Mark 1:42

KJV

And as soon as he had spoken, immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was cleansed.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} as soon as he {G846} had spoken {G2036}, immediately {G2112} the leprosy {G3014} departed {G565} from {G575} him {G846}, and {G2532} he was cleansed {G2511}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Instantly the tzara`at left him, and he was cleansed.

Berean Standard Bible

And immediately the leprosy left him, and the man was cleansed.

American Standard Version

And straightway the leprosy departed from him, and he was made clean.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 1:42 powerfully narrates the instantaneous and complete healing of a man afflicted with leprosy, immediately following Jesus' compassionate word and touch. This pivotal moment underscores Jesus' divine authority over disease, His profound willingness to engage with the outcast, and His capacity to bring about not only physical restoration but also ceremonial cleansing, thereby reintegrating the man into society and worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the climactic resolution to the narrative of Jesus healing a leper, which begins in [Mark 1:40](/mark/1-40 "Mark 1:40 - The Leper's Plea"). The preceding verses establish the leper's desperate plea, Jesus' deep compassion ("moved with compassion" or "moved with indignation" depending on manuscript tradition, but the outcome clearly indicates compassion), and His audacious act of touching the man. This healing is one of Jesus' early miracles in Mark's Gospel, immediately following His call of the first disciples and a series of healings and exorcisms in Capernaum (e.g., [Mark 1:21-39](/mark/1-21-39 "Mark 1:21-39 - Jesus' Ministry in Capernaum")). The swiftness of the healing in [Mark 1:42](/mark/1-42 "Mark 1:42 - The Leper Cleansed") reinforces the theme of Jesus' undeniable power and authority, a recurring emphasis in Mark's fast-paced narrative. The subsequent instruction to the healed man in [Mark 1:43-45](/mark/1-43-45 "Mark 1:43-45 - Jesus' Command and the Man's Disobedience") highlights Jesus' respect for the Mosaic Law and His desire for the man's full reintegration, even as the man's disobedience leads to Jesus' temporary withdrawal from public spaces.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, leprosy (Hebrew: _tzara'at_) was a devastating and highly stigmatized condition, encompassing a range of skin diseases, not necessarily limited to what is known as Hansen's disease today. Under Mosaic Law, individuals with leprosy were considered ceremonially unclean and were strictly isolated from the community ([Leviticus 13:45-46](/leviticus/13-45-46 "Leviticus 13:45-46 - Laws Concerning Leprosy")). They had to wear torn clothes, leave their hair disheveled, cover their upper lip, and cry "Unclean! Unclean!" to warn others of their presence. This isolation meant social, religious, and economic ostracization. Touching a leper would render a person ceremonially unclean, requiring purification rituals. Jesus' act of touching the leper, therefore, was a profoundly counter-cultural and compassionate gesture that defied social norms and religious strictures, demonstrating His willingness to cross boundaries to reach the marginalized. Furthermore, healing from leprosy was considered miraculous, often equated with resurrection, and only priests could declare a leper clean after a prescribed ritual ([Leviticus 14](/leviticus/14 "Leviticus 14 - Laws for Cleansing a Leper")).
* **Key Themes:** Mark 1:42 contributes significantly to several key themes within Mark's Gospel. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Jesus' Divine Authority and Power** over sickness and disease; His word alone is sufficient to bring about a complete transformation, emphasizing His unique status as the Son of God. Secondly, it highlights **Jesus' Compassion and Willingness** to heal and restore. His immediate response to the leper's plea, culminating in the touch and healing, showcases His deep empathy for human suffering and His desire to bring wholeness, as seen throughout His ministry, for example, when [He had compassion on the crowds](/matthew/9-36 "Matthew 9:36 - Jesus' Compassion for the Crowds"). Thirdly, the verse emphasizes **Cleansing and Restoration**, not just physically, but also ceremonially and socially. The term "cleansed" (Greek: _ekatharisthē_) carries the weight of ritual purification, allowing the man to re-enter society and temple worship, thus restoring his full humanity and community standing. Finally, the characteristic **Markan "Immediately"** (Greek: _euthéōs_) underscores the swiftness, decisiveness, and undeniable reality of Jesus' miraculous actions, a hallmark of Mark's Gospel that propels the narrative forward and emphasizes Jesus' dynamic power.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **spoken (Greek, _épō_):** This verb signifies the act of saying or telling, often implying a definitive declaration or command. In Mark 1:42, it highlights the power inherent in Jesus' words. The healing is not a gradual process or a result of a prolonged ritual, but an immediate consequence of Jesus' authoritative utterance, "I am willing; be cleansed" ([Mark 1:41](/mark/1-41 "Mark 1:41 - Jesus' Willingness to Heal")). This emphasizes that Jesus' spoken word carries divine efficacy.
* **immediately (Greek, _euthéōs_):** This adverb denotes directness, swiftness, and instantaneous action. Its prominent placement in this verse, and its frequent use throughout Mark's Gospel, underscores the sudden and undeniable nature of Jesus' miracles. The healing was not delayed or partial; it was absolute and occurred at the very moment Jesus spoke, leaving no room for doubt about the source or power of the transformation.
* **cleansed (Greek, _katharízō_):** Derived from the word for "clean" or "pure," this verb means to make clean, purge, or purify, both literally and figuratively. In the context of leprosy, "cleansed" is profoundly significant. It refers not only to the physical removal of the disease but also to the ceremonial purification required by the Mosaic Law for a leper to be reintegrated into society and the religious community. Jesus' act thus provided holistic restoration, addressing the man's physical ailment, social ostracization, and ritual uncleanness, making him pure in every sense.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And as soon as he had spoken":** This phrase directly links the healing to Jesus' preceding words, "I am willing; be cleansed." It emphasizes the direct causal relationship between Jesus' authoritative declaration and the miraculous outcome. The power resides in His utterance.
* **"immediately the leprosy departed from him":** This clause highlights the instantaneous nature of the healing. The adverb "immediately" (Greek: _euthéōs_) is characteristic of Mark's Gospel, emphasizing the swiftness and decisiveness of Jesus' actions. The disease did not fade gradually but vanished completely and without delay, demonstrating Jesus' absolute dominion over sickness.
* **"and he was cleansed":** This final clause confirms the completeness of the miracle. The Greek word for "cleansed" (Greek: _ekatharisthē_) carries a dual meaning: the physical cure of the disease and the ceremonial purification required by Jewish law for a leper to be reintegrated into society and the temple. This signifies a holistic restoration—physical, social, and spiritual.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 1:42 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Emphasis** through the use of the adverb "immediately" (Greek: _euthéōs_), a hallmark of Mark's Gospel, appearing frequently to highlight the swiftness, power, and decisiveness of Jesus' actions. This rapid pace creates a sense of urgency and undeniable divine power. There is also a clear use of **Cause and Effect**, where Jesus' spoken word is the direct cause, and the leper's instantaneous cleansing is the immediate effect, underscoring the efficacy of Jesus' authority. The narrative also features **Contrast** between the leper's prior state of uncleanness and isolation and his sudden, complete cleansing and restoration, highlighting the transformative power of Jesus. Finally, the word "cleansed" itself functions as **Symbolism**, representing not only physical healing but also spiritual purification and social reintegration, pointing to a holistic salvation that Jesus offers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 1:42 is a profound testament to the multifaceted nature of Jesus' ministry and identity. The instantaneous and complete healing of the leper demonstrates Jesus' divine authority, revealing Him as more than a prophet or a healer; He is the sovereign Lord over all creation, including disease and human suffering. His willingness to touch the untouchable not only showcases His boundless compassion but also challenges and transcends the rigid boundaries of ritual purity, foreshadowing a new covenant where access to God is not limited by ceremonial laws but by faith in Him. This miracle points to Jesus' power to cleanse not just physical ailments but also the deeper spiritual uncleanness of sin, offering a holistic restoration that brings individuals back into fellowship with God and community.

