I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now been with me three days, and have nothing to eat:

MARK 8:2KJV
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Mark 8:2 (KJV)

What does Mark 8:2 mean?

Mark 8:2 records Jesus expressing deep concern for the crowd that has been with him for three days without food, saying, “I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now been with me three days, and have nothing to eat.” Jesus is moved by their need and recognizes their physical hunger after their commitment to stay and listen to him.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to his disciples about the large group of people who have gathered to hear him teach in a remote place. The verse highlights Jesus’s empathy and awareness of practical needs, not just spiritual ones. This moment sets the stage for the miracle of feeding the four thousand, showing that Jesus’s care extends to the everyday struggles of those who follow him.

The Greek behind Mark 8:2

  • The word translated “compassion” is σπλαγχνίζομαι (splagchnizomai), which refers to a deep, gut-level feeling of sympathy or pity. This shows that Jesus’s concern is heartfelt and not just a sense of duty.
  • The term for “multitude” is ὄχλος (ochlos), meaning a large crowd or group of ordinary people. This emphasizes that Jesus’s compassion is directed toward common people, not just a select few.
  • The phrase “have been with me” uses προσμένω (prosmenō), which means to remain or stay with someone over time. This highlights the persistence and dedication of the crowd, making their need more pressing in Jesus’s eyes.

Why Mark 8:2 matters

  • Mark 8:2 clarifies that Jesus’s miracles are motivated by genuine compassion, not just a desire to display power.
  • The verse emphasizes that Jesus notices and values the sacrifices people make to seek him, even when it leads to discomfort or need.
  • This verse connects directly to the following miracle, showing that Jesus’s care for people is holistic—he addresses both spiritual and physical needs.

Where else these words appear

“have” Greek G4357 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 15:32 Then Jesus called his disciples unto him, and said, I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat: and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way.
  • Acts 11:23 Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.
  • 1 Timothy 1:3 As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,

“compassion” Greek G4697 · used in 12 verses

  • Matthew 9:36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.
  • Matthew 18:27 Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.
  • Mark 9:22 And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us.

“now” Greek G2235 · used in 54 verses

  • Matthew 3:10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
  • Luke 14:17 And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready.
  • John 21:14 This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead.

“three” Greek G5140 · used in 60 verses

  • Matthew 12:40 For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.
  • Luke 12:52 For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three.
  • Acts 28:17 And it came to pass, that after three days Paul called the chief of the Jews together: and when they were come together, he said unto them, Men and brethren, though I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.