Mark 1:41
And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
3 of 14
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
σπλαγχνισθεὶς
moved with compassion
G4697
σπλαγχνισθεὶς
moved with compassion
Strong's:
G4697
Word #:
4 of 14
to have the bowels yearn, i.e., (figuratively) feel sympathy, to pity
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χεῖρα
his hand
G5495
χεῖρα
his hand
Strong's:
G5495
Word #:
7 of 14
the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)
ἥψατο
and touched
G680
ἥψατο
and touched
Strong's:
G680
Word #:
8 of 14
properly, to attach oneself to, i.e., to touch (in many implied relations)
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
9 of 14
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 #:
10 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
λέγει
saith
G3004
λέγει
saith
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
11 of 14
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 #:
12 of 14
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
Cross References
Matthew 9:36But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.Hebrews 2:17Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.Hebrews 4:15For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.Mark 6:34And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things.Hebrews 1:3Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;Mark 5:41And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise.Mark 4:39And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.Genesis 1:3And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.
Historical Context
Touching a leper made one ceremonially unclean for seven days, requiring ritual purification. Jesus' willingness to touch violated purity laws, yet demonstrated His authority over the Levitical system. His touch would have been the first human contact this leper experienced in perhaps years or decades.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ's touch of the leper challenge our fear of being 'contaminated' by close contact with sinners?
- What does the combination of compassion and power in this healing reveal about the character of God?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Christ's compassion (Greek: splagchnizomai, moved in the inward parts) demonstrates God's heart toward the afflicted. His physical touch was revolutionary—others fled from lepers, but Jesus touched the untouchable, showing that His holiness cleanses rather than being defiled by contact with uncleanness. The immediate healing displays divine power, while the touch displays divine love—both necessary for true redemption.