And they reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have no bread.

MARK 8:16KJV
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Mark 8:16 (KJV)

What does Mark 8:16 mean?

Mark 8:16 describes how the disciples began discussing among themselves, thinking that Jesus’ recent words were about their lack of bread. The disciples assumed that Jesus was concerned with their physical need for food, rather than understanding a deeper point he was making.

In this scene, Jesus is with his disciples in a boat after feeding thousands with just a few loaves. The disciples realize they have forgotten to bring enough bread for the journey. When Jesus warns them about “the leaven of the Pharisees and Herod,” they misunderstand and think he is talking about literal bread. This verse captures their confusion and focus on practical concerns instead of the spiritual lesson Jesus was teaching.

The Greek behind Mark 8:16

  • διαλογίζομαι (dialogizomai, “reasoned”): This word means to discuss, consider, or debate among themselves. It suggests the disciples were actively trying to figure out what Jesus meant, not just passively wondering.
  • πρὸς ἀλλήλους (pros allēlous, “among themselves”): The phrase highlights that this was a private conversation within the group, not something they brought to Jesus directly.
  • ἄρτος (artos, “bread”): This word refers to ordinary bread, emphasizing that the disciples’ minds were on everyday needs rather than spiritual matters.

Why Mark 8:16 matters

  • Mark 8:16 shows how easily the disciples misunderstood Jesus, focusing on physical needs instead of the spiritual message he was teaching.
  • This verse sets up the following conversation, where Jesus challenges their lack of understanding and reminds them of the recent miracles involving bread.
  • The verse helps readers see the contrast between earthly concerns and the deeper meanings in Jesus’ teachings, a theme that runs throughout the Gospels.

Where else these words appear

“reasoned” Greek G1260 · used in 15 verses

  • Matthew 16:7 And they reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have taken no bread.
  • Mark 2:8 And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, he said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts?
  • Luke 5:21 And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, Who is this which speaketh blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone?

“bread” Greek G740 · used in 91 verses

  • Matthew 4:3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
  • Mark 7:5 Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands?
  • John 6:23 (Howbeit there came other boats from Tiberias nigh unto the place where they did eat bread, after that the Lord had given thanks:)

“themselves” Greek G240 · used in 94 verses

  • Matthew 24:10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.
  • Acts 4:15 But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves,
  • Ephesians 4:2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;