Mark 3:5

KJV

And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he saith unto the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched [it] out: and his hand was restored whole as the other.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} when he had looked round about {G4017} on them {G846} with {G3326} anger {G3709}, being grieved {G4818} for {G1909} the hardness {G4457} of their {G846} hearts {G2588}, he saith {G3004} unto the man {G444}, Stretch forth {G1614} thine {G4675} hand {G5495}. And {G2532} he stretched it out {G1614}: and {G2532} his {G846} hand {G5495} was restored {G600} whole {G5199} as {G5613} the other {G243}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then, looking them over and feeling both anger with them and sympathy for them at the stoniness of their hearts, he said to the man, "Hold out your hand." As he held it out, it became restored.

Berean Standard Bible

Jesus looked around at them with anger and sorrow at their hardness of heart. Then He said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” So he stretched it out, and it was restored.

American Standard Version

And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved at the hardening of their heart, he saith unto the man, Stretch forth thy hand. And he stretched it forth; and his hand was restored.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 3:5 captures a profound moment in Jesus' ministry, revealing His divine authority, deep emotional response to spiritual apathy, and direct confrontation with religious legalism. In a synagogue on the Sabbath, Jesus, observing the hardened hearts of the religious leaders who sought to condemn Him for healing, expresses both righteous anger and profound grief. He then commands a man with a withered hand to stretch it out, resulting in an instantaneous and complete restoration, powerfully demonstrating His sovereignty over human infirmity and the true purpose of the Sabbath.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within Mark's narrative, immediately following Jesus' declaration that the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath, and that the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath ([Mark 2:27-28](/mark/2-27-28 "Mark 2:27-28 - Jesus, Lord of the Sabbath")). The preceding verses describe the Pharisees' increasing hostility and their conspiracy with the Herodians to destroy Jesus ([Mark 3:1-6](/mark/3-1-6 "Mark 3:1-6 - The Man with the Withered Hand")). The healing of the man with the withered hand serves as a direct challenge to their legalistic interpretation of the Sabbath, forcing them to confront Jesus' authority and compassionate actions. This event escalates the conflict between Jesus and the religious establishment, setting the stage for further opposition and ultimately, His crucifixion.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Sabbath, a cornerstone of Jewish life, was intended as a day of rest and worship, a sign of God's covenant with Israel ([Exodus 31:16-17](/exodus/31-16-17 "Exodus 31:16-17 - The Sabbath Covenant")). Over centuries, rabbinic traditions had developed numerous intricate rules defining what constituted "work" on the Sabbath, often overshadowing its original intent of spiritual refreshment and acts of mercy. Healing was generally considered "work" unless a life was in immediate danger. The Pharisees, a prominent Jewish sect, meticulously adhered to these oral traditions, often prioritizing them over the spirit of the Law. Their presence in the synagogue, observing Jesus, underscores their role as guardians of these traditions and their readiness to accuse anyone who violated them. The withered hand, likely a result of atrophy or paralysis, would have rendered the man unable to perform manual labor, making him dependent and marginalized in a society where physical wholeness was often associated with divine favor.

