A.T. Robertson Commentary Mark 8

Had nothing to eat (μη εχοντων τ φαγωσιν). Genitive absolute and plural because οχλου a collective substantive. Not having what to eat (deliberative subjunctive retained in indirect question). The repetition of a nature miracle of feeding four thousand in Decapolis disturbs some modern critics who cannot imagine how Jesus could or would perform another miracle elsewhere so similar to the feeding of the five thousand up near Bethsaida Julias. But both Mark and Matthew give both miracles, distinguish the words for baskets (κοφινοσ, σφυρις), and both make Jesus later refer to both incidents and use these two words with the same distinction (Mr 8:19f.; Matthew 16:9f.). Surely it is easier to conceive that Jesus wrought two such miracles than to hold that Mark and Matthew have made such a jumble of the whole business.

Now three days (ηδη ημερα τρεις). This text preserves a curious parenthetic nominative of time (Robertson, Grammar, p. 460). See on Mt 15:32.

Are come from far (απο μακροθεν εισιν). This item alone in Mark.

Here (ωδε). Of all places, in this desert region in the mountains. The disciples feel as helpless as when the five thousand were fed. They do not rise to faith in the unlimited power of Jesus after all that they have seen.

Brake and gave (εκλασεν κα εδιδου). Constative aorist followed by imperfect. The giving kept on.

To set before them (ινα παρατιθωσιν). Present subjunctive describing the continuous process.