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

MARK 8:22KJV
Know the Bible

Mark 8:22 (KJV)

What does Mark 8:22 mean?

Mark 8:22 describes Jesus arriving at the town of Bethsaida, where some people bring a blind man to Him and beg Jesus to touch the man. The verse shows others acting on behalf of the blind man, hoping Jesus’ physical touch will help him.

In this scene, Jesus is the central figure, and the people of Bethsaida are seeking His help for someone in need. The act of bringing the blind man and asking for a touch reflects the common belief at the time that Jesus’ touch could heal. This sets the stage for the miracle that follows and highlights both the faith of the community and the compassion shown toward the blind man.

The Greek behind Mark 8:22

  • The word "touch" (ἅπτω, haptō) in Greek often means to physically make contact, but in the Gospels, it is frequently connected to healing or blessing. The people’s request for Jesus to touch the man shows their belief in the power of His physical presence.
  • The verb "besought" (παρακαλέω, parakaleō) means to beg or urgently appeal, suggesting that the people were pleading earnestly with Jesus, not just making a casual request.

Why Mark 8:22 matters

  • Mark 8:22 shows the role of community in seeking help for those who cannot help themselves, emphasizing compassion and intercession.
  • The verse introduces a miracle unique to Mark’s Gospel, where Jesus heals in a way that involves physical touch and a process, not just a word.
  • This moment connects to the wider theme in Mark of recognizing who Jesus is through His actions, especially His power to heal and restore.

Where else these words appear

“Bethsaida” Greek G966 · used in 7 verses

  • 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.
  • Luke 9:10 And the apostles, when they were returned, told him all that they had done. And he took them, and went aside privately into a desert place belonging to the city called Bethsaida.
  • John 1:44 Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter.

“touch” 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.

“man” Greek G5185 · used in 48 verses

  • Matthew 9:27 And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou Son of David, have mercy on us.
  • Mark 10:46 And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging.
  • John 9:17 They say unto the blind man again, What sayest thou of him, that he hath opened thine eyes? He said, He is a prophet.

“bring” Greek G5342 · used in 58 verses

  • Matthew 14:11 And his head was brought in a charger, and given to the damsel: and she brought it to her mother.
  • John 2:8 And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it.
  • Acts 14:13 Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people.