And he spake that saying openly. And Peter took him, and began to rebuke him.

MARK 8:32KJV
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Mark 8:32 (KJV)

What does Mark 8:32 mean?

Mark 8:32 describes how Jesus spoke openly about what would happen to him, and Peter responded by taking Jesus aside and beginning to correct or scold him. The verse shows a moment where Peter reacts strongly to Jesus’ prediction of suffering and death.

In this scene, Jesus is talking to his disciples and has just told them plainly about his coming rejection, suffering, and death. Peter, troubled by what Jesus says, pulls him aside and starts to rebuke him, showing Peter’s discomfort and misunderstanding of Jesus’ mission. This verse highlights both Jesus’ openness and Peter’s very human reaction.

The Greek behind Mark 8:32

  • The word for "openly" is παρρησίᾳ (parrēsia), which often carries the sense of speaking freely, boldly, or without hiding anything. This emphasizes that Jesus was not hinting or speaking in riddles—he was being completely clear and direct with his disciples.
  • The word for "rebuke" is ἐπιτιμάω (epitimaō), which means to strongly warn, scold, or correct. Peter’s action is not just a gentle disagreement; it is a forceful attempt to set Jesus straight, showing how shocking Jesus’ words were to him.

Why Mark 8:32 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that Jesus kept his suffering a secret; instead, Mark stresses that Jesus spoke about it openly and plainly to his closest followers.
  • The reaction of Peter reveals how difficult it was for even Jesus’ closest friends to accept the idea of a suffering Messiah, which sets up the important teaching that follows.
  • Mark 8:32 connects to the wider passage by showing a turning point in Jesus’ ministry, where he begins to prepare his disciples for the reality of his mission, not just the hope of glory.

Where else these words appear

“took” Greek G4355 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 16:22 Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.
  • Acts 27:34 Wherefore I pray you to take some meat: for this is for your health: for there shall not an hair fall from the head of any of you.
  • Romans 14:3 Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.

“rebuke” Greek G2008 · used in 29 verses

  • Matthew 8:26 And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.
  • Mark 8:30 And he charged them that they should tell no man of him.
  • Luke 9:21 And he straitly charged them, and commanded them to tell no man that thing;

“openly” Greek G3954 · used in 31 verses

  • John 7:4 For there is no man that doeth any thing in secret, and he himself seeketh to be known openly. If thou do these things, shew thyself to the world.
  • Acts 4:13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.
  • 1 Timothy 3:13 For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

“began” Greek G756 · used in 84 verses

  • Matthew 4:17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
  • Mark 10:47 And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me.
  • Luke 14:29 Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him,