Mark 8:28
And they answered, John the Baptist: but some say, Elias; and others, One of the prophets.
Original Language Analysis
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀπεκρίθησαν,
they answered
G611
ἀπεκρίθησαν,
they answered
Strong's:
G611
Word #:
3 of 14
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βαπτιστήν
the Baptist
G910
βαπτιστήν
the Baptist
Strong's:
G910
Word #:
6 of 14
a baptizer, as an epithet of christ's forerunner
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
John 1:21And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No.Matthew 14:2And said unto his servants, This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead; and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him.Malachi 4:5Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD:
Historical Context
Jewish messianic expectations in the first century were diverse but generally anticipated a Davidic king who would liberate Israel politically. Prophetic figures were respected but not equated with the Messiah. The suggestion of Elijah's return was rooted in Malachi's prophecy, while John the Baptist's execution by Herod created speculation about prophetic succession.
Questions for Reflection
- What popular but inadequate categories do people today use to explain Jesus (good teacher, moral example, prophet)?
- How does partial recognition of Jesus differ from saving faith? Where might you hold inadequate views of Christ?
- Why is it significant that human speculation about Jesus's identity is consistently inadequate until divine revelation occurs?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
John the Baptist: but some say, Elias; and others, One of the prophets—The disciples report popular speculation about Jesus's identity, revealing partial recognition without full comprehension. Iōannēn ton Baptistēn (Ἰωάννην τὸν Βαπτιστήν) was suggested by Herod Antipas himself (Mark 6:14-16), perhaps from guilty conscience. Ēlian (Ἠλίαν, 'Elijah') reflected Malachi 4:5's promise of the forerunner, though John was actually the Elijah figure (Matthew 11:14).
The phrase hena tōn prophētōn (ἕνα τῶν προφητῶν, 'one of the prophets')—perhaps Jeremiah (Matthew 16:14) or another—shows people recognized Jesus's prophetic authority but not His unique status as God's Son. All three categories (Baptist, Elijah, prophet) place Jesus within known frameworks rather than recognizing Him as the unprecedented Messiah. This mirrors the blind man's partial sight in verses 22-25—they 'see' something but lack clarity. The stage is set for Peter's confession (verse 29), which advances beyond public opinion to divine revelation (Matthew 16:17).