Definition: 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.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Mark 8:33. It's a really important and somewhat challenging passage in the Bible, and it’s packed with meaning. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Core Idea: This verse is about focusing on spiritual things versus worldly things. Peter is being told to stop chasing after fleeting pleasures – things that aren't truly valuable or meaningful – and to concentrate on what God wants him to focus on. Let’s unpack it word by word: "But when he had turned about and looked on his disciples..." - This describes a moment of disorientation, perhaps a slight hesitation or confusion. Peter is momentarily taken aback. "...he rebuked Peter..." - This means Peter was called upon to address him directly. "...saying, Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God..." - This is where it gets a little complex. "Get thee behind me" is a command – essentially telling Peter to move away from something. “Satan” refers to the forces of evil or temptation. “Thou savourest not…” means he’s not truly enjoying, appreciating, or benefiting from anything that isn't God’s will. He's prioritizing things that are temporary and fleeting. Putting it all together – a simple explanation: Peter was caught up in worldly pursuits - maybe looking for praise, attention, or material gain. He wasn’t truly seeking the truth or the blessings of God. The verse is urging him to refocus his attention on what truly matters: God's will and spiritual things. The deeper meaning: This verse speaks to the importance of spiritual priorities . It’s a reminder that we should always be striving for something greater than ourselves – something that brings us closer to God and helps us grow spiritually. It cautions against getting sidetracked by material possessions, fame, or fleeting pleasures. In essence, it's a call for discipleship - a commitment to living a life that is centered on faith and obedience to God. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these points in more detail? Give you some examples of what "worldly things" might be? Provide a little context about the time this verse was written (around the time of Jesus)?