And they had a few small fishes: and he blessed, and commanded to set them also before them.

MARK 8:7KJV
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Mark 8:7 (KJV)

What does Mark 8:7 mean?

Mark 8:7 describes how Jesus took a few small fish, gave thanks for them, and then instructed that these also be distributed to the crowd. This verse shows Jesus continuing the process of providing food during the feeding of the four thousand, making sure that both bread and fish were shared.

In this scene, Jesus is with his disciples and a large crowd in a remote area. After already distributing bread, he now takes the small fish that are available, blesses them, and tells his disciples to serve them as well. The verse highlights Jesus’ care for the people’s physical needs and his deliberate, thankful approach to even small resources.

The Greek behind Mark 8:7

  • ἐβλόγησεν (eulogēsen, "blessed"): This word means to give thanks or to speak well of. Here, it shows Jesus pausing to acknowledge and thank God for the food, even though it is only a small amount.
  • παραθεῖναι (paratheinai, "to set before"): This word means to place something in front of others, often as a meal. It emphasizes the act of serving and sharing, not just possessing the food.

Why Mark 8:7 matters

  • Mark 8:7 makes clear that Jesus was intentional about blessing and distributing both the bread and the fish, not just one or the other, showing thorough care in providing for the crowd.
  • The verse highlights gratitude for even small provisions, which might be overlooked in the larger miracle but is specifically mentioned here.
  • This detail connects Mark 8:7 to the earlier feeding of the five thousand, where a similar process is described, helping readers see a pattern in how Jesus provides.

Where else these words appear

“fishes” Greek G2485 · used in 2 verses

  • Matthew 15:34 And Jesus saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven, and a few little fishes.

“set” Greek G3908 · used in 18 verses

  • Matthew 13:24 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field:
  • Luke 10:8 And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you:
  • Acts 17:3 Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ.

“blessed” Greek G2127 · used in 41 verses

  • Matthew 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
  • Luke 1:64 And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God.
  • Romans 12:14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.

“few” Greek G3641 · used in 42 verses

  • Matthew 7:14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
  • Luke 12:48 But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.
  • 1 Timothy 4:8 For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.