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Book of Mark - Chapter 8 - Verse 23

8:23
And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw ought.

Meaning

In this verse, Jesus performs a powerful miracle by healing a blind man. By taking the blind man by the hand and leading him out of town, Jesus sets the stage for this miraculous act. The act of spitting on the man's eyes and putting his hands on him was a common method of healing used by Jesus to demonstrate his divine power and compassion. By asking the man if he could see, Jesus is testing the man's faith and preparing him for the incredible moment of sight restoration that is about to occur. This verse showcases the tender and personal touch of Jesus in his healing ministry, illustrating his willingness to engage with individuals on a personal level and meet their needs in a profound way. Through this act of healing, Jesus not only restores the man's physical sight but also offers him spiritual enlightenment and a deeper understanding of the power and grace of God.

Theological Overview

In the theological interpretation of this verse, the actions Jesus takes in healing the blind man hold great significance. By taking the blind man by the hand and leading him out of the town, Jesus symbolizes the need for the man to be removed from the distractions and influences of the world in order to focus on his healing. The act of spitting on the man's eyes and laying his hands on him demonstrates Jesus' power and authority over the physical realm, as saliva was believed to have healing properties in ancient times. The word "spit" in this context can also be associated with the idea of creation, as God 'spit' life into existence in the book of Genesis. Through these actions, Jesus not only physically heals the man but also spiritually transforms him, symbolizing the need for a personal encounter with Jesus in order to truly see the light.

American Standard Version

And he took hold of the blind man by the hand, and brought him out of the village; and when he had spit on his eyes, and laid his hands upon him, he asked him, Seest thou aught?
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