Mark 8:17
And when Jesus knew it, he saith unto them, Why reason ye, because ye have no bread? perceive ye not yet, neither understand? have ye your heart yet hardened?
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
γνοὺς
knew
G1097
γνοὺς
knew
Strong's:
G1097
Word #:
2 of 22
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
when Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
when Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
4 of 22
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
λέγει
it he saith
G3004
λέγει
it he saith
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
5 of 22
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
αὐτοῖς
unto them
G846
αὐτοῖς
unto them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
6 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 #:
7 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 #:
8 of 22
to reckon thoroughly, i.e., (genitive case) to deliberate (by reflection or discussion)
ὅτι
because
G3754
ὅτι
because
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
9 of 22
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἔχετε
have ye
G2192
ἔχετε
have ye
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
12 of 22
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
νοεῖτε
perceive ye
G3539
νοεῖτε
perceive ye
Strong's:
G3539
Word #:
14 of 22
to exercise the mind (observe), i.e., (figuratively) to comprehend, heed
συνίετε
understand
G4920
συνίετε
understand
Strong's:
G4920
Word #:
16 of 22
to put together, i.e., (mentally) to comprehend; by implication, to act piously
πεπωρωμένην
hardened
G4456
πεπωρωμένην
hardened
Strong's:
G4456
Word #:
18 of 22
to petrify, i.e., (figuratively) to indurate (render stupid or callous)
ἔχετε
have ye
G2192
ἔχετε
have ye
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
19 of 22
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Mark 6:52For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened.Mark 3:5And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he saith unto the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it out: and his hand was restored whole as the other.Revelation 2:23And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.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.Mark 2:8And 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?Matthew 15:17Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught?John 21:17He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.John 16:30Now are we sure that thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man should ask thee: by this we believe that thou camest forth from God.Luke 24:25Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:
Historical Context
Heart-hardening was serious charge in Jewish thought, recalling Israel's wilderness rebellion (Psalm 95:8; Hebrews 3:8). Deuteronomy 29:4 lamented Israel's failure despite witnessing mighty acts: 'The LORD hath not given you a heart to perceive.' Jesus' rebuke echoes Moses' frustration, but unlike Moses, Jesus doesn't abandon dull disciples—He persists in teaching them. This patience foreshadows Peter's post-resurrection restoration (John 21:15-19) and demonstrates grace toward stumbling followers.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' diagnosis of 'hardened hearts' challenge you to examine areas of spiritual dullness in your life?
- What does Jesus' patient questioning (rather than immediate abandonment) reveal about His commitment to slow learners?
- How might the Spirit be prompting you to move from mere cognitive knowledge to heart-deep understanding of Christ?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
When Jesus knew it (γνοὺς, gnous)—Jesus possesses supernatural knowledge of their private discussion, demonstrating His divine omniscience. He doesn't wait for them to voice confusion but proactively addresses their misunderstanding. Why reason ye, because ye have no bread?—five rapid-fire questions (vv. 17-18) express Jesus' astonishment at their dullness after witnessing two miraculous feedings.
Perceive ye not yet, neither understand? (οὔπω νοεῖτε οὐδὲ συνίετε, oupō noeite oude syniete)—two verbs emphasizing cognitive and intuitive understanding. They lack both intellectual grasp and spiritual insight. Have ye your heart yet hardened? (πεπωρωμένην ἔχετε τὴν καρδίαν, pepōrōmenēn echete tēn kardian)—the perfect participle suggests settled condition. Jesus uses 'hardened' (pōroō), the same term describing Pharaoh (Romans 9:18) and Israel (Romans 11:7), shocking language equating disciples' dullness with notorious unbelief. Yet Jesus continues teaching them, demonstrating patient grace toward slow learners.