Mark 7:31-37

31 The Healing of a Deaf and Mute Man
Then Jesus left the vicinity of Tyre and went through Sidon, down to the Sea of Galilee and into the region of the Decapolis.

32 There some people brought to him a man who was deaf and could hardly talk, and they begged him to place his hand on the man.

33 After he took him aside, away from the crowd, Jesus put his fingers into the man’s ears. Then he spit and touched the man’s tongue.

34 He looked up to heaven and with a deep sigh said to him, “Ephphatha!” (which means, “Be opened!”).

35 At this, the man’s ears were opened, his tongue was loosened and he began to speak plainly.

36 Jesus commanded them not to tell anyone. But the more he did so, the more they kept talking about it.

37 People were overwhelmed with amazement. “He has done everything well,” they said. “He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.”

Read the full chapter Mark 7

A Deep Dive into Mark 7:31-37: Meaning and Explanation

Mark 7:31-37 is a fascinating passage in the New Testament that describes one of Jesus miracles, providing deep insights into His compassion and divine power. By analyzing these verses, we uncover the profound meaning and explanation behind Jesus actions and teachings.

Context and Background

This passage details the journey of Jesus through the region of Decapolis, where He encounters a man who is deaf and has a speech impediment. This setting illustrates the widespread reach of Jesus’ ministry and His willingness to help those in need regardless of their background.

Miracle of Healing

Unique Method: In Mark 7:33-34, Jesus uses personal, tactile gestures by putting His fingers into the mans ears, spitting, and touching his tongue. This intimate approach highlights a deep personal connection and compassion, suggesting that healing is not just physical but also relational.
Significance of ‘Ephphatha’: Jesus says “Ephphatha,” meaning “Be opened,” which signifies not only the opening of physical senses but also spiritual and emotional liberation. The choice of this Aramaic word reflects the authenticity and directness of Jesus’ authority over afflictions.

Key Lessons and Meaning

Compassionate Ministry: Jesus healing methods show the importance of empathy and personal attention in ministry, emphasizing that genuine compassion can lead to profound transformation.
Barrier-breaking Message: By healing a man from the Decapolis, a predominantly Gentile region, Jesus demonstrates that His message and miracles transcend cultural and ethnic boundaries.
Praise through Actions: After witnessing the miracle, people were amazed and proclaimed Jesus works. This teaches us that true acts of kindness and miracles prompt sincere praise and testimony.

Summary

Mark 7:31-37 encapsulates the essence of Jesus caring nature and divine power. Through this passage, we understand the importance of personal connection in healing, the inclusivity of Jesus message, and the call to glorify God through witnessing His works. Reflecting on these verses encourages believers to embrace these values in their own lives.

Cross References for Mark 7:31-37

Matthew 11:21 - “Woe to you, Korazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! If the miracles that were performed in you had bee... Click to read the verse Matthew 11:21 Click to read the verse Matthew 11:21

Mark 3:8 - When they heard all he was doing, many people came to him from Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, and th... Click to read the verse Mark 3:8 Click to read the verse Mark 3:8

Matthew 4:18 - The Calling of the First Disciples As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two b... Click to read the verse Matthew 4:18 Click to read the verse Matthew 4:18

Matthew 4:25 - Large crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and the region across the Jordan fol... Click to read the verse Matthew 4:25 Click to read the verse Matthew 4:25

Mark 5:20 - So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And al... Click to read the verse Mark 5:20 Click to read the verse Mark 5:20

Mark 7:24 - The Faith of a Syrophoenician Woman Jesus left that place and went to the vicinity of Tyre. He ... Click to read the verse Mark 7:24 Click to read the verse Mark 7:24

Matthew 15:29-31 - Jesus Feeds the Four Thousand Jesus left there and went along the Sea of Galilee. Then he went ... Click to read the verse Matthew 15:29-31 Click to read the verse Matthew 15:29-31