New International Version Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear? And don’t you remember? New Living Translation ‘You have eyes—can’t you see? You have ears—can’t you hear?’ Don’t you remember anything at all? English Standard Version Having eyes do you not see, and having ears do you not hear? And do you not remember? Berean Standard Bible ‘Having eyes, do you not see? And having ears, do you not hear?’ And do you not remember? Berean Literal Bible ‘Having eyes, do you⁺ not see? And having ears, do you⁺ not hear?’ And do you⁺ not remember? King James Bible Having eyes, see ye not? and having ears, hear ye not? and do ye not remember? New King James Version Having eyes, do you not see? And having ears, do you not hear? And do you not remember? New American Standard Bible HAVING EYES, DO YOU NOT SEE? AND HAVING EARS, DO YOU NOT HEAR? And do you not remember, NASB 1995 “HAVING EYES, DO YOU NOT SEE? AND HAVING EARS, DO YOU NOT HEAR? And do you not remember, NASB 1977 “HAVING EYES, DO YOU NOT SEE? AND HAVING EARS, DO YOU NOT HEAR? And do you not remember, Legacy Standard Bible HAVING EYES, DO YOU NOT SEE? AND HAVING EARS, DO YOU NOT HEAR? And do you not remember, Amplified Bible THOUGH YOU HAVE EYES, DO YOU NOT SEE? AND THOUGH YOU HAVE EARS, DO YOU NOT HEAR and LISTEN [to what I have said]? And do you not remember, Berean Annotated Bible ‘Having eyes, do you⁺ not see? And having ears, do you⁺ not hear <Deu 29:4, Isa 42:20, Jer 5:21, Ezk 12:2>? And do you⁺ not remember? Christian Standard Bible Do you have eyes and not see; do you have ears and not hear? And do you not remember? Holman Christian Standard Bible Do you have eyes, and not see, and do you have ears, and not hear? And do you not remember? American Standard Version Having eyes, see ye not? and having ears, hear ye not? and do ye not remember? Contemporary English Version Are your eyes blind and your ears deaf? Don't you remember English Revised Version Having eyes, see ye not? and having ears, hear ye not? and do ye not remember? GOD'S WORD® Translation Are you blind and deaf? Don't you remember? Good News Translation You have eyes--can't you see? You have ears--can't you hear? Don't you remember International Standard Version Do you have eyes, but fail to see? Do you have ears, but fail to hear? Don't you remember? NET Bible Though you have eyes, don't you see? And though you have ears, can't you hear? Don't you remember? New Heart English Bible Having eyes, do you not see? Having ears, do you not hear? Do you not remember? Webster's Bible Translation Having eyes, see ye not? and having ears, hear ye not? and do ye not remember? Weymouth New Testament You have eyes! can you not see? You have ears! can you not hear? and have you no memory? Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bible‘Having eyes, do you not see? And having ears, do you not hear?’ And do you not remember? World English Bible Having eyes, don’t you see? Having ears, don’t you hear? Don’t you remember? Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionHaving eyes, do you not see? And having ears, do you not hear? And do you not remember? Berean Literal Bible ‘Having eyes, do you⁺ not see? And having ears, do you⁺ not hear?’ And do you⁺ not remember? Young's Literal Translation Having eyes, do ye not see? and having ears, do ye not hear? and do ye not remember? Smith's Literal Translation Having eyes, see ye not? and having ears, hear ye not? and remember ye not? Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleHaving eyes, see you not? and having ears, hear you not? neither do you remember. Catholic Public Domain Version Having eyes, do you not see? And having ears, do you not hear? Do you not remember, New American Bible Do you have eyes and not see, ears and not hear? And do you not remember, New Revised Standard Version Do you have eyes, and fail to see? Do you have ears, and fail to hear? And do you not remember? Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleYou have eyes, and yet do you not see? You have ears, and yet do you not hear? And do you not remember? Aramaic Bible in Plain English “You have eyes and do not see and you have ears and you do not hear, neither do you remember.” NT Translations Anderson New TestamentHaving eyes, do you not see? and having ears, do you not hear? and do you not remember? Godbey New Testament Haweis New Testament Having eyes, do ye not see? and having ears, do ye not hear? and do ye not remember? Mace New Testament have you eyes, and yet don't see? have you ears, and yet not hear? have you lost your memory too? Weymouth New Testament You have eyes! can you not see? You have ears! can you not hear? and have you no memory? Worrell New Testament Worsley New Testament Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context The Leaven to Beware…17Aware of their conversation, Jesus asked them, “Why are you debating about having no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Do you have such hard hearts? 18‘Having eyes, do you not see? And having ears, do you not hear?’ And do you not remember? 19When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many basketfuls of broken pieces did you collect?” “Twelve,” they answered.… Cross References Having eyes, do you not see? Jeremiah 5:21 “Hear this, O foolish and senseless people, who have eyes but do not see, who have ears but do not hear. Ezekiel 12:2 “Son of man, you are living in a rebellious house. They have eyes to see but do not see, and ears to hear but do not hear, for they are a rebellious house. Deuteronomy 29:4 Yet to this day the LORD has not given you a mind to understand, eyes to see, or ears to hear. And having ears, do you not hear? Isaiah 6:9-10 And He replied: “Go and tell this people, ‘Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving.’ / Make the hearts of this people calloused; deafen their ears and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed.” Matthew 13:13-15 This is why I speak to them in parables: ‘Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand.’ / In them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled: ‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. / For this people’s heart has grown callous; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them.’ Acts 28:26-27 ‘Go to this people and say, “You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.” / For this people’s heart has grown callous; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them.’ And do you not remember? Psalm 78:42 They did not remember His power—the day He redeemed them from the adversary, Psalm 78:11 They forgot what He had done, the wonders He had shown them. Psalm 106:13 Yet they soon forgot His works and failed to wait for His counsel. Matthew 15:14 Disregard them! They are blind guides. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit.” John 12:40 “He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, so that they cannot see with their eyes, and understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them.” Romans 11:8 as it is written: “God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that could not see, and ears that could not hear, to this very day.” Psalm 115:5-6 They have mouths, but cannot speak; they have eyes, but cannot see; / they have ears, but cannot hear; they have noses, but cannot smell; Psalm 135:16-17 They have mouths, but cannot speak; they have eyes, but cannot see; / they have ears, but cannot hear; nor is there breath in their mouths. 2 Corinthians 3:14-15 But their minds were closed. For to this day the same veil remains at the reading of the old covenant. It has not been lifted, because only in Christ can it be removed. / And even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. Hebrews 5:11 We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain, because you are dull of hearing. Treasury of Scripture Having eyes, see you not? and having ears, hear you not? and do you not remember? see. Mark 4:12 That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them. Deuteronomy 29:4 Yet the LORD hath not given you an heart to perceive, and eyes to see, and ears to hear, unto this day. Psalm 69:23 Let their eyes be darkened, that they see not; and make their loins continually to shake. do. 2 Peter 1:12 Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth. Jump to Previous Ears Eyes Fail Hear Hearing Memory RememberJump to Next Ears Eyes Fail Hear Hearing Memory RememberMark 8 1. Jesus feeds the people miraculously;10. refuses to give a sign to the Pharisees; 14. admonishes his disciples to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Herod; 22. gives a blind man his sight; 27. acknowledges that he is the Jesus who should suffer and rise again; 34. and exhorts to patience in persecution for the profession of the gospel. ‘Having eyes, do you not see? Jesus confronted the disciples after they worried over having only one loaf of bread, though they had witnessed Him feed five thousand and then four thousand. Their physical sight had taken in His miracles, but they had not yet grasped what those works revealed about His person, authority, and care. Their condition recalled Israel’s spiritual blindness described in Isaiah 6:9–10: people could observe God’s acts without yielding to the truth they displayed. Jesus’ miracles were signs that the promised Messiah had come and that God’s kingdom was breaking into the world. Jer 5:21 Hear this, O foolish and senseless people…… And having ears, do you not hear?’ The disciples had heard Jesus teach the crowds, explain the parables privately, and warn them about the leaven of the Pharisees and of Herod. Yet they interpreted His warning in terms of bread rather than the corrupting influence of unbelief, hypocrisy, and worldly power. Scripture repeatedly joins hearing with faith-filled obedience. Jeremiah described a people with eyes that did not see and ears that did not hear because their hearts resisted God. Jesus called His disciples to receive His words with understanding and respond in trust. Isa 6:9-10 And He replied: “Go and tell this people, ‘Be ever hearing,… And do you not remember? Jesus directed them back to the baskets of leftovers gathered after both miraculous feedings. The twelve baskets after the feeding of the five thousand and the seven baskets after the feeding of the four thousand were enduring evidence of His abundant provision. God had commanded Israel to remember His works in the wilderness so that past deliverance would sustain present faith. Forgetfulness left the disciples anxious before a need that Jesus had already shown Himself fully able to meet. Remembering God’s faithfulness strengthens confidence in His care and guards the heart from unbelief. Psa 78:42 They did not remember His power—the day He redeemed… Persons / Places / Events 1. Jesus ChristThe central figure in this passage, Jesus is addressing His disciples, challenging their understanding and perception. 2. Disciples The immediate audience of Jesus' rebuke, they are struggling to comprehend the spiritual truths Jesus is teaching. 