Mark 7:31-37
Summary for Mark 7:31-37: 7:31-37 a This miracle is very similar in order and vocabulary to the healing of the blind man in 8:22-26 b. Healing miracles in the Gospels follow a similar pattern—the constant telling and retelling of similar stories probably standardized their form and wording.• This healing miracle includes a change of scene. Although some interpret the next miracle as occurring in the Gentile world (Sidon or Decapolis), it probably took place after Jesus returned to the Sea of Galilee. The next incident takes place there (8:10 c) without a change of scene.
7:33 d The healing was performed privately (7:33 e; see 5:40-43 f; 8:23 g) to prevent the spread of messianic fervor (see 3:11-12 h; cp. John 6:15 i).
• Jesus also used saliva in a healing at Mark 8:23 j, where he spit on a man’s eyes in curing his blindness. The medicinal use of saliva in ancient times is well documented.
7:34 k Since Jesus was looking up to heaven when he sighed, his sigh is probably best understood as a prayerful gesture.
• Ephphatha is an Aramaic term that Mark translates for his readers (see also 3:17 l; 5:41 m; 14:36 n; 15:34 o). These are not magical formulas or incantations; Mark is simply recounting some of the original words Jesus spoke. Matthew and Luke do not seem to have attributed any special significance to the Aramaic words of Jesus, since they did not include them in their Gospels.
Summary for Mark 7:36-37: 7:36-37 p Despite his desire to avoid attention, Jesus’ greatness shone too brightly—his person, his teaching, and his ability to heal inspired awe, and he could not be hidden.
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