Mark Chapter 7 · Verse 37
And were beyond measure astonished, saying, He hath done all things well: he maketh both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak.
Original Language Analysis
ὑπερπερισσῶς
beyond measure
G5249
ὑπερπερισσῶς
beyond measure
Pronunciation:
hyperperissōs
Strong's:
G5249
Word #:
2 of 16
above measure, exceedingly
ἐξεπλήσσοντο
they were astonished
G1605
ἐξεπλήσσοντο
they were astonished
Pronunciation:
exeplēssonto
Strong's:
G1605
Word #:
3 of 16
to strike with astonishment
Cross References
Mark 6:51And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered.Mark 5:42And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment.Mark 4:41And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?Mark 2:12And 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.Genesis 1:31And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.Psalms 139:14I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.Acts 14:11And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men.Mark 1:27And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him.Luke 23:41And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.
Historical Context
The Decapolis's enthusiastic response contrasts with Galilean rejection (Mark 6:1-6) and Pharisaic opposition. Those who should have recognized their Messiah—Jews, religious leaders—rejected Him. Gentiles in pagan territory immediately recognized divine action. This anticipates the gospel's trajectory: rejected by Israel's majority, spreading to Gentiles worldwide (Acts 13:46, Romans 11:11-12). The claim also testified against critics accusing Jesus of working through Beelzebul (Mark 3:22)—evil cannot produce such good.
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing Jesus does all things well shape trust in His sovereignty over chaotic circumstances?
- Why do outsiders and marginalized often recognize Jesus more readily than religious insiders?
- How do Jesus's healings preview new creation where God makes all things new (Revelation 21:5)?
Analysis & Commentary
Were beyond measure astonished. He hath done all things well—Mark intensifies Greek: exceedingly beyond measure astonishment, struck out of one's senses. Their amazement exceeded normal surprise—they witnessed something categorically unprecedented. This profound awe is appropriate response to divine in-breaking. The declaration he hath done all things well echoes Genesis 1:31: God saw everything he made, very good. The crowd recognizes Jesus's works parallel creation—He does all things well as God did creating the world. Not merely good but beautiful, fitting—restoration to original design. Jesus's healings reverse the Fall's curse, previewing new creation. He maketh both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak—quoting Isaiah 35:5-6, messianic prophecy. Gentiles recognized what Jerusalem's scribes refused.