Mark 7:37

KJV

And were beyond measure astonished, saying, He hath done all things well: he maketh both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} were beyond measure {G5249} astonished {G1605}, saying {G3004}, He hath done {G4160} all things {G3956} well {G2573}: he maketh {G4160} both {G2532} the deaf {G2974} to hear {G191}, and {G2532} the dumb {G216} to speak {G2980}.

Complete Jewish Bible

People were overcome with amazement. "Everything he does, he does well!" they said. "He even makes the deaf hear and the dumb speak!"

Berean Standard Bible

The people were utterly astonished and said, “He has done all things well! He makes even the deaf hear and the mute speak!”

American Standard Version

And they were beyond measure astonished, saying, He hath done all things well; he maketh even the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 7:37 vividly portrays the overwhelming astonishment of the crowd following Jesus's miraculous healing of a deaf man with a speech impediment in the Decapolis region. Their collective declaration, "He hath done all things well: he maketh both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak," serves as a profound testament to Jesus's divine authority, perfect execution of His mission, and the undeniable manifestation of God's power breaking into the world through Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes a significant healing narrative in [Mark's Gospel](/mark/7-31-37 "Mark 7:31-37 - The Healing of the Deaf Man"). Immediately preceding it, Jesus takes a deaf man with a speech impediment aside, performs a unique healing involving physical touch, spitting, a sigh, and the Aramaic command "Ephphatha!" (Be opened). Despite Jesus's instruction to the witnesses to keep the miracle quiet, their profound amazement compels them to spread the news. This powerful demonstration of Jesus's authority in action follows His challenging teachings on clean and unclean, where He contrasts man-made traditions with the true commandments of God, as detailed in [Mark 7:1-23](/mark/7-1-23 "Mark 7:1-23 - Jesus on Clean and Unclean"). The healing serves as a tangible validation of His divine authority, not just in word but in unparalleled deed, especially after His disciples struggled to fully grasp His teachings on defilement.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The healing takes place in the region of Decapolis, a predominantly Gentile area east of the Sea of Galilee. This geographical setting is crucial, as it highlights Jesus's ministry extending beyond the Jewish population to include Gentiles, foreshadowing the universal scope of the Gospel. The people's reaction of "astonishment beyond measure" (G5249 `hyperperissōs`) is a common response to Jesus's miracles throughout the Gospels, reflecting the profound impact of His supernatural power on a populace accustomed to traditional religious practices but unaccustomed to such direct divine intervention. Their public declaration of His perfection ("He hath done all things well") would have resonated deeply within a culture that highly valued the fulfillment of prophecy and divine signs.
* **Key Themes:** Mark 7:37 powerfully encapsulates several key themes prevalent in Mark's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores Jesus's **Divine Authority and Power**, demonstrating His absolute control over physical infirmities and the natural order, setting Him apart as more than a mere prophet. Secondly, the declaration "he maketh both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak" directly echoes **Fulfillment of Old Testament Prophecy** concerning the Messiah's work, particularly passages like [Isaiah 35:5-6](/isaiah/35-5-6 "Isaiah 35:5-6 - Prophecy of Messiah's Healing"). This connection would have been clear to many, signaling the dawn of God's kingdom. Thirdly, the profound statement "He hath done all things well" highlights Jesus's **Flawless Character and Perfect Execution of His Mission**, reminiscent of God's assessment of His creation in [Genesis 1:31](/genesis/1-31 "Genesis 1:31 - God's Assessment of Creation"). Finally, the setting in Decapolis emphasizes the **Universal Scope of Jesus's Ministry**, extending the blessings of the Gospel beyond the Jewish people to all humanity, a theme foundational to the later Great Commission found in [Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **astonished (Greek, _ekplḗssō'_):** From G1605, meaning "to strike with astonishment." This word conveys a sense of being utterly struck out of one's senses, overwhelmed with amazement, or dumbfounded. It describes a reaction so profound that it goes beyond mere surprise, indicating a deep, almost physical impact on the observers.
* **well (Greek, _kalōs'_):** From G2573, an adverb meaning "beautifully," "rightly," "excellently," or "perfectly." When the crowd declares Jesus "hath done all things well," they are not merely saying He did a good job, but that His actions were executed with moral and spiritual perfection, demonstrating inherent goodness and divine competence in every aspect.
* **deaf (Greek, _kōphós'_):** From G2974, meaning "blunted, i.e. (figuratively) of hearing (deaf) or speech (dumb)." This single Greek word encompasses both the inability to hear and the inability to speak, indicating a comprehensive impairment. The crowd's statement specifically highlights Jesus's power over these two intertwined afflictions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And were beyond measure astonished":** The crowd's reaction is not merely surprise but an overwhelming, almost indescribable amazement. The Greek term `hyperperissōs` (G5249), translated "beyond measure," intensifies the degree of their astonishment, suggesting they were utterly overwhelmed and perhaps even speechless at the magnitude of the miracle they had witnessed.
* **"saying, He hath done all things well:":** This is the crowd's profound and sweeping declaration concerning Jesus's actions. It signifies not just the effectiveness of this particular healing, but a recognition of the flawless perfection and divine excellence in everything Jesus does. It is a theological statement affirming His inherent goodness and perfect execution of His mission.
* **"he maketh both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak.":** This clause provides the specific evidence for their declaration of Jesus's perfect work. It directly references the miracle they just witnessed, highlighting His unique power over two distinct but often related physical impairments. This statement also serves as an implicit connection to Old Testament prophecies of the Messiah.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 7:37 employs several powerful literary devices. The phrase "beyond measure astonished" uses **Hyperbole** to emphasize the extreme nature of the crowd's reaction, conveying a sense of awe that transcends ordinary surprise. The statement "He hath done all things well" functions as a profound **Affirmation** and **Theological Declaration**, echoing the divine assessment of creation in [Genesis 1:31](/genesis/1-31 "Genesis 1:31 - God's Assessment of Creation") and attributing perfect wisdom and power to Jesus. The subsequent clause, "he maketh both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak," utilizes **Parallelism** to highlight the comprehensive nature of Jesus's healing power, presenting two distinct but related actions in a balanced structure. This also functions as an **Allusion** to Old Testament messianic prophecies, such as [Isaiah 35:5-6](/isaiah/35-5-6 "Isaiah 35:5-6 - Prophecy of Messiah's Healing"), where the restoration of hearing and speech are signs of God's redemptive work.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The crowd's declaration in Mark 7:37, "He hath done all things well," is a profound theological statement that resonates throughout scripture. It speaks to the perfect character and flawless execution of God's will, not only in creation but supremely in the person and work of Jesus Christ. This affirmation of Jesus's perfection underscores His divine nature and His unique ability to perfectly accomplish the Father's purposes. His healing of the deaf and dumb is a tangible sign of the breaking in of God's kingdom, demonstrating that the anticipated messianic age, where physical and spiritual restoration would occur, was indeed present in Him. This miracle, performed in a Gentile region, further emphasizes the universal scope of God's redemptive plan, extending His grace and power beyond the confines of Israel.

