Mark 1:41

And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth [his] hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean.

And {G1161} Jesus {G2424}, moved with compassion {G4697}, put forth {G1614} his hand {G5495}, and touched {G680} him {G846}, and {G2532} saith {G3004} unto him {G846}, I will {G2309}; be thou clean {G2511}.

Moved with pity, Yeshua reached out his hand, touched him and said to him, "I am willing! Be cleansed!"

Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out His hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” He said. “Be clean!”

And being moved with compassion, he stretched forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou made clean.

Commentary

Context

This powerful verse immediately follows the desperate plea of a man afflicted with leprosy, as described in Mark 1:40. In ancient Israel, leprosy was not only a devastating physical disease but also carried immense social and religious stigma. According to the Mosaic Law (e.g., Leviticus 13:45-46), individuals with leprosy were considered ceremonially unclean and were forced to live in isolation, away from their communities and the temple. Touching a leper would also render a person unclean. This background underscores the profound significance of Jesus' actions.

Key Themes

  • Jesus' Divine Compassion: The phrase "moved with compassion" reveals the heart of Jesus. His response was not one of duty or obligation, but a deep, visceral empathy for the suffering man. This compassion often drove Jesus' healing ministry, as seen in other accounts of His care for the marginalized (Matthew 9:36).
  • The Power of Touch and Presence: Jesus' act of "put forth [his] hand, and touched him" was revolutionary. He deliberately broke societal and ceremonial barriers to connect with an outcast. This touch was not just physical; it conveyed acceptance, love, and the breaking of isolation, demonstrating Jesus' willingness to bridge the gap between purity and perceived impurity, between the divine and the afflicted.
  • Jesus' Authority and Willingness: His immediate declaration, "I will; be thou clean," is a powerful affirmation of both His desire and His divine authority. There was no hesitation or doubt. The healing was instantaneous and complete, showcasing Jesus' absolute power over sickness and disease, a hallmark of His ministry (Luke 5:13).

Linguistic Insights

  • The Greek word for "moved with compassion" is splagchnizomai (σπλαγχνίζομαι), which literally means "to be moved in one's bowels" or "inward parts." It conveys a deep, gut-wrenching pity and empathy, far beyond mere sympathy. It signifies a profound emotional and physical response to suffering.
  • The word "clean" (Greek: katharizō - καθαρίζω) implies not only a physical healing from the disease but also a restoration to ceremonial purity and social acceptance. For the leper, this meant being able to rejoin his family and community, and participate in religious life once more.

Practical Application and Reflection

Mark 1:41 offers profound lessons for believers today. It calls us to:

  • Embrace Compassion: Like Jesus, we are called to be moved by the suffering of others, particularly those who are marginalized, isolated, or deemed "unclean" by society. True compassion moves us to action, not just pity.
  • Reach Out: Jesus’ willingness to touch the leper encourages us to break down barriers and offer tangible help and connection to those in need, even when it might be uncomfortable or challenging.
  • Trust in Jesus' Power: This verse reminds us that Jesus is both willing and able to bring healing and cleansing. He can cleanse us from the "leprosy" of sin and its isolating effects, offering forgiveness and restoration (1 John 1:9). His authority and willingness extend to every area of our lives.
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Cross-References

  • Matthew 9:36

    But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.

  • Hebrews 2:17

    Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto [his] brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things [pertaining] to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.

  • Hebrews 4:15

    For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as [we are, yet] without sin.

  • Mark 6:34

    And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things.

  • Genesis 1:3

    ¶ And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.

  • Mark 4:39

    And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

  • Hebrews 1:3

    Who being the brightness of [his] glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;