Mark 8:4

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An Exegetical Analysis of Mark 8:4

This exegetical study of Mark 8:4 is based on a b-greek discussion from May 3, 1999. The initial query, posed by a student of Greek, sought clarification on the intricate syntax of Mark 8:4. Specifically, the student expressed difficulty in understanding the precise function of the terms ὅτι, τούτους, and ἄρτων within the passage, acknowledging that while the basic intent of the verse seemed clear, a poor grasp of its grammatical structure hindered accurate personal translation.

The main exegetical issue at the heart of the discussion concerned the precise syntactic function of the genitive plural noun ἄρτων in relation to the infinitive χορτάσαι. Secondary, but related, points included the role of the particle ὅτι in introducing the direct discourse and the case of τούτους as the direct object. These grammatical considerations are crucial for accurately rendering the disciples’ rhetorical question regarding the feeding of the multitude in the wilderness.

Greek text (Nestle 1904)
Καὶ ἀπεκρίθησαν αὐτῷ οἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ ὅτι Πόθεν τούτους δυνήσεταί τις ὧδε χορτάσαι ἄρτων ἐπ’ ἐρημίας;

Key differences with SBLGNT (2010):
• A comparison of the Greek text of Mark 8:4 in widely accepted critical editions, such as Nestle-Aland 28 (NA28), which generally reflects the textual tradition of Nestle 1904, and the SBLGNT (2010) reveals no substantive textual variants for this verse. The reading is stable across these critical editions.

Textual criticism (NA28): The textual apparatus of the Nestle-Aland 28th edition (NA28) for Mark 8:4 indicates a high degree of textual stability for this verse. There are no significant variants noted that would impact the interpretation or translation of the passage.

Lexical notes (KITTEL, BDAG):

• ἀπεκρίθησαν (from ἀποκρίνω): “to answer, reply” (BDAG, p. 115). In this context, it introduces the disciples’ response to Jesus.
• ὅτι: Functions as an introductory particle for direct discourse following a verb of speaking, akin to quotation marks in English (BDAG, p. 734).
• Πόθεν: “from where, whence” (BDAG, p. 855). Used here to express the source or origin of the means to perform an action, or rhetorical impossibility.
• δυνήσεταί (from δύναμαι): “to be able, capable” (BDAG, p. 261). The future indicative highlights the projected impossibility.
• τούτους (from οὗτος): Accusative masculine plural, “these,” referring to the large crowd of people (BDAG, p. 737). It serves as the direct object of the infinitive χορτάσαι.
• ὧδε: “here, in this place” (BDAG, p. 1098). Emphasizes the immediate, difficult location.
• χορτάσαι (from χορτάζω): “to feed, satisfy, fill (with food)” (BDAG, p. 1092; KITTEL, TDNT IX, 605-607). Originally used for feeding animals, it expanded to mean satisfying human hunger. It typically takes a direct object for the person fed and a genitive for the food provided.
• ἄρτων (from ἄρτος): Genitive plural of “bread, loaf” (BDAG, p. 138; KITTEL, TDNT I, 472-477). This genitive case is the crux of the grammatical discussion, indicating the material or means by which the satisfaction is achieved.
• ἐπ’ ἐρημίας (ἐπί + ἐρημία): “on/in a desolate place, wilderness” (BDAG, p. 396, for ἐπί + gen. of place; BDAG, p. 409, for ἐρημία). Further underscores the environmental challenge.

Translation Variants

The original discussion presented several initial translation attempts and established versions (NASB, NIV, NKJV, ESV, KJV), all grappling with the nuances of the Greek text. The grammatical analysis primarily focused on three key elements:

• The particle ὅτι: This particle, in Koine Greek, frequently introduces direct speech, functioning effectively as a quotation marker rather than an indicator of indirect discourse (“that”). This interpretation, affirmed in the discussion, supports rendering the disciples’ words as a direct question.
• The accusative τούτους: This term functions as the direct object of the infinitive χορτάσαι, meaning “to satisfy these people.” Its position clarifies who is to be fed.
• The genitive ἄρτων: This was the most debated element. Initial suggestions ranged from a literal “breadwise” to “of breads.” However, the consensus, articulated by one participant, leaned towards interpreting it as a “partitive genitive” or an “ablative genitive” that implies “feeding from breads” or “with loaves.” This indicates the substance or means by which the crowd is to be satisfied. The merging of ablative, partitive, and pertinentive functions into the genitive case in Koine Greek explains this flexibility.

Rhetorically, the question beginning with Πόθεν (from where/how), coupled with the clear impossibility presented by ὧδε ἐπ’ ἐρημίας (here in a desolate place), serves as a strong expression of the disciples’ perplexity and their perception of the task as impossible under the given circumstances.

Conclusions and Translation Suggestions

The exegetical analysis of Mark 8:4 reveals a syntactically stable yet grammatically nuanced verse. The particle ὅτι introduces a direct, rhetorical question, the accusative τούτους clearly identifies the recipients of the feeding, and the genitive ἄρτων specifies the means of satisfaction. The combined rhetorical force underscores the disciples’ profound bewilderment in the face of an insurmountable challenge.

1. “And his disciples answered him, ‘From where will anyone be able to satisfy these people with bread here in a desolate place?'”
   This translation prioritizes the direct interrogative force of πόθεν and renders ἄρτων as the means, emphasizing the location’s impossibility.
2. “His disciples replied to him, ‘How can one possibly provide enough bread for these people here in the wilderness?'”
   This option captures the rhetorical nature of the question and translates πόθεν idiomatically as “how,” while interpreting ἄρτων as the quantity of provision.
3. “And his disciples said to him, ‘Where, in this desolate place, will anyone be able to get bread to feed this crowd?'”
   This rendering focuses on the location and the obtaining of the bread, employing “get bread to feed” to encompass the genitive’s role in supplying the necessity.

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