Mark 3:8
And from Jerusalem, and from Idumaea, and from beyond Jordan; and they about Tyre and Sidon, a great multitude, when they had heard what great things he did, came unto him.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
2 of 25
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
Ἱεροσολύμων
Jerusalem
G2414
Ἱεροσολύμων
Jerusalem
Strong's:
G2414
Word #:
3 of 25
hierosolyma (i.e., jerushalaim), the capitol of palestine
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
5 of 25
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰδουμαίας
Idumaea
G2401
Ἰδουμαίας
Idumaea
Strong's:
G2401
Word #:
7 of 25
idumaea (i.e., edom), a region east (and south) of palestine
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
περὶ
they about
G4012
περὶ
they about
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
14 of 25
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
16 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πολύ
a great
G4183
πολύ
a great
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
19 of 25
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
ἐποίει
he did
G4160
ἐποίει
he did
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
22 of 25
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
ἦλθον
came
G2064
ἦλθον
came
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
23 of 25
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
Cross References
Ezekiel 35:15As thou didst rejoice at the inheritance of the house of Israel, because it was desolate, so will I do unto thee: thou shalt be desolate, O mount Seir, and all Idumea, even all of it: and they shall know that I am the LORD.Isaiah 34:5For my sword shall be bathed in heaven: behold, it shall come down upon Idumea, and upon the people of my curse, to judgment.Matthew 11:21Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.Ezekiel 36:5Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Surely in the fire of my jealousy have I spoken against the residue of the heathen, and against all Idumea, which have appointed my land into their possession with the joy of all their heart, with despiteful minds, to cast it out for a prey.
Historical Context
In the ancient world, reputation spread through oral communication and eyewitness testimony. News traveled rapidly. 'Great things' echoes Old Testament language for God's mighty acts (Deuteronomy 10:21; Psalm 106:21). By attributing 'great things' to Jesus, people implicitly recognized divine power. This popularity explains why authorities felt threatened. Jesus' fame became so great He could no longer enter cities openly (Mark 1:45).
Questions for Reflection
- What draws you to Jesus—His benefits or His person and teaching?
- How does Jesus' reputation spread today through testimony?
- What 'great things' has Jesus done that you could share?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The multitude came 'when they had heard what great things he did'—reputation spread by word-of-mouth. The imperfect tense indicates continuous stream. They came because of miracles authenticating authority. While miracles alone don't produce saving faith, they serve apologetic purposes, drawing people to investigate. The emphasis on 'great things' (ὅσα ἐποίει) highlights Jesus' extraordinary power. Reformed theology affirms miracles as divine authentication.