Commentary on Mark Part 2

Mark Chapters 5-8 (RSV)

Chapter 5

¹They came to the other side of the sea, to the country of the Ger’asenes. ²And when he had come out of the boat, there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit, ³who lived among the tombs; and no one could bind him any more, even with a chain; ⁴for he had often been bound with fetters and chains, but the chains he wrenched apart, and the fetters he broke in pieces; and no one had the strength to subdue him. ⁵Night and day among the tombs and on the mountains he was always crying out, and bruising himself with stones. ⁶And when he saw Jesus from afar, he ran and worshiped him; ⁷and crying out with a loud voice, he said, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, do not torment me.” ⁸For he had said to him, “Come out of the man, you unclean spirit!” ⁹And Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” He replied, “My name is Legion; for we are many.” ¹⁰And he begged him eagerly not to send them out of the country. ¹¹Now a great herd of swine was feeding there on the hillside; ¹²and they begged him, “Send us to the swine, let us enter them.” ¹³So he gave them leave. And the unclean spirits came out, and entered the swine; and the herd, numbering about two thousand, rushed down the steep bank into the sea, and were drowned in the sea. ¹⁴The herdsmen fled, and told it in the city and in the country. And people came to see what it was that had happened. ¹⁵And they came to Jesus, and saw the demoniac sitting there, clothed and in his right mind, the man who had had the legion; and they were afraid. ¹⁶And those who had seen it told what had happened to the demoniac and to the swine. ¹⁷And they began to beg Jesus to depart from their neighborhood. ¹⁸And as he was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed with demons begged him that he might be with him. ¹⁹But he refused, and said to him, “Go home to your friends, and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” ²⁰And he went away and began to proclaim in the Decap’olis how much Jesus had done for him; and all men marveled. ²¹And when Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a great crowd gathered about him; and he was beside the sea. ²²Then came one of the rulers of the synagogue, Ja’irus by name; and seeing him, he fell at his feet, ²³and besought him, saying, “My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well, and live.” ²⁴And he went with him. And a great crowd followed him and thronged about him. ²⁵And there was a woman who had had a flow of blood for twelve years, ²⁶and who had suffered much under many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was no better but rather grew worse. ²⁷She had heard the reports about Jesus, and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his garment. ²⁸For she said, “If I touch even his garments, I shall be made well.” ²⁹And immediately the hemorrhage ceased; and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease. ³⁰And Jesus, perceiving in himself that power had gone forth from him, immediately turned about in the crowd, and said, “Who touched my garments?” ³¹And his disciples said to him, “You see the crowd pressing around you, and yet you say, ‘Who touched me?'” ³²And he looked around to see who had done it. ³³But the woman, knowing what had been done to her, came in fear and trembling and fell down before him, and told him the whole truth. ³⁴And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.” ³⁵While he was still speaking, there came from the ruler’s house some who said, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?” ³⁶But ignoring what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not fear, only believe.” ³⁷And he allowed no one to follow him except Peter and James and John the brother of James. ³⁸When they came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, he saw a tumult, and people weeping and wailing loudly. ³⁹And when he had entered, he said to them, “Why do you make a tumult and weep? The child is not dead but sleeping.” ⁴⁰And they laughed at him. But he put them all outside, and took the child’s father and mother and those who were with him, and went in where the child was. ⁴¹Taking her by the hand he said to her, “Tal’itha cu’mi”; which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” ⁴²And immediately the girl got up and walked (she was twelve years of age), and they were immediately overcome with amazement. ⁴³And he strictly charged them that no one should know this, and told them to give her something to eat.

Intent of Chapter 5

Chapter 4 ends with Messiah affirming the Sabbath (031), under the Law, and declaring him as the Lord of the Sabbath (No. 031B). Chapter 5 then continues in two parts. The first part symbolises the squalid condition of humans under the demons who enter them in untold numbers and destroy their basic human living and spirituality. The second part is the declaration, by example, that Christ can restore life through resurrection of the dead, and healing, to the innocents of humanity that seek him.

The Gerasene demoniac

1. 1-20Sending demons into herd of swine (Mat. 8:28-34; Lk. 8:26-39)
2. 71:24. v. 9 a legion was a major unit of the Roman army consisting of 12 battalions (500 men), numbering to 6000 men at full strength. The man was to witness in the area where he was known.
3. 20Decapolis– a federation of about ten cities in eastern Palestine. The people were obviously making money from the swine contrary to the Law of God (L1) (cf. The Food Laws (No. 015)).

The swine were unclean beasts and so Christ had no compulsion destroying them and leaving the demons nowhere to go but to the pit of tartaros, which was what they were trying to avoid. That is the fate of all demons prior to the Millennium (cf. Rev. Chapter 20 (F066v).

5:21-43 Jesus raises a dead girl and heals a sick woman (Mat. 9:18-26; Lk. 8:40-56);

1. 23(see Mat. 9:21 n (F040ii);v. 25 Lev. 15:25-30; v. 28 5:23; v. 30 Lk. 5:17; v. 34 Has made you well see Mat. 9:21 n.; v. 36 4:40;
2. 39Mat. 9:24 n (F040ii),v. 41 Talitha cumi preserves the actual Aramaic words of the Christ (see 2Kgs. 18:26 (RSV) and the note re Aramaic). These events point towards the two resurrections (The First Resurrection (No. 143A) and the Second Resurrection (No. 143B)).

The miracles of the healing of the woman and the young maiden portray a powerful story, with some serious implications for the nation of Israel and the Tribes of Judah and Levi.

The text from verses 21-43 starts with the gathering of the people to Christ.

Mark 5:21-43 And when Jesus was passed over again by ship unto the other side, much people gathered unto him: and he was nigh unto the sea.

Jairus Comes

Then a ruler of the synagogue named Jairus came to him and paid homage to him. This is an important aspect of the way in which Christ then dealt with him. Jairus represents the faithful in Judah and Levi and their house is blessed in the faith.

²²And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet,

Jairus’ Confession of Faith

Jairus here expresses the assurance of faith.

²³And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: [I pray thee], come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live.

Thus he has an assurance that she will live.

The throng follows

The throng then follows him. We might say these are those who represent the called but not chosen. They saw what Christ was doing and followed him but not from deep faith.

²⁴And [Jesus] went with him; and much people followed him, and thronged him.

Woman’s Confession of Faith

In vv. 25-28 we see the Woman’s confession of faith.

²⁵And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years, ²⁶And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse,

Here she was unable to be healed of the Priesthood and the physicians.

²⁷When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment. ²⁸For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole.

This is another example of strength by faith.

Miracle of Justification by Faith

The miracle of justification through faith is seen here as of great power.

This woman was ritually unclean for twelve years. This was a symbol of the elect who were dead in their sins and unclean before God. She was aware she was unclean but Judah and Levi were not aware of their position. Only through the Holy Spirit are we brought to repentance and a state of awareness of our own sin.

²⁹And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in [her] body that she was healed of that plague.

Holy Spirit drawn in Faith

In verses 30-32 we see the Holy Spirit drawn through Christ in Faith even though there were others not as genuine who also touched him and allegedly followed him. These are those who call him Lord Lord yet do not obey the commandments. The Holy Spirit was accessed by faith.

³⁰And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes? ³¹And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me? ³²And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing.

The Holy Spirit was taken from Christ to the women only through the strength of her faith. The apostles then did not yet understand the lesson being taught here. There were many touching Christ, yet he knew when he had been accessed for the power of the Spirit.

Confession of the faith before Christ

This confession was one of all the truth. She bared her heart to Christ and confessed.

³³But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth.

Approval and acceptance by Christ

Christ here makes the statement of his acceptance through her faith.

³⁴And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.

After this instance we see that there is perhaps a more serious test of faith.

Test of Faith

Next we see Jairus approached by the Messenger from the house. Here we see the faith of Jairus tested.

³⁵While he yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogue’s [house certain] which said, Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further?

The sentiment here is that she is dead; why worry with this man; he can do nothing for you.

