Mark 8:22

KJV

¶ And he cometh to Bethsaida; and they bring a blind man unto him, and besought him to touch him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he cometh {G2064} to {G1519} Bethsaida {G966}; and {G2532} they bring {G5342} a blind man {G5185} unto him {G846}, and {G2532} besought {G3870} him {G846} to {G2443} touch {G680} him {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They came to Beit-Tzaidah. Some people brought him a blind man and begged Yeshua to touch him.

Berean Standard Bible

When they arrived at Bethsaida, some people brought a blind man and begged Jesus to touch him.

American Standard Version

And they come unto Bethsaida. And they bring to him a blind man, and beseech him to touch him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 8:22 marks a significant moment in Jesus' ministry, depicting His arrival in Bethsaida, a city previously rebuked for its unbelief, where a blind man is brought to Him by others who earnestly plead for Jesus to heal him through touch. This seemingly simple act of compassion serves as a profound prelude to a unique, two-stage healing miracle that follows, subtly foreshadowing the disciples' own journey from spiritual obscurity to clearer understanding of Jesus' identity and mission.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This passage immediately follows Jesus' interaction with His disciples concerning their lack of understanding regarding the miraculous feeding of the four thousand and the leaven of the Pharisees and Herod (Mark 8:14-21). Jesus directly challenges their spiritual dullness, asking, "Do you not yet understand?" [Mark 8:17](/mark/8-17 "Mark 8:17 - Disciples' Lack of Understanding"). The physical blindness of the man in Bethsaida, and the subsequent two-stage healing, thus serves as a powerful, tangible metaphor for the disciples' own gradual spiritual enlightenment, moving from partial sight to full comprehension of who Jesus is and what He has come to do. This miracle is strategically placed before Peter's confession of Christ in Caesarea Philippi [Mark 8:27-30](/mark/8-27-30 "Mark 8:27-30 - Peter's Confession of Christ"), highlighting the process of revelation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Bethsaida, meaning "house of fishing," was a prosperous fishing village located on the northeastern shore of the Sea of Galilee, near where the Jordan River flows into the lake. It was one of the cities Jesus had previously condemned for its impenitence despite witnessing many of His mighty works [Matthew 11:21](/matthew/11-21 "Matthew 11:21 - Woes to Bethsaida and Chorazin"); [Luke 10:13](/luke/10-13 "Luke 10:13 - Jesus Condemns Bethsaida"). The act of bringing a sick person to a healer was common in ancient Judea, reflecting a societal understanding that divine or supernatural power could be channeled through certain individuals. The specific request for Jesus to "touch him" reflects a widespread belief, evidenced throughout the Gospels, that Jesus' physical contact was often a conduit for His healing power [Mark 1:41](/mark/1-41 "Mark 1:41 - Jesus Heals a Leper by Touch").
* **Key Themes:** Mark 8:22 contributes to several overarching themes within the Gospel of Mark. Firstly, it underscores **Jesus' boundless compassion and divine authority** over human infirmity, even in a place like Bethsaida, which had shown spiritual resistance. Secondly, it highlights the **importance of intercession and faith**, as the community brings the blind man to Jesus, demonstrating their belief in His power and their active role in seeking healing for the afflicted. Most significantly, this verse introduces the theme of **physical and spiritual blindness**, which is central to Mark's narrative. The unique, progressive nature of the healing that follows [Mark 8:23-25](/mark/8-23-25 "Mark 8:23-25 - The Two-Stage Healing of the Blind Man") serves as a vivid illustration of the disciples' own journey from partial understanding to full spiritual sight, emphasizing that spiritual growth and revelation often occur in stages.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **cometh (Greek, _érchomai'_):** This primary verb signifies "to come or go," encompassing a wide variety of applications, both literal and figurative. In this context, it denotes Jesus' physical arrival in Bethsaida, but also carries the implicit sense of His divine purpose in entering this specific place to perform a significant act of healing and revelation.
* **blind man (Greek, _typhlós'_):** Derived from a word meaning "opaque" or "smoky," this adjective describes someone who is physically or mentally blind. Here, it refers to the literal physical condition of the man, but within Mark's narrative, it strongly symbolizes the spiritual blindness of the disciples and humanity's inability to fully grasp God's truth without divine intervention.
* **besought (Greek, _parakaléō'_):** This verb means "to call near," implying an invitation, imploration, exhortation, or consolation. In this instance, it conveys an urgent, earnest, and persistent plea from the people to Jesus. It highlights their deep desire and faith in His ability to heal, emphasizing the act of intercession.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he cometh to Bethsaida;":** This clause establishes the setting for the miracle. Jesus, having just engaged in a profound discussion with His disciples about their spiritual dullness, now arrives in a city that had previously rejected His message and miracles. This geographical detail sets the stage for a demonstration of His power and compassion, even in a place of spiritual resistance.
* **"and they bring a blind man unto him,":** This part of the verse introduces the object of Jesus' compassion and the agency of the community. The fact that "they" bring the man signifies an act of intercession and faith on the part of others, who recognize the man's helplessness and Jesus' unique ability to heal. It underscores the communal aspect of seeking divine intervention.
* **"and besought him to touch him.":** This final clause reveals the specific request made to Jesus. The earnest plea for Jesus to "touch him" indicates a common understanding among the people that Jesus' physical contact was a powerful conduit for His healing. This request is significant because it directly precedes the unique, two-stage healing process that Jesus employs, which deviates from His usual immediate healing by touch.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 8:22 employs several significant literary devices. **Symbolism** is paramount, as the physical blindness of the man serves as a potent metaphor for the spiritual blindness of the disciples, a theme explicitly addressed by Jesus in the preceding verses [Mark 8:17-21](/mark/8-17-21 "Mark 8:17-21 - Jesus Rebukes Disciples' Lack of Understanding"). The very act of bringing a blind man to Jesus in Bethsaida, a city already "blind" to His previous miracles, heightens this symbolic resonance. There is also an element of **foreshadowing**, as this verse sets up the unique two-stage healing that follows [Mark 8:23-25](/mark/8-23-25 "Mark 8:23-25 - The Gradual Healing"), which in turn foreshadows the disciples' own gradual and often incomplete understanding of Jesus' true identity and mission, culminating in Peter's partial confession and subsequent rebuke [Mark 8:27-33](/mark/8-27-33 "Mark 8:27-33 - Peter's Confession and Rebuke"). The **irony** of Jesus performing a miracle in Bethsaida, a city He had previously condemned for its unbelief, further underscores His persistent compassion and the sovereign nature of His grace, even towards those who have resisted Him.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 8:22 powerfully illustrates Jesus' unwavering compassion and sovereign authority over human suffering, even in the face of spiritual indifference or outright rejection. The willingness of the community to bring the blind man to Jesus highlights the importance of intercessory prayer and active faith on behalf of others. Theologically, this passage reinforces the New Testament's emphasis on Jesus as the ultimate healer, not just of physical ailments but also of spiritual blindness, a condition that prevents humanity from perceiving God's truth. The request for Jesus' touch connects to numerous instances where His physical presence and action were conduits for divine power, underscoring the incarnational reality of God's healing presence among His people. This miracle serves as a bridge, linking the physical need for sight with the profound spiritual need for understanding and revelation that Jesus came to provide.

* [Matthew 11:21](/matthew/11-21 "Matthew 11:21 - Jesus' Woes Against Unrepentant Cities")
* [Mark 1:41](/mark/1-41 "Mark 1:41 - Jesus Heals a Leper with a Touch")
* [John 9:1-7](/john/9-1-7 "John 9:1-7 - Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 8:22 offers profound insights for our own spiritual journey and our engagement with the world around us. It reminds us that Jesus' compassion extends even to places and people who may have previously resisted Him, demonstrating His persistent grace. The act of "they bring a blind man unto him" serves as a powerful call to action for believers today: we are called to be conduits of Christ's compassion, actively bringing those who are spiritually or physically blind to the One who can grant sight. This requires both a recognition of the deep needs of others and a confident faith in Jesus' power to meet those needs. Furthermore, the earnest plea for Jesus' touch encourages us to approach Him with humility and expectation, believing that His presence and power can transform any form of "blindness" in our lives, whether it's a lack of clarity, spiritual dullness, or an inability to perceive God's work. This verse also implicitly teaches patience in the process of spiritual growth, as the subsequent healing unfolds in stages, reminding us that God often works progressively, not always instantaneously, in opening our eyes to His truth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Who in your life might you "bring" to Jesus, recognizing their need for His touch and healing?**
* **In what areas of your own life do you experience a form of "blindness" or lack of clarity, and how earnestly are you seeking Jesus' touch for insight?**
* **How does the community's act of intercession inspire your own role in praying for and serving others?**

### FAQ

**Why did Jesus go to Bethsaida, a city He had previously condemned?**
Answer: Jesus' decision to go to Bethsaida, despite having previously pronounced woes upon it for its unbelief [Matthew 11:21](/matthew/11-21 "Matthew 11:21 - Woes to Bethsaida and Chorazin"), underscores His persistent compassion and sovereign grace. Even in places of spiritual resistance, Jesus continues to offer opportunities for healing and revelation. His presence there demonstrates that His mission is not limited by human unresponsiveness, but rather extends to all who are in need, regardless of their past. It also highlights His divine prerogative to choose where and to whom He ministers, often defying human expectations.

**What is the significance of the people asking Jesus "to touch him"?**
Answer: The request for Jesus "to touch him" is highly significant because it reflects a common understanding and expectation among the people that Jesus' physical contact was a powerful conduit for His healing power. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus often healed by touch, as seen with the leper [Mark 1:41](/mark/1-41 "Mark 1:41 - Jesus Heals a Leper") or Peter's mother-in-law [Mark 1:31](/mark/1-31 "Mark 1:31 - Jesus Heals Peter's Mother-in-Law"). This request indicates their faith in His ability to heal and their belief in the efficacy of His physical presence. It also sets up the unique nature of the subsequent two-stage healing, where Jesus' method is more involved than a simple touch, hinting at deeper spiritual truths.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The healing of the blind man in Bethsaida, initiated by the earnest plea of others for Jesus' touch, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus' role as the Light of the World and the one who opens the eyes of those spiritually blind. Just as the physical darkness of the blind man was overcome by Jesus' power, so too does Christ come to dispel the spiritual darkness that blinds humanity to God's truth and glory. He is the true light that illuminates the path to salvation [John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World"). The gradual nature of the healing that follows this verse, moving from partial to full sight, beautifully prefigures the progressive revelation of Christ's identity and the often-gradual process of spiritual understanding for His disciples and for all believers. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus conquered the power of sin, which blinds the minds of unbelievers [2 Corinthians 4:4](/2_corinthians/4-4 "2 Corinthians 4:4 - The God of This World Blinds Unbelievers"), and by His Spirit, He grants spiritual sight, enabling us to perceive the glorious light of the gospel [2 Corinthians 4:6](/2_corinthians/4-6 "2 Corinthians 4:6 - God's Light in Our Hearts"). Thus, the healing in Bethsaida is a tangible sign of Christ's ultimate mission to open the eyes of our hearts, leading us into a full and clear vision of God's redemptive plan [Ephesians 1:18](/ephesians/1-18 "Ephesians 1:18 - Eyes of Your Heart Enlightened").

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

Matthew 11:21

Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.

Mark 6:45

¶ And straightway he constrained his disciples to get into the ship, and to go to the other side before unto Bethsaida, while he sent away the people.

Luke 10:13

Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon, which have been done in you, they had a great while ago repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes.

Matthew 8:15

And he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered unto them.

Mark 2:3

And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four.

John 1:44

Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter.

John 12:21

The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus.