Mark 3

And he entered again into the synagogue; and there was a man there which had a withered hand.

And they watched him, whether he would heal him on the sabbath day; that they might accuse him.

And he saith unto the man which had the withered hand, Stand forth.

And he saith unto them, Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath days, or to do evil? to save life, or to kill? But they held their peace.

And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he saith unto the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it out: and his hand was restored whole as the other.

And the Pharisees went forth, and straightway took counsel with the Herodians against him, how they might destroy him.

But Jesus withdrew himself with his disciples to the sea: and a great multitude from Galilee followed him, and from Judaea,

And from Jerusalem, and from Idumaea, and from beyond Jordan; and they about Tyre and Sidon, a great multitude, when they had heard what great things he did, came unto him.

And he spake to his disciples, that a small ship should wait on him because of the multitude, lest they should throng him.

For he had healed many; insomuch that they pressed upon him for to touch him, as many as had plagues.

And unclean spirits, when they saw him, fell down before him, and cried, saying, Thou art the Son of God.

And he straitly charged them that they should not make him known.

And he goeth up into a mountain, and calleth unto him whom he would: and they came unto him.

And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach,

And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils:

And Simon he surnamed Peter;

And James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James; and he surnamed them Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder:

And Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Canaanite,

And Judas Iscariot, which also betrayed him: and they went into an house.

And the multitude cometh together again, so that they could not so much as eat bread.

And when his friends heard of it, they went out to lay hold on him: for they said, He is beside himself.

And the scribes which came down from Jerusalem said, He hath Beelzebub, and by the prince of the devils casteth he out devils.

And he called them unto him, and said unto them in parables, How can Satan cast out Satan?

And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.

And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand.

And if Satan rise up against himself, and be divided, he cannot stand, but hath an end.

No man can enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he will first bind the strong man; and then he will spoil his house.

Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme:

But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation:

Because they said, He hath an unclean spirit.

There came then his brethren and his mother, and, standing without, sent unto him, calling him.

And the multitude sat about him, and they said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren without seek for thee.

And he answered them, saying, Who is my mother, or my brethren?

And he looked round about on them which sat about him, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren!

For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother.

What does Mark 3:10 mean?

Explanation

Mark 3:10 describes a scene where many seek the healing touch of Jesus.

The verse underscores the intensity of the crowd's need and belief in Jesus' healing powers.

People afflicted with various diseases (referred to as "plagues") are so eager to be cured that they press upon him.

This demonstrates the desperation of those suffering and the recognition of Jesus as a source of miraculous healing.

It also shows the physical imposition on Jesus by the crowd, suggesting his growing popularity and the challenges that came with it.

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Historical Context

During the time of Jesus' ministry, physical and spiritual ailments were rampant, and medical knowledge was limited. Healthcare was not readily available, especially to the poor, and many illnesses were not well understood.

The term "plagues" often referred to a range of diseases.

The act of touching a healer or a holy man was a common cultural practice for seeking cures.

Jesus’ actions and the people’s response must be understood in the context of 1st-century Judea, where such healers attracted significant attention and hope.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse demonstrates Jesus' compassion and the divine power at work through him.

It also reflects the fulfillment of Messianic prophecies about bringing healing (cf. Isaiah 35:5-6).

By healing the sick, Jesus validates his ministry and divine authority.

Different theological viewpoints might emphasize either the faith of the people in Jesus or the grace of Jesus in healing even those with just enough faith to seek a simple touch.

Practical Applications

This verse can inspire modern readers to have a deeper faith in times of trouble, showing that seeking help is an act of faith in itself.

It also calls believers to be compassionate and offer help to those in need, following the example of Jesus.

Individuals are encouraged to be persistent in prayers and in seeking God's healing presence in their lives.

Cross-References

Matthew 14:36: "And besought him that they might only touch the hem of his garment: and as many as touched were made perfectly whole."
Luke 6:19: "And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtue out of him, and healed them all."
Acts 5:15: "Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them."
Isaiah 35:5-6: "Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped.

Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert."

Language Study

The term "plagues" in the original Greek is “μάστιξ” (mastix), which traditionally refers to a whip or scourge but is used metaphorically here for various diseases afflicting people.

The Greek verb for "he had healed" is "ἰάομαι" (iaomai), indicating a continual action of healing, rather than isolated instances. This is important as it shows the ongoing nature of Jesus' healing ministry.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient cultures, the act of touching a person of great spiritual or healing power for a cure was common.

Comparable myths from various cultures speak of figures with the power to heal by touch or presence.

In the Greco-Roman world, gods like Asclepius were sought after for healing.

In Egyptian tradition, the god Imhotep was considered a deity of medicine and healing.

Jesus' healing ministry breaks from these traditions by emphasizing no intermediary or elaborate ritual but simply faith and his divine authority.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern science understands diseases through the lens of biology and medicine and often approaches biblical healing accounts with skepticism.

However, the psychological component of healing, such as the placebo effect and the impact of belief and hope on health, is well documented.

While the scientific method does not confirm miraculous healings, it does not dismiss the influence of mind and spirit on physical well-being.

Commentaries

Commentators on Mark 3:10 often highlight the intense faith of the people and the compassionate response of Jesus. They see this passage as evidence of Jesus' divine power to heal not only physically but also to restore people to full participation in the community.

Some note the parallel to Old Testament figures like Elisha, whose bones brought a dead man to life upon contact (2 Kings 13:21), emphasizing that Jesus, even in his lifetime, had an unparalleled healing influence.

Mark 3

Mark 3

What does Mark 3:10 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Mark Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Mark 3:10 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Mark Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?