New Testament
Mark 8:33
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
But Jesus turned around, looked at his disciples, and rebuked Peter, saying, "Get behind me, Satan! You do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men."
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But when he had turned about and looked on his disciples, he rebuked Peter, saying, Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men.
What Mark 8:33 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus confronts Peter after he expresses a desire to protect Jesus from suffering. Jesus calls Peter 'Satan' not because he is literally the devil, but because Peter's thinking is contrary to God's plan. Jesus emphasizes that Peter is focused on human concerns rather than divine purposes. This moment highlights the struggle between human understanding and God's will. Jesus is teaching his disciples that true discipleship involves accepting God's plan, even when it includes suffering or hardship. The rebuke serves as a reminder that followers of Christ must align their thoughts and actions with God's intentions, rather than their own limited perspectives. It illustrates the importance of spiritual discernment and the need to prioritize God's will over personal desires or societal expectations. This interaction also sets the stage for deeper teachings about sacrifice and the nature of true leadership in the Kingdom of God.
How to apply Mark 8:33 to your life
This verse encourages us to examine our own motivations and thoughts. Are we aligning our desires with God's will, or are we focused on our own understanding? We should strive to seek God's perspective in our decisions and actions, even when it challenges us.
Curated for this public verse page. Mark Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Jesus Foretells His Death (Mark 8:31–9:1)
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Jesus
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Nazareth
The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
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At a Glance — the Book of Mark
- Author
- John Mark
- Written
- Around AD 55-65
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Roman and Gentile Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Mark 8:33 mean?
Mark 8:33 shows Jesus rebuking Peter for trying to prevent his suffering. Jesus calls Peter 'Satan' to highlight that Peter's thoughts are focused on human concerns rather than God's divine plan.
What is the significance of Jesus calling Peter 'Satan' in Mark 8:33?
By calling Peter 'Satan,' Jesus emphasizes that Peter's perspective is opposing God's will. This moment illustrates the conflict between human understanding and the necessity of accepting God's plan, even when it involves hardship.
What lesson can we learn from Mark 8:33?
Mark 8:33 teaches us the importance of spiritual discernment and the need to align our motivations with God's will. It encourages us to seek God's perspective in our decisions, even when it challenges our understanding.
How does Mark 8:33 relate to discipleship?
This verse highlights that true discipleship involves accepting God's plan, including suffering. It reminds followers of Christ to prioritize God's intentions over their own limited perspectives.
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