Bible Strands
Mark 8:21
Then He asked them, “Do you still not understand?”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Jesus speaks directly to His disciples immediately after they report collecting seven basketfuls of fragments from the feeding of the four thousand. He poses the question in the moment following their numerical answer and just before traveling to Bethsaida.
The words — οὔπω (oupō) means "not yet," and συνὶετε (suniete) means "do you understand?" These terms combine to form a direct inquiry into their current level of spiritual perception.
The thread — The text's emphasis on lingering misunderstanding connects to Mark 6:52, where hardened hearts prevented comprehension of the loaves, and Matthew 16:11, where Jesus corrects their focus from literal bread to spiritual warning. It also mirrors Psalm 94:8's challenge to the senseless to finally gain wisdom.
Why it lands — The verse states that the disciples still lack full comprehension despite witnessing multiple signs. It requires the reader to identify where they are lingering in partial understanding and to pursue complete grasp of Christ's teachings and works.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
And he said unto them, How is it that ye do not understand?
Cross-references
- Psalms 94:8 Take notice, O senseless among the people! O fools, when will you be wise?
- Mark 6:52 for they had not understood about the loaves, but their hearts had been hardened.
- Matthew 16:11 How do you not understand that I was not telling you about bread? But beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”
- Mark 8:12 Jesus sighed deeply in His spirit and said, “Why does this generation demand a sign? Truly I tell you, no sign will be given to this generation.”
- Mark 8:17 Aware of their conversation, Jesus asked them, “Why are you debating about having no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Do you have such hard hearts?
- John 14:9 Jesus replied, “Philip, I have been with you all this time, and still you do not know Me? Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?
- 1 Corinthians 6:5 I say this to your shame. Is there really no one among you wise enough to arbitrate between his brothers?
- 1 Corinthians 15:34 Sober up as you ought, and stop sinning; for some of you are ignorant of God. I say this to your shame.
- Mark 9:19 “O unbelieving generation!” Jesus replied. “How long must I remain with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring the boy to Me.”