Mark 1:41

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 1:41 powerfully illustrates Jesus' divine compassion and authority as he encounters a man afflicted with leprosy. Breaking societal and ceremonial norms, Jesus reaches out with a tender touch, demonstrating profound empathy and a willingness to engage with the marginalized. His immediate and authoritative declaration, "I will; be thou clean," reveals not only his sovereign power over disease but also his desire to restore individuals to wholeness—physically, socially, and spiritually. This pivotal moment underscores the core of Jesus' ministry: bringing healing and restoration to those deemed unclean and outcast.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the desperate plea of a leper in [Mark 1:40](/mark/1-40 "Mark 1:40 - The Leper's Plea"), who kneels before Jesus, acknowledging His power to cleanse. It is a direct response to this man's faith and humility. The preceding verses in [Mark 1](/mark/1 "Mark 1 - Jesus' Early Ministry") establish Jesus' burgeoning ministry, marked by His authoritative teaching, casting out of demons, and healing of various diseases, including Peter's mother-in-law ([Mark 1:21-34](/mark/1-21-34 "Mark 1:21-34 - Jesus' Authority in Capernaum")). This healing of the leper serves as a profound demonstration of Jesus' unique authority, not only over sickness but also over the rigid social and religious boundaries of the time, setting the stage for further encounters and revelations of His divine nature.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, leprosy (a broad term encompassing various skin diseases, not just Hansen's disease) was a devastating condition with profound social and religious implications. According to the Mosaic Law, particularly in [Leviticus 13-14](/leviticus/13-14 "Leviticus 13-14 - Laws Concerning Leprosy"), individuals with leprosy were considered ceremonially unclean, requiring them to live in isolation, wear torn clothes, and cry out "Unclean! Unclean!" to warn others. Touching a leper rendered a person ritually unclean, necessitating purification rituals. This meant lepers were ostracized from family, community, and temple worship, experiencing deep physical, emotional, and spiritual suffering. Jesus' act of touching the leper was a radical transgression of these norms, demonstrating a willingness to absorb uncleanness and, through His divine power, transform it into purity.

