Mark Chapter 2 · Verse 12
And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἠγέρθη
he arose
G1453
ἠγέρθη
he arose
Strong's:
G1453
Word #:
2 of 22
to waken (transitively or intransitively), i.e., rouse (literally, from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death; or figuratively, from
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἄρας
took up
G142
ἄρας
took up
Strong's:
G142
Word #:
5 of 22
to lift up; by implication, to take up or away; figuratively, to raise (the voice), keep in suspense (the mind), specially, to sail away (i.e., weigh
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὥστε
insomuch that
G5620
ὥστε
insomuch that
Strong's:
G5620
Word #:
11 of 22
so too, i.e., thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow)
ἐξίστασθαι
amazed
G1839
ἐξίστασθαι
amazed
Strong's:
G1839
Word #:
12 of 22
to put (stand) out of wits, i.e., astound, or (reflexively) become astounded, insane
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
δοξάζειν
glorified
G1392
δοξάζειν
glorified
Strong's:
G1392
Word #:
15 of 22
to render (or esteem) glorious (in a wide application)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεὸν
God
G2316
θεὸν
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
17 of 22
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
λέγοντας
saying
G3004
λέγοντας
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
18 of 22
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ὅτι
G3754
Cross References
Matthew 9:33And when the devil was cast out, the dumb spake: and the multitudes marvelled, saying, It was never so seen in Israel.Matthew 9:8But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.Luke 7:16And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people.
Historical Context
Public healings served apologetic purposes in ancient world—visible proof authenticated a teacher's authority. The phrase 'We never saw it on this fashion' (οὕτως οὐδέποτε εἴδομεν, houtōs oudepote eidomen) indicates this miracle's uniqueness—instantaneous, complete, public, and combined with forgiveness claims. Unlike Greek healing cults where recovery occurred slowly in temple incubation chambers, Jesus healed immediately and publicly. This incident occurred early in Jesus' Galilean ministry when popular enthusiasm ran high.
Questions for Reflection
- What prevents genuine amazement at God's work from maturing into saving faith and committed discipleship?
- How do you respond when witnessing God's power—with mere amazement, or with worship and life transformation?
- In what ways does your response to God's miraculous work demonstrate genuine faith versus superficial enthusiasm?
Analysis & Commentary
The healed man's immediate obedience ('immediately he arose') demonstrates faith responding to Christ's word. The verb ἐξῆλθεν (exēlthen, 'went forth') emphasizes public departure—he walked out before the astonished crowd carrying his mat, providing irrefutable evidence of healing. The crowd's response reveals three elements: amazement (ἐξίστασθαι, existasthai, 'beside themselves'), glorifying God (δοξάζειν τὸν θεόν, doxazein ton theon), and confessing the unprecedented nature of the miracle ('We never saw it on this fashion'). However, the crowd praises God generally without explicitly acknowledging Jesus as Messiah—they witness divine power but remain uncertain about Jesus' identity. This pattern recurs in Mark: crowds marvel at miracles yet struggle with Jesus' identity.