Mark 3:3

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 3:3 captures a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry within a synagogue on the Sabbath, where He directly addresses a man with a withered hand. This command, "Stand forth," is not merely an instruction but a deliberate, public challenge to the legalistic interpretations of the Sabbath held by the observing Pharisees, setting the stage for a profound demonstration of divine authority, compassion, and the true purpose of God's law.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a broader narrative in [Mark 3:1-6](/mark/3-1-6 "Mark 3:1-6 - Jesus Heals on the Sabbath"), immediately following a series of controversies between Jesus and the religious authorities concerning the Sabbath (e.g., the disciples plucking grain in [Mark 2:23-28](/mark/2-23-28 "Mark 2:23-28 - Lord of the Sabbath")). Jesus enters the synagogue, fully aware that the Pharisees are meticulously watching Him, hoping to find grounds for accusation if He were to heal on the Sabbath. His direct command to the man with the withered hand to "Stand forth" is a strategic move, elevating the man's condition and the impending healing from a private act to a public confrontation, forcing the issue of Sabbath observance into the open. This sets the stage for Jesus' subsequent question regarding the lawfulness of doing good or evil on the Sabbath, culminating in His healing of the man and the Pharisees' immediate plotting against Him.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Sabbath was a foundational institution in Jewish life, commemorating God's rest after creation and serving as a sign of the covenant. By the time of Jesus, however, the Pharisees had developed an extensive body of oral tradition, or "halakha," which meticulously defined what constituted "work" on the Sabbath, often to an extreme degree. Healing, unless life-threatening, was generally prohibited. The synagogue was the central place of Jewish community worship and teaching, making Jesus' actions here highly public and provocative. A "withered hand" (Greek: *xēraínō*) would have been a visible, debilitating condition, likely a form of atrophy, rendering the hand useless and impacting the man's ability to work or care for himself. Jesus' choice to heal such a person, in such a public setting, on the Sabbath, directly challenged the prevailing legalistic interpretation that prioritized human-made rules over human need and divine compassion.
* **Key Themes:** Mark 3:3 contributes significantly to several key themes within Mark's Gospel. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Jesus' Divine Authority and Sovereignty**, not only over physical ailments but also over human traditions and interpretations of the law. He does not hide or negotiate but openly asserts His will. Secondly, the passage highlights the theme of **Compassion Over Legalism**. Despite the hostile scrutiny of His adversaries, Jesus' primary concern remains the suffering man, demonstrating that mercy and human need take precedence over rigid, 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](/luke/13-10-17 "Luke 13:10-17 - Healing a Bent Woman on the Sabbath") and His declaration that "[The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath](/mark/2-27 "Mark 2:27 - Jesus, Lord of the Sabbath")" ([Mark 2:27](/mark/2-27 "Mark 2:27 - Jesus, Lord of the Sabbath")). Lastly, the incident underscores **The True Purpose of the Sabbath**, revealing it as a day for doing good, for restoring life, and for demonstrating God's redemptive power, rather than a day for burdensome restrictions that hinder acts of love and healing.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **saith (Greek, _légō'_):** This verb (G3004) signifies a deliberate and authoritative utterance, often in the context of systematic or set discourse. Here, Jesus is not merely speaking casually but issuing a direct command that carries weight and intention, "laying forth" His will and setting the stage for a public demonstration.
* **withered (Greek, _xēraínō'_):** Derived from the Greek word for "dry" (G3583), this term describes the man's hand as shriveled, dried up, or atrophied. It vividly portrays a condition of physical decay and loss of function, emphasizing the severity of the man's ailment and the profound nature of the healing Jesus is about to perform.
* **Stand forth (Greek, _egeírō eis to méson'_):** The KJV translates a Greek phrase that literally means "rise into the midst." The verb *egeírō* (G1453) means "to waken, rouse, lift up, raise," often implying a transition from a state of inactivity, disease, or even death to one of active being. The prepositions *eis* (G1519, "into") and *mésos* (G3319, "middle" or "midst") specify the destination: the man is commanded to rise and come into the center of the synagogue, making his condition and Jesus' subsequent action undeniably public. This was a deliberate act by Jesus to challenge the Pharisees directly.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he saith unto the man which had the withered hand":** This clause establishes Jesus' direct engagement with the afflicted man. It highlights Jesus' initiative in addressing the man, rather than waiting for the man to approach Him. The description "which had the withered hand" immediately identifies the man's specific and visible ailment, setting the context for the impending miracle and the controversy it will provoke.
* **"‹Stand forth.›":** This concise, imperative command from Jesus carries significant weight. It is a public summons, calling the man to move from his position into the open, into the "midst" of the synagogue. This public display is crucial for Jesus' purpose: it forces the Pharisees, who are watching intently, to confront His actions directly and to reveal their own hearts regarding the Sabbath law and human suffering. The command is also an act of faith for the man, requiring him to obey despite his physical limitation and the intense scrutiny of the religious leaders.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 3:3 effectively employs **Dramatic Irony** and **Symbolism**. The **Dramatic Irony** is evident in the Pharisees' watchful anticipation, hoping to catch Jesus in a transgression, while Jesus, fully aware of their intentions, deliberately and publicly provokes the confrontation. They are watching for evil, but Jesus is planning good, turning their scrutiny against them. The "withered hand" itself functions as **Symbolism**. Beyond its literal meaning of physical atrophy, it can symbolize the spiritual barrenness and inability to "do good" that characterized the legalism of the Pharisees. Just as the hand is useless, their rigid interpretation of the law rendered them spiritually unproductive and incapable of true compassion. Jesus' act of restoring the hand thus symbolizes His power to bring spiritual restoration and enable true righteousness, which involves active love and mercy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 3:3 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of God's law and the character of Jesus. It underscores that God's commands, including the Sabbath, were given for the flourishing and well-being of humanity, not as oppressive burdens. Jesus, as the Lord of the Sabbath, demonstrates that true holiness is expressed through active compassion and the restoration of life, even if it means challenging entrenched religious traditions. This encounter highlights the clash between a rigid, external adherence to rules and an internal, heart-centered obedience that prioritizes love and mercy. Jesus' actions expose the hypocrisy of those who would rather see a person suffer than deviate from their man-made interpretations of the law, revealing a distorted understanding of God's will.

* [Matthew 12:9-13](/matthew/12-9-13 "Matthew 12:9-13 - Healing on the Sabbath")
* [Luke 6:6-11](/luke/6-6-11 "Luke 6:6-11 - Healing a Withered Hand on the Sabbath")
* [Hosea 6:6](/hosea/6-6 "Hosea 6:6 - Mercy, Not Sacrifice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene in Mark 3:3 calls us to a deep examination of our own hearts and priorities. Jesus' command to "Stand forth" serves as a powerful invitation for us to step out of the shadows of our own limitations, fears, or the judgment of others, and to present our brokenness before Him. It challenges us to consider whether our faith is characterized by a vibrant, active compassion that prioritizes human need, or by a rigid adherence to rules and traditions that may inadvertently hinder love and mercy. Are we willing to stand with Jesus, even when it means confronting popular opinion or religious norms that contradict the heart of God? This passage encourages us to cultivate a faith that is courageous, compassionate, and willing to challenge injustice or unloving legalism, always seeking to do good, especially when it is inconvenient or controversial.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "withered hands" (areas of brokenness, inability, or spiritual paralysis) might Jesus be inviting me to "stand forth" with today, bringing them into His healing light?**
* **In what ways might my own religious practices or traditions inadvertently hinder acts of genuine compassion and mercy towards others?**
* **Am I willing to stand for what is right and loving, even when it means facing scrutiny or opposition from those who prioritize rules over people?**
* **How can I better embody Jesus' compassion in my daily life, actively seeking opportunities to "do good" and bring restoration to those around me, regardless of the "day" or the "rules"?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus ask the man to "Stand forth" publicly, knowing it would provoke the Pharisees?**

Answer: Jesus' command for the man to "Stand forth" (Greek: *egeírō eis to méson*, "rise into the midst") was a deliberate and strategic act. He was fully aware that the Pharisees were watching Him, hoping to accuse Him of breaking the Sabbath law by healing. By commanding the man to come into the center of the synagogue, Jesus made the situation undeniably public. This served several purposes: it exposed the man's need to everyone, including the Pharisees; it forced the religious leaders to confront Jesus' actions directly, revealing their own hearts and priorities (whether they valued human life and compassion over their rigid interpretations of the law); and it clearly demonstrated Jesus' authority and His intention to challenge their legalistic system. It was not an act of recklessness, but a purposeful move to teach a profound lesson about the true meaning of the Sabbath and the nature of God's kingdom, where doing good and saving life are paramount ([Mark 3:4](/mark/3-4 "Mark 3:4 - Is it lawful to do good on the Sabbath?")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The healing of the man with the withered hand, initiated by Jesus' command to "Stand forth," finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Covenant. The withered hand, symbolizing human inability, spiritual barrenness, and the debilitating effects of sin, points to humanity's desperate need for divine intervention. Jesus, as the Son of God, does not merely mend a physical ailment; He inaugurates a new creation, where what is withered by sin is made whole and active again. His power to restore the hand foreshadows His ultimate work on the cross, where He breaks the power of sin and death, enabling us to "stand forth" in newness of life. Through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection, Christ empowers those who were spiritually withered and unable to "do good" (cf. [Romans 3:10-12](/romans/3-10-12 "Romans 3:10-12 - None is righteous")) to become instruments of righteousness and compassion. We are called to "stand forth" from our old selves, empowered by the Holy Spirit, to live lives of active obedience and love, just as the man's restored hand was now capable of service. This act of healing on the Sabbath ultimately points to Christ as the one who brings true rest and restoration, fulfilling the Sabbath's deepest purpose by making us whole and enabling us to bear fruit for God's kingdom ([John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - I am the vine; you are the branches")).

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

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.