* [Isaiah 35:5-6](/isaiah/35-5-6 "Isaiah 35:5-6 - The Messiah's Healing Work")
* [Luke 7:21-22](/luke/7-21-22 "Luke 7:21-22 - Jesus's Response to John's Disciples")
* [Acts 10:38](/acts/10-38 "Acts 10:38 - God Anointed Jesus")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 7:37 serves as a powerful reminder of Jesus's enduring perfection and boundless power, inviting us to respond with awe and trust in our own lives. Just as He miraculously opened physical ears and loosed physical tongues, He remains capable of opening our spiritual ears to truly hear His Word and loosening our spiritual tongues to boldly proclaim His truth and praise. In a world often marked by brokenness, imperfection, and seemingly insurmountable challenges, this verse offers immense comfort and hope. It encourages us to remember that Jesus "hath done all things well" in the past, and He continues to work perfectly within His divine plan for our lives and for the world. Our appropriate response is one of profound wonder and unwavering faith, giving Him all glory for His flawless character, mighty works, and perfect love. We are called to trust in His sovereign goodness, even when we don't understand His methods or timing, knowing that His ultimate purposes are always good and perfectly executed.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the crowd's "beyond measure astonishment" challenge me to cultivate a deeper sense of awe and wonder in my faith?**
* **In what areas of my life do I need to trust that Jesus "hath done all things well," even when circumstances seem imperfect or difficult?**
* **How can I allow Jesus to "open my ears" to hear His truth more clearly and "loose my tongue" to speak His praise more boldly in my daily life?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the crowd saying, "He hath done all things well"?**

Answer: This statement is profoundly significant as it echoes God's own assessment of His creation in [Genesis 1:31](/genesis/1-31 "Genesis 1:31 - God's Assessment of Creation"), where everything He made was declared "very good." Applied to Jesus, it signifies His divine perfection, not just in this specific healing, but in the entirety of His ministry and character. It implies that every action Jesus undertakes is executed with perfect wisdom, power, and love, demonstrating His inherent goodness and flawless alignment with the Father's will. It's a comprehensive affirmation of His divine excellence and authority.

**Why is it important that this miracle occurred in Decapolis, a Gentile region?**

Answer: The setting in Decapolis, a predominantly Gentile area, is crucial because it highlights the universal scope of Jesus's ministry. While much of His early ministry focused on Israel, this event demonstrates that God's redemptive plan and the blessings of the Gospel were not exclusively for the Jewish people but extended to all humanity. It foreshadows the Great Commission given by Jesus in [Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission"), where His disciples are commanded to make disciples of all nations, breaking down ethnic and cultural barriers to the good news. This miracle serves as an early sign of the inclusive nature of God's kingdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 7:37 profoundly points to Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive purposes. The crowd's declaration, "He hath done all things well," resonates with the perfect, sinless life of Jesus, who flawlessly accomplished the Father's will, culminating in His perfect atoning sacrifice on the cross. Just as He opened the physical ears of the deaf and loosed the tongues of the dumb, Christ's work on the cross and through the Holy Spirit opens the spiritual ears of those who are spiritually deaf to the truth of God's Word, enabling them to hear and believe the Gospel. He frees those who are spiritually dumb, unable to articulate praise or confess faith, empowering them to speak forth the wonders of God. This profound transformation is a direct result of His perfect work, which conquered sin and death, as celebrated in passages like [Colossians 2:13-14](/colossians/2-13-14 "Made Alive in Christ"). Through Him, we receive not just physical healing, but the ultimate spiritual restoration and the ability to truly worship and proclaim His glory, fulfilling the prophetic vision of a world made new through the Messiah, as described in [Revelation 21:5](/revelation/21-5 "Behold, I Make All Things New").

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

Mark 6:51

And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered.

Mark 5:42

And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was [of the age] of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment.

Exodus 4:10

¶ And Moses said unto the LORD, O my Lord, I [am] not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I [am] slow of speech, and of a slow tongue.

Exodus 4:11

And the LORD said unto him, Who hath made man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the LORD?

Mark 4:41

And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?

Mark 2:12

And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion.

Genesis 1:31

¶ And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, [it was] very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.