Mark 7:33

Mark 7:33 Meaning and Explanation

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

King James Version (KJV)

Read this verse in context with translation switching:

Read Full Chapter →

Jesus takes the man aside from the crowd, puts his fingers into his ears, and touches his tongue.

What Does Mark 7:33 Mean?

For a man who cannot hear instructions, Jesus speaks in touch. Away from the stare of the multitude, each gesture addresses an affliction in turn: fingers to the stopped ears, then a touch upon the bound tongue. The healing is conducted in the language the man can receive — sign by sign.

The tenderness is in the details: privacy instead of spectacle, personal contact instead of distance. Jesus meets a person inside his limitations in order to lift him out of them, and he is not repelled by the brokenness of the body — he touches it. No one is too shut off for him to reach.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mark 7:33

What does Mark 7:33 mean?

Jesus takes the man aside from the crowd, puts his fingers into his ears, and touches his tongue.

Keep Studying Mark 7

Read the whole chapter in KJV, ASV, or WEB, or go deeper with the chapter study guide and key themes.