Mark 3:3

And he saith unto the man which had the withered hand, Stand forth.

And {G2532} he saith {G3004} unto the man {G444} which had {G2192} the withered {G3583} hand {G5495}, Stand {G1453} forth {G1519}{G3319}.

He said to the man with the shriveled hand, "Come up where we can see you!"

Then Jesus said to the man with the withered hand, “Stand up among us.”

And he saith unto the man that had his hand withered, Stand forth.

Commentary

Mark 3:3 records a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry, setting the stage for a direct confrontation with the religious authorities over the true meaning and purpose of the Sabbath. In this verse, Jesus issues a clear, public command to a man suffering from a withered hand.

Context

This verse is part of a larger narrative found in Mark 3:1-6. Jesus has entered a synagogue on the Sabbath, where He encounters a man with a withered hand. The Pharisees, known for their strict interpretation of the Mosaic Law, are present and watching Him closely to see if He would heal on the Sabbath, hoping to find grounds for accusation. Jesus, fully aware of their intentions, deliberately brings the man's condition into the open with the command, "Stand forth." This act immediately elevates the situation from a private healing to a public challenge to their legalistic views.

Key Themes

  • Divine Authority and Public Challenge: Jesus' command to "Stand forth" is not merely an instruction but a public assertion of His authority. He is not hiding His intentions but openly challenging the Pharisees' rigid interpretation of the Sabbath. This highlights His sovereignty over both physical ailments and human traditions.
  • Compassion Over Legalism: Despite the watchful eyes of His adversaries, Jesus' primary concern remains the suffering man. His action underscores the theme that mercy and human need take precedence over strict, uncompassionate adherence to religious rules. This is a recurring motif in Jesus' ministry, where He frequently prioritized people over rigid interpretations of the law, especially concerning Sabbath healings.
  • The Purpose of the Sabbath: By commanding the man to stand, Jesus prepares to demonstrate that the Sabbath was made for humanity's good, not as a burden. This aligns with His earlier teaching that "The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath" (Mark 2:27).

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "Stand forth" translates the Greek ἔγειρε εἰς τὸ μέσον (egeire eis to meson), which literally means "rise into the midst." This emphasizes the public nature of Jesus' instruction. It wasn't a whispered command but a call for the man to come into the center of the synagogue, making his condition and the impending miracle visible to all, especially to the Pharisees who were seeking to condemn Jesus for healing on the Sabbath. This deliberate act served to expose their hypocrisy and highlight Jesus' compassion.

Practical Application

Mark 3:3 offers several valuable lessons for believers today:

  • Courage to Stand: The man's willingness to "stand forth" in front of a critical audience demonstrates an act of faith and obedience. We are often called to step out in faith, even when it means being exposed or facing opposition.
  • Prioritizing People: Jesus' example reminds us to always prioritize human need and compassion over rigid adherence to rules or traditions, especially if those rules hinder true acts of love and mercy.
  • Confronting Injustice: Jesus did not shy away from confronting religious hypocrisy or legalism that suppressed genuine care. This encourages us to speak up against systems or attitudes that marginalize or harm others in the name of religion.
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Cross-References

  • Philippians 1:28

    And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.

  • Philippians 1:30

    Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear [to be] in me.

  • John 9:4

    I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.

  • Luke 6:8

    But he knew their thoughts, and said to the man which had the withered hand, Rise up, and stand forth in the midst. And he arose and stood forth.

  • 1 Corinthians 15:58

    ¶ Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

  • Galatians 6:9

    And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

  • Daniel 6:10

    Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.
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