Mark 8:23

KJV

And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw ought.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he took {G1949} the blind man {G5185} by the hand {G5495}, and led {G1806} him {G846} out of {G1854} the town {G2968}; and {G2532} when he had spit {G4429} on {G1519} his {G846} eyes {G3659}, and put {G2007} his hands {G5495} upon him {G846}, he asked {G1905} him {G846} if {G1536} he saw {G991} ought {G1536}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Taking the blind man's hand, he led him outside the town. He spit in his eyes, put his hands on him and asked him, "Do you see anything?"

Berean Standard Bible

So He took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village. Then He spit on the man’s eyes and placed His hands on him. “Can you see anything?” He asked.

American Standard Version

And he took hold of the blind man by the hand, and brought him out of the village; and when he had spit on his eyes, and laid his hands upon him, he asked him, Seest thou aught?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 8:23 details the initial, distinctive phase of Jesus' healing of a blind man in Bethsaida. This verse showcases Jesus' deeply personal and compassionate approach, as He takes the man by the hand, leads him away from the town, and employs an unusual method of healing by spitting on his eyes and laying hands on him, before inquiring about the man's initial perception. This unique, two-stage miracle serves as a powerful metaphor for the gradual nature of spiritual insight and revelation, particularly for the disciples who were struggling to grasp Jesus' true identity and mission.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This healing miracle immediately follows a significant passage (Mark 8:14-21) where Jesus confronts His disciples about their spiritual dullness and lack of understanding, despite having just witnessed the miraculous feeding of the four thousand. He challenges them with questions like, "Having eyes, do you not see? And having ears, do you not hear?" [Mark 8:18](/mark/8-18 "Mark 8:18 - Spiritual Blindness") This sets a profound literary backdrop, making the physical healing of a blind man a vivid parable for the disciples' own journey toward spiritual sight. The act of Jesus leading the man "out of the town" [Mark 8:23](/mark/8-23 "Mark 8:23 - Jesus Leads the Blind Man Out") also echoes the previous chapter's healing of a deaf man, whom Jesus also took aside privately [Mark 7:33](/mark/7-33 "Mark 7:33 - Jesus Heals a Deaf Man"). The two-stage healing process in this account further emphasizes a progressive revelation, mirroring the disciples' gradual understanding of Jesus' messianic identity, which culminates in Peter's confession and Jesus' subsequent teaching on His suffering and death later in the chapter [Mark 8:27-33](/mark/8-27-33 "Mark 8:27-33 - Peter's Confession and Jesus' Prophecy").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The event takes place in Bethsaida, a city on the northeastern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Notably, Bethsaida was one of the cities Jesus had previously condemned for its impenitence and unbelief, despite having witnessed 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 Unrepentant Cities"). Jesus' decision to lead the blind man "out of the town" before healing him may symbolize a separation from this prevailing unbelief, a desire for privacy in this particular miracle, or a deliberate act to avoid drawing a crowd in a hostile environment. Furthermore, the use of saliva in healing, while seemingly unconventional to modern readers, was not entirely unheard of in ancient folk medicine, where it was sometimes believed to possess medicinal or therapeutic properties. This practice is also seen in another of Jesus' healings, where He uses mud made with saliva to heal a man born blind [John 9:6](/john/9-6 "John 9:6 - Jesus Heals the Man Born Blind with Mud and Saliva").

