Mark 8:20

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Mark 8:20 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And when the seven among the four thousand, how many basketfuls of broken pieces took ye up? And they say unto him, Seven.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And when the seven among the four thousand, how many basketfuls of broken pieces took ye up? And they say unto him, Seven.
Mark 8:20 — American Standard Version

Context — Mark 8

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
20And when the seven among the four thousand, how many basketfuls of broken pieces took ye up? And they say unto him, Seven.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And when the seven among four thousand, etc..] That is, when seven loaves were broken among four thousand men, how many baskets full of fragments took ye up? this surely you must remember, it being so recent an action, but just done, as it were: and they said, seven; for this, as yet, could not have slipped their memories; though they had, been reasoning among themselves because of their straitness of provisions, as if these things had never been done.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“See this passage explained in Matthew 16:1-12. Mark 8:12 Sighed deeply in his spirit - His heart was deeply affected at their wickedness and hypocrisy. The word “spirit” here is taken as the seat of the emotions, passions, affections. He drew groans deeply from his breast. No sign be given - That is, no such sign as they asked, to wit, a sign “from heaven.” He said a sign should be given, the same as was furnished by Jonas, Matthew 16:4. But this was not what they “asked,” nor would it be given “because” they asked it. Mark 8:15 Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees - See Matthew 16:6. Of Herod - Of the Herodians - of Herod and his followers. Matthew, instead of “Herod,” has “the Sadducees.”…”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Mar 8:1-9; Mat 15:34-38 Mark 8:21”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification