And Jesus went out, and his disciples, into the towns of Caesarea Philippi: and by the way he asked his disciples, saying unto them, Whom do men say that I am?

MARK 8:27KJV
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Mark 8:27 (KJV)

What does Mark 8:27 mean?

Mark 8:27 describes Jesus traveling with his disciples to the area around Caesarea Philippi, where he asks them what other people are saying about his identity. Jesus is inviting his disciples to share the opinions and rumors they have heard from the crowds about who he is.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking directly to his closest followers as they journey together. The setting is significant because Caesarea Philippi was a region known for its diverse religious influences. By asking, "Whom do men say that I am?" Jesus is opening a conversation that will soon lead to deeper questions about his true identity and the disciples' own understanding of him.

The Greek behind Mark 8:27

  • Ἰησοῦς (Iēsous): This is the Greek form of "Jesus," the central figure in the verse, highlighting that he is the one initiating the conversation.
  • ἐπηρώτα (epērōta, from G1905): This word means "he asked" or "he questioned." The Greek carries the sense of a purposeful, probing question, not just casual curiosity. Jesus is intentionally leading his disciples to reflect on what people are saying about him.
  • ἄνθρωποι (anthrōpoi, from G444): This word means "men" or "people" in a general sense, referring to the crowds or the public, not just a specific group. Jesus is interested in the general public opinion, not just the views of religious leaders.

Why Mark 8:27 matters

  • Mark 8:27 sets the stage for a turning point in the Gospel, where Jesus begins to reveal more about his identity and mission to his disciples.
  • The verse shows that Jesus is aware of public opinion but wants his followers to think for themselves about who he truly is.
  • By placing this conversation near Caesarea Philippi, the verse highlights the contrast between the many beliefs in the region and the unique claim Jesus is about to make about himself.

Where else these words appear

“Caesarea” Greek G2542 · used in 17 verses

  • Matthew 16:13 When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?
  • Acts 11:11 And, behold, immediately there were three men already come unto the house where I was, sent from Caesarea unto me.
  • Acts 23:23 And he called unto him two centurions, saying, Make ready two hundred soldiers to go to Caesarea, and horsemen threescore and ten, and spearmen two hundred, at the third hour of the night;

“towns” Greek G2968 · used in 27 verses

  • Matthew 9:35 And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.
  • Mark 8:26 And he sent him away to his house, saying, Neither go into the town, nor tell it to any in the town.
  • Luke 13:22 And he went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem.

“Philippi” Greek G5376 · used in 37 verses

  • Matthew 10:3 Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus;
  • John 1:48 Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee.
  • Acts 8:13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.

“asked” Greek G1905 · used in 58 verses

  • Matthew 12:10 And, behold, there was a man which had his hand withered. And they asked him, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath days? that they might accuse him.
  • Mark 10:2 And the Pharisees came to him, and asked him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife? tempting him.
  • Luke 9:18 And it came to pass, as he was alone praying, his disciples were with him: and he asked them, saying, Whom say the people that I am?