* **Key Themes:** Mark 8:23 contributes significantly to several key themes within Mark's Gospel. Firstly, it highlights **Jesus' profound compassion and personal engagement** with human suffering. He doesn't merely command healing from a distance but physically interacts with the man, taking him by the hand and leading him. Secondly, the **unconventional and progressive nature of the healing** (spitting, laying on hands, and a two-stage restoration of sight) underscores that God works in diverse and often unexpected ways, and that spiritual understanding, like physical healing, can be a gradual process. This miracle serves as a powerful **symbolism of spiritual sight versus spiritual blindness**, a recurring motif in Mark, especially in light of the disciples' own struggles to grasp Jesus' identity and mission, as seen in the preceding verses where Jesus laments their lack of understanding [Mark 8:17-21](/mark/8-17-21 "Mark 8:17-21 - Disciples' Lack of Understanding"). The narrative implicitly challenges the reader to consider their own level of spiritual perception.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **took (Greek, _epilambánomai'_):** This verb signifies "to seize (for help, injury, attainment, or any other purpose; literally or figuratively); to lay hold upon." In this context, it emphasizes Jesus' deliberate and personal action of taking the blind man's hand, indicating a compassionate and intimate gesture of guidance and care rather than a forceful seizure. It highlights Jesus' direct engagement with the man's need.
* **led him out (Greek, _exágō'_ and _éxō'_):** The combination of _exágō_ ("to lead forth") and _éxō_ ("out, outside") emphasizes Jesus' intentional act of removing the blind man from the town. This action is significant, suggesting a private, perhaps symbolic, separation from the unbelieving environment of Bethsaida, preparing the man for a unique encounter with divine power away from public scrutiny or the town's spiritual resistance.
* **spit (Greek, _ptýō'_):** This primary verb simply means "to spit." While seemingly crude to modern sensibilities, in ancient times, saliva was sometimes associated with healing properties. Jesus' use of saliva here, along with the laying on of hands, highlights His use of physical means in a healing that is ultimately supernatural. It underscores His humanity and His willingness to interact physically with the afflicted, even through unconventional methods.
* **saw ought (Greek, _blépō'_ and _eí tis'_):** The verb _blépō_ means "to look at, perceive, or see," and _eí tis_ means "if any" or "if anything." The phrase "if he saw ought" therefore translates to "if he saw anything" or "if he perceived anything." This direct question from Jesus after the initial application of His power confirms that the healing was not instantaneous or complete in the first stage, setting the stage for the progressive nature of the miracle. It reveals Jesus' method of assessing the initial effect of His touch.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he took the blind man by the hand,"**: This opening clause immediately establishes Jesus' personal and compassionate involvement. Unlike some healings where Jesus speaks a word from a distance, here He physically engages with the man, offering a tender and guiding touch. This act of taking the man's hand signifies a relational approach, leading him with care and empathy.
* **"and led him out of the town;"**: Jesus' action of leading the man out of Bethsaida is deliberate and significant. It could symbolize a separation from the spiritual blindness and unbelief prevalent in that city, or a desire for a private setting for this particular, unique healing. It sets the scene for an intimate encounter between the Healer and the one in need, away from the crowds and potential distractions or skepticism.
* **"and when he had spit on his eyes,"**: This detail describes an unusual, yet intentional, physical action by Jesus. While saliva was sometimes believed to have medicinal properties in ancient cultures, Jesus' use of it here is not merely a folk remedy but a conduit for divine power. It highlights the tangible, physical nature of Jesus' healing work and His willingness to use various means to accomplish His will, even those that might seem unconventional.
* **"and put his hands upon him,"**: The laying on of hands is a common biblical practice associated with blessing, commissioning, and healing. In this context, it signifies the transfer of divine power and authority from Jesus to the man, reinforcing the physical and spiritual connection in the healing process. It is an act of direct contact, conveying power and presence.
* **"he asked him if he saw ought."**: This concluding phrase reveals the initial, incomplete nature of the healing. Jesus' direct question, "if he saw anything," confirms that the man's sight was not fully restored in the first instance. This sets the stage for the subsequent, second stage of healing, distinguishing this miracle from many others that were instantaneous and complete. It also highlights Jesus' method of engaging the recipient in the process.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 8:23 is rich in **Symbolism** and **Foreshadowing**. The physical blindness of the man serves as a potent symbol for spiritual blindness, a recurring theme throughout Mark's Gospel, particularly in the disciples' inability to fully grasp Jesus' identity and mission. Jesus' act of leading the man out of Bethsaida can be seen as symbolic of separating from spiritual darkness and unbelief to receive true light. The most striking literary device is the **Progressive Healing**, which acts as **Foreshadowing**. Unlike most of Jesus' instantaneous miracles, this healing unfolds in two stages. This progressive restoration of sight vividly foreshadows the disciples' own gradual and often incomplete understanding of Jesus' true identity as the suffering Messiah, which becomes clear only after His resurrection. The initial partial sight ("men like trees, walking") mirrors the disciples' partial spiritual insight, which required further revelation and the transformative experience of the cross and resurrection to achieve full clarity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly underscores Jesus' deep compassion and His sovereign authority over physical ailments, even employing unconventional methods to achieve His divine purposes. The progressive nature of the healing, while unique, emphasizes that God's work in individuals, particularly in spiritual understanding and transformation, often unfolds in stages rather than instantaneously. This miracle serves as a powerful parable for the journey of faith and discipleship, highlighting that spiritual insight is often a process of gradual revelation and growth, requiring sustained engagement with Christ. It also reinforces the theme of Jesus as the one who opens eyes, both physically and spiritually, contrasting with the spiritual dullness of the disciples and the unbelief of the surrounding towns.

* [John 9:6-7](/john/9-6-7 "John 9:6-7 - Jesus Heals a Blind Man with Mud")
* [Matthew 13:13-15](/matthew/13-13-15 "Matthew 13:13-15 - Spiritual Blindness and Hearing")
* [Mark 8:31-33](/mark/8-31-33 "Mark 8:31-33 - Peter's Rebuke and Jesus' Suffering")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 8:23 offers profound insights for our spiritual journey. Jesus' personal touch and decision to lead the man away from the town before healing him remind us of His intimate care and His desire for a private, focused encounter with us, sometimes away from the noise and distractions of the world. This highlights the importance of intentional solitude and seeking Jesus in personal devotion. The unconventional method of healing and the two-stage process teach us patience and trust in God's timing and methods, which may not always align with our expectations. Spiritual growth and understanding are often progressive, not immediate. We may experience moments of partial clarity or "seeing men as trees walking" before receiving full insight into God's truth or our own circumstances. This passage encourages us to persist in seeking Him, knowing that He is always at work, leading us toward greater understanding and complete healing, whether physical or spiritual. It reassures us that Jesus is personally invested in our transformation, guiding us step by step towards full spiritual vision.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel you are experiencing "partial sight" or a gradual process of understanding, rather than immediate clarity?**
* **How does Jesus' personal, hands-on approach in this miracle encourage you about His care and involvement in your own life?**
* **Are there "towns" or environments in your life from which Jesus might be leading you out, in order to bring about a deeper healing or revelation?**
* **What might Jesus be asking you today, "Do you see ought?", prompting you to assess your current spiritual perception?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus lead the blind man out of the town before healing him?**

Answer: Jesus' action of leading the blind man "out of the town" [Mark 8:23](/mark/8-23 "Mark 8:23 - Jesus Leads the Blind Man Out") is interpreted in several ways. Firstly, it could be a symbolic act, separating the man from Bethsaida, a town that had largely rejected Jesus' mighty works and was condemned for its unbelief [Matthew 11:21](/matthew/11-21 "Matthew 11:21 - Woes to Bethsaida"). This might suggest that true spiritual insight often requires a separation from environments of spiritual dullness or hostility. Secondly, it could be a practical decision to avoid drawing a large crowd or to perform this particular miracle privately, perhaps to emphasize its unique, progressive nature or to prevent further public clamor that could hinder His ministry. Lastly, it highlights Jesus' personal and intimate approach to healing, focusing solely on the individual in need.

**Why did Jesus spit on the man's eyes?**

Answer: The use of saliva by Jesus in this healing [Mark 8:23](/mark/8-23 "Mark 8:23 - Jesus Spits on the Man's Eyes") and in other instances [John 9:6](/john/9-6 "John 9:6 - Jesus Heals a Blind Man with Mud and Saliva") was not uncommon in ancient folk medicine, where saliva was sometimes believed to have therapeutic properties. However, for Jesus, it was not merely a natural remedy but a tangible means through which His divine power was channeled. It demonstrates His willingness to engage physically with human suffering and to use various, sometimes unconventional, methods to accomplish His supernatural work. It also emphasizes the physicality of the healing, making it clear that a real, material change was occurring.

**Why was this healing performed in two stages, unlike many of Jesus' instantaneous miracles?**

Answer: The two-stage healing of the blind man in Bethsaida [Mark 8:23-25](/mark/8-23-25 "Mark 8:23-25 - The Two-Stage Healing of the Blind Man") is unique in the Gospels and holds significant theological meaning. Many commentators see it as a powerful metaphor for the disciples' (and our own) gradual spiritual understanding. Just as the blind man first saw "men as trees, walking" [Mark 8:24](/mark/8-24 "Mark 8:24 - Man's Initial Partial Sight"), the disciples were slowly coming to grips with Jesus' true identity and mission, particularly regarding His impending suffering and death [Mark 8:31-33](/mark/8-31-33 "Mark 8:31-33 - Peter's Rebuke and Jesus' Prophecy"). This progressive healing illustrates that spiritual revelation and growth are often processes, not always instantaneous events, requiring continued engagement with Christ to achieve full clarity and insight.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 8:23, with its depiction of Jesus opening the eyes of the physically blind, powerfully foreshadows and embodies His ultimate mission as the one who brings spiritual sight to a world shrouded in darkness. Jesus is the true "Light of the World" [John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World"), who came not only to heal physical infirmities but, more profoundly, to illuminate the hearts and minds of those spiritually blind to God's truth. The progressive nature of this healing miracle serves as a poignant illustration of how Christ works in our lives: He often leads us out of our spiritual "Bethsaidas" – places of unbelief and dullness – to encounter Him personally. Just as He took the blind man by the hand, so too does He intimately guide us, patiently revealing His truth and transforming our understanding. His actions here anticipate His greater work on the cross, where through His sacrifice, He would provide the ultimate means for humanity's spiritual eyes to be opened to the glory of God and the path to salvation [2 Corinthians 4:6](/2_corinthians/4-6 "2 Corinthians 4:6 - God's Light in Our Hearts"). The initial partial sight of the man mirrors the initial, often incomplete, understanding we have of Christ before the Holy Spirit fully illuminates our hearts, leading us into a deeper, clearer vision of who He is and what He has accomplished [Ephesians 1:17-18](/ephesians/1-17-18 "Ephesians 1:17-18 - Prayer for Spiritual Wisdom"). Ultimately, this miracle points to Jesus as the compassionate Messiah who fully restores vision, both physical and spiritual, bringing us from darkness to His marvelous light [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - Called Out of Darkness into Light").

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 7:33

And he took him aside from the multitude, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spit, and touched his tongue;

John 9:6

When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay,

John 9:7

And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.

Acts 9:8

And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought [him] into Damascus.

Mark 5:23

And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: [I pray thee], come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live.

Isaiah 44:2

Thus saith the LORD that made thee, and formed thee from the womb, [which] will help thee; Fear not, O Jacob, my servant; and thou, Jesurun, whom I have chosen.

Isaiah 51:18

[There is] none to guide her among all the sons [whom] she hath brought forth; neither [is there any] that taketh her by the hand of all the sons [that] she hath brought up.