Mark 3 10

Mark 3:10 kjv

For he had healed many; insomuch that they pressed upon him for to touch him, as many as had plagues.

Mark 3:10 nkjv

For He healed many, so that as many as had afflictions pressed about Him to touch Him.

Mark 3:10 niv

For he had healed many, so that those with diseases were pushing forward to touch him.

Mark 3:10 esv

for he had healed many, so that all who had diseases pressed around him to touch him.

Mark 3:10 nlt

He had healed many people that day, so all the sick people eagerly pushed forward to touch him.

Mark 3 verses

Mark 3 10 Meaning

Mark 3:10 reveals the profound impact of Jesus' healing ministry, explaining why large crowds, many suffering from severe afflictions, urgently sought to be close to Him. His widespread miraculous healings had established His reputation as a source of powerful divine restoration, leading those with ailments to eagerly press near Him with the singular goal of making physical contact, believing it to be a conduit for healing.

Mark 3 10 Context

Mark chapter 3 begins by highlighting growing conflict between Jesus and the religious authorities. In verses 1-6, Jesus intentionally heals a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath, directly confronting the Pharisees' rigid interpretation of the law. This act solidifies their malicious intent to destroy Him. Immediately following this confrontation (verses 7-9), Jesus withdraws from their direct opposition to the Sea of Galilee. Despite His withdrawal, a "great multitude" from various regions – Galilee, Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, Transjordan, Tyre, and Sidon – follows Him. This vast gathering underscores His immense popularity among the common people, who have heard of "what great things He was doing." Jesus even instructs His disciples to have a boat ready to prevent the pressing crowd from crushing Him. Verse 10 directly explains why these crowds were so large and physically insistent: His proven ability to heal had drawn them from far and wide, fueled by their personal desperation and belief in His power. This sets the stage for the selection of the twelve apostles, His closest inner circle, who will eventually be sent out with similar authority.

Mark 3 10 Word analysis

• For (γὰρ - gar): A conjunction serving as an explanatory particle. It introduces the reason or explanation for the situation described previously—the gathering of immense crowds around Jesus.

• He had healed (ἐθεράπευσεν - etherapeusen): From therapeuō, meaning to heal, cure, or serve. The aorist tense implies completed action in the past, but in this context, it refers to the cumulative effect of Jesus' many healings which built His widespread reputation and prompted the current influx of people. This reputation was the cause of the gathering.

• many (πολλούς - pollous): Indicates a large quantity or multitude. It emphasizes the extensive scale of Jesus' healing ministry, highlighting that He did not just heal a few, but a significant number of people.

• so that (ὥστε - hōste): A conjunction introducing a result clause. It shows the direct consequence of Jesus' prolific healing ministry. His actions inevitably led to the people's reaction.

• as many as (ὅσοι - hosoi): Meaning "all who," or "whosoever." It emphasizes the inclusivity of those who came to Him, signifying that every person suffering from severe illness sought Him out.

• had diseases (εἶχον μάστιγας - eichon mastigas):

  • εἶχον (eichon): "had," simply indicating possession.
  • μάστιγας (mastigas): Literally "scourges" or "whips," used metaphorically here to denote severe, afflicting diseases or plagues. This term is often used for painful, tormenting, or persistent illnesses (as in the woman with the issue of blood, Mark 5:29). It conveys the seriousness and intensity of the ailments suffered by those who sought Him.

• pressed about Him (ἐπέπιπτον αὐτῷ - epepipton autō): From epipiptō, meaning "to fall upon," "to rush upon," or "to press against." It suggests an eager, intense, and perhaps even physically aggressive movement towards Jesus, indicative of extreme desperation and urgency. They were not merely gathering; they were pushing forward.

• to touch Him (ἵνα ἅψωνται αὐτοῦ - hina hapsōntai autou):

  • ἵνα (hina): A purpose clause, showing the direct intention behind their pressing forward.
  • ἅψωνται (hapsōntai): From haptō, meaning "to touch," "to lay hold of." This verb implies more than just casual contact; it can mean to cling or grasp. This indicates a deep-seated belief that physical contact with Jesus Himself or His garment was sufficient to convey healing power.

• "He had healed many, so that as many as had diseases": This phrase establishes a direct cause-and-effect relationship. The widely acknowledged reality of Jesus' previous numerous healings directly resulted in the convergence of all those afflicted with severe diseases. It underscores His powerful reputation as the divine Healer.

• "pressed about Him to touch Him": This phrase highlights the urgency, desperation, and practical theology of the crowds. Their belief in Jesus' power was so profound that they were willing to physically overwhelm Him, trusting that even the slightest physical contact would facilitate their healing. It also reflects a communal faith, perhaps inspired by instances where healing had already occurred through touch or near-contact.

Mark 3 10 Bonus section

The intense desire to touch Jesus for healing suggests a pre-existing understanding or observation among the people that divine power could be mediated through physical proximity or contact. This belief, further amplified by Jesus' miracles, shows a spontaneous, popular "theology" forming around His person. This is later validated by instances like the woman with the issue of blood (Mark 5:28-34) and scenes where people simply sought to touch the fringe of His garment (Matthew 14:36, Mark 6:56), indicating a common, widespread, and validated faith in the tangible manifestation of Jesus' power. The sheer desperation illustrated by "pressed about Him" highlights the severe suffering prevalent in the ancient world and the profound hope Jesus offered where no other relief was available. This also subtly implies a constant expenditure of power from Jesus, as the text states power went out from Him in similar circumstances (Luke 8:46).

Mark 3 10 Commentary

Mark 3:10 encapsulates the magnetic pull of Jesus' ministry, directly attributing the overwhelming crowds to His prolific healing power. Unlike others who claimed such abilities, Jesus did not just perform occasional wonders; He healed many, consistently demonstrating undeniable authority over sickness and infirmity. This established a reputation that spread like wildfire, attracting droves of people afflicted with severe "scourges"—diseases that often rendered individuals outcast or hopeless. Their intense physical pressure to "touch Him" was not simply curiosity, but a profound expression of faith, born out of desperate need and an understanding that divine power resided within Jesus, capable of flowing even through physical contact. This scene dramatically illustrates the physical toll of ministry on Jesus due to the immense human need, yet also powerfully confirms His divine mission and compassion in the face of suffering, contrasting sharply with the unbelief and plots of the religious leaders (Mark 3:6).