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

MARK 7:33KJV
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Mark 7:33 (KJV)

What does Mark 7:33 mean?

Mark 7:33 describes Jesus taking a man aside from the crowd, putting his fingers into the man's ears, spitting, and then touching the man's tongue. This verse shows Jesus using physical actions to interact personally with someone who needed healing.

In this scene, Jesus is addressing a man who is deaf and has difficulty speaking. Jesus separates the man from the crowd, which highlights a private, compassionate approach. The physical gestures—touching the ears and tongue, and spitting—reflect the customs of the time and show Jesus’ willingness to meet people in tangible ways, not just through words.

The Greek behind Mark 7:33

  • The word for "took" (παραλαμβάνω, paralambanō) here is tagged as G618, which often means to take or receive alongside. In this context, it emphasizes Jesus personally leading the man away from the crowd, showing care and attention.
  • "Put" (βάλλω, ballō, G906) means to throw or place. Here, it describes Jesus intentionally placing his fingers into the man's ears, underlining a deliberate and direct action.
  • "Touched" (ἅπτομαι, haptomai, G680) means to touch or take hold of. This word often carries a sense of personal contact, highlighting the closeness of Jesus’ interaction with the man.

Why Mark 7:33 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that Jesus always healed from a distance or only with words; here, he uses physical touch and actions, which would have been meaningful to someone unable to hear or speak.
  • Mark 7:33 emphasizes Jesus’ sensitivity by taking the man aside, showing respect for his dignity and privacy rather than making a spectacle of his healing.
  • The details prepare the reader for the miracle that follows, setting up the context for understanding Jesus’ compassion and the unique way he connects with each person.

Where else these words appear

“spit” Greek G4429 · used in 3 verses

  • Mark 8:23 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.
  • 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,

“fingers” Greek G1147 · used in 8 verses

  • Matthew 23:4 For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.
  • Luke 11:46 And he said, Woe unto you also, ye lawyers! for ye lade men with burdens grievous to be borne, and ye yourselves touch not the burdens with one of your fingers.
  • John 8:6 This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.

“took” Greek G618 · used in 11 verses

  • Luke 6:34 And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again.
  • Luke 18:30 Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting.
  • Galatians 4:5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.

“touched” Greek G680 · used in 33 verses

  • Matthew 8:3 And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.
  • Mark 5:27 When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment.
  • Luke 8:44 Came behind him, and touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched.