Mark 8:18
Having eyes, see ye not? and having ears, hear ye not? and do ye not remember?
Original Language Analysis
ὀφθαλμοὺς
eyes
G3788
ὀφθαλμοὺς
eyes
Strong's:
G3788
Word #:
1 of 12
the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication, vision; figuratively, envy (from the jealous side-glance)
ἔχοντες
Having
G2192
ἔχοντες
Having
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
2 of 12
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 12
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἔχοντες
Having
G2192
ἔχοντες
Having
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
7 of 12
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 12
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Jeremiah 5:21Hear now this, O foolish people, and without understanding; which have eyes, and see not; which have ears, and hear not:Mark 4:12That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them.Ezekiel 12:2Son of man, thou dwellest in the midst of a rebellious house, which have eyes to see, and see not; they have ears to hear, and hear not: for they are a rebellious house.John 12:40He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.Romans 11:8(According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day.Isaiah 44:18They have not known nor understood: for he hath shut their eyes, that they cannot see; and their hearts, that they cannot understand.Deuteronomy 29:4Yet the LORD hath not given you an heart to perceive, and eyes to see, and ears to hear, unto this day.Psalms 69:23Let their eyes be darkened, that they see not; and make their loins continually to shake.2 Peter 1:12Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth.
Historical Context
Jewish worship emphasized remembrance—Passover commemorated exodus deliverance, Sabbath recalled creation rest, feasts rehearsed God's redemptive acts. Deuteronomy repeatedly commands Israel to 'remember' (zakhar) God's past works to sustain faith during present trials. The disciples' memory failure represents Israel's chronic forgetfulness despite witnessing God's mighty acts. Jesus' questions prepare them to recall the two feedings' specific details (vv. 19-20), using Socratic method to awaken spiritual perception.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the connection between 'eyes/ears' and 'remembering' reveal that spiritual perception requires intentional recollection of God's past faithfulness?
- What past demonstrations of God's provision do you need to 'remember' to combat present anxiety or doubt?
- How might regular practices of remembrance (Scripture meditation, journaling God's faithfulness, celebrating answered prayers) cultivate spiritual sight and hearing?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Having eyes, see ye not? and having ears, hear ye not?—Jesus quotes Jeremiah 5:21 and Ezekiel 12:2, prophetic indictments of Israel's spiritual blindness. Physical faculties without spiritual illumination produce no true perception. This echoes Isaiah 6:9-10, which Jesus quotes explaining why He teaches in parables (Mark 4:12)—parables reveal truth to receptive hearts while concealing it from hard hearts.
Do ye not remember? (οὐ μνημονεύετε, ou mnēmoneuete)—memory failure indicates spiritual problem, not cognitive deficiency. Remembering God's past faithfulness is essential for present trust (Deuteronomy 8:2; Psalm 77:11). The disciples' forgetfulness demonstrates how quickly humans default to anxiety despite experiencing divine provision. Jesus will remedy their spiritual blindness (8:22-26 healing) and deafness, ultimately sending the Spirit to 'bring all things to your remembrance' (John 14:26).