Definition: And when Jesus knew [it], he saith unto them, Why reason ye, because ye have no bread? perceive ye not yet, neither understand? have ye your heart yet hardened?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down that verse from Mark 8:17. It’s a really important and slightly unsettling passage in the Bible. Here's my explanation, aiming for simple understanding: The Basic Idea: This verse is about Jesus noticing that his disciples were not prepared or motivated to follow him. He’s observing their behavior and asking them a tough question. Let’s unpack it word by word: “And when Jesus knew [it]” : Jesus was aware of something. It wasn't just a vague feeling; he knew they weren't ready to go with him. “he saith unto them” : Jesus is speaking directly to the disciples. “Why reason ye, because ye have no bread?” : This is the core of the question. Jesus is asking why they aren’t eager to follow him and are not prepared to do so. It implies a lack of enthusiasm or purpose. “perceive ye not yet, neither understand?” : This emphasizes that they haven't grasped the significance of what Jesus offers. They aren’t seeing the bigger picture – the promise of salvation and belonging with God. “have ye your heart yet hardened?” : This is where it gets a bit more profound. “Hardened” means closed off, resistant, and unwilling to accept something new or challenging. Jesus is suggesting that their hearts are already set against him – they’re resisting the possibility of a relationship with God. What's the Big Meaning? This verse highlights several important points: The Importance of Readiness: Jesus wasn’t just observing; he was noticing that the disciples weren’t ready to commit. It suggests that true faith and following Jesus require more than just belief; it requires a willingness to embrace what He offers. The Challenge to Renew Their Hearts: Jesus is essentially saying, "You need to re-examine your hearts. You need to open yourself up to God's will." It’s a call for repentance and a renewed commitment. In short, Jesus isn't just judging them; he’s pointing out that they haven’t fully embraced the path He has laid out for them. --- To help me explain it even better for you , could you tell me: What are you hoping to understand from this verse? (e.g., Why is Jesus so focused on these disciples?) Are there any specific parts of the verse that you're finding confusing?