* **Key Themes:** Mark 1:41 powerfully contributes to several key themes prevalent throughout the Gospel of Mark and Jesus' ministry. Foremost is the theme of **Jesus' Compassion and Empathy**, which consistently drives His actions toward the suffering and marginalized, as seen in His feeding of the multitudes ([Mark 6:34](/mark/6-34 "Mark 6:34 - Jesus' Compassion for the Crowds")). Another central theme is **Jesus' Divine Authority and Power** over sickness, sin, and the forces of uncleanness. His ability to heal leprosy, a condition considered incurable by human means and a symbol of sin's defilement, underscores His unique divine status. Furthermore, the verse highlights the theme of **Breaking Down Barriers**, as Jesus deliberately transcends the rigid social and ceremonial boundaries of His day to bring healing and restoration, foreshadowing the inclusive nature of the Kingdom of God that welcomes all, regardless of their perceived status or condition ([Mark 2:15-17](/mark/2-15-17 "Mark 2:15-17 - Jesus Eats with Sinners")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **moved with compassion (Greek, _splanchnízomai'_):** This word, derived from _splagchnon_ (meaning "bowels" or "inward parts"), conveys a deep, visceral, gut-wrenching pity and empathy. It signifies a profound emotional and physical response to suffering, far beyond mere intellectual sympathy. It implies that Jesus' response was not a detached act of power but flowed from the very core of His being, a profound identification with the leper's pain and isolation.
* **put forth (Greek, _ekteínō'_):** From _ek_ (out) and _teino_ (to stretch), this verb means "to extend" or "stretch forth." It emphasizes a deliberate, intentional action on Jesus' part. He didn't just passively allow the leper to approach; He actively reached out, initiating the physical contact that would break down barriers and convey His willingness to engage with the man's defilement.
* **I will (Greek, _thélō'_):** This verb signifies a strong determination, a choice or preference stemming from subjective impulse and desire. It communicates Jesus' absolute willingness and desire to heal the man, contrasting with any notion of reluctance or hesitation. It is an active affirmation of His will, not a mere statement of ability, underscoring His benevolent disposition toward the suffering.
* **clean (Greek, _katharízō'_):** Derived from _katharós_ (pure), this word means "to cleanse" or "purify." In the context of leprosy, it 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, participate in religious life, and be fully restored to society, signifying a holistic transformation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jesus, moved with compassion":** This opening phrase reveals the primary motivation behind Jesus' extraordinary actions. His healing ministry was not merely a display of power but an outflow of profound empathy and love for humanity's suffering. The Greek word for "moved with compassion" (_splanchnízomai_) suggests a deep, visceral, "gut-level" response to the leper's plight, highlighting Jesus' genuine emotional connection to the man's pain and isolation.
* **"put forth [his] hand, and touched him":** This action is revolutionary and deeply significant. According to Mosaic Law, touching a leper rendered one ceremonially unclean. Jesus deliberately transgressed this social and religious barrier, demonstrating His willingness to bridge the gap between purity and perceived impurity. His touch was not merely physical; it conveyed acceptance, love, and the breaking of isolation, offering a tangible connection that the leper had likely been denied for years. It was an act of profound solidarity and a powerful symbol of His ability to cleanse defilement.
* **"and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean.":** Jesus' words are a powerful declaration of both His divine will and His sovereign authority. "I will" (Greek: _thélō_) conveys His absolute willingness and desire to heal, dispelling any doubt about His benevolent intent. The command "be thou clean" (Greek: _katharízō_) is an authoritative, instantaneous, and effective word of power. It signifies not just a physical cure but a complete restoration to ritual purity and social wholeness, demonstrating Jesus' ultimate authority over sickness, sin, and the systems of defilement.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 1:41 is rich with literary devices that amplify its theological impact. The most prominent is **Irony**, as Jesus, the epitome of purity, willingly touches the "unclean" leper, yet it is the leper who becomes clean, not Jesus who becomes defiled. This act subverts the conventional understanding of purity laws, demonstrating Jesus' divine power to reverse the effects of uncleanness. **Symbolism** is also heavily at play; the leper represents humanity's spiritual uncleanness and isolation due to sin, while Jesus' touch and word symbolize the cleansing and restorative power of His grace. The immediate and complete healing functions as **Hyperbole** or a dramatic demonstration of Jesus' absolute authority, emphasizing the instantaneous nature of divine intervention. Finally, the narrative employs **Juxtaposition** between the leper's desperate, isolated state and Jesus' compassionate, authoritative response, highlighting the transformative power of divine encounter.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 1:41 stands as a powerful testament to Jesus' unique identity as the compassionate Son of God, who not only possesses divine power but also chooses to exercise it in radical acts of love and restoration. This encounter reveals that Jesus' mission extends beyond merely teaching or performing miracles; it is fundamentally about breaking down barriers, restoring the marginalized, and bringing holistic healing—physical, social, and spiritual. His willingness to touch the untouchable demonstrates a profound redefinition of purity, where true holiness is not found in rigid separation but in redemptive engagement with the defiled, transforming uncleanness into wholeness. This act foreshadows the ultimate cleansing from sin and the restoration to fellowship with God that Jesus would accomplish through His sacrifice.

* [Matthew 8:2-3](/matthew/8-2-3 "Matthew 8:2-3 - Jesus Heals a Leper")
* [Luke 5:12-13](/luke/5-12-13 "Luke 5:12-13 - Jesus Cleanses a Leper")
* [Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sympathetic High Priest")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 1:41 offers profound and challenging lessons for believers today, inviting us to embody the compassion and courage of Christ in a world still marked by isolation and suffering. Just as Jesus was "moved with compassion," we are called to cultivate a deep, visceral empathy for those who are marginalized, outcast, or deemed "unclean" by societal standards, whether due to illness, poverty, social stigma, or spiritual brokenness. This compassion should not remain a mere feeling but must propel us to action, prompting us to "put forth our hand" and engage tangibly with those in need, even when it requires us to step outside our comfort zones, challenge prevailing norms, or risk being "defiled" by association. The verse reminds us that true ministry often involves breaking down barriers and extending grace to the very people society has cast aside. Furthermore, it reassures us of Jesus' unwavering willingness and authority to cleanse us from the "leprosy" of sin and its isolating effects, offering forgiveness, healing, and complete restoration to fellowship with God and community.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be inadvertently contributing to the isolation of others, and how can I intentionally "put forth my hand" to connect with them?**
* **What "unclean" or uncomfortable situations is God calling me to engage with, motivated by His compassion?**
* **How does Jesus' immediate "I will" encourage me to trust in His willingness and power to address the "leprosy" in my own life, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual?**

