Mark 3:10
For he had healed many; insomuch that they pressed upon him for to touch him, as many as had plagues.
Original Language Analysis
πολλοὺς
many
G4183
πολλοὺς
many
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
1 of 12
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 12
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἐθεράπευσεν
he had healed
G2323
ἐθεράπευσεν
he had healed
Strong's:
G2323
Word #:
3 of 12
to wait upon menially, i.e., (figuratively) to adore (god), or (specially) to relieve (of disease)
ὥστε
insomuch that
G5620
ὥστε
insomuch that
Strong's:
G5620
Word #:
4 of 12
so too, i.e., thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow)
ἐπιπίπτειν
they pressed upon
G1968
ἐπιπίπτειν
they pressed upon
Strong's:
G1968
Word #:
5 of 12
to embrace (with affection) or seize (with more or less violence; literally or figuratively)
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
6 of 12
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
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
8 of 12
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
ἅψωνται
touch
G680
ἅψωνται
touch
Strong's:
G680
Word #:
9 of 12
properly, to attach oneself to, i.e., to touch (in many implied relations)
Cross References
Mark 6:56And whithersoever he entered, into villages, or cities, or country, they laid the sick in the streets, and besought him that they might touch if it were but the border of his garment: and as many as touched him were made whole.Matthew 14:36And besought him that they might only touch the hem of his garment: and as many as touched were made perfectly whole.Matthew 4:23And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.
Historical Context
In first-century Judaism, touch had ritual significance. Contact with diseased rendered one ceremonially impure. Yet Jesus didn't avoid contact—He touched lepers, the dead, and allowed hemorrhaging women to touch Him. This revolutionary approach demonstrated Jesus' holiness wasn't defiled; rather, His healing power cleansed the unclean. The crowd's belief reflects ancient understanding that power transfers through physical contact (2 Kings 13:21; Acts 19:11-12).
Questions for Reflection
- How does the crowd's desperate pursuit challenge your complacency in seeking Jesus?
- What 'plagues' drive you to press toward Jesus for healing?
- How does Jesus' willingness to be touched reveal God's compassionate accessibility?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus 'had healed many'—pluperfect tense indicating completed action with ongoing effects. Consequently, 'they pressed upon him for to touch him, as many as had plagues.' The word 'plagues' (μάστιγες) literally means 'scourges,' metaphorically diseases as divine punishment or assault. The crowd's desperate pressing reveals faith that physical contact conveyed healing power. This belief was validated—touching Jesus' garment healed (Mark 5:27-29; 6:56). The scene depicts Jesus besieged by suffering humanity, foreshadowing ultimate healing through His passion.