King James Version

What Does Mark 1:42 Mean?

Mark 1:42 in the King James Version says “And as soon as he had spoken, immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was cleansed. — study this verse from Mark chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And as soon as he had spoken, immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was cleansed.

Mark 1:42 · KJV


Context

40

And there came a leper to him, beseeching him, and kneeling down to him, and saying unto him, If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.

41

And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean.

42

And as soon as he had spoken, immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was cleansed.

43

And he straitly charged him, and forthwith sent him away;

44

And saith unto him, See thou say nothing to any man: but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing those things which Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The immediacy of healing ('immediately the leprosy departed') demonstrates Christ's divine authority—no gradual improvement, but instant restoration. Mark's precise observation shows his attention to miraculous detail. The departure of leprosy signifies Christ's power over curse and corruption, prefiguring His victory over sin's effects. This physical healing pictures the instant justification believers receive at conversion.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Natural remission of leprosy was unknown in ancient times; cases only worsened until death. The instant nature of this healing would have been unmistakable evidence of supernatural intervention. This miracle would have had enormous social implications for the healed man's restoration to family and community.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the instantaneous nature of this healing parallel the immediate justification that occurs at salvation?
  2. What does this physical restoration teach us about the complete restoration Christ brings to our sin-corrupted nature?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 11 words
καὶ1 of 11

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

εἰπόντος2 of 11

had spoken

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

αὐτοῦ,3 of 11

as soon as he

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

εὐθὲως4 of 11

immediately

G2112

directly, i.e., at once or soon

ἀπῆλθεν5 of 11

departed

G565

to go off (i.e., depart), aside (i.e., apart) or behind (i.e., follow), literally or figuratively

ἀπ'6 of 11

from

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

αὐτοῦ,7 of 11

as soon as he

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

8 of 11
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

λέπρα9 of 11

the leprosy

G3014

scaliness, i.e., "leprosy"

καὶ10 of 11

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐκαθαρίσθη11 of 11

he was cleansed

G2511

to cleanse (literally or figuratively)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Mark. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Mark 1:42 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Mark 1:42 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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