* **Key Themes:** Mark 3:5 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the Gospel of Mark. It highlights **Jesus' Divine Authority**, demonstrating His power over disease with a simple command, affirming His identity as the Son of God ([Mark 1:1](/mark/1-1 "Mark 1:1 - The Beginning of the Gospel")). The verse also underscores the **Conflict Between Compassion and Legalism**, contrasting Jesus' merciful actions with the rigid, unfeeling adherence to tradition by the religious leaders. Jesus' question in [Mark 3:4](/mark/3-4 "Mark 3:4 - Is it lawful to do good on the Sabbath?") directly challenges their priorities, revealing their spiritual blindness. Furthermore, Jesus' **Righteous Anger and Grief** over the "hardness of their hearts" introduces the theme of spiritual insensitivity and resistance to God's truth, a condition that Jesus consistently laments throughout His ministry ([Matthew 23:37](/matthew/23-37 "Matthew 23:37 - Jesus Laments Over Jerusalem")). This event solidifies Jesus' role not just as a healer, but as one who exposes and confronts the spiritual maladies of His generation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Anger (Greek, _orgḗ_):** From G3709, this word signifies a violent passion, ire, or justifiable abhorrence. Here, it describes Jesus' righteous indignation, not a sinful outburst, but a holy displeasure at the spiritual blindness and malicious intent of the religious leaders. It is an anger born of love for God's law and compassion for humanity, directed against injustice and spiritual obstinacy.
* **Grieved (Greek, _syllypéō_):** From G4818, meaning to afflict jointly or sorrow at (on account of) someone. This word reveals Jesus' profound empathy and sorrow. His grief is not merely sadness but a deep anguish over the spiritual condition of those who, despite witnessing His power and compassion, remained stubbornly resistant to God's truth and mercy. It shows the depth of His humanity and His burden for the lost.
* **Hardness (Greek, _pṓrōsis_):** From G4457, meaning stupidity or callousness, often used to describe a callus or petrification. Spiritually, it denotes an insensitivity, dullness, or obstinacy of heart, rendering one unresponsive to divine truth or human need. This spiritual "callus" prevented the Pharisees from recognizing God's work in their midst and from extending compassion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when he had looked round about on them with anger,"**: Jesus' action of "looking round about" (G4017, _periblépō_) indicates a deliberate, searching gaze that encompasses all those present, particularly His adversaries. His "anger" (G3709, _orgḗ_) is a righteous indignation, a holy wrath against the spiritual obstinacy and malicious intent of the Pharisees and Herodians who prioritized their legalistic traditions over human suffering and God's compassionate will. This is not a loss of temper, but a profound moral disapproval.
* **"being grieved for the hardness of their hearts,"**: This clause reveals the dual nature of Jesus' emotional response. His anger is coupled with deep "grief" (G4818, _syllypéō_), a sorrow stemming from the spiritual "hardness" (G4457, _pṓrōsis_) of their "hearts" (G2588, _kardía_). This hardness signifies a spiritual insensitivity, a calloused resistance to God's truth and compassion, which prevented them from seeing the divine mercy unfolding before their eyes.
* **"he saith unto the man, "Stretch forth thine hand."**: Despite His emotional turmoil, Jesus acts decisively. His command, "Stretch forth" (G1614, _ekteínō_), is an authoritative word that requires an act of faith from the man. This simple instruction bypasses the need for physical touch or elaborate ritual, emphasizing the inherent power of Jesus' word. It also directly challenges the Pharisees' unspoken accusations about Sabbath work.
* **"And he stretched [it] out:"**: The man's immediate obedience demonstrates his faith. Despite his physical inability—a withered hand would make stretching it out impossible by natural means—he responds to Jesus' command. This act of faith is crucial for the miracle to occur, highlighting the interplay between divine power and human receptiveness.
* **"and his hand was restored whole as the other."**: The result is instantaneous and complete restoration (G600, _apokathístēmi_). The hand is made "whole" (G5199, _hygiḗs_), perfectly sound, "as the other" (G243, _állos_), indicating full functionality and health. This miracle serves as undeniable proof of Jesus' divine power and His authority over the Sabbath, validating His claim to be Lord of the Sabbath and exposing the spiritual blindness of His accusers.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 3:5 is rich with literary devices that amplify its theological impact. The most prominent is **Contrast**, starkly juxtaposing Jesus' profound compassion and righteous indignation with the cold, calculating legalism and spiritual insensitivity of the religious leaders. Jesus' internal emotional state—anger and grief—provides a powerful **Pathos**, inviting the reader to empathize with His burden for those who refuse to see God's truth. The **Irony** is palpable: those who claim to be guardians of God's law are more concerned with finding fault than with celebrating a divine act of mercy. The withered hand itself can be seen as **Symbolism**, representing not only physical infirmity but also the spiritual paralysis and inability of the Pharisees to perform good works or embrace God's compassionate will. Jesus' command and the man's immediate obedience also highlight the **Theme of Faith**, where a simple act of trust in Jesus' word leads to miraculous transformation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 3:5 is a pivotal text that profoundly illustrates Jesus' unique authority and His redefinition of true righteousness. His righteous anger and grief over the "hardness of hearts" underscore that spiritual apathy and resistance to God's truth are deeply offensive to Him. This passage reveals that true worship and obedience to God's law are not found in rigid adherence to external rules, but in a heart of compassion that seeks to do good and save life, even on the Sabbath. Jesus' healing act is not merely a display of power, but a demonstration of God's active will to restore and redeem, challenging the prevailing religious mindset that valued tradition over human need. It foreshadows the ultimate restoration Jesus brings to those whose hearts are open to Him.

* [Matthew 12:9-14](/matthew/12-9-14 "Matthew 12:9-14 - Jesus Heals on the Sabbath")
* [Luke 6:6-11](/luke/6-6-11 "Luke 6:6-11 - Jesus Heals a Withered Hand")
* [Hebrews 3:7-19](/hebrews/3-7-19 "Hebrews 3:7-19 - Do Not Harden Your Hearts")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 3:5 serves as a powerful mirror for self-examination, challenging believers to honestly assess the condition of their own hearts. Are we prone to spiritual "hardness," prioritizing our traditions, comfort, or even our interpretations of scripture over genuine compassion and the pressing needs of others? Jesus' example teaches us that righteous anger is a valid, even necessary, response to injustice, spiritual apathy, and willful resistance to God's truth, but it is always tempered by profound grief for those who are spiritually blind. This passage calls us to cultivate a heart that is tender towards God's Spirit and quick to respond to human suffering, rather than becoming calloused by legalism or indifference. It reminds us that true faith involves an obedient response to Jesus' commands, even when they seem impossible or challenge our preconceived notions. Just as the man stretched out his withered hand in faith, we too are called to act in obedience, trusting in Jesus' power to bring healing and restoration to every area of our lives and to the world around us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be exhibiting a "hardness of heart" towards God's truth or the needs of others?**
* **How can I cultivate a heart that is more compassionate and less prone to legalism or judgment?**
* **What does Jesus' righteous anger and grief teach me about God's character and His view of spiritual apathy?**
* **Are there "withered hands" in my life—areas of brokenness or inability—that Jesus is calling me to "stretch out" in faith for His restoration?**

### FAQ
**Why was Jesus angry and grieved at the same time?**

Answer: Jesus' dual emotional response in [Mark 3:5](/mark/3-5 "Mark 3:5 - Jesus' Anger and Grief") highlights His perfect humanity and divine nature. His "anger" (Greek: _orgḗ_) was not a sinful outburst but a righteous indignation against the spiritual blindness and malicious intent of the religious leaders. He was angered by their willful rejection of God's compassionate will and their prioritization of rigid rules over human suffering. Simultaneously, His "grief" (Greek: _syllypéō_) stemmed from a profound sorrow over the "hardness of their hearts" (Greek: _pṓrōsis_), a spiritual insensitivity that prevented them from recognizing God's work and embracing His truth. This combination of anger and grief reveals a deep love that is pained by sin and rebellion, yet longs for repentance and restoration. It demonstrates that God's justice and mercy are not mutually exclusive but flow from His holy character.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 3:5, while a powerful account of physical healing, points profoundly to the broader Christ-centered fulfillment of spiritual restoration. The man's withered hand, a symbol of human brokenness and inability, finds its ultimate healing in Jesus, who comes to restore all that is fallen. Just as Jesus' word brought physical wholeness, so too does His gospel bring spiritual wholeness to hearts withered by sin and spiritual blindness. His righteous anger and grief over the "hardness of hearts" foreshadow His ultimate confrontation with the spiritual death that grips humanity, a death from which only He can deliver. The true Sabbath rest, which the Pharisees failed to grasp, is found not in legalistic observance, but in the person of Christ Himself, who offers rest for our souls ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28-30 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). Through His atoning work on the cross, Jesus stretched out His own hands, not to be restored, but to be broken, so that our spiritually withered hands might be made whole and capable of reaching out to God in faith. He is the one who takes away the "heart of stone" and gives a "heart of flesh" ([Ezekiel 36:26](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26 - A New Heart and a New Spirit")), enabling us to truly see, understand, and obey God's compassionate will. This healing in Mark 3:5 is a tangible sign of the new creation and spiritual life that is found in Christ, the Lord of the Sabbath and the Restorer of all things ([Colossians 1:19-20](/colossians/1-19-20 "Colossians 1:19-20 - Reconciliation Through Christ")).

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

Luke 6:10

And looking round about upon them all, he said unto the man, Stretch forth thy hand. And he did so: and his hand was restored whole as the other.

1 Kings 13:6

And the king answered and said unto the man of God, Intreat now the face of the LORD thy God, and pray for me, that my hand may be restored me again. And the man of God besought the LORD, and the king's hand was restored him again, and became as [it was] before.

Ephesians 4:18

Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:

Matthew 12:13

Then saith he to the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched [it] forth; and it was restored whole, like as the other.

Romans 11:7

What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded

Romans 11:10

Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see, and bow down their back alway.

Romans 11:25

For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.