1 In those days, when there was a very great multitude, and they had nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples to himself, and said to them,
*Minor differences ignored. Grouped by changes, with first version listed as example.
See this passage explained in the notes at Matthew 15:32-39.
In those days - While in the wilderness, where he had cured the deaf-mute man.
Having nothing to eat - Having come unprovided, or having consumed what they had brought.
The multitude being very great - Or rather, There was again a great multitude. Instead of παμπολλου, very great, I read παλιν πολλου, again a great, which is the reading of BDGLM, fourteen others, all the Arabic, Coptic, Ethiopic, Armenian, Gothic, Vulgate, and Itala, and of many Evangelistaria. Griesbach approves of this reading. There had been such a multitude gathered together once before, who were fed in the same way. See Mark 6:34, etc.
In those days,.... The Ethiopic version reads, on that day; as if it was on the same day that the deaf man was healed; and so it might be; and on the third day from Christ's coming into those parts; and so is very properly expressed, "in those days"; see Mark 7:31, compared with the following verse:
the multitude being very great: for the number of men that ate, when the following miracle was wrought, were about four thousand; see Mark 8:9. The Vulgate Latin, Arabic, and Ethiopic versions add, "again"; referring to the former miracle of the five thousand, who were fed with five loaves, and two fishes, Mark 6:44.
And having nothing to eat; what they might have brought with them being expended, and they in a desert, where nothing was to be had, nor bought for money:
Jesus called his disciples to him, and saith unto them; See Gill on Matthew 15:32.
Our Lord Jesus encouraged the meanest to come to him for life and grace. Christ knows and considers our frames. The bounty of Christ is always ready; to show that, he repeated this miracle. His favours are renewed, as our wants and necessities are. And those need not fear want, who have Christ to live upon by faith, and do so with thanksgiving.
FOUR THOUSAND MIRACULOUSLY FED--A SIGN FROM HEAVEN SOUGHT AND REFUSED--THE LEAVEN OF THE PHARISEES AND SADDUCEES--A BLIND MAN AT BETHSAIDA RESTORED TO SIGHT. ( = Matthew. 15:32-16:12). (Mark 8:1-26)
In those days the multitude being very great, &c.
In those days. While Christ was in Decapolis. For notes on the feeding of the four thousand, see Matthew 15:32-38. This is not the same event as the feeding of the five thousand (Matthew 14:13-21; Mark 6:32-44; Luke 9:10-17; John 6:1-14). In Mark 8:19-20, the Lord refers to both miracles.
*More commentary available at chapter level.