Mark 2:8
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?
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐπιγνοὺς
perceived
G1921
ἐπιγνοὺς
perceived
Strong's:
G1921
Word #:
3 of 22
to know upon some mark, i.e., recognize; by implication, to become fully acquainted with, to acknowledge
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
when Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
when Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
5 of 22
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πνεύματι
spirit
G4151
πνεύματι
spirit
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
7 of 22
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
αὐτοῖς
unto them
G846
αὐτοῖς
unto them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
8 of 22
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
9 of 22
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
διαλογίζεσθε
reason ye
G1260
διαλογίζεσθε
reason ye
Strong's:
G1260
Word #:
11 of 22
to reckon thoroughly, i.e., (genitive case) to deliberate (by reflection or discussion)
ἑαυτοῖς
themselves
G1438
ἑαυτοῖς
themselves
Strong's:
G1438
Word #:
13 of 22
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
αὐτοῖς
unto them
G846
αὐτοῖς
unto them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
15 of 22
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
Τί
Why
G5101
Τί
Why
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
16 of 22
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
διαλογίζεσθε
reason ye
G1260
διαλογίζεσθε
reason ye
Strong's:
G1260
Word #:
18 of 22
to reckon thoroughly, i.e., (genitive case) to deliberate (by reflection or discussion)
ταῖς
G3588
ταῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Acts 5:3But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?Acts 8:22Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.Psalms 139:2Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.Matthew 9:4And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?John 6:64But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him.Luke 6:8But he knew their thoughts, and said to the man which had the withered hand, Rise up, and stand forth in the midst. And he arose and stood forth.Luke 5:22But when Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answering said unto them, What reason ye in your hearts?Luke 24:38And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts?Ezekiel 38:10Thus saith the Lord GOD; It shall also come to pass, that at the same time shall things come into thy mind, and thou shalt think an evil thought:
Historical Context
Jewish rabbis taught that God alone knows hearts, making Jesus' claim to read thoughts a veiled assertion of deity. The public exposure of private thoughts would have shocked the audience—honor-shame cultures carefully maintained social facades. Jesus' willingness to confront religious authorities publicly marked a radical departure from typical rabbinic deference. This confrontation pattern escalates throughout Mark's Gospel, culminating in the temple cleansing (11:15-18) and passion narrative.
Questions for Reflection
- How does knowing that Jesus perceives your unspoken thoughts affect your prayer life and inner attitudes?
- What hidden objections or doubts do you harbor while maintaining outward religious conformity?
- How should Christ's omniscience shape your daily walk and secret thought life?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus' immediate perception of the scribes' thoughts (ἐπιγνοὺς...τῷ πνεύματι, epignous...tō pneumati, 'knowing in His spirit') demonstrates His divine omniscience and supernatural knowledge of human hearts. The phrase 'in his spirit' may refer to Jesus' human spirit supernaturally illuminated by the Holy Spirit, or to His divine nature's inherent knowledge. Either interpretation affirms His deity—only God searches hearts (1 Chronicles 28:9; Jeremiah 17:10; Revelation 2:23). Jesus doesn't merely react to external criticism but addresses unspoken objections, demonstrating authority over human thoughts. His public confrontation ('Why reason ye these things?') exposes hidden sin, preventing private unbelief from festering. Reformed theology emphasizes Christ's role as heart-searching judge who will expose all secrets (Romans 2:16; 1 Corinthians 4:5).