Mark 1:40 Meaning and Explanation
“And there came a leper to him, beseeching him, and kneeling down to him, and saying unto him, If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →A leper comes to Jesus, kneeling and begging: If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.
What Does Mark 1:40 Mean?
A man with leprosy breaks every boundary to reach Jesus. The law excluded such a man from home, worship, and touch; he was required to keep his distance and announce his own uncleanness (Leviticus 13:45-46). Instead he comes close, kneels down, and begs. His words are a marvel of faith refined by long suffering.
He has no doubt at all about the power of Jesus, saying thou canst; his only question is about willingness, if thou wilt. Kneeling and surrendered, he asks not merely for health but for cleanness, the restoration of his whole life to God and to other people. His prayer remains a pattern for ours: confident in Christ's ability, submitted to Christ's will, and utterly honest about the need.
Mark 1:40 in the Original Language
katharizo (καθαρίζω), 'make clean' -- to cleanse, to purify from defilement.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mark 1:40
What does Mark 1:40 mean?
A leper comes to Jesus, kneeling and begging: If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.