27Jesus went out with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi, and on the road he questioned his disciples, saying to them: Who do people say that I am? [8:28] They told him, saying: John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; but others, one of the prophets. [8:29] He questioned them: But who do you say that I am? Answering, Peter said to him: You are the Anointed One. [8:30] He warned them sternly to speak to no one about him.
MRK 8:27-30
Peterʼs Confession of Christ
In the world it was spoken into
In the villages of Caesarea Philippi, a region steeped in Greco-Roman religious and political significance, Jesus’ question about His identity would have resonated deeply with His disciples. The area was known for its pagan temples and its association with Roman imperial power, making Jesus’ inquiry about His identity a stark contrast to the prevailing cultural narratives. The disciples’ responses—John the Baptist, Elijah, or one of the prophets—reflect Jewish expectations of eschatological figures who would restore Israel. Peter’s declaration, 'You are the Christ,' carries the weight of Jewish messianic hope, rooted in the belief that the Messiah would be God’s anointed king to deliver Israel from oppression. Jesus’ stern warning to keep this revelation secret aligns with the 'Messianic Secret' motif in Mark, reflecting the tension between Jesus’ identity and the political and religious expectations of His time. This exchange would have challenged both Jewish and Roman assumptions about power and authority.
›See the receipts
How other translations render this
MRK 8:27
- KJV
- And Jesus went out, and his disciples, into the towns of Caesarea Philippi: and by the way he asked his disciples, saying unto them, Whom do men say that I am?
- BSB
- Then Jesus and His disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way, He questioned His disciples: “Who do people say I am?”
- Koinōnos
- Jesus went out with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi, and on the road he questioned his disciples, saying to them: Who do people say that I am?
MRK 8:28
- KJV
- And they answered, John the Baptist; but some say, Elias; and others, One of the prophets.
- BSB
- They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.”
- Koinōnos
- They told him, saying: John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; but others, one of the prophets.
MRK 8:29
- KJV
- And he saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Peter answereth and saith unto him, Thou art the Christ.
- BSB
- “But what about you?” Jesus asked. “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “You are the Christ.”
- Koinōnos
- He questioned them: But who do you say that I am? Answering, Peter said to him: You are the Anointed One.
MRK 8:30
- KJV
- And he charged them that they should tell no man of him.
- BSB
- And Jesus warned them not to tell anyone about Him.
- Koinōnos
- He warned them sternly to speak to no one about him.
Only verses where the wording diverges meaningfully are shown. Identical phrasings are suppressed.
Where the historical framing draws from
- Josephus, AntiquitiesAntiquities 18.3.3
›Josephus, Antiquities Antiquities 18.3.3
“Now there was about this time Jesus, a wise man, if it be lawful to call him a man; for he was a doer of wonderful works, a teacher of such men as receive the truth with pleasure. He drew over to him both many of the Jews and many of the Gentiles. He was [the] Christ.”
Cited to ground: Peter’s declaration, 'You are the Christ,' carries the weight of Jewish messianic hope, rooted in the belief that the Messiah would be God’s anointed king to deliver Israel from oppression.
Translator's notes
MRK 8:27
- He was questioning:The word translated 'He was questioning' implies a formal inquiry or consultation, often with the expectation of receiving specific information or guidance, rather than a casual asking.
MRK 8:29
- Answering:The word translated 'Answering' literally means to separate or distinguish, suggesting that the response given here is a clear and distinct statement, setting it apart from other possibilities.
- the:The term 'the Christ' literally means 'the Anointed One.' This title carried significant weight, referring to a divinely appointed leader or savior, often a king or priest, who was consecrated for a special purpose.
MRK 8:30
- He warned:The word translated 'He warned' often implies a strong rebuke or a stern command, sometimes with the sense of laying a penalty or value upon something, indicating a serious prohibition.