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

MARK 7:34KJV
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Mark 7:34 (KJV)

What does Mark 7:34 mean?

Mark 7:34 describes Jesus looking up to heaven, sighing, and saying "Ephphatha," which means "Be opened," as He heals a man who could not hear or speak. This verse shows Jesus’ deep compassion and His direct appeal to God as He performs the miracle.

In this moment, Jesus is interacting with a man brought to Him by others, someone who was deaf and had difficulty speaking. By looking up to heaven and sighing, Jesus shows a visible connection to God and a sense of empathy for the man's suffering. The use of the Aramaic word "Ephphatha" is preserved in the text, highlighting the authenticity and immediacy of Jesus’ command for healing.

The Greek behind Mark 7:34

  • ἐστέναξεν (estenaxen, "sighed"): This Greek word means to groan or sigh deeply, often expressing emotion or compassion. Here, it emphasizes Jesus’ heartfelt response to the man's condition.
  • Ἐφφαθά (Ephphatha): This is an Aramaic word meaning "Be opened." Mark keeps the original word and then explains it, underlining the power and immediacy of Jesus’ spoken command.
  • διανοίχθητι (dianoichthēti, "be opened"): The Greek word used for "be opened" is a command, showing that Jesus is directly addressing the man’s ears and mouth, and expecting an immediate result.

Why Mark 7:34 matters

  • Mark 7:34 clears up any idea that Jesus healed in a detached or mechanical way; instead, He shows real emotion and dependence on God.
  • The verse highlights Jesus’ authority, as His spoken word alone brings about healing, and the use of "Ephphatha" connects the reader to the original moment.
  • This verse fits into the larger theme of Mark’s Gospel, where Jesus’ miracles often involve both compassion and a demonstration of divine power.

Where else these words appear

“sighed” Greek G4727 · used in 6 verses

  • Romans 8:23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
  • 2 Corinthians 5:2 For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven:
  • Hebrews 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

“opened” Greek G1272 · used in 8 verses

  • Mark 7:35 And straightway his ears were opened, and the string of his tongue was loosed, and he spake plain.
  • Luke 24:31 And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.
  • Luke 24:45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,

“is” Greek G3603 · used in 11 verses

  • Mark 3:17 And James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James; and he surnamed them Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder:
  • Mark 15:16 And the soldiers led him away into the hall, called Praetorium; and they call together the whole band.
  • Colossians 1:24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:

“up” Greek G308 · used in 24 verses

  • Matthew 11:5 The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.
  • Mark 10:52 And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way.
  • Luke 21:1 And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury.