And straightway his ears were opened, and the string of his tongue was loosed, and he spake plain.

MARK 7:35KJV
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Mark 7:35 (KJV)

What does Mark 7:35 mean?

Mark 7:35 describes how, immediately after Jesus acted, the man's ears were opened, his tongue was freed, and he was able to speak clearly. This verse shows the complete and instant nature of the healing that took place.

In this scene, Jesus is healing a man who could not hear and had difficulty speaking. The verse highlights that the healing was not gradual but happened "straightway," meaning right away. The man’s ability to speak plainly emphasizes how thorough the miracle was—his speech was not just improved, but fully restored.

The Greek behind Mark 7:35

  • "straightway" (εὐθέως, eutheōs): This word means "immediately" or "at once," stressing that the healing happened without any delay.
  • "string" (δέσμος, desmos): This word refers to something that binds or ties, here describing the restriction on the man's tongue. The image is of something being untied or released, showing that his speech was set free.
  • "loosed" (λύω, lyō): This verb means "to loosen" or "to release." It paints a picture of the man's tongue being unbound, allowing him to speak.
  • "plain" (ὀρθῶς, orthōs): This word means "correctly" or "clearly." It emphasizes that the man’s speech was not just possible, but normal and understandable.

Why Mark 7:35 matters

  • Mark 7:35 makes it clear that Jesus’ miracles were immediate and complete, not partial or delayed, which underlines the power and authority attributed to him in the Gospel.
  • The use of vivid language about the man’s tongue being "loosed" and his speech becoming "plain" helps the reader picture the dramatic change in the man’s life.
  • This verse connects to the wider passage by showing the compassion of Jesus and his willingness to help those who were suffering, regardless of their background or status.

Where else these words appear

“plain” Greek G3723 · used in 4 verses

  • Luke 7:43 Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged.
  • Luke 10:28 And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.
  • Luke 20:21 And they asked him, saying, Master, we know that thou sayest and teachest rightly, neither acceptest thou the person of any, but teachest the way of God truly:

“opened” Greek G1272 · used in 8 verses

  • Mark 7:34 And looking up to heaven, he sighed, and saith unto him, Ephphatha, that is, Be opened.
  • 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,

“string” Greek G1199 · used in 20 verses

  • Luke 8:29 (For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For oftentimes it had caught him: and he was kept bound with chains and in fetters; and he brake the bands, and was driven of the devil into the wilderness.)
  • Acts 26:29 And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.
  • Colossians 4:18 The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen. Written from Rome to Colossians by Tychicus and Onesimus.

“ears” Greek G189 · used in 22 verses

  • Matthew 4:24 And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.
  • John 12:38 That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed?
  • Galatians 3:5 He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?