Mark 7:34

KJV

And looking up to heaven, he sighed, and saith unto him, Ephphatha, that is, Be opened.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} looking up {G308} to {G1519} heaven {G3772}, he sighed {G4727}, and {G2532} saith {G3004} unto him {G846}, Ephphatha {G2188}, that is {G3603}, Be opened {G1272}.

Complete Jewish Bible

then, looking up to heaven, he gave a deep groan and said to him, "Hippatach!" (that is, "Be opened!").

Berean Standard Bible

And looking up to heaven, He sighed deeply and said to him, “Ephphatha!” (which means, “Be opened!”).

American Standard Version

and looking up to heaven, he sighed, and saith unto him, Ephphatha, that is, Be opened.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 7:34 captures a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry in the Decapolis region, where He miraculously heals a deaf man with a speech impediment. This verse specifically details Jesus' compassionate posture—looking up to heaven and sighing—before uttering the powerful Aramaic command, "Ephphatha," immediately followed by its Greek translation, "Be opened." This direct, authoritative word from Jesus instantly restores the man's hearing and speech, serving as a profound demonstration of His divine power, deep empathy for human suffering, and the transformative impact of His spoken word.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Mark 7:34 is embedded within a unique healing narrative found exclusively in Mark's Gospel, following Jesus' extensive teachings on true defilement. Prior to this miracle, Jesus had engaged in a significant discourse with the Pharisees and His disciples about the source of uncleanness, emphasizing that defilement originates from the heart, not from external traditions or foods ([Mark 7:15](/mark/7-15 "Mark 7:15 - What Defiles a Person")). This healing account immediately follows Jesus' withdrawal from the region of Tyre and Sidon, passing through Decapolis, a predominantly Gentile area. The miracle serves as a practical demonstration of Jesus' authority over physical ailments, contrasting the Pharisees' rigid legalism with His compassionate, life-giving power. The narrative highlights Jesus' intentionality in taking the man aside from the crowd, suggesting a deeply personal and intimate approach to ministry.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Decapolis region, meaning "Ten Cities," was a confederation of Hellenistic cities located primarily east of the Sea of Galilee, largely inhabited by Gentiles. This setting is significant because it demonstrates Jesus' ministry extending beyond Jewish territories, foreshadowing the universal scope of the Gospel. The man's condition—deafness and a speech impediment—would have rendered him largely isolated and dependent in ancient society, where communication was vital for social and economic participation. The cultural understanding of such ailments often attributed them to demonic influence or divine judgment, making Jesus' healing not merely a physical restoration but also a social and spiritual liberation. Jesus' actions, such as touching the man's ears and tongue (mentioned in the preceding verses, [Mark 7:33](/mark/7-33 "Mark 7:33 - Jesus Touches the Man's Ears and Tongue")), were common practices among healers in the ancient world, yet His authority and the immediate, complete nature of the cure set Him apart.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Mark's Gospel. Firstly, it powerfully underscores Jesus' **divine power and authority** over sickness and the physical limitations imposed by sin. His simple command, "Ephphatha," instantly brings about a profound physical change, affirming His Messiahship and divine nature. Secondly, it highlights Jesus' **profound compassion** for human suffering. His actions—looking to heaven, sighing, and taking the man aside—reveal a deep empathy that transcends mere observation, moving Him to personal, tender care. This compassion is a hallmark of His ministry, evident in numerous healing accounts, such as the healing of the leper in [Mark 1:41](/mark/1-41 "Mark 1:41 - Jesus' Compassion for the Leper"). Lastly, the miracle carries a strong theme of **spiritual opening**. Beyond the physical restoration, the command "Be opened" symbolizes the opening of hearts and minds to understand God's truth. This foreshadows the greater work of spiritual enlightenment that Jesus brings, enabling those who are spiritually blind and deaf to comprehend the Kingdom of God, a theme echoed in passages like [Luke 24:45](/luke/24-45 "Luke 24:45 - Jesus Opens Their Understanding").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ephphatha (Chaldee, _ephphathá'_):** This Aramaic word, preserved in its original form by Mark, is a direct, authoritative command meaning "Be opened!" Its inclusion emphasizes the precise, powerful, and immediate nature of Jesus' spoken word. It is a unique instance where Mark retains the original language, adding an authentic, eyewitness feel to the narrative and underscoring the directness of Jesus' divine utterance.
* **Be opened (Greek, _dianoígō'_):** This Greek translation of "Ephphatha" signifies a thorough and complete opening. The prefix "dia-" indicates a complete or through action, implying that the man's ears were not just partially unblocked but fully and completely opened, and his tongue was fully loosed for clear speech. Figuratively, this word is also used in the New Testament to describe the opening of understanding or scripture, as seen in [Luke 24:32](/luke/24-32 "Luke 24:32 - Their Hearts Burned as He Opened the Scriptures").
* **Sighed (Greek, _stenázō'_):** This word conveys a deep groan or sigh, often expressing strong emotion. In this context, Jesus' sigh is not one of weakness or frustration, but likely reflects His deep empathy for the man's suffering, a lament over the effects of sin on humanity, or perhaps the intense spiritual exertion involved in confronting the powers of darkness that cause such ailments. It reveals the profound emotional cost of His redemptive work.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And looking up to heaven":** This action signifies Jesus' direct communion with His Father, acknowledging the divine source of His power. It is a posture of prayer and dependence, even as He exercises ultimate authority. It emphasizes that His healing power is not inherent to Himself as a man, but flows from His unique relationship with God the Father.
* **"he sighed":** This profound emotional expression highlights Jesus' deep compassion and empathy for the suffering caused by sin and its effects in the world. It may also indicate the spiritual burden He carried in confronting the forces of evil and disease, or a shared lament over the brokenness of humanity.
* **"and saith unto him, 'Ephphatha,' that is, 'Be opened.'":** This is the climactic moment of divine command. The preservation of the Aramaic "Ephphatha" followed by its Greek translation underscores the directness, authority, and immediacy of Jesus' word. It is a creative, life-giving utterance that instantly reverses the physical limitations, demonstrating Jesus' absolute power over the human body and its ailments.

