Mark 6:52
For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened.
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 12
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
συνῆκαν
they considered
G4920
συνῆκαν
they considered
Strong's:
G4920
Word #:
3 of 12
to put together, i.e., (mentally) to comprehend; by implication, to act piously
ἐπὶ
the miracle of
G1909
ἐπὶ
the miracle of
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
4 of 12
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
8 of 12
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καρδία
heart
G2588
καρδία
heart
Strong's:
G2588
Word #:
10 of 12
the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle
Cross References
Luke 24:25Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:Isaiah 63:17O LORD, why hast thou made us to err from thy ways, and hardened our heart from thy fear? Return for thy servants' sake, the tribes of thine inheritance.Mark 16:14Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.
Historical Context
Heart hardening was serious biblical concept, associated with Pharaoh's resistance to God (Exodus 7-14) and Israel's wilderness rebellion. Mark's including this critical assessment of disciples was unusual—most ancient biographies idealized heroes. The candor suggests eyewitness testimony (likely Peter's self-criticism transmitted through Mark). Early church found encouragement: if disciples who walked with Jesus struggled with hardened hearts, contemporary believers shouldn't despair over spiritual dullness but seek divine illumination.
Questions for Reflection
- What does this verse teach about Christ's nature and work?
- How should this truth shape our daily discipleship?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened. Their amazement revealed failure to learn from the feeding: 'they considered not the miracle of the loaves' (οὐ γὰρ συνῆκαν ἐπὶ τοῖς ἄρτοις, ou gar synēkan epi tois artois). 'For their heart was hardened' (ἀλλ᾽ ἦν αὐτῶν ἡ καρδία πεπωρωμένη, all' ēn autōn hē kardia pepōrōmenē)—πωρόω (poroō) means calloused, dulled, unable to perceive. This sobering assessment shows even devoted disciples struggled with spiritual understanding. The same term describes unbelieving Israel (Mark 3:5; John 12:40), warning that privilege doesn't guarantee perception.