Mark 8:6

Authorized King James Version

And he commanded the people to sit down on the ground: and he took the seven loaves, and gave thanks, and brake, and gave to his disciples to set before them; and they did set them before the people.

Word-by-Word Analysis

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

παρήγγειλεν

G3853

he commanded

to transmit a message, i.e., (by implication) to enjoin

τῷ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὄχλῳ

G3793

the people

a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot

ἀναπεσεῖν

G377

to sit down

to fall back, i.e., lie down, lean back

ἐπὶ

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τῆς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

γῆς·

G1093

the ground

soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#10

λαβὼν

G2983

he took

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

#11

τοὺς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#12

ἑπτὰ

G2033

the seven

seven

#13

ἄρτους

G740

loaves

bread (as raised) or a loaf

#14

εὐχαριστήσας

G2168

and gave thanks

to be grateful, i.e., (actively) to express gratitude (towards); specially, to say grace at a meal

#15

ἔκλασεν

G2806

and brake

to break (specially, of bread)

#16

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#17

ἐδίδου

G1325

gave

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

#18

τοῖς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#19

μαθηταῖς

G3101

disciples

a learner, i.e., pupil

#20

αὐτοῦ

G846

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

#21

ἵνα

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

#22

παρέθηκαν

G3908

set before

to place alongside, i.e., present (food, truth); by implication, to deposit (as a trust or for protection)

#23

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#24

παρέθηκαν

G3908

set before

to place alongside, i.e., present (food, truth); by implication, to deposit (as a trust or for protection)

#25

τῷ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#26

ὄχλῳ

G3793

the people

a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing covenant community contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood covenant community. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How might the original audience's understanding of covenant community differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

The Twelve Apostles

Study Resources

Parables of Jesus