King James Version
What Does Mark 8:23 Mean?
“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.”
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.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(23) **He took the blind man by the hand.**—We note in the act the same considerate adaptation of the method of healing to the man’s infirmities as in the case of the deaf man in Mark 7:33. As far as the first three Gospels are concerned, these are the two instances of the “spitting” here recorded, but it is one of the links that connect St. Mark with the fourth Gospel (John 9:6).
**If he saw ought.**—The better MSS. give the very words, “Dost thou see ought?”
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge