Mark 8:31 (KJV)

What does Mark 8:31 mean?

Mark 8:31 means that Jesus began to openly teach his disciples that he, referring to himself as the "Son of man," would have to suffer greatly, be rejected by the Jewish religious leaders, be killed, and then rise from the dead after three days. This is the first time in Mark’s Gospel that Jesus clearly predicts his suffering, death, and resurrection.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking directly to his disciples, preparing them for what is going to happen to him in Jerusalem. The phrase "Son of man" is a title Jesus often uses for himself, and here he explains that his mission involves suffering and rejection by the elders, chief priests, and scribes—the main groups of Jewish leadership. Jesus also makes it clear that his death will not be the end, but that he will rise again after three days.

The Greek behind Mark 8:31

• "must" (δεῖ, dei): This word means "it is necessary" or "it must happen." Jesus is not saying these events are just likely, but that they are part of a divine plan that must take place.
• "suffer" (παθεῖν, pathein): This word means to experience pain or hardship. Jesus is preparing his followers for the reality that suffering is central to his mission.
• "rejected" (ἀποδοκιμασθῆναι, apodokimasthēnai): This word means to be disapproved of or cast aside. Jesus is saying he will be deliberately turned away by the religious authorities, not just ignored.
• "rise" (ἀναστῆναι, anastēnai): This word means to stand up or rise again. It points to the resurrection, showing that death will not be the final word.

Why Mark 8:31 matters

• Mark 8:31 is the turning point in Mark’s Gospel where Jesus first tells his disciples about his coming suffering and resurrection, shifting their expectations of what the Messiah would do.
• This verse clears up the misunderstanding that the Messiah would only be a victorious king; Jesus explains that his path includes suffering, rejection, and death before resurrection.
• By naming the specific groups—elders, chief priests, and scribes—Jesus shows that his rejection will come from the highest levels of religious authority, not just from the general public.