Mark 8:28 Meaning and Explanation
“And they answered, John the Baptist: but some say, Elias; and others, One of the prophets.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The disciples report the popular opinions: John the Baptist returned, or Elijah, or one of the prophets.
What Does Mark 8:28 Mean?
Elias is the Greek form of Elijah. The answers repeat what was being said in the court of Herod: that Jesus was John raised from the dead, or the promised return of Elijah, or a prophet like those of old. Every rumor places him among the greatest figures in the history of Israel.
Every popular answer is high, and every one is too low. The crowds reach for the best categories they have — forerunner, fiery reformer, prophetic voice — and all of them fall short. It is possible to admire Jesus sincerely, rank him with the greatest who ever lived, and still miss who he is. Admiration is not yet confession, and reputation is not yet faith.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mark 8:28
What does Mark 8:28 mean?
The disciples report the popular opinions: John the Baptist returned, or Elijah, or one of the prophets.