#### Literary Devices
Mark's account of this miracle is rich with **Narrative Detail**, providing a vivid and intimate portrayal of Jesus' interaction with the deaf man. The inclusion of specific actions like taking the man aside, touching his ears and tongue (in [Mark 7:33](/mark/7-33 "Mark 7:33 - Jesus' Touch")), looking up to heaven, and sighing, all contribute to the sense of personal engagement and profound empathy. The use of **Aramaic Transliteration** ("Ephphatha") adds a layer of authenticity and immediacy to the narrative, making the reader feel as though they are witnessing the event firsthand and hearing Jesus' very words. This also underscores the direct and authoritative nature of His command. Furthermore, the miracle itself functions as **Symbolism**, extending beyond mere physical healing. The opening of the ears and tongue symbolizes the spiritual opening of hearts and minds to hear God's truth and to proclaim His praise, a recurring theme in Jesus' ministry.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The healing of the deaf man with a speech impediment in Mark 7:34 deeply connects to the biblical theme of God's power to restore and renew, particularly through His spoken word. Just as God spoke creation into existence ([Genesis 1:3](/genesis/1-3 "Genesis 1:3 - God Speaks Light Into Being")), Jesus' authoritative "Ephphatha" demonstrates His divine power to bring forth new life and function. This miracle also highlights the pervasive impact of sin on creation, resulting in physical brokenness and spiritual alienation, and Jesus' mission to reverse these effects. The sigh of Jesus underscores His profound empathy, revealing a God who is not distant but intimately acquainted with human suffering. This act of healing also foreshadows the spiritual restoration that Jesus offers, opening "deaf ears" to the Gospel and "mute tongues" to declare His praise.

* [Isaiah 35:5-6](/isaiah/35-5-6 "Isaiah 35:5-6 - Prophecy of Healing in the Kingdom"): "Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert."
* [Psalm 51:15](/psalm/51-15 "Psalm 51:15 - Opening Lips to Praise God"): "O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise."
* [Matthew 13:15](/matthew/13-15 "Matthew 13:15 - Hearts Hardened, Ears Dull"): "For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 7:34 invites us to a profound reflection on the nature of Jesus' compassion and the power of His word. Jesus' sigh before the miracle serves as a poignant reminder for us to cultivate deep empathy for those who suffer, allowing ourselves to be genuinely moved by the brokenness around us, rather than remaining detached observers. This compassion should compel us to action, just as it did Jesus. Furthermore, the simple yet powerful command "Ephphatha" underscores the absolute efficacy and authority of God's word; when God speaks, things happen, whether in creation, salvation, or personal transformation. Practically, this verse challenges us to examine areas in our own lives that may be spiritually "closed" or impeded. Are our ears truly open to hear God's voice clearly in His Word, in prayer, and through His Spirit? Is our understanding "opened" to grasp the depths of His truth? Are our tongues "loosed" to speak His praises, share His Gospel, and articulate our faith without hesitation? This passage calls us to pray for spiritual breakthroughs, asking God to open our spiritual senses to His presence and empower us to live and speak for Him with clarity and conviction.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might my "ears" be closed to God's voice or my "tongue" impeded from speaking His truth?**
* **How does Jesus' sigh in this passage challenge my own level of empathy and compassion for those who are suffering?**
* **What specific areas of my life or understanding do I need to ask God to "Ephphatha" – to open thoroughly?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus sigh before healing the man?**

