Mark 1:42

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

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}.

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

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

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

Context of Mark 1:42

This verse concludes the remarkable account of Jesus healing a leper, which begins in Mark 1:40. A man afflicted with leprosy, an incurable and highly contagious disease in ancient times, courageously approached Jesus. Under Mosaic Law, lepers were considered ceremonially unclean and were isolated from society (Leviticus 13:45-46), often having to cry out "Unclean! Unclean!" to warn others. Jesus, moved with compassion, touched the man — an act that would have rendered Him unclean by law, yet He chose love over legalism.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Authority and Power: The phrase "as soon as he had spoken, immediately" highlights Jesus' absolute authority over disease and His divine power. The healing was instantaneous, requiring no prolonged process or ritual, demonstrating that Jesus' word alone is sufficient.
  • Jesus' Compassion and Willingness: This miracle powerfully illustrates Jesus' deep empathy for human suffering. His willingness to touch the untouchable not only healed the man physically but also restored him socially and spiritually, bringing him back into community. This act of compassion is a hallmark of Jesus' ministry, as seen in His care for the harassed and helpless.
  • Cleansing and Restoration: The text states the leprosy "departed from him, and he was cleansed." The word "cleansed" (Greek: ekatharisthē) is significant. It implies not just a physical cure but also a ceremonial purification, allowing the man to re-enter society and temple worship. Jesus performed a complete restoration.
  • The Markan "Immediately": The adverb "immediately" (Greek: euthys or eutheōs) is characteristic of Mark's Gospel, appearing frequently to emphasize the swiftness, power, and decisiveness of Jesus' actions. It underscores the undeniable reality of His miracles.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "immediately" is euthys (or eutheōs), a term Mark uses more than any other Gospel writer. Its prominent placement here underscores the instant efficacy of Jesus' command. The verb "cleansed" comes from katharizo, meaning to make pure or clean. In this context, it signifies both the physical removal of the disease and the ceremonial purification required for a leper to be reintegrated into Jewish society, fulfilling the requirements of the Law (see Mark 1:44).

Practical Application

Mark 1:42 offers profound encouragement for believers today. Just as Jesus was willing and able to cleanse the leper, He remains willing and able to address our "unclean" conditions—whether they are physical ailments, spiritual impurities (sins), or social ostracization. This verse reminds us that:

  • No condition is beyond Christ's power: Whatever challenges or "diseases" we face, Jesus has the authority to bring healing and transformation.
  • Jesus meets us where we are: He reached out to an outcast, demonstrating that His grace extends to all, regardless of their past or present circumstances. We can approach Him with confidence and vulnerability.
  • God desires our wholeness: The cleansing was comprehensive, addressing both the physical and social aspects of the man's suffering. God's desire for us is holistic well-being and restoration to full relationship with Him and others.

This powerful miracle serves as a testament to Jesus' identity as the compassionate Son of God with unparalleled authority, capable of bringing complete cleansing and new life.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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