Mark 8:25
After that he put his hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly.
Original Language Analysis
εἶτα
After
G1534
εἶτα
After
Strong's:
G1534
Word #:
1 of 19
a particle of succession (in time or logical enumeration), then, moreover
πάλιν
again
G3825
πάλιν
again
Strong's:
G3825
Word #:
2 of 19
(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand
τὰς
G3588
τὰς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χεῖρας
his hands
G5495
χεῖρας
his hands
Strong's:
G5495
Word #:
5 of 19
the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)
ἐπὶ
upon
G1909
ἐπὶ
upon
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
6 of 19
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὀφθαλμοὺς
eyes
G3788
ὀφθαλμοὺς
eyes
Strong's:
G3788
Word #:
8 of 19
the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication, vision; figuratively, envy (from the jealous side-glance)
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
9 of 19
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 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐποίησεν
made
G4160
ἐποίησεν
made
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
11 of 19
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
12 of 19
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 #:
14 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀποκατεστάθη
he was restored
G600
ἀποκατεστάθη
he was restored
Strong's:
G600
Word #:
15 of 19
to reconstitute (in health, home or organization)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
16 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐνέβλεψεν
saw
G1689
ἐνέβλεψεν
saw
Strong's:
G1689
Word #:
17 of 19
to look on, i.e., (relatively) to observe fixedly, or (absolutely) to discern clearly
Cross References
Proverbs 4:18But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.2 Peter 3:18But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.Matthew 13:12For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath.1 Peter 2:9But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:Philippians 1:6Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
Historical Context
Complete healing validated Jesus's messianic authority in a culture where physical afflictions were often interpreted as divine judgment. The two-stage process, unique among Jesus's healings, served pedagogical purposes—teaching disciples about the nature of faith, revelation, and progressive spiritual understanding during His earthly ministry.
Questions for Reflection
- What aspects of Jesus's character or mission have become clearer to you over time, requiring His 'second touch'?
- How does the promise of 'restoration' (apokatestathē) encourage you regarding sin's damage in your life?
- In what ways might you need to return to Jesus for a 'second touch' on issues you thought were already resolved?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
After that he put his hands again upon him—The Greek palin (πάλιν, 'again') emphasizes the deliberate two-stage process. This second imposition of hands (epithēken tas cheiras, ἐπέθηκεν τὰς χεῖρας) brings complete restoration. The verb dieblepsen (διέβλεψεν, 'he looked intently') is intensive, meaning 'to see clearly, to look through.' Mark alone preserves this detail.
He was restored, and saw every man clearly—Apokatestathē (ἀποκατεστάθη, 'was restored') implies return to original function, presupposing prior sight. The phrase eneblepsen hapantas (ἐνέβλεψεν ἅπαντας, 'saw all things clearly') uses an emphatic form—not just sight, but penetrating clarity. This restoration prefigures resurrection restoration: what sin blurred, Christ clarifies. The miracle's placement between bread discussions and Peter's confession is no accident—Mark structures his narrative to show that recognizing Jesus's true identity requires divine illumination, often granted progressively.