Answer: Jesus' sigh (Greek: _stenázō_) is a profound expression of emotion, indicating His deep empathy for the man's suffering and the pervasive effects of sin on humanity. It is not a sigh of frustration or weakness, but rather a groan that reflects the burden He carried in confronting the brokenness of the world and perhaps the spiritual exertion involved in exercising divine power against the forces of evil. This action underscores Jesus' humanity and His intimate connection to human pain, even as He demonstrates His divine authority to heal. It shows that He was deeply moved by the man's condition, as He was often moved with compassion for the crowds ([Mark 6:34](/mark/6-34 "Mark 6:34 - Jesus' Compassion for the Crowds")).

**Why did Mark include the Aramaic word "Ephphatha" and then translate it?**

Answer: Mark's inclusion of the original Aramaic word "Ephphatha" before providing its Greek translation, "Be opened," serves several important purposes. Firstly, it adds a layer of authenticity and immediacy to the narrative, making the account feel like a direct, eyewitness report. It captures the very sound of Jesus' authoritative command, emphasizing its directness and power. Secondly, it highlights the specific, unique nature of this miracle and Jesus' personal interaction with the man. It underscores that this was a powerful, spoken utterance from Jesus that brought about an instantaneous and complete transformation, demonstrating His unique divine authority over creation and physical ailments. This practice of preserving an original Aramaic phrase is also seen in other Markan accounts, such as "Talitha koum" in [Mark 5:41](/mark/5-41 "Mark 5:41 - Jesus Raises Jairus' Daughter").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 7:34, while a powerful physical miracle, finds its deepest fulfillment in the spiritual work of Christ. Just as Jesus physically opened the ears of the deaf and loosed the tongue of the mute, He came to open spiritually deaf ears to the truth of God's Word and to loose spiritually mute tongues to proclaim His praise. In the Old Testament, spiritual blindness and deafness were often metaphors for Israel's inability to perceive and obey God's commands ([Isaiah 6:9-10](/isaiah/6-9-10 "Isaiah 6:9-10 - Hearts Hardened, Ears Dull")). Jesus, as the promised Messiah, fulfills the prophetic hope of a new era where spiritual senses would be restored ([Isaiah 35:5-6](/isaiah/35-5-6 "Isaiah 35:5-6 - Prophecy of Healing and Restoration")). Through His death and resurrection, Christ breaks the power of sin that spiritually deafens and silences humanity, offering a new covenant where the Holy Spirit enables believers to hear God's voice and understand His truth ([John 14:26](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Holy Spirit Teaches All Things")). The "Ephphatha" of Christ extends to the opening of our hearts to receive the Gospel ([Acts 16:14](/acts/16-14 "Acts 16:14 - Lydia's Heart Opened")), the opening of our minds to comprehend the Scriptures ([Luke 24:45](/luke/24-45 "Luke 24:45 - Jesus Opens Their Understanding")), and the empowering of our mouths to confess Him as Lord and share His good news with the world ([Romans 10:9-10](/romans/10-9-10 "Romans 10:9-10 - Confession of Faith")). Thus, the physical healing in Mark 7:34 is a tangible sign pointing to the profound spiritual liberation and transformation that Jesus Christ offers to all who believe.

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

John 11:41

Then they took away the stone [from the place] where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up [his] eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me.

Mark 6:41

And when he had taken the five loaves and the two fishes, he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and brake the loaves, and gave [them] to his disciples to set before them; and the two fishes divided he among them all.

Mark 5:41

And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise.

Mark 15:34

And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?

Acts 9:34

And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately.

John 11:33

¶ When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled,

Mark 8:12

And he sighed deeply in his spirit, and saith, Why doth this generation seek after a sign? verily I say unto you, There shall no sign be given unto this generation.