Christ encourages the faith

The next verse shows the phase of encouragement. This is the structure of I will never leave you or forsake you as a promise of God. This understanding was to be important to the church in what are serious trials (Ps. 10:14, 22:11; 27:9; Heb. 13:5).

³⁶As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe.

Elect apostles follow

Only the elect apostles were allowed to follow him to the house of Jairus. These three were as witnesses to the work.

³⁷And he suffered no man to follow him, save Peter, and James, and John the brother of James.

Christ declares the Resurrection

Christ enters the house. There he effectively declares the Resurrection and Salvation of the maiden bride. For the elect death was to be as one asleep.

³⁸And he cometh to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and seeth the tumult, and them that wept and wailed greatly. ³⁹And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth.

Lack of faith in Levi

We see here a distinct lack of faith among the house of Judah and Levi.

⁴⁰ And they laughed him to scorn.

Removal of the Old Order

The symbolism here draws a number of examples of prophecy. It alludes to the protection of the Elect as the Nation and based on families. The concept is that of calling one of a city and two of a family (Jer. 3:14).

Christ enters the chamber

Christ enters the bedchamber. He then declared the choice and selection of Israel as the mother of the woman, who was the church.

⁴⁰But when he had put them all out, he taketh the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him, and entereth in where the damsel was lying.

 

The structure of the resurrection is detailed. The Church is promised the First Resurrection from this action. The details are in Resurrection chapter 20 (F066v). The sequence is explained in the papers The Soul (No. 092) and Resurrection of the Dead (No. 143); Heaven, Hell and the First Resurrection of the Dead (No. 143A); The Second Resurrection and the Great White Throne Judgment (No. 143B) and The Second Death (No. 143C).

The damsel who is 12, is the church before the resurrection and is not yet of marriageable age and strength. The concept is based on the foundation of the twelve who form the foundation of the City of God (see the paper The City of God (No. 180)). The woman herself was also brought to repentance in the sequence of the twelve years. In this she was a witness to Israel in her faith.

Miracle of the Calling and understanding

⁴¹And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise. ⁴²And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was [of the age] of twelve years.

The text seems to place emphasis on the fact that she was of twelve years. Perhaps this is to indicate a capacity to walk but it seems both ages are the same and perhaps indicate that they were both selected when the Messiah reached marriageable age and was an adult. Thus they were betrothed to him from the omniscience of God. The woman with an issue was unclean and hence not to be touched. She also was set aside for Messiah from this fact. Look also at the paper Song of Songs (No. 145). The young maiden was set aside at the same time, but from her birth.

The Great Astonishment

There was then a great astonishment of the onlookers who heard but did not hear and saw but did not see. In this we are called to confound the mighty (1Cor. 1:27).

And they were astonished with a great astonishment.

The Mysteries of God

Christ then gave the charge of the keeping of the Mysteries of God to the Church and the care of the church in its administration and spiritual nourishment.

The elders of the church were made stewards of the mysteries of God (1Cor. 4:1).

The command to give the maiden something to eat is the same injunction Christ later gave to Peter: namely, Feed My Sheep.

⁴³And he charged them straitly that no man should know it; and commanded that something should be given her to eat. (KJV)

Thus what appears to be two unrelated texts in the gospel of Mark is actually a powerful story of the predestination of the elect, their setting aside and their calling and hence their Justification and Glorification in the First Resurrection (cf. P296).

As Paul says:

“For all things work together for those who love God, to them who are called according to His purpose.

For whom He did foreknow He also did predestine to be conformed to the image of His son that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

Moreover whom He did predestine, them he also called; and whom He called, them He also justified; and whom He justified, them He also glorified.

What shall we then say to these things?

If God is for us who can be against us?

He that spared not His own son but delivered him up for us all, how shall He not with him also freely give us all things?

Who shall lay anything to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that Justifies” (cf. Rom. 8:28-33).

The story here in Mark and the performance of the Miracles is a powerful story of the Christ and the calling of the Church.

Chapter 6

¹He went away from there and came to his own country; and his disciples followed him. ²And on the sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue; and many who heard him were astonished, saying, “Where did this man get all this? What is the wisdom given to him? What mighty works are wrought by his hands! ³Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon, and are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. ⁴And Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor, except in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house.” ⁵And he could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands upon a few sick people and healed them. ⁶And he marveled because of their unbelief. And he went about among the villages teaching. ⁷And he called to him the twelve, and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. ⁸He charged them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; ⁹but to wear sandals and not put on two tunics. ¹⁰And he said to them, “Where you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place. ¹¹And if any place will not receive you and they refuse to hear you, when you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet for a testimony against them.” ¹²So they went out and preached that men should repent. ¹³And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many that were sick and healed them. ¹⁴King Herod heard of it; for Jesus’ name had become known. Some said, “John the baptizer has been raised from the dead; that is why these powers are at work in him.” ¹⁵But others said, “It is Eli’jah.” And others said, “It is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.” ¹⁶But when Herod heard of it he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has been raised.” ¹⁷For Herod had sent and seized John, and bound him in prison for the sake of Hero’di-as, his brother Philip’s wife; because he had married her. ¹⁸For John said to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” ¹⁹And Hero’di-as had a grudge against him, and wanted to kill him. But she could not, ²⁰for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and kept him safe. When he heard him, he was much perplexed; and yet he heard him gladly. ²¹But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his courtiers and officers and the leading men of Galilee. ²²For when Hero’di-as’ daughter came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests; and the king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will grant it.” ²³And he vowed to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, even half of my kingdom.” ²⁴And she went out, and said to her mother, “What shall I ask?” And she said, “The head of John the baptizer.” ²⁵And she came in immediately with haste to the king, and asked, saying, “I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.” ²⁶And the king was exceedingly sorry; but because of his oaths and his guests he did not want to break his word to her. ²⁷And immediately the king sent a soldier of the guard and gave orders to bring his head. He went and beheaded him in the prison, ²⁸and brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl; and the girl gave it to her mother. ²⁹When his disciples heard of it, they came and took his body, and laid it in a tomb. ³⁰The apostles returned to Jesus, and told him all that they had done and taught. ³¹And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a lonely place, and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. ³²And they went away in the boat to a lonely place by themselves. ³³Now many saw them going, and knew them, and they ran there on foot from all the towns, and got there ahead of them. ³⁴As he went ashore he saw a great throng, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things. ³⁵And when it grew late, his disciples came to him and said, “This is a lonely place, and the hour is now late; ³⁶send them away, to go into the country and villages round about and buy themselves something to eat.” ³⁷But he answered them, “You give them something to eat.” And they said to him, “Shall we go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread, and give it to them to eat?” ³⁸And he said to them, “How many loaves have you? Go and see.” And when they had found out, they said, “Five, and two fish.” ³⁹Then he commanded them all to sit down by companies upon the green grass. ⁴⁰So they sat down in groups, by hundreds and by fifties. ⁴¹And taking the five loaves and the two fish he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples to set before the people; and he divided the two fish among them all. ⁴²And they all ate and were satisfied. ⁴³And they took up twelve baskets full of broken pieces and of the fish. ⁴⁴And those who ate the loaves were five thousand men. ⁴⁵Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, to Beth-sa’ida, while he dismissed the crowd. ⁴⁶And after he had taken leave of them, he went up on the mountain to pray. ⁴⁷And when evening came, the boat was out on the sea, and he was alone on the land. ⁴⁸And he saw that they were making headway painfully, for the wind was against them. And about the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. He meant to pass by them, ⁴⁹but when they saw him walking on the sea they thought it was a ghost, and cried out; ⁵⁰for they all saw him, and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; have no fear.” ⁵¹And he got into the boat with them and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded, ⁵²for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened. ⁵³And when they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennes’aret, and moored to the shore. ⁵⁴And when they got out of the boat, immediately the people recognized him, ⁵⁵and ran about the whole neighborhood and began to bring sick people on their pallets to any place where they heard he was. ⁵⁶And wherever he came, in villages, cities, or country, they laid the sick in the market places, and besought him that they might touch even the fringe of his garment; and as many as touched it were made well.

