And he began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.

MARK 8:31KJV
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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.

Where else these words appear

“rejected” Greek G593 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 21:42 Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?
  • Luke 9:22 Saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day.
  • Hebrews 12:17 For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.

“suffer” Greek G3958 · used in 41 verses

  • Matthew 16:21 From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.
  • Acts 3:18 But those things, which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled.
  • Hebrews 9:26 For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.

“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.

“elders” Greek G4245 · used in 67 verses

  • Matthew 15:2 Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread.
  • Luke 20:1 And it came to pass, that on one of those days, as he taught the people in the temple, and preached the gospel, the chief priests and the scribes came upon him with the elders,
  • 1 Timothy 5:2 The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity.