Mark 8:4

“And his disciples answered him, etc..] The Syriac version renders it, “say unto him”; and the Persic and Ethiopic, “said unto him”; forgetting the late miracle of feeding five thousand with five loaves and two fishes, when they had now a less number, and more provisions: from whence can a man satisfy these men with bread here in the wilderness? from what place, and by what ways and means can it be thought, that such a quantity of bread can be got at any rate in a desert, as to satisfy so large a number of hungry men? (see Gill on “<401533>Matthew 15:33”).”

“See this passage explained in the notes at Matthew 15:32-39. Mark 8:1 In those days - While in the wilderness, where he had cured the deaf-mute man. Having nothing to eat - Having come unprovided, or having consumed what they had brought. Mark 8:2 I have compassions - I pity their condition. I am disposed to relieve them. Mark 8:9 Four thousand - Four thousand “men,” besides women and children. See Matthew 15:38. See this passage explained in the notes at Matthew 15:32-39. return to 'Top of Page'”

“8:4 The disciples’ frustration at the situation reveals their dullness. They knew how God provided manna in the wilderness for his people in Moses’ time (Exod 16). They were now in the presence of one far greater than Moses (see Mark 9:5-7) and had recently seen him feed a greater number of people in a similar situation (6:30-44). However, they still did not understand (cp. 6:52). Even so, Jesus worked through them to bring physical and spiritual food to the hungry (8:6-8). What they could not do by themselves, the mighty Son of God would do through them.”

“From: Mar 6:36, Mar 6:37, Mar 6:52; Num 11:21-23; Kg2 4:42-44, Kg2 7:2; Psa 78:19, Psa 78:20; Mat 15:33; Joh 6:7-9 Mark 8:5”