Mark 7

Then came together unto him the Pharisees, and certain of the scribes, which came from Jerusalem.

And when they saw some of his disciples eat bread with defiled, that is to say, with unwashen, hands, they found fault.

For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders.

And when they come from the market, except they wash, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing of cups, and pots, brasen vessels, and of tables.

Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands?

He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.

Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctines the commandments of men.

For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.

And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.

For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death:

But ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban, that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; he shall be free.

And ye suffer him no more to do ought for his father or his mother;

Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.

And when he had called all the people unto him, he said unto them, Hearken unto me every one of you, and understand:

There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man.

If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.

And when he was entered into the house from the people, his disciples asked him concerning the parable.

And he saith unto them, Are ye so without understanding also? Do ye not perceive, that whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man, it cannot defile him;

Because it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught, purging all meats?

And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man.

For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,

Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:

All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.

And from thence he arose, and went into the borders of Tyre and Sidon, and entered into an house, and would have no man know it: but he could not be hid.

For a certain woman, whose young daughter had an unclean spirit, heard of him, and came and fell at his feet:

The woman was a Greek, a Syrophenician by nation; and she besought him that he would cast forth the devil out of her daughter.

But Jesus said unto her, Let the children first be filled: for it is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it unto the dogs.

And she answered and said unto him, Yes, Lord: yet the dogs under the table eat of the children's crumbs.

And he said unto her, For this saying go thy way; the devil is gone out of thy daughter.

And when she was come to her house, she found the devil gone out, and her daughter laid upon the bed.

And again, departing from the coasts of Tyre and Sidon, he came unto the sea of Galilee, through the midst of the coasts of Decapolis.

And they bring unto him one that was deaf, and had an impediment in his speech; and they beseech him to put his hand upon him.

And he took him aside from the multitude, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spit, and touched his tongue;

And looking up to heaven, he sighed, and saith unto him, Ephphatha, that is, Be opened.

And straightway his ears were opened, and the string of his tongue was loosed, and he spake plain.

And he charged them that they should tell no man: but the more he charged them, so much the more a great deal they published it;

And were beyond measure astonished, saying, He hath done all things well: he maketh both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak.

What does Mark 7:32 mean?

Explanation

The verse Mark 7:32 describes an event where a deaf man with a speech impediment is brought to Jesus Christ.

The people who bring the man to Jesus beseech Him, meaning they earnestly plead or beg Him to lay His hands on the man.

Laying on of hands was a common practice of blessing and healing in Jewish culture.

The literal reading of this verse details a miraculous healing about to take place, where Jesus will demonstrate His power and compassion.

On a deeper level, this verse could be seen as indicative of the human condition, spiritually deaf and unable to communicate clearly with God. The act of beseeching Jesus shows a deep faith in His power to heal and transform, suggesting a recognition of spiritual maladies as well as physical.

Top Rated Mark Books

Historical Context

Mark 7:32 occurs within the Gospel of Mark, believed to have been written between AD 55 and 65.

The culture at that time placed a lot of significance on physical wholeness; thus, physical ailments could lead to social ostracization.

The act of healing was not just a restoration of physical health but also a reintegration into society.

It is important to mention that during this time, disabilities were often misunderstood, and those suffering from them could be greatly marginalized.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse showcases Jesus's ministry not only to the physical needs of individuals but also their social and spiritual needs. It reinforces the idea that Jesus is the healer not just of the body but of the whole person.

Furthermore, it suggests the importance of intercession in the Christian faith, as it is the friends or acquaintances who bring the deaf man to Jesus.

Different theological viewpoints might interpret this event as a sign of Jesus’s messianic identity, a display of divine compassion, or as a foreshadowing of the sacramental power of touch.

Practical Applications

This verse can be applied to modern life in several ways. It teaches the value of advocating for those who cannot advocate for themselves, the power of communal faith, and the idea that seeking help is an act of faith.

Additionally, it can inspire believers to act compassionately toward those with disabilities, recognizing that each individual has intrinsic worth and dignity.

Cross-References

Matthew 9:32-33: "As they went out, behold, they brought to him a dumb man possessed with a devil."
Matthew 15:30: "And great multitudes came unto him, having with them those that were lame, blind, dumb, maimed, and many others, and cast them down at Jesus' feet; and he healed them:"
Luke 11:14: "And he was casting out a devil, and it was dumb.

And it came to pass, when the devil was gone out, the dumb spake; and the people wondered."

Acts 28:8: "And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him."

Language Study

In the Koine Greek text, key words such as "deaf" (κωφὸν - kophon) and "speech impediment" (μογιλάλον - mogilalon) can offer deeper understanding.

"Kophon" is used to describe not just physical deafness, but also an unwillingness to hear or understand.

"Mogilalon," on the other hand, which literally means "difficult to speak," is found only here in the New Testament; it's a term that conveys the man's struggle to communicate.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Within other cultural and religious contexts, parallels exist of gods and figures with the power to heal.

For example, in ancient Greek mythology, Asclepius was worshipped as the god of medicine and healing.

In the Hindu tradition, the god Dhanvantari is associated with health and healing.

Nevertheless, an important distinction in the Christian account is the emphasis on personal compassion and restoration to community, not just physical healing.

Scientific Perspectives

From a modern scientific standpoint, the causes of deafness and speech impediments are now better understood, and treatments such as hearing aids, cochlear implants, and speech therapy are available.

The idea of miraculous healing such as that described in Mark 7:32 is viewed with skepticism by the scientific community, though the psychosomatic effects of belief and the importance of community support in health and well-being are widely acknowledged.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians offer varied insights on this passage.

Some see it as a literal historical account, emphasizing Jesus' miraculous power and the kingdom of God breaking into human experience.

Others may interpret the healing more symbolically, viewing it as a metaphor for the opening of spiritual understanding and clear communication with the divine.

Still, others might focus on the social implications of the healing, where Jesus is seen to challenge the cultural stigmas associated with disability.

Commentary often points out the significance of Jesus' personal touch in this healing event.

Mark 7

Mark 7

What does Mark 7:32 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 7:32 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?