Mark 3:10

For he had healed many; insomuch that they pressed upon him for to touch him, as many as had plagues.

For {G1063} he had healed {G2323} many {G4183}; insomuch that {G5620} they pressed upon {G1968} him {G846} for to {G2443} touch {G680} him {G846}, as many as {G3745} had {G2192} plagues {G3148}.

for he had healed many people, and all the sick kept pressing forward to touch him.

For He had healed so many that all who had diseases were pressing forward to touch Him.

for he had healed many; insomuch that as many as had plagues pressed upon him that they might touch him.

Commentary

Context

Mark 3:10 is situated early in Jesus' public ministry, specifically during a period of intense activity in Galilee. By this point, Jesus had already performed numerous miracles, cast out demons, and taught with unprecedented authority (Mark 1:27). His fame was rapidly spreading, attracting large crowds from various regions. This verse highlights the overwhelming demand for His healing power, occurring within a broader narrative where Jesus also faced increasing opposition from religious leaders who questioned His authority and actions.

Key Themes

  • Jesus' Unparalleled Healing Power: The phrase "he had healed many" underscores the extensive nature of Jesus' miraculous work. His ability to cure diverse ailments was undeniable and widely recognized, establishing Him as a unique figure of divine authority.
  • Desperation and Faith of the Crowds: The people's eagerness to "press upon him for to touch him" reveals their profound desperation for relief from suffering. Their actions suggest a deep-seated belief that even mere physical contact with Jesus possessed healing power, a testament to their nascent faith in Him. This echoes other accounts where people sought healing through His touch or garments.
  • Compassion for the Afflicted: Jesus' willingness to allow these crowds, many suffering from severe "plagues" (serious diseases), to approach Him demonstrates His profound compassion. Unlike many religious figures of the day who might avoid contact with the sick, Jesus embraced and ministered to the most vulnerable.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "plagues" is mastigas (μάστιγας), which literally means "scourges" or "lashes." In a medical context, it refers to severe, often chronic or debilitating diseases, emphasizing the intensity and severity of the afflictions these people carried. The phrase "pressed upon him" (Greek: epipiptein - ἐπιπίπτειν) conveys a sense of urgency and almost falling upon Him, illustrating the intense physical pressure and clamor of the crowd seeking His healing touch. This highlights the palpable sense of need and the sheer volume of people seeking help.

Practical Application

Mark 3:10 offers several timeless lessons for believers today. It reminds us that Jesus is both powerful and accessible. Just as the crowds pressed in on Him, we are invited to approach Him with our needs, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. The verse encourages us to bring our "plagues"—our deepest sufferings and challenges—to Christ, trusting in His ability and willingness to heal and restore. It also serves as an example of persistent faith; those who sought to touch Him believed in His unique power, and their effort was met with divine intervention. We are called to seek Christ with similar earnestness, confident in His grace and compassion.

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Cross-References

  • Matthew 14:36

    And besought him that they might only touch the hem of his garment: and as many as touched were made perfectly whole.

  • Mark 6:56

    And whithersoever he entered, into villages, or cities, or country, they laid the sick in the streets, and besought him that they might touch if it were but the border of his garment: and as many as touched him were made whole.

  • Matthew 4:23

    ¶ And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.

  • Acts 19:11

    And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul:

  • Acts 19:12

    So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them.

  • Luke 7:2

    And a certain centurion's servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die.

  • Acts 5:15

    Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid [them] on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.
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