3. The Region of Dalmanutha The location where this conversation takes place, following the feeding of the four thousand and the Pharisees' demand for a sign. Teaching Points Spiritual PerceptionJesus emphasizes the importance of spiritual awareness. It's not enough to witness miracles or hear teachings; one must understand and internalize them. Remembering God's Works The disciples are reminded to recall God's past provisions and miracles. Remembering God's faithfulness strengthens faith and understanding. Heart Condition Spiritual blindness and deafness often stem from a hardened heart. We must examine our hearts and seek God’s help to remain open and receptive. Active Faith Faith requires action. Seeing and hearing spiritually involves responding to God's word and works with obedience and trust. Continuous Learning Discipleship is a journey of continuous learning and growth. We must remain teachable and open to the Holy Spirit's guidance. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Mark 8:18?2. How can we avoid having "eyes but fail to see" in our daily lives? 3. What steps can strengthen our spiritual perception and understanding of God's works? 4. How does Mark 8:18 connect with Proverbs 3:5-6 about trusting God? 5. In what ways can we cultivate a heart attentive to God's voice? 6. How can we apply the lesson of spiritual awareness in Mark 8:18 today? 7. What does Mark 8:18 reveal about spiritual blindness and deafness in believers? 8. How does Mark 8:18 challenge our understanding of faith and perception? 9. Why do people fail to understand spiritual truths according to Mark 8:18? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Mark 8? What Does Mark 8:18 Mean Having eyes, do you not see?Jesus points to the disciples’ physical eyesight and presses them about their spiritual perception. They had witnessed miracle after miracle, yet failed to draw the obvious conclusion about His divine identity. • They saw five thousand fed with five loaves (Mark 6:34-44), then four thousand with seven loaves (Mark 8:1-9), yet worried over one loaf in the boat. • Like the people of Isaiah’s day, they were in danger of the judgment described in Isaiah 6:9: “Keep on seeing, but do not perceive.” • Jeremiah 5:21 laments, “Hear this, O foolish and senseless people, who have eyes but do not see,” exposing the folly of ignoring clear evidence. By citing the “eyes” theme, Jesus calls them—and us—to move from surface observation to heartfelt recognition that He is the promised Messiah. And having ears, do you not hear? Hearing, in Scripture, means more than receiving sound; it means receiving truth with faith-filled obedience. • Earlier, Jesus had urged, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear” (Mark 4:9), linking genuine hearing with embracing the word of the kingdom. • Psalm 95:7-8 warns, “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts,” underscoring that dull hearing is a heart issue. • Stephen accused the Sanhedrin of being “stiff-necked… You always resist the Holy Spirit” (Acts 7:51); the disciples risked a similar resistance by filtering Jesus’ words through earthly concerns. Jesus’ question exposes how selective listening prevents the life-changing impact of His teaching. And do you not remember? Failure to remember God’s works breeds anxiety and unbelief. • Jesus immediately reminds them: “When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand… twelve baskets… And the seven loaves for the four thousand… seven baskets” (Mark 8:19-20). Simple arithmetic should have calmed their fears. • The LORD regularly calls His people to remember: “You shall remember all the way which the LORD your God has led you” (Deuteronomy 8:2); “I will remember the works of the LORD” (Psalm 77:11). • Forgetfulness isn’t a memory lapse; it is a spiritual drift. Rehearsing God’s past faithfulness fuels present trust and obedience. summary Mark 8:18 confronts spiritual dullness: eyes that witness miracles yet miss their meaning, ears that hear truth yet fail to obey, minds that forget God’s past provision and therefore fret about present lack. Jesus lovingly exposes these gaps so His followers will see Him as the all-sufficient Son of God, listen with responsive hearts, and remember His faithful acts—living each day in confident, obedient faith. Greek ‘Havingἔχοντες (echontes) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 2192: To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold. eyes, Ὀφθαλμοὺς (Ophthalmous) Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural Strong's 3788: The eye; fig: the mind's eye. From optanomai; the eye; by implication, vision; figuratively, envy. do you not see? βλέπετε (blepete) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural Strong's 991: (primarily physical), I look, see, perceive, discern. A primary verb; to look at. And καὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. having ἔχοντες (echontes) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 2192: To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold. ears, ὦτα (ōta) Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural Strong's 3775: (a) the ear, (b) met: the faculty of perception. Apparently a primary word; the ear. do you not hear?’ ἀκούετε (akouete) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural Strong's 191: To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear. And καὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. do you not remember? μνημονεύετε (mnēmoneuete) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural Strong's 3421: From a derivative of mneme; to exercise memory, i.e. Recollect; by implication, to punish; also to rehearse. Additonal Resources Mark 8:18 Blue Letter BibleMark 8:18 Bible Gateway Mark 8:18 Bible.com Mark 8:18 NIV |
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