Mark 8:33
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Mark 8:33
33 But when he had turned about and looked on his disciples, he rebuked Peter, saying, Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men.
Chapter Context
Mark 8 is a action-oriented gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of mercy, sacrifice, righteousness. Written during the mid first century CE (c. 65-70 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Composed during or just after Nero's persecution when eyewitnesses were disappearing.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-38: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides essential context for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Mark and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Mark 8:33
33 But when he had turned about and looked on his disciples, he rebuked Peter, saying, Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men.
Analysis
Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men—Jesus's rebuke is the most severe in the Gospels: Hupage opisō mou, Satana (Ὕπαγε ὀπίσω μου, Σατανᾶ, 'Go behind me, Satan'). The same phrase appears during wilderness temptation (Matthew 4:10), linking Peter's resistance to satanic opposition. Jesus doesn't call Peter 'Satan' ontologically but functionally—at this moment, Peter serves Satan's agenda by opposing God's redemptive plan.
The diagnosis is precise: ou phroneis ta tou theou alla ta tōn anthrōpōn (οὐ φρονεῖς τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ ἀλλὰ τὰ τῶν ἀνθρώπων, 'you do not think the things of God but the things of men'). The verb phroneis (φρονεῖς) means 'to think, to have understanding, to set one's mind on.' Peter's mind is earthly-oriented (human glory, political victory, self-preservation) rather than God-oriented (redemptive suffering, sacrificial love, cross-bearing). This rebuke occurs immediately after Jesus turned to see His disciples (verse 33a)—He addresses Peter's error publicly because all the disciples share this blindness. Just as the blind man needed Christ's second touch for clarity (verses 24-25), Peter needs correction to progress from partial to complete understanding of messiahship.
Historical Context
The concept of a suffering Messiah was so foreign to Jewish thought that even post-resurrection, Jesus had to explain how 'the Christ should suffer these things' (Luke 24:26, 46). Peter's rebuke represents not individual failure but the universal human rejection of God's wisdom—we naturally gravitate toward glory without suffering, victory without cross, resurrection without death.
Reflection
- In what areas of life do you 'savor the things of men' (comfort, success, approval) rather than God's values (sacrifice, service, cross-bearing)?
- How might your prayers or plans oppose God's purposes by seeking blessing without suffering or glory without humility?
- What does it mean practically to 'get behind Jesus'—following His path rather than prescribing your own?
Word Studies
- God: Θεός (Theos) G2316 - God
Cross-References
- References God: Matthew 4:10, Philippians 3:19
- Parallel theme: Psalms 141:5, 1 John 2:15, Revelation 3:19