Mark 1:40
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.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἔρχεται
there came
G2064
ἔρχεται
there came
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
2 of 19
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
πρὸς
to
G4314
πρὸς
to
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
3 of 19
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 19
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
παρακαλῶν
beseeching
G3870
παρακαλῶν
beseeching
Strong's:
G3870
Word #:
6 of 19
to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
7 of 19
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
10 of 19
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
λέγων
saying
G3004
λέγων
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
12 of 19
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
13 of 19
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ὅτι
G3754
Ἐὰν
If
G1437
Ἐὰν
If
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
15 of 19
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
Cross References
Matthew 17:14And when they were come to the multitude, there came to him a certain man, kneeling down to him, and saying,2 Samuel 3:29Let it rest on the head of Joab, and on all his father's house; and let there not fail from the house of Joab one that hath an issue, or that is a leper, or that leaneth on a staff, or that falleth on the sword, or that lacketh bread.
Historical Context
Leprosy (Hebrew: tsara'at) encompassed various skin diseases rendering one ceremonially unclean and socially isolated. Lepers were required to cry 'Unclean!' when approaching others and live outside settlements. The leper's desperate approach to Jesus risked stoning for breaking quarantine.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the leper's willingness to break social norms demonstrate the priority of seeking Christ above all else?
- What does 'if thou wilt' teach us about balancing confidence in God's power with submission to His sovereign will?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The leper's approach violates Levitical law (Lev. 13:45-46) requiring isolation, yet his faith overrides legal caution. His posture—'kneeling down'—demonstrates worship and recognition of Christ's authority. The conditional 'if thou wilt' acknowledges God's sovereignty in healing while expressing confidence in His power. This models proper prayer: humble, submissive to divine will, yet bold in approaching Christ.