King James Version

What Does Mark 7:32 Mean?

Mark 7:32 in the King James Version says “And they bring unto him one that was deaf, and had an impediment in his speech; and they beseech him to put his hand upo... — study this verse from Mark chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And they bring unto him one that was deaf, and had an impediment in his speech; and they beseech him to put his hand upon him.

Mark 7:32 · KJV


Context

30

And when she was come to her house, she found the devil gone out, and her daughter laid upon the bed.

31

And again, departing from the coasts of Tyre and Sidon, he came unto the sea of Galilee, through the midst of the coasts of Decapolis.

32

And they bring unto him one that was deaf, and had an impediment in his speech; and they beseech him to put his hand upon him.

33

And he took him aside from the multitude, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spit, and touched his tongue;

34

And looking up to heaven, he sighed, and saith unto him, Ephphatha, that is, Be opened.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
They bring one that was deaf, and had an impediment in his speech—The Greek describes difficulty speaking—possibly mute or severely impaired. This rare word appears in Isaiah 35:6's Septuagint, prophesying messianic signs: the lame leaping, the dumb tongue singing. Mark's vocabulary evokes Isaiah's prophecy, signaling Jesus fulfills messianic expectations. The crowd's request for Jesus's touch demonstrates belief His touch conveys healing. This man's condition created profound isolation—unable to hear or speak clearly, he lived relationally disconnected. Healing restored not just physical faculties but relationship capacity. Spiritually, this pictures pre-salvation humanity: deaf to God's voice, unable to speak His praise, isolated from divine-human communion.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

In the ancient world, disabilities carried severe stigma, often interpreted as divine judgment. Those unable to hear or speak faced limited opportunities and social marginalization. Jesus's consistent healing of such individuals demonstrated God's heart toward the marginalized. The crowd's compassion reflects earlier testimony's impact in the Decapolis—when the Gerasene proclaimed what Jesus did (Mark 5:20), skepticism gave way to expectant faith.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does deaf-muteness illustrate spiritual deafness to God's voice and inability to worship apart from Christ?
  2. What does the crowd's compassionate action teach about intercessory faith?
  3. How does Jesus's healing of the marginalized demonstrate the kingdom's upside-down values?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
καὶ1 of 13

And

G2532

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

φέρουσιν2 of 13

they bring

G5342

to "bear" or carry (in a very wide application, literally and figuratively, as follows)

αὐτῷ3 of 13

him

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

κωφὸν4 of 13

one that was deaf

G2974

blunted, i.e., (figuratively) of hearing (deaf) or speech (dumb)

μογιλάλον5 of 13

and had an impediment in his speech

G3424

hardly talking, i.e., dumb (tongue-tied)

καὶ6 of 13

And

G2532

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

παρακαλοῦσιν7 of 13

they beseech

G3870

to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)

αὐτῷ8 of 13

him

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

ἵνα9 of 13

to

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

ἐπιθῇ10 of 13

put

G2007

to impose (in a friendly or hostile sense)

αὐτῷ11 of 13

him

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

τὴν12 of 13
G3588

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

χεῖρα13 of 13

his hand

G5495

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


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 7:32 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 7:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study