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Mark 6:52

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Mark 6:52 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “for they understood not concerning the loaves, but their heart was hardened.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

for they understood not concerning the loaves, but their heart was hardened.
Mark 6:52 — American Standard Version

Context — Mark 6

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
49but they, when they saw him walking on the sea, supposed that it was a ghost, and cried out;
50for they all saw him, and were troubled. But he straightway spake with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid.
51And he went up unto them into the boat; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves;
52for they understood not concerning the loaves, but their heart was hardened.
53And when they had crossed over, they came to the land unto Gennesaret, and moored to the shore.
54And when they were come out of the boat, straightway [the people] knew him,
55and ran round about that whole region, and began to carry about on their beds those that were sick, where they heard he was.
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“For they considered not the miracle of the loaves, etc..] Which they had seen but the day before; they did not attend to it, nor learn from it, as they might, the wonderful glory of Christ, and the greatness of his power; which was as much an act of omnipotence, as either his walking upon the water, or causing the wind to cease, or more so. For their heart was hardened; or “blinded”; not by sin, or against Christ, much less in a judicial way: but there was a great deal of dulness and stupidity, and want of attention in them. The glory of Christ, which he manifested, and showed forth in his miracles, was not so clearly and fully discerned, attended to, and acknowledged by them, at it might…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“See this passage explained in the notes at Matthew 14:22-36. Mark 6:52 They considered not the miracle of the loaves - They did not remember or call to mind the “power” which Jesus had shown in feeding the five thousand by a miracle, and that, having done that, he had power also to save them from the storm. Their heart was hardened - Their “mind” was dull to perceive it. This does not mean that they were “opposed” to Jesus, or that they had what we denominate “hardness of heart,” but simply that they were slow to perceive his power. They did not quickly learn, as they ought to have done, that he had all power, and could therefore allay the storm. The word “heart” is frequently used in this…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Their heart was hardened - And yet they were not reprobates. It means only, they were slow and dull of apprehension. Mark 6:53”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“6:52 The account ends with a comment about the disciples’ dullness. It was not from lack of opportunity to believe in Jesus—they had witnessed the miracle of the loaves and many other miracles—but because their hearts were too hard, usually a quality of Jesus’ opponents (e.g., 3:5; see also 8:17, 21; 9:32). Later their hearts would be softened, and they would understand (Luke 24:44-49; John 12:16; 13:7).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“they: Mar 7:18, Mar 8:17, Mar 8:18, Mar 8:21; Mat 16:9-11; Luk 24:25 their: Mar 3:5, Mar 16:14; Isa 63:17 Mark 6:53”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification