Mark 8:16
And they reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have no bread.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 9
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
διελογίζοντο
they reasoned
G1260
διελογίζοντο
they reasoned
Strong's:
G1260
Word #:
2 of 9
to reckon thoroughly, i.e., (genitive case) to deliberate (by reflection or discussion)
πρὸς
among
G4314
πρὸς
among
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
3 of 9
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
λέγοντες,
saying
G3004
λέγοντες,
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
5 of 9
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ὅτι
It is because
G3754
ὅτι
It is because
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
6 of 9
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
Historical Context
Rabbinic teaching frequently employed metaphor and parable, so disciples should have recognized Jesus' figurative language. However, Jesus' consistent focus on material provision (feedings, healings) may have conditioned them to expect literal meanings. Their confusion illustrates the challenge of spiritual pedagogy—moving people from concrete thinking to abstract theological understanding requires patience and repeated instruction. Early church fathers saw the disciples' slowness as encouragement for believers struggling to grasp spiritual truth.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the disciples' literal misinterpretation reveal your tendency to reduce spiritual warnings to material concerns?
- What does their confused reasoning teach about the necessity of the Spirit's illumination for understanding Scripture?
- In what areas might you be 'reasoning among yourselves' in confusion rather than seeking clarity from Jesus?
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Analysis & Commentary
They reasoned among themselves (διελογίζοντο πρὸς ἀλλήλους, dielogizonto pros allēlous)—the imperfect tense suggests ongoing confused discussion. It is because we have no bread—the disciples completely misunderstand Jesus' metaphorical warning, interpreting it literally. This exposes profound spiritual dullness—they think Jesus is scolding them for forgetting provisions rather than warning about ideological corruption.
Their misunderstanding reveals the human tendency toward materialistic thinking—defaulting to physical interpretations of spiritual realities. They had just left Pharisees who demanded signs (v. 11), yet the disciples miss Jesus' teaching about Pharisaic corruption. This cognitive dissonance demonstrates that physical proximity to Jesus doesn't guarantee spiritual comprehension. Only Spirit-enabled illumination penetrates minds darkened by sin (2 Corinthians 4:4-6; Ephesians 1:18).