King James Version

What Does Mark 8:23 Mean?

Mark 8:23 in the King James Version says “And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands ...” — study this verse from Mark chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw ought.”

Mark 8:23 · King James Version

Context

21

And he said unto them, How is it that ye do not understand?

22

And he cometh to Bethsaida; and they bring a blind man unto him, and besought him to touch him.

23

And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw ought.

24

And he looked up, and said, I see men as trees, walking.

25

After that he put his hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly.

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Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
He took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town—Jesus's personal touch (ἐπιλαβόμενος, epilabomenos, 'taking hold of') demonstrates compassionate guidance, leading one who cannot see. Removing him from the town may indicate avoiding public spectacle (note verse 26's command to silence) or escaping the unbelieving atmosphere that characterized Bethsaida (Matthew 11:21).

When he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him—The use of saliva (πτύσας, ptusas) appears in only three healing miracles (here, Mark 7:33, John 9:6). In ancient Near Eastern culture, saliva was thought to have curative properties, but Jesus transcends mere folk medicine. The combination of spittle and touch creates tangible contact points for faith. His question ei ti blepeis (εἴ τι βλέπεις, 'Do you see anything?') is unique—the only recorded instance where Jesus checks healing progress mid-miracle, emphasizing the pedagogical nature of this two-stage restoration.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

In the Greco-Roman world, saliva was widely believed to possess healing properties, documented in medical texts by Pliny the Elder and Tacitus. Jewish law permitted healing actions on the Sabbath when life-threatening, though spitting could render someone unclean. Jesus's methods engaged contemporary cultural categories while demonstrating power beyond natural remedies.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why might Jesus use physical means (touch, saliva) when He could heal with a word? What does this reveal about incarnational ministry?
  2. How does Jesus's patient, incremental approach here contrast with our demand for immediate results in spiritual growth?
  3. In what areas of life might God be asking you, 'Do you see anything yet?'—checking on spiritual perception still in progress?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 26 words
καὶ1 of 26

“And”

G2532

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

ἐπιλαβόμενος2 of 26

“he took”

G1949

to seize (for help, injury, attainment, or any other purpose; literally or figuratively)

τῆς3 of 26
G3588

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

χεῖρας4 of 26

“by the hand”

G5495

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

τοῦ5 of 26
G3588

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

τυφλοῦ6 of 26

“the blind man”

G5185

opaque (as if smoky), i.e., (by analogy) blind (physically or mentally)

ἐξήγαγεν7 of 26

“and led”

G1806

to lead forth

αὐτόν8 of 26

“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

ἔξω9 of 26

“out of”

G1854

out(-side) (of doors), literally or figuratively

τῆς10 of 26
G3588

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

κώμης11 of 26

“the town”

G2968

a hamlet (as if laid down)

καὶ12 of 26

“And”

G2532

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

πτύσας13 of 26

“when he had spit”

G4429

to spit

εἰς14 of 26

“on”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὰ15 of 26
G3588

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

ὄμματα16 of 26

“eyes”

G3659

a sight, i.e., (by implication) the eye

αὐτόν17 of 26

“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

ἐπιθεὶς18 of 26

“and put”

G2007

to impose (in a friendly or hostile sense)

τὰς19 of 26
G3588

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

χεῖρας20 of 26

“by the hand”

G5495

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

αὐτόν21 of 26

“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

ἐπηρώτα22 of 26

“he asked”

G1905

to ask for, i.e., inquire, seek

αὐτόν23 of 26

“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

Εἴ24 of 26
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

τι25 of 26
G5100

some or any person or object

βλέπει26 of 26

“he saw”

G991

to look at (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 8:23 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 8:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Mark 7:33John 9:6-7Mark 5:23Acts 9:8Isaiah 44:2Isaiah 51:18

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