Intent of Chapter 6

1. 1-6People of Nazareth refuse to believe (Mat. 13:53-58; Lk. 4:16-30). The Family of Jesus is involved and that is an important factor. Christ could not deal with his own town Nazareth. A prophet is not without honour, except in his own country. See also the Virgin Mariam and the Family of Jesus Christ (No. 232). v. 3 Mat. 13:5 5 n.
2. 5-6Christ required faith on the part of those who sought healing for themselves or for others. (for exceptions see Jn. 5:13);
3. 7-13Sending out the Twelve (Mat. 10:1-15; Lk. 9:1-6) See 3:13-19 n.;
4. 7Note that the disciples are given authority over the demonic host (7-9) as were the seventy also given authority over the demons (Jn. 10:1,15). They also shared his refusal to engage in self-seeking (v. 10) or leave peacefully if they will not hear you (v. 11). They preached his message (v. 12 1:14-15) including his sympathy for human suffering (v. 13); v. 9 Tunics see Mat. 10:10 n.; v. 12 1:14-15; v. 13 Jas. 5:14; Isa. 1:6; Lk. 10:34.

1. 14-29Herod beheads John the Baptist (Mat. 14:1-12; Lk. 9:7-9). The death of John, after Passover 28 CE, saw the Ministry of Messiah begin.v. 14 Herod Antipas, son of Herod the Great; v. 20 Mat. 21:26;
2. 30-44Feeding the Five Thousand(Mat. 14:13-21 (F040iii); Lk. 9:10-17; Jn. 6:1-13; compare Mk. 8:1-10), v. 34 Sheep without a shepherd; a familiar picture of aimlessness  (see Num. 27:17; 1Kgs 22:17; Ezek. 34:5).
3. 45-52Jesus walks on the water (Mat. 14:22-33; Jn. 6:15-21);v. 48 The Fourth Watch is that prior to dawn (i.e. 3 to 6 am). He meant to pass by them describes the way Jesus appeared to his disciples. v. 52 The disciples miss the true meaning and significance of Jesus’ acts through lack of faith (Mk. 3:5; 8:17; Jn. 12:40; Rom. 11:7-25; 2Cor. 3:14; Eph. 4:18 (but compare Mat. 14:33).
4. 53 -56 Faith in Jesus’ power to heal

(Mat. 14:34-36 comp. Mat. 4:24; Mk.1:32-34; 3:10; Lk. 4:40-41; 6:18-19).

Chapter 7

¹Now when the Pharisees gathered together to him, with some of the scribes, who had come from Jerusalem, ²they saw that some of his disciples ate with hands defiled, that is, unwashed. ³(For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, do not eat unless they wash their hands, observing the tradition of the elders; ⁴and when they come from the market place, they do not eat unless they purify themselves; and there are many other traditions which they observe, the washing of cups and pots and vessels of bronze.) ⁵And the Pharisees and the scribes asked him, “Why do your disciples not live according to the tradition of the elders, but eat with hands defiled?” ⁶And he said to them, “Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written, ‘This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; ⁷in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the precepts of men.’ ⁸You leave the commandment of God, and hold fast the tradition of men.” ⁹And he said to them, “You have a fine way of rejecting the commandment of God, in order to keep your tradition! ¹⁰For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and your mother’; and, ‘He who speaks evil of father or mother, let him surely die’; ¹¹but you say, ‘If a man tells his father or his mother, What you would have gained from me is Corban’ (that is, given to God) — ¹²then you no longer permit him to do anything for his father or mother, ¹³thus making void the word of God through your tradition which you hand on. And many such things you do.” ¹⁴And he called the people to him again, and said to them, “Hear me, all of you, and understand: ¹⁵there is nothing outside a man which by going into him can defile him; but the things which come out of a man are what defile him.” ¹⁶* [No text ^a] ¹⁷And when he had entered the house, and left the people, his disciples asked him about the parable. ¹⁸And he said to them, “Then are you also without understanding? Do you not see that whatever goes into a man from outside cannot defile him, ¹⁹since it enters, not his heart but his stomach, and so passes on?” (Thus he declared all foods clean.) ²⁰And he said, “What comes out of a man is what defiles a man. ²¹For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, fornication, theft, murder, adultery, ²²coveting, wickedness, deceit, licentiousness, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. ²³All these evil things come from within, and they defile a man.” ²⁴And from there he arose and went away to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And he entered a house, and would not have any one know it; yet he could not be hid. ²⁵But immediately a woman, whose little daughter was possessed by an unclean spirit, heard of him, and came and fell down at his feet. ²⁶Now the woman was a Greek, a Syrophoeni’cian by birth. And she begged him to cast the demon out of her daughter. ²⁷And he said to her, “Let the children first be fed, for it is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” ²⁸But she answered him, “Yes, Lord; yet even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.” ²⁹And he said to her, “For this saying you may go your way; the demon has left your daughter.” ³⁰And she went home, and found the child lying in bed, and the demon gone. ³¹Then he returned from the region of Tyre, and went through Sidon to the Sea of Galilee, through the region of the Decap’olis. ³²And they brought to him a man who was deaf and had an impediment in his speech; and they besought him to lay his hand upon him. ³³And taking him aside from the multitude privately, he put his fingers into his ears, and he spat and touched his tongue; ³⁴and looking up to heaven, he sighed, and said to him, “Eph’phatha,” that is, “Be opened.” ³⁵And his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly. ³⁶And he charged them to tell no one; but the more he charged them, the more zealously they proclaimed it. ³⁷And they were astonished beyond measure, saying, “He has done all things well; he even makes the deaf hear and the dumb speak.”

[Footnote: ^a Other ancient authorities add verse 16:

“If any man has ears to hear, let him hear”]

Intent of Chapter 7

1. 1-23Traditions of the elders– Teaching about inner purity (Mat. 15:1-20). The Pharisees were confined by traditions whereas the common people were moved by elemental needs. Jesus was aroused by compassion for human suffering (6:53-56). The religious leaders were concerned with details of ritual; v. 3 see Lk. 11:38 n.;
2. 4Mat. 23:25; Lk. 11:39; v. 5 Gal. 1:14;
3. 6-7Isa. 29:13 as per the Septuagint (LXX). The LXX was the text of the First Century churches.
4. 11Given to Godverbally but retained for private use. v. 15 (Mat. 15:10-20 n); v. 19 Clean i.e. ritually; vv. 21-23 Gal. 5:19-21.

1. 24-30The Syrophoenician woman– Demon sent out of the girl through the mother’s faith (Mat. 15:21-28);
2. 27Mat. 15:24 n.;v. 28 Mat. 15:27 n.;

1. 31-37The crowd marvels at Jesus’ healings (Mat. 15:29-31);
2. 31Decapolis see 5:20 n.;
3. 34EphphathaAramaic word (see 5:41n).

 Chapter 8

¹In those days, when again a great crowd had gathered, and they had nothing to eat, he called his disciples to him, and said to them, ²”I have compassion on the crowd, because they have been with me now three days, and have nothing to eat; ³and if I send them away hungry to their homes, they will faint on the way; and some of them have come a long way.” ⁴And his disciples answered him, “How can one feed these men with bread here in the desert?” ⁵And he asked them, “How many loaves have you?” They said, “Seven.” ⁶And he commanded the crowd to sit down on the ground; and he took the seven loaves, and having given thanks he broke them and gave them to his disciples to set before the people; and they set them before the crowd. ⁷And they had a few small fish; and having blessed them, he commanded that these also should be set before them. ⁸And they ate, and were satisfied; and they took up the broken pieces left over, seven baskets full. ⁹And there were about four thousand people. ¹⁰And he sent them away; and immediately he got into the boat with his disciples, and went to the district of Dalmanu’tha. ¹¹The Pharisees came and began to argue with him, seeking from him a sign from heaven, to test him. ¹²And he sighed deeply in his spirit, and said, “Why does this generation seek a sign? Truly, I say to you, no sign shall be given to this generation.” ¹³And he left them, and getting into the boat again he departed to the other side. ¹⁴Now they had forgotten to bring bread; and they had only one loaf with them in the boat. ¹⁵And he cautioned them, saying, “Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.” ¹⁶And they discussed it with one another, saying, “We have no bread.” ¹⁷And being aware of it, Jesus said to them, “Why do you discuss the fact that you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened? ¹⁸Having eyes do you not see, and having ears do you not hear? And do you not remember? ¹⁹When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?” They said to him, “Twelve.” ²⁰”And the seven for the four thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?” And they said to him, “Seven.” ²¹And he said to them, “Do you not yet understand?” ²²And they came to Beth-sa’ida. And some people brought to him a blind man, and begged him to touch him. ²³And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the village; and when he had spit on his eyes and laid his hands upon him, he asked him, “Do you see anything?” ²⁴And he looked up and said, “I see men; but they look like trees, walking.” ²⁵Then again he laid his hands upon his eyes; and he looked intently and was restored, and saw everything clearly. ²⁶And he sent him away to his home, saying, “Do not even enter the village.” ²⁷And Jesus went on with his disciples, to the villages of Caesare’a Philip’pi; and on the way he asked his disciples, “Who do men say that I am?” ²⁸And they told him, “John the Baptist; and others say, Eli’jah; and others one of the prophets.” ²⁹And he asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered him, “You are the Christ.” ³⁰And he charged them to tell no one about him. ³¹And he began to teach them that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. ³²And he said this plainly. And Peter took him, and began to rebuke him. ³³But turning and seeing his disciples, he rebuked Peter, and said, “Get behind me, Satan! For you are not on the side of God, but of men.” ³⁴And he called to him the multitude with his disciples, and said to them, “If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. ³⁵For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it. ³⁶For what does it profit a man, to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? ³⁷For what can a man give in return for his life? ³⁸For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of man also be ashamed, when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”

Intent of Chapter 8

In this chapter 8 we follow on to the feeding of the Four Thousand (see also 6:30-44 for the start of the narrative and also F022i for comment on the 5000).

1. 1-9Feeding the Four Thousand(Mat. 15:32-39). The relationship of the Four and Five Thousand is explained in the text here re: the baskets taken up of the twelve baskets and seven baskets. These figures represent the numbers of the elect taken up in the number of the Tribes of Israel, under the apostles and the number of the Seven Churches of God of Revelation chs. 2 & 3 (F066i) and Chapter 7 (F066ii) and also chapters 21-22 (F066v) (see also Elect as Elohim (No. 001) and the Plan of Salvation (No. 001A)).
2. 10DalmanuthaOther ancient authorities read Magadan or Magdala
3. 11-12Religious leaders ask for a sign in the sky. He says that no sign shall be given their generation. However, he says in other texts that no sign shall be given to the world, other than theSign of Jonah… (No. 013)  (Mat. 12 and 16 (F040iii and F040iv); Lk. 11:29-32) and see also Completion of the Sign of Jonah (No. 013B).

1. 13-21Jesus warns against wrong teaching (Mat. 16:5-12).v. 15 Herod –other ancient authorities read Herodians. Leaven here refers to the teachings, as convictions that permeate all thinking and life, as leaven raises dough. vv. 17-18  Isa. 6:9-10; Jer. 5:21; Ezek. 12:2; Mat. 13:10-15; Mk. 6:52; Jn. 12:36-41; v. 19 6:41-44; v. 20 8:1-10;

10. 22-26Healing a blind man at Bethsaida (10:46 -52; Jn. 9:1-7); v. 22 Bethsaida 6:45; Lk. 9:10.

1. 27-30Peter declares Jesus is the Messiah (Mat.16:13-23; Lk. 9:18-22).v. 27 Ceasarea Philippi was a site of pagan worship; v. 28 6:14-16; v. 29 Jn 6:66-69; v. 30 Jesus consistently sought to suppress sensational reports (see 1:43-44 n).
2. 31-9:1Jesus predicts his death for the first time (Mat. 16:21-28; Lk. 9:21-27). v. 31 First prediction of his death (comp. 9:30-32; 10:33-34). v. 32 The idea that the son of man, as the Messiah, was to suffer  was contrary to general expectation except for the more educated and aware that the Messiah was to be of two advents as derived from the Atonement sequence as the Priest Messiah and the King Messiah (cf. Atonement (No. 138) and Azazel and Atonement (No. 214)); see also G. Vermes Dead Sea Scrolls in English (re Cave VII  and fragment from Cave IV)). (See also 2:10 n; 9:10 n; Mat. 16:22);
3. 33Christ saw in Peter’s words a continuation of Satan’s temptation (Mat. 4:10; Lk. 4:8).

8:34-9:1 On Disipleship (Mat. 16:24-28; Lk. 9:23-27; v. 34 Mat. 10:38 n; v. 35 Mat. 10:39; Lk. 17:33; Jn. 12:25. There is no contradiction here in that a man’s existence depends on God. There is no immortal soul (Soul (No. 092); cf. Eccl. 12:7); v. 38 Mat. 12:39 n. (9:1 taste become personally acquainted with see part III).

Bullinger’s notes on Mark Chs. 5-8 (for KJV)

Chapter 5

Verse 1

unto . Greek. eis . App-104 .

into = unto. Greek. eis , as above.

Gadarenes. In the earlier miracle it was Gergesenes (Matthew 8:28 ).

Verse 2

out of . Greek. ek. App-104 .

ship = boat.

immediately . See note on Mark 1:12 .

met = confronted.

man . Greek. anthropos . App-123 . In the earlier miracle there were “two men “(Matthew 8:28 ).

with = in [the power of]. Greek. en , App-104 .

spirit . Greek. pneuma . See App-101 .

Verse 3

dwelling. Greek. katoikesis. A Divine supplement, here.

among . Greek. en. App-104 .

no man . . . no, not = no one . . . not even. Greek. oudeis . . oude . Compounds of ou . App-105 .

Verse 4

Because. Greek. dia to . App-104 .Mark 5:2 .

1. Greek hupo. App-104 .

neither could any man tame him = and no ( App-105 ) man was strong enough to master him.

Verse 5

1. Greek. en. App-104 .

crying = crying out.

Verse 6

saw. Greek. eidon . App-133 . Not the some word as in verses: Mark 5:15 , Mark 5:31 , Mark 5:38 .

Jesus . App-98 .

afar off = from (Greek. apo . App-101 .) afar.

ran. The 1611 edition of the Authorized Version reads “came”.

worshipped = did homage [by prostration]. App-137 .

Verse 7

What, &c. A Hebraism. See note on 2 Samuel 16:16

of the Most High God . A Divine supplement, here. Demons knew Him, if the people were blinded.

God. App-98 .

not . Greek. me . App-105 .

Verse 9

Legion . A Roman legion was about 6,000 men.

Verse 10

besought . Note the three prayers in this chap ter: (1) the unclean spirits: Answer “Yes” (verses: Mark 5:10 , Mark 5:12 , Mark 5:13 ); (2) the Gadarenes: Answer “Yes” (Mark 5:17 ); (3) the healed man: Answer “No” (verses: Mark 5:18 , Mark 5:19 . “No” is often the most gracious answer to our prayers.

Verse 11

nigh unto = just at. Greek. pros. App-104 .

Verse 12

devils = demons.

into. Greek. eis . App-104 .

Verse 13

forthwith = immediately, as in Mark 5:2 .

ran violently = rushed.

down. Greek kata. App-104 .

Verse 14

in = to. Greek eis. App-104 .

and = as well as.

done = come to pass.

Verse 15

to . Greek pros. App-104 .

see = gaze upon. Greek. thearea. App-133 .:11.

possessed with the devil . Greek. daimonizomi

clothed = provided with clothes. Compare Luke 8:27 , where he had for a long time worn none. Greek. himatizomai. Occurs only here and Luke 8:35 in the N.T.; but is found in the Papyri, where an apprentice is to be provided with clothes.

afraid = alarmed.

Verse 16

told = detailed.

concerning . Greek peri. App-104 .

Verse 17

pray . See note on “besought”, Mark 5:10 , and compare Mark 5:18 .

out of = away from. Greek. apo. App-104 .

coasts = borders.

Verse 18

when He was come = while He was in [the act of] embarking.

with . Greek meta. App-104 .

Verse 19

not . Greek ou. App-105 .

home = to ( App-104 .) thy house.

the Lord . App-98 .

Verse 21

by ship . = in (Greek. en . App-104 .) the ship.

much people = a vast crowd.

unto . Greek. epi. App-104 .

nigh unto = beside. Greek. para. App-104 .

Verse 22

behold . Fig, Asterismos. App-6 .

synagogue . App-120 .

Jairus . The Jair of the O.T. See Numbers 32:41 .Deuteronomy 3:14 .Judges 10:3 .Esther 2:5 . 1 Chronicles 20:5 .

at . Greek pros. App-104 .

Verse 23

My little daughter. The Dim. only in Mark.

lay Thy hands , &c. For this action, Compare Mark 6:2 ; Mark 7:32 ; Mark 8:23 , Mark 8:25 ; Mark 16:18 . Acts 9:17 ; Acts 28:8 . Hebrews 6:2 .

that = so that.

Verse 24

followed = was following.

thronged = were thronging.

Verse 25

which had = being in (Greek. en. App-104 .)

Verse 26

things = treatments.

of = under (Greek. hupo. App-104 .) many physicians.

Verse 27

of = concerning. Greek. peri . App-104 .

press = crowd.

Verse 28

If , &c. Expressing a contingency. App-118 .

Verse 29

straightway = immediately. See note on Mark 1:12 .

felt = knew [by Divine power]. Greek. ginosko. App-132 .

of = from. Greek. apo . App-104 .

Verse 30

knowing = perceiving thereupon. Greek. epiginosko. App-132 .

that virtue = that [inherent] power ( App-172 .) from Him had gone forth.

Verse 31

said = kept saying.

seest . Greek. blepo. App-133 .,

multitude = crowd.

Verse 32

looked = was looking.

Verse 33

knowing = knowing [intuitively]. Greek. oida. App-132 .

Verse 34

made . . . whole = saved. Greek. sozo .

Verse 35

yet spake = was yet speaking.

came = come.

from = away from. Greek. apo. App-104 .

Master = Teacher. App-98 . Mark 5:3 .

Verse 36

As soon as = Immediately. See note on Mark 1:12 .

heard. T Tr. A WH R (not Syriac) read parakousas (instead of akousas) , which A translates “overheard”.

believe = go on believing.

Verse 37

suffered no man = suffered not (Greek. ou . App-105 ) any one.

Verse 38

1. Greek. eis,as in Mark 5:1 .

wailed. Crying alalai, alalai, from the Greek verb Melanin Jewish mourning cries. Occurs elsewhere only in 1 Corinthians 13:1 .

Verse 39

damsel = child. App-108 ,

is not dead = has not died.

sleepeth . Greek. katheudo. See notes on 1 Thessalonians 4:13 with 1 Thessalonians 5:6 . App-171 .

Verse 40

laughed Him to scorn = began laughing at Him. put them all out. He acted, as well as spoke, with “authority”.

Verse 41

Talitha cumi . Aramaic ( App-94 .) Talitha = Aramaic talitha (= maid Latin puella) kumi (Imperat. of kum) = arise. Occurs only here. Not “got from Peter”, but from the Holy Spirit. App-94 .

Damsel , Greek. korasion. Found only here, and Mark 5:42 ; Mark 6:22 , Mark 6:28 , and Matthew 9:24 , Matthew 9:25 ; Matthew 14:11 . Not the same word as in verses: Mark 5:39 , Mark 5:40 , Mark 5:40 -. See App-108 .

Verse 42

walked = began walking.

astonished . astonishment. Figure of speech Polyptoton ( App-6 ), for emphasis. See Genesis 26:28 . Greek. existemi = to be put out [of one’s mind], Noun, ekstasis; hence, Eng. ecstasy = entrancement, implying bewilderment. See Mark 16:8 . Luke 5:26 , Acts 3:10 . Used of a trance, Acts 10:10 ; Acts 11:5 ; Acts 22:17 . Hence, Eng. entrancement.

Verse 43

straitly = much.

no . Greek. me . App-105 .

know = get to know. See App-132 .

Chapter 6

Verse 1

into. Greek eis . App-104 . Not the same as Mark 6:53 .

His own country = His native country: i.e. Galilee, App-169 . This was His second visit (Matthew 13:54 ),

country . Greek. patris.

Verse 2

1. Greek. en.App-104 . Not the same word a in verses: Mark 6:8 , Mark 6:25 , Mark 6:55 .

mighty works = miracles. One of the renderings of dunamis (plural) App-172 .

wrought = come to pass.

by = by means of. Greek. dia . App-104 .Mark 6:1 .

Verse 3

not . Greek. ou . App-105 . Not the same word as in verses: Mark 6:9 , Mark 6:11 , Mark 6:34 .

the carpenter = the workman. Such terms used only by His rejecters. Occurs only here and Matthew 13:35 .

with. Greek. pros. App-104 .

were offended = stumbled. Greek. scandalizo .

at = in. Greek en. App-104 .

Verse 4

Jesus . App-98 .

A prophet , &c. Fig, Paraemia. App-6 .

but = except.

among. Greek. en. App-104 .

Verse 5

could there do no = was not (as in Mark 6:3 ) able to do any there. Nazareth saw most of the Lord, but profited least. App-169 .

save = except.

sick = infirm.

Verse 6

marvelled because of , &c. Occurs only in Mark. because of = on account of. Greek. dia . App-104 .Mark 6:2 .

Verse 7

called. The 1611 edition of the Authorized Version reads “calleth”.

two and two. Greek. duo duo , Modern critics object that it is not good Greek to repeat the cardinal number for a distributive numeral. But it is found in Aeschylus and Sophocles, and in the Oxyrhynchus Papyri (Nos. 121 and 886). See Deisamann’s Light, pp 124, 125.

power = authority. App-172 .

spirits. Greek plural of pneuma. See App-101 .

Verse 8

commanded = charged. See Matthew 10:5 , &c.

take = take up (as luggage).

for = with a view to. Greek. eis. App-104 .

staff . See note on Matthew 10:10 .

no . Greek. me . App-105 .

scrip . Sea note on Matthew 10:10 .

money . The only coins minted in Palestine then were copper. Compare Matthew 10:9 for a Divine supplement.

1. Greek. eis. App-104 . Not the same as in verses: Mark 6:2 , Mark 6:4 , Mark 6:11 , Mark 2:25 , Mark 2:27 , Mar 2:29 , Mar 2:47 , Mar 2:48 , Mar 2:55 , Mar 2:56 .

purse = belt or girdle. Occurs only here, and in Matthew 3:4 ; Matthew 10:9 . Matthew 1:6 ; Matthew 6:8 . Acts 21:1 Acts 21:1 .Revelation 1:13 ; Revelation 15:6 .

Verse 9

not . Greek. me. App-105 .

Verse 10

In what place soever = Wherever.

from that place = thence.

Verse 11

whosoever = whatever people.

shake off . Figure of speech paraemia . App-6 .

Verse 12

preached = proclaimed. See App-121 .1.

repent . See App-111 .

Verse 13

devils = demons

anointed with oil. Then a common practice. See James 1:14 .

Verse 14

Herod. See App-109 .

was risen = had been raised.

from = out front. Greek. ek . App-104 . See Matthew 17:9

the dead. No Art. Sec App-139 .

therefore = 0n account of ( App-104 .Mark 6:2; Mark 6:2 ) this.

Verse 15

said = were saying.

Elias = Elijah

Verse 17

prison = the prison.

for . . . sake = on account of. Greek. dia. App-104 .