### FAQ

**Why did Jesus touch the leper, violating the Mosaic Law?**

Answer: Jesus' act of touching the leper was a deliberate and profound demonstration of His divine authority and His redefinition of purity. According to [Leviticus 13-14](/leviticus/13-14 "Leviticus 13-14 - Laws Concerning Leprosy"), touching a leper would render a person ritually unclean. However, Jesus, being the source of all purity, did not become defiled by the leper; rather, His touch conveyed His cleansing power to the leper. This act symbolized His mission to break down barriers, engage with the marginalized, and transform uncleanness into wholeness, demonstrating that His holiness was contagious, not susceptible to defilement. It was a powerful visual sermon on the nature of the Kingdom of God, where grace triumphs over rigid legalism.

**What is the significance of Jesus saying "I will" before "be thou clean"?**

Answer: The phrase "I will" (Greek: _thélō_) is highly significant because it emphasizes Jesus' absolute willingness and desire to heal the man, not merely His ability. The leper had expressed faith in Jesus' power ("If you are willing, you can make me clean," [Mark 1:40](/mark/1-40 "Mark 1:40 - The Leper's Plea")), but Jesus' immediate and affirmative "I will" removes any doubt about His benevolent intent. It shows that His compassion was not a fleeting emotion but a deep, determined commitment to bring restoration. This declaration underscores His active will in the miracle, assuring the leper, and all who read the account, of His boundless love and desire to bring healing.

**How does this healing relate to spiritual cleansing from sin?**

Answer: The physical cleansing of the leper serves as a powerful metaphor for spiritual cleansing from sin. Just as leprosy isolated individuals from society and worship, sin isolates humanity from God and from one another ([Isaiah 59:2](/isaiah/59-2 "Isaiah 59:2 - Sin Separates from God")). Jesus' willingness to touch the leper, despite the defilement, parallels His willingness to enter into our sin-stained world and bear the defilement of our sins on the cross ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). His authoritative command "be thou clean" speaks to His power to forgive sins and purify us from all unrighteousness ([1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "1 John 1:9 - Confession and Forgiveness")). Through faith in Him, we are not only forgiven but also made spiritually clean, restored to fellowship with God, and re-integrated into the community of believers.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 1:41 profoundly illuminates the person and work of Jesus Christ, revealing Him as the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. The leper's desperate cry and Jesus' compassionate response foreshadow the greater spiritual cleansing that Christ would accomplish for all humanity. Just as the leper was an outcast, ceremonially unclean and separated from community, humanity is alienated from God by the "leprosy" of sin ([Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned")). Jesus' willingness to "put forth His hand and touch" the leper is a powerful prefigurement of the Incarnation, where the Son of God condescended to take on human flesh and dwell among us, entering into our defilement to bring us out of it ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). His authoritative declaration, "I will; be thou clean," echoes the divine decree that brings forth new creation and spiritual purification. Ultimately, this encounter points to the cross, where Jesus, the spotless Lamb of God, willingly became "unclean" for us, bearing our sins in His own body on the tree ([1 Peter 2:24](/1_peter/2-24 "1 Peter 2:24 - Christ Bore Our Sins")), so that through His sacrifice, we might be truly cleansed and made righteous before God ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "God Demonstrates His Love")). He is the Great Physician who not only heals physical ailments but provides the ultimate, eternal cleansing from the defilement of sin, restoring us to perfect fellowship with God and eternal life ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Blood Cleanses Conscience")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

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;