King James Version

What Does Mark 3:5 Mean?

Mark 3:5 in the King James Version says “And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he saith unto the... — study this verse from Mark chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he saith unto the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it out: and his hand was restored whole as the other. hardness: or, blindness

Mark 3:5 · KJV


Context

3

And he saith unto the man which had the withered hand, Stand forth . Stand forth: Gr. Arise, stand forth in the midst

4

And he saith unto them, Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath days, or to do evil? to save life, or to kill? But they held their peace.

5

And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he saith unto the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it out: and his hand was restored whole as the other. hardness: or, blindness

6

And the Pharisees went forth, and straightway took counsel with the Herodians against him, how they might destroy him.

7

But Jesus withdrew himself with his disciples to the sea: and a great multitude from Galilee followed him, and from Judaea,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus looked 'with anger' (περιβλεψάμενος αὐτοὺς μετ᾽ ὀργῆς)—righteous anger targeting hard hearts prioritizing rules over suffering. God's anger is holy response to sin. Jesus was 'grieved for the hardness of their hearts' (συλλυπούμενος). 'Hardness' (πώρωσις) means callousness, hearts hardened like stone. This combination—anger at sin, grief at effects—reflects God's character. Jesus commands: 'Stretch forth thine hand.' The man obeyed, 'his hand was restored whole.' Reformed theology: Christ's emotions reveal God's heart.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This miracle parallels Jeroboam's withered hand (1 Kings 13:4-6). 'Restored whole' (ἀπεκατεστάθη ὑγιής) indicates complete healing—not partial but total restoration. Ancient medicine couldn't reverse atrophy; this was clearly miraculous. Pharisees' hardened response despite evidence demonstrates miracles alone don't produce faith. Spiritual blindness resists overwhelming evidence.

Reflection Questions

  1. What provokes righteous anger in you—violation of traditions or human suffering?
  2. How does understanding that hardness grieves Jesus affect your prayer for unbelievers?
  3. What does this miracle teach about Christ's complete healing work?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 30 words
καὶ1 of 30

And

G2532

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

περιβλεψάμενος2 of 30

when he had looked round about

G4017

to look all around

αὐτοῦ3 of 30

his

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

μετ'4 of 30

with

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

ὀργῆς5 of 30

anger

G3709

properly, desire (as a reaching forth or excitement of the mind), i.e., (by analogy), violent passion (ire, or (justifiable) abhorrence); by implicati

συλλυπούμενος6 of 30

being grieved

G4818

to afflict jointly, i.e., (passive) sorrow at (on account of) someone

ἐπὶ7 of 30

for

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τῇ8 of 30
G3588

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

πωρώσει9 of 30

the hardness

G4457

stupidity or callousness

τῆς10 of 30
G3588

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

καρδίας11 of 30

hearts

G2588

the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle

αὐτοῦ12 of 30

his

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

λέγει13 of 30

he saith

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

τῷ14 of 30
G3588

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

ἀνθρώπῳ15 of 30

unto the man

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

ἐξέτεινεν16 of 30

Stretch forth

G1614

to extend

τὴν17 of 30
G3588

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

χεὶρ18 of 30

hand

G5495

the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)

σου19 of 30

thine

G4675

of thee, thy

καὶ20 of 30

And

G2532

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

ἐξέτεινεν21 of 30

Stretch forth

G1614

to extend

καὶ22 of 30

And

G2532

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

ἀποκατεστάθη23 of 30

was restored

G600

to reconstitute (in health, home or organization)

24 of 30
G3588

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

χεὶρ25 of 30

hand

G5495

the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)

αὐτοῦ26 of 30

his

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

ὑγιὴς27 of 30

whole

G5199

healthy, i.e., well (in body); figuratively, true (in doctrine)

ὡς28 of 30

as

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

29 of 30
G3588

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

ἄλλη30 of 30

the other

G243

"else," i.e., different (in many applications)


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 3:5 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 3:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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