Verse 18

had said = kept saying.

Verse 19

had a quarrel = kept cherishing a grudge.

would have = was desiring to. See App-102 .

Verse 20

knowing, Greek oida. App-132 . Not the same as in Mark 6:33 ; Mark 6:38 .

observed = kept him (John) safe [from her]: or, protected him; i.e. for the reason given. Occurs only here, and Matthew 9:17 . Luke 2:19 ; Luke 5:28 ,

did many things. T Trm. WH and R read “was at a loss [what to do)”, or hesitated, or was much perplexed, reading eporei instead of epoie. Not the Syriac.

and = and [yet].

Verse 21

when a convenient day was come = a convenient day being come, when, &c

convenient = opportune. Only in Mark, and Hebrews 4:16 .

birthday . The notice of the banquet and guests is a Divine supplement.

lords = great men. Occurs only here, Revelation 6:15 , and Revelation 18:23 ,

high captains = chiliarchs (commanders of 1,000 men).

chief estates = the first, or leading [men].

Verse 22

the said Herodias = of Herodias herself.

damsel Greek. korasion, as in Mark 5:4 Mark 5:1 , Mark 5:42 .

wilt . See App-102 .

Verse 25

straightway = immediately. See note on Mark 1:12 . with. Greek. meta . App-104 .

with haste . Note how the opportunity was eagerly seized. See Mark 6:19 .

unto , Greek. pros. App-104 . Not the same as in Mark 6:23 , but the same as in verses: Mark 6:30 , Mark 6:33 , Mark 6:45 , Mar 30:48 , Mar 30:51

I will = I wish. See App-102 .

by and by = instantly.

in = upon. Greek. epi. App-104 .

a charger = a large flat dish. See note on Matthew 14:8 , Matthew 14:11 ,

Verse 27

immediately . See note on Mark 1:12 ,

an executioner . Greek. spekoulator. Occ only here. A Latin word (speculator) = a man who spies out; used of the Roman emperor’s bodyguard (an armed detective body) round the emperor at banquets, &c. Herod adopted Roman customs.

Verse 28

was = became.

exceeding . This Divine supplement occurs only here.

would not = was unwilling to. App-102 .

Verse 29

a tomb = the tomb. See note on Matthew 27:60 .

Verse 30

apostles. First occurrence in Mark.

told = reported to.

Verse 31

Come . . . apart . See note on “withdrew” (Mark 3:7 .

Verse 33

people = crowds.

saw. Greek. eidon. App-133 .

knew = recognised. Greek. epiginosko. App-132 .

out of = from. Greek. apo . App-104 . Not the same word as in Mark 6:54 .

Verse 34

toward = upon. Greek. epi. App-104 .

having = conscious of (not) having.

Verse 35

was = had become already.

far passed = advanced.

Verse 36

buy . This was their highest thought. Note the answer (“Give”).

nothing = not ( App-105 ) anything.

Verse 37

He = But He.

Give . This is the Lord’s higher thought.

Shall we go, &c. This question and Christ’s answer are a Divine supplement only here.

pennyworth. See App-51 .

Verse 38

knew = found out. Greek. ginosko. App-132 .

Verse 39

by companies = in table-parties: i.e. arranged in three sides of a square, as in a Jewish or Roman dining-room; the guests being seated on the outside and served from the inside. These were arranged in companies of 50 and of 100. Greek. sumposia sumposia . Figure of speech Epizeuxis ( App-6 ).

upon. Greek. epi. App-104 .,

green. This is a Divine supplement only here.

Verse 40

in rankest in divisions (like garden beds).

by . Greek. ana . App-104 . All the texts read kata . App-104 .

Verse 41

looked up . App-133 .

to = unto. Greek. eis . App-104 . .

heaven = the heaven. Singular. See Matthew 6:9 , Matthew 6:10 .

brake . . . gave . The former is the Aorist tense, recording the instantaneous act; the latter is the Imperfect tense, describing the continuous giving. This shows that the miraculous power was in the hands of Christ, between the breaking and the giving.

all . This is Divine supplement, only in Mark.

Verse 42

filled = satisfied. Compare Matthew 5:6 .

Verse 43

baskets . Greek kophinos = a Jewish wicker travel ling basket. The same word as in Mark 8:19 ; not the same word as in Mark 8:8 , Mark 8:20 .

of = from. Greek. apo . App-104 .

of the fishes. Only mentioned here.

Verse 44

men . Greek. aner, See App-123 . Not generic, but literally men (not women). See Matthew 14:21 .

Verse 45

ship = boat.

to = unto. Greek. eis . App-104 . (as in preceding clause).

Bethsaida . App-94 ., and App-169 .

Verse 46

a = the; denoting the well-known mountain. to pray. See App-134 .

Verse 47

on . Greek. epi . App-104 .

Verse 48

He saw He having seen. App-133 .

toiling = distressed. Greek. basanizo, translated “tor ment “(Mark 5:7 . Matthew 8:6 , Matthew 8:28 , Luke 8:28 , Revelation 9:5 ; Revelation 11:10 ; Revelation 14:1 Revelation 14:0 ; Revelation 20:10 . Compare Matthew 4:24 ).

about . Greek. peri App-104 . Not the same word as in Mark 6:44 .

the fourth watch . See App-51 .

upon. Greek. epi. App-104 .

would have passed by = wished ( App-102 .) to pass by. Only here.

Verse 49

a spirit. Greek. phantasma = a phantom. Compare Matthew 14:26 .

Verse 50

they all saw Him . A Divine supplement, here.

talked with them = spoke with them. Matthew and John = to them.

Verse 51

ceased = dropped. Compare Mark 4:39 .

sore = exceedingly.

Verse 52

For &c. Verse 52 is a Divine supplement, here.

the miracle of the loaves = concerning (Greek. epi . App-104 .) the loaves.

hardened. Referring to the habitual state.

Verse 53

into = upon. Greek. cpi, App-104 .

drew to the shore . A Divine supplement, here.

Verse 54

out of . Greek. ek. App-104 .

knew = recognised. App-132 . The result of Mark 5:20 .

Verse 55

beds = mats, or mattresses. See note on Mark 2:4 .

Verse 56

And, &c. Verse 56 is a Divine supplement,

here. = Country places.

the streets = the market-places. Compare Matthew 11:16 . besought. App-134 .

border . See Matthew 9:20 .

made whole = healed. Greek. sozo to save. Compare Luke 7:10 .

Chapter 7

Verse 1

unto . Greek pros. App-104 .

Pharisees . See App-120 .

from = away from. Greek. apo App-104 .

Jerusalem . Their head-quarters. Compare Matthew 15:1 .

Verse 2

saw. Greek. eidon, App-133 .

defiled = not ceremonially cleansed.

that is to say . Explanation for Gentile readers.

Verse 3

For , &c. Mark 7:3-4 are interposed by the Figure of speech Parembole ( App-6 ).

wash . Greek. nipto. App-136 .

oft = diligently. Greek. pugme = with the fist. T reads pukna = often. Syr, reads

not . Greek. ou . App-105 .

holding = holding fast or firmly. Compare Hebrews 4:14 .Revelation 2:25 . Implying (here) determined adherence to.

elders . Always denoting in the Papyri an official class, whether sacred or secular.

Verse 4

when they come . Figure of speech Ellipsis (absolute). App-6 .

wash = wash themselves (ceremonially). Greek. baptizo. WH R margin read rhantizo = sprinkle (ceremonially). See App-136 . .

washing . The ceremonial cleansing effected by means of water (Numbers 8:6 , Numbers 8:7 ). Greek. baptismos = the act of cleansing: not baptisma = the rite or ceremonial of baptism, which is the word in all the other passages, except Mark 7:8 , and Hebrews 6:2 ; Hebrews 9:10 . See App-115 . .

pots . Greek. xestes . A Latin word (sextarius); a pitcher of any kind, holding about a pint. and of tables = and of couches. So Syriac.

Verse 5

according to . Greek. kata . App-104 .

Verse 6

Esaias = Isaiah. See App-79 .

of = concerning. Greek peri. App-104 .,

hypocrites . The definition of the word follows.

it is written = it standeth written.

This People, &c. Quoted from Isaiah 29:13 . See App-107 .

Verse 7

worship . Greek. sebomai. App-137 .

commandments = injunctions.

men. Greek plural of anthropos . App-123 .

Verse 8

laying aside = having forsaken. Same word as in Mark 1:18 , Mark 1:20 .

God. App-98 .

other . Greek. allos . App-124 .

Verse 9

Full well. Same as “Well” in Mark 7:6

reject = set aside.

keep = observe.

Verse 10

Moses . See note on Mark 1:44 .

Honour, &c. Quoted from Exodus 20:12 ; Exodus 21:17 .

die the death = surely die.

Verse 11

If. The condition being purely hypothetical. See App-118 .

Corhan = a gilt dedicated to God. A Divine supplement, giving the word and then translating it. See notes on Matthew 15:5 .Leviticus 1:2 .Ezekiel 40:43 .

by = from. Greek. ek. App-104 .

Verse 13

Making. of none effect = Making void, or annulling. Compare Matthew 15:6 .

the word of God . Notice the Lord’s claim here for the Mosaic Law. Greek logos. See note on Mark 9:32 .

ye have delivered. Note the Past Tense, thus identifying them with their forefathers. Compare Matthew 23:35 , “ye slew”.

Verse 14

people = crowd.

every one of you = all. But there are many to-day who neither “hear” nor understand.

Verse 15

into. Greek. eis. App-104 .

can defile = is able to defile.

of = away from. Greek apo. App-104 .

Verse 16

If any man = If any one. See App-118 and App-142 . Assuming the hypothesis, the result being yet unfulfilled. T WH R omit Mark 7:16 . TR and A put it in brackets. But the Structure requires it; and the Syriac has it.

Verse 17

house. Supply the Ellipsis thus: “house [away] from”.

His disciples . The third of the three parties addressed in this chapter. See verses: Mark 7:1 , Mark 7:14 , Mark 7:17 .

asked = began asking.

concerning. Greek. peri. App-104 , as in Mark 7:6 .

Verse 18

so . . . also = even so.

whatsoever thing from without = all [counted unclean] from without.

cannot = is not ( App-105 ) able to.

Verse 19

draught = sewer. Syriac reads “digestive process”. purging all meats. Supply the Ellipsis thus (being the Divine comment on the Lord’s words): “[this He said], making all meats clean”, as in Acts 10:15 . The Syriac reads “carrying off all that is eaten”: making it part of the Lord’s parable.

Verse 20

And He said , &c. Note the Figure of speech Epimone. App-6 .

cometh = issueth,

out of. Greek. ek . App-101 .

Verse 21

evil . App-128 . Note the Figure Asyndeton, leading up to the climax in Mark 7:23 . Note that in the Greek the first seven are plural, and the other six singular,

thoughts = reasonings,

Verse 22

covetousness = covetous desires.

Wickedness = wickednesses. App-128 .

deceit = guile.

lasciviousness = licentiousness.

evil . App-128 .

evil eye . Figure of speech Catachresis. App-6 . Denoting envy, which proceeds out of the heart.

blasphemy = evil speaking in general. Matthew 27:39 . Romans 3:8 ; Romans 14:16 , 1 Peter 4:4 .

pride = haughtiness. Compare Proverbs 16:5 , Rom 12:16 , 1 Timothy 3:6 .

Verse 23

come = issue. A Divine supplement, here.

Verse 24

went = went away. See note on “withdrew”, Mark 3:7 ; Mark 6:31 ,

would = wished to. App-102 .,

no man = no one.

know = get to know. Greek. ginosko. App-132 .

Verse 25

For , &c. Connect this with Mark 7:24 , as being an evidence why He could not be hid.

young daughter. Greek. thugatrion = little daughter (Dim.) See Ch. Mark 5:23 .

spirit . Greek. pneuma. See App-101 . Compare Mark 7:26 .

at = towards. Greek. pros . App-104 .

Verse 26

The woman But (or Now) the woman.

Greek = Gentile, Greek. hellenis . Used in a general sense for non-Jewish.

Syrophenician . Phenicia in Syria, to distinguish it from Phenicia in North Africa (Libyo-Phenicia).

besought. App-134 . Not the same word as in Mark 7:22 .

the devil = the demon: the spirit of Mark 7:25 .

Verse 27

Jesus. App-98 .

Let the children first be filled. This is a summary of Matthew 15:23 , Matthew 15:24 , and a Divine supplement, here.

children . Greek. Plural of teknon. See App-108 . Not the same word as in Mark 7:28 .

meet = good,

dogs = little or domestic dogs. Greek. kunarion. Dim. of kuon . Occ, only here and Matthew 15:26 , Matthew 15:27 . These were not the pariah dogs of the street, but domestic pets.

Verse 28

answered and said . See notes on Deuteronomy 1:41 and on Matthew 15:26 , &c.

Lord. App-98 . B.

under the table . A Divine supplement, here.

children’s. See App-108 . Not the same word as in Mark 7:27 .

Verse 29

And , &c. Verses Mar 29:30 are a Divine supplement, here.

For = Because, or on account of. Greek. dia . App-104 .Mark 7:2 .

Verse 30

to = into. Greek. eos . App-104 .

gone out : i.e. permanently (Perf. Tense).

her = the.

laid = thrown; by the convulsion. Compare Mark 1:26 ; Mark 9:20 .

upon . Greek. epi . App-104 .

Verse 31

from = out of. Greek ek. App-104 .

coasts = borders.

Galilee. See App-169 .

Verse 32

And Mark 7:32-37 are a Divine supplement, here.

deaf. impediment. Not horn deaf, and dumb in consequence; but the impediment may have come through subsequent deafness. He could speak, but with difficulty, through not being able to hear his own voice. Compare Mark 7:35 .

beseech. App-134 .; not the same word as in Mark 7:26 .

put = lay. Not the same word as in next verse.

Verse 33

multitude = crowd, same as “people” in Mark 7:14 .

put = thrust. Not the some word as in Mark 7:32 .

and . Note the Figure of speech Polysyndeton ( App-6 ), particularising each not.

Verse 34

heaven = the heaven. Singular. See note on Matthew 6:9 , Matthew 6:10

sighs = groaned.

Ephphatha . An Aramaic word. See App-94 .

Verse 35

straightway = immediately. See note on Mark 1:10 , Mark 1:12 .

string = band. Not a physiological or technical ex pression, but the bond of demoniac influence which is thus indicated. The Papyri contain detailed prescriptions for “binding” a man; and cases are particu larly common in which a man’s tongue is specially to be bound. See Prof. Deissmann’s Light from the Ancient East, pp. 306-310. The Lord alludes to this in Luke 13:16 .

loosed . The demoniac’s fetters were loosed, and the work of Satan was undone.

spake = began speaking.

plain = correctly. Denoting the fact of articulation, not the words spoken.

Verse 36

published = kept proclaiming. See App-121 .

Chapter 8

Verse 1

In . Greek. en . App-104 .

multitude = crowd, ae in Mark 7:33 .

nothing = not (Greek. me . App-105 ) anything.

Verse 2

on . Greek. epi. App-104 .

nothing = not (Greek. ou . App-105 ) anything.

Verse 3

if . An hypothetical condition. App-118 .

to = into. Greek. eis . App-104 .

by = in. Greek. en . App-104 .

divers, &c. = some of them are come from far. A Divine supplement, here.

Verse 4

in = on. Greek. epi. App-104 .

Verse 5

asked = began asking.

Verse 6

people = crowd.

on = upon. Greek. epi. App-104 .

brake . See notes on Matthew 14:19 . Isaiah 58:7 .

gave = kept giving.

Verse 8

baskets . Greek. Plural of spuris, a large basket or hamper. Occurs only here and in Mark 8:20 , Matthew 15:37 ; Matthew 16:10 and Acts 9:25 .

Verse 9

four thousand . Matthew 15:38 adds a Divine supplement:. “beside women and children”.

Verse 10

straightway . See notes on Mark 1:10 , Mark 1:12 .

into. Greek. eis. App-104 .

a ship = the boat.

with = in company with, Greek. meta . App-104 . Same word as in verses: Mark 8:14 , Mark 8:38 . Not the same as in Mark 8:34 .

Dalmanutha , App-169 .

Verse 11

Pharisees . App-120 .

began . The beginnings of things are very often thus, emphasised in Mark. See Mark 1:1 , Mark 1:45 ; Mark 4:1 ; Mark 5:17 , Mark 5:20 ; Mark 6:2 , Mark 6:7 , Mark 6:34 , Mar 6:66 ; Mark 8:11 , Mark 8:31 , Mark 8:32 ;. Mark 10:28 , Mark 10:32 , Mark 10:41 , Mark 10:47 ; Mark 11:15 ; Mark 12:1 ; Mark 13:5 ; Mark 14:19 , Mark 14:33 , Mark 14:65 , Mark 14:69 , Mark 14:71 ; Mark 15:8 , Mark 15:18 .

of Greek. para. App-104 .

a sign , Compare Matthew 12:38 .

from . Greek. apo . App-104 .

heaven . Singular. See notes on Matthew 6:9 , Matthew 6:10

Verse 12

sighed deeply in His spirit . A Divine supplement, here.

spirit . Greek. pneuma. See App-101 .

Why , &c. Figure of speech Erotesis ( App-8 ). See note on Mark 8:17 .

seek = repeatedly seek.

Verse 13

verily = indeed. See note on Matthew 5:18 .

There shall no sign be , &c. = lf there shall be a sign given, &c. A Hebrew idiom; = ye will see a sign; but the sentence is left unfinished by the Figure of speech Aposiopesis ( App-6 ). The word “if” implies that there is no doubt about it. See App-118 . Compare Genesis 21:23 . Deu 1:35 . 1 Kings 1:51 .

Verse 14

Now, &c. See Matthew 16:5 , &c.

neither had they = and they had not ( App-105 ).

one loaf . A Divine supplement, here.

Verse 15

charged was charging. of = [and keep away] from. Greek apo. App-104 .

the leaven. Note the Figure of speech Hypocatastasis ( App-6 ), by which the word “doctrine “is implied. Compare Matthew 16:6 .

Herod. See Mark 3:6 and App-109 .

Verse 16

reasoned = were reasoning.

among = one with (Greek. (pros. App-104 .) another.

no . Greek ou. App-105 .

Verse 17

knew . App-132 .

Why reason ye . ? Note the Figure of speech Erotesis ( App-6 ), emphasizing the seven questions of verses: Mark 8:17 , Mark 8:18 . Compare Mark 8:12 and Mark 8:21 .

Verse 18

Having eyes , &c. Quoted from Jeremiah 5:21 .

see . Greek blepo. App-133 .

not . Greek. ou . App-105 .

Verse 19

among = to; or [and gave] to. Greek. eis . App-104 . Not the same word as in Mark 8:16 .

five = the five. baskets. Greek. kophinos = a Jewish wicker travelling hand-basket, of a definite capacity. From this comes our Eng. “coffin”. Occurs in Matthew 14:20 ; Matthew 16:9 . Mat 6:43 ; Matthew 8:10 . Luke 9:17 . John 6:13 . Not the same word as in Mark 8:20 .

Verse 20

when = when. [I brake]. Supply the Ellipsis from Mark 8:19 .

four = the four. baskets. Greek. spuris , a large basket, or hamper. See note on Mark 8:8 , Mark 8:19 .

Verse 21

How is it . P Figure of speech Erotesis ( App-6 ). See notes on verses: Mark 8:12 , Mark 8:17 .

Verse 22

And He cometh , &c. This miracle is a Divine supplement in this Gospel. The second part of the Lord’s ministry was drawing to a close. The proclamation of His Person was reaching a climax (verses: Mark 8:17-20 ). Note the character of “this generation” brought out by the Figure of speech Erotesis ( App-6 ) in verses: Mark 8:12 , Mark 8:17 , Mark 8:18 , Mark 12:21 ; the un belief of Bethsaida (Matthew 11:21 ), is symbolized by this, the last miracle of that period, which that town was not allowed to witness or be told of. Note also the seeming difficulty and the two stages of the miracle, as though symbolic of verses: Mark 8:17 , Mark 8:18 .

Betheaida. Where most of His miracles had been wrought. A town on the west shore of Galilee. See App-94 and App-169 .

Verse 23

took = took hold of. (So Tyndale.)

out of = outside of.

on = into. Greek. eis, App-104 .

put = laid.

asked = was asking. (Imperf.)

if he saw = can you see . . . ? Present Tense.

Verse 24

looked up . App-133 .

I see men, &c = I see the men [men they must be] for [I see them] as trees, walking.

men. Greek. anthropos. App-123 .

Verse 25

upon . Greek. epi. App-104 .

made him look up . T Tr. A WH and R read “the man looked steadily”.

saw. Greek. emplepo. App-133 .

every man . L T Tr. A WH R read “everything”.

clearly = distinctly; implying at a distance. Greek. telaugos (from tele , far, as in our telescope, telegram, &c.)

Verse 26

Neither go , &c. Note the determination of the Lord not to give Bethsaida any further evidence.

Verse 27

that I am. The second subject of the Lord’s ministry (see the Structure on p. 1383 and App-119 ), as to His Person, was thus brought to a conclusion; as in Matthew 16:13-20 .

Verse 28

but some = and others. Greek alloi. App-124 .

Verse 29

h e saith unto them = He was further saying.

the Christ = the Messiah. App-98 . .

Verse 30

charged = strictly charged. This second subject of His ministry is thus closed. Sufficient testimony had been given to that generation, as to His Person.

of = concerning. Greek peri. App-104 .

Verse 31

He began . The third period and subject of His ministry: the rejection of Himself as King. See App-119 , and notes on Matthew 16:21-28 ; Luke 24:26 .

the Son of man . See App-98 .

must . For this necessity see Acts 3:15 ,

of . Greek. apo, as in Mark 8:15 . But all the texts read hupo = at the hands of. App-104 .

after . Greek. meta . App-104 . See App-148 .

Verse 32

openly : i.e. publicly: not as in John 2:19-21 or John 3:14 , in the earlier portion of His ministry.

rebuke = remonstrate with.

Verse 33

looked , &c. = saw ( App-133 .) His disciples, who might easily have been ledastray by Peter’s remonstrance.

Get thee behind , &c. Compare Matthew 4:10 , regarding it as a Satanic temptation.

savourest = mindest.

God. App-98 .

Verse 34

And when, &c. The Lord now speaks to all who follow Him.

with = in association with. Greek sun. App-104 . Not the same word as in verses: Mark 8:10 , Mark 8:14 , Mark 8:38 .

will come = is willing to come.

will . Greek. thelo. App-102 .

follow: i.e. habitually follow.

Verse 35

life . Greek. psuche.

App-110 . But here correctly rendered “life”. See Mark 8:36 .

and the gospel’s. A Divine supplement, here.

Verse 36

if he shall gain, &c. See App-118 .

world. Greek. kosmos. App-129 .

soul = life. Same word as life “in Mark 8:35 . See Matthew 16:26 .

Verse 37

in exchange = [as] an equivalent.

Verse 38

Whosoever therefore = For whosoever.

My words . Not of Christ only, but of His words. See note on Mark 9:32 .

this . . . generation. A Divine supplement, here. Note the frequent references to “this generation” as sinful above all others, and as being different from all others: verses: Mark 8:12 ; Mark 9:19 ; Mark 13:30 . See note on Matthew 11:16 .

him also. The “also” must be after ‘the Son of man”, not after “him”,

cometh = may have come.

Father . See App-98 .