andpassed over, he, and the three hundred men that were with him, faint, yet pursuing.
- Isaiah 40:31
but they that wait for Jehovah shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; they shall walk, and not faint.
- 1 Samuel 14:28
Then answered one of the people, and said, Thy father straitly charged the people with an oath, saying, Cursed be the man that eateth food this day. And the people were faint.
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