Mark 7:33
And he took him aside from the multitude, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spit, and touched his tongue;
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
ἀπολαβόμενος
he took
G618
ἀπολαβόμενος
he took
Strong's:
G618
Word #:
2 of 22
to receive (specially, in full, or as a host); also to take aside
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 22
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
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
4 of 22
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὄχλου
the multitude
G3793
ὄχλου
the multitude
Strong's:
G3793
Word #:
6 of 22
a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot
κατ'
aside
G2596
κατ'
aside
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
7 of 22
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
ἰδίαν
G2398
ἰδίαν
Strong's:
G2398
Word #:
8 of 22
pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate
ἔβαλεν
and put
G906
ἔβαλεν
and put
Strong's:
G906
Word #:
9 of 22
to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
12 of 22
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
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
13 of 22
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
16 of 22
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 #:
17 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἥψατο
and touched
G680
ἥψατο
and touched
Strong's:
G680
Word #:
19 of 22
properly, to attach oneself to, i.e., to touch (in many implied relations)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Mark 8:23And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw ought.Mark 5:40And they laughed him to scorn. But when he had put them all out, he taketh the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him, and entereth in where the damsel was lying.
Historical Context
First-century cultures attributed healing properties to saliva. Jesus adapted cultural contexts, using familiar frameworks to communicate miraculous realities. Taking the man aside protected him from potential mockery. Crowds could seek entertainment rather than genuine faith. Jesus guarded dignity, allowing healing in relational intimacy rather than public spectacle.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus's use of physical means demonstrate God's accommodating grace?
- What does taking the man aside teach about ministry prioritizing individuals' dignity over public spectacle?
- How does Jesus's varied healing methods challenge our tendency to formularize God's work?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
He took him aside from the multitude—Jesus withdrew the man privately, demonstrating dignity sensitivity. Public spectacle was not Jesus's goal; healing the person was. This allowed undivided attention without overwhelming crowds. Jesus individualizes care. He put his fingers into his ears, and spit, and touched his tongue—employing physical actions communicating healing intention to a deaf man who could not hear verbal explanation. These accommodated the man's condition, using sensory communication he could perceive. Jesus did not need ritual—His word sufficed—but these actions met the man where he was, modeling incarnational ministry.