Mark 8:20
And when the seven among four thousand, how many baskets full of fragments took ye up? And they said, Seven.
Original Language Analysis
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εἰς
among
G1519
εἰς
among
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
5 of 16
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πόσων
how many
G4214
πόσων
how many
Strong's:
G4214
Word #:
8 of 16
interrogative pronoun (of amount) how much (large, long or (plural) many)
πληρώματα
full
G4138
πληρώματα
full
Strong's:
G4138
Word #:
10 of 16
repletion or completion, i.e., (subjectively) what fills (as contents, supplement, copiousness, multitude), or (objectively) what is filled (as contai
ἤρατε
took ye up
G142
ἤρατε
took ye up
Strong's:
G142
Word #:
12 of 16
to lift up; by implication, to take up or away; figuratively, to raise (the voice), keep in suspense (the mind), specially, to sail away (i.e., weigh
Οἱ
G3588
Οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
The large baskets (spyrides) were substantial containers used for cargo transport (big enough to hold a person, Acts 9:25). This emphasizes the magnitude of surplus—not handfuls but massive quantities remained. The Gentile feeding in Decapolis (Mark 7:31-8:9) demonstrated Jesus' mission beyond Israel's borders, fulfilling Isaiah's prophecy of Gentile inclusion (Isaiah 49:6; 56:6-7). Early church saw these two feedings as foreshadowing the gospel's proclamation to Jews first, then Gentiles (Romans 1:16).
Questions for Reflection
- How do the two feedings (twelve and seven baskets) demonstrate that Christ's provision doesn't discriminate between ethnic or social categories?
- What does Jesus' patient questioning teach about the process of spiritual awakening—leading people to recognize truth rather than forcing conclusions?
- How might anxiety about present needs be revealing failure to remember and apply past experiences of God's faithfulness?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
When the seven among four thousand, how many baskets full of fragments took ye up? And they said, Seven—Jesus continues the catechism, forcing disciples to recall the second feeding's details. The seven large baskets (σπυρίδες, spyrides) from the 4,000 feeding (Gentile audience) parallel the twelve kophinoi from the 5,000 feeding (Jewish audience). Both demonstrate superabundant provision—different numbers but identical principle: Christ provides more than enough for all who come to Him.
Seven signifies covenant completeness (creation week, sabbatical cycles)—Jesus' provision for Gentiles is just as complete as for Jews. The parallel interrogation (v. 19: five/five thousand/twelve; v. 20: seven/four thousand/seven) emphasizes dual testimony—two feeding miracles establish irrefutable witness to Jesus' creative power (Deuteronomy 19:15). Yet disciples worry about one loaf (v. 14). Jesus exposes the absurdity: He who made twelve baskets from five loaves and seven baskets from seven loaves can certainly sustain them with one loaf—or with no loaves at all.