* [Matthew 8:3](/matthew/8-3 "Matthew 8:3 - Jesus Touches and Heals a Leper")
* [Luke 5:13](/luke/5-13 "Luke 5:13 - Jesus Heals a Leper")
* [Isaiah 53:4](/isaiah/53-4 "Isaiah 53:4 - He Bore Our Sicknesses")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 1:42 offers a powerful message of hope and restoration for every believer. Just as Jesus was willing and able to cleanse the leper, He remains willing and able to address the "unclean" conditions in our lives, whether they manifest as physical ailments, deep-seated spiritual impurities (sins), emotional wounds, or feelings of social ostracization. This verse reminds us that no condition is beyond Christ's power; whatever "leprosy" we carry, Jesus has the authority to bring complete healing and transformation. His willingness to reach out and touch the untouchable demonstrates that His grace extends to all, regardless of our past or present circumstances, inviting us to approach Him with confidence and vulnerability. Furthermore, the comprehensive nature of the leper's cleansing—physical, ceremonial, and social—underscores God's desire for our holistic well-being and restoration to full relationship with Him and others. We are called to trust in His immediate and complete power to cleanse and restore every area of our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "unclean" conditions or areas of brokenness in your life do you need to bring to Jesus for His cleansing touch?**
* **How does Jesus' willingness to touch the leper challenge your own comfort zones in showing compassion to the marginalized or ostracized?**
* **In what ways do you need to trust in the "immediately" of God's power, believing that He can bring about instantaneous change in your circumstances or character?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of Jesus touching the leper?**

Answer: Jesus' act of touching the leper, as described in [Mark 1:41](/mark/1-41 "Mark 1:41 - Jesus' Compassion and Touch"), was profoundly significant on multiple levels. Culturally and religiously, lepers were considered ceremonially unclean and were strictly isolated from society under Mosaic Law ([Leviticus 13:45-46](/leviticus/13-45-46 "Leviticus 13:45-46 - Laws for Lepers")). Touching a leper would render a person unclean. By touching the leper, Jesus demonstrated immense compassion, defying social and religious norms to connect with an outcast. This act symbolized His willingness to bridge the gap between the clean and the unclean, bringing healing and restoration to those deemed beyond hope. It also foreshadowed His ultimate work of taking on humanity's uncleanness (sin) to make us clean.

**Why does Mark emphasize "immediately" so much in his Gospel?**

Answer: The adverb "immediately" (Greek: _euthéōs_ or _euthys_) is a characteristic feature of Mark's Gospel, appearing over 40 times. Its frequent use creates a sense of urgency, dynamism, and rapid progression in the narrative. In [Mark 1:42](/mark/1-42 "Mark 1:42 - The Leper Cleansed"), it emphasizes the instantaneous and undeniable nature of Jesus' miracles, highlighting His divine power and authority. It underscores that Jesus' actions are decisive and effective, leaving no doubt about the source of the miraculous occurrences. This literary device contributes to Mark's portrayal of Jesus as the powerful Son of God, actively engaged in His mission.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The instantaneous cleansing of the leper in Mark 1:42 is a powerful microcosm of Christ's greater redemptive work. Just as the leper was physically and ceremonially unclean, humanity is spiritually unclean due to sin, separated from God and community. Jesus, the Son of God, did not merely speak a word of healing; He entered into our "unclean" condition, ultimately taking on the defilement of our sin upon Himself on the cross. The leper's immediate cleansing foreshadows the complete and immediate justification and sanctification available to those who believe in Christ. Through His sacrifice, Jesus became the ultimate High Priest who not only declares us clean but actually makes us clean, removing the stain of sin and reconciling us to God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). His touch, which in the Old Testament would transmit uncleanness, here transmits life and purity, demonstrating His divine power to transform and restore. This miracle points forward to the new covenant where Christ's blood cleanses us from all sin ([1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - Cleansing by the Blood of Jesus")) and restores us to a living relationship with God, making us part of His holy community, the Church, where there is no longer any outcast ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints")).

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

John 15:3

Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.

Matthew 15:28

Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great [is] thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.

Mark 1:31

And he came and took her by the hand, and lifted her up; and immediately the fever left her, and she ministered unto them.

Mark 5:29

And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in [her] body that she was healed of that plague.

John 4:50

Jesus saith unto him, Go thy way; thy son liveth. And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him, and he went his way.

John 4:53

So the father knew that [it was] at the same hour, in the which Jesus said unto him, Thy son liveth: and himself believed, and his whole house.

Psalms 33:9

For he spake, and it was [done]; he commanded, and it stood fast.