New Testament
Mark 3:5
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this passage, Jesus encounters a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath.
- Author
- John Mark
- Written
- Around AD 55-65
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Roman and Gentile Christians
Jesus looked around at them with anger, deeply grieved by the hardness of their hearts. Then he said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." The man stretched it out, and it was restored whole like the other.
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.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, Jesus encounters a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath. The religious leaders are watching closely to see if He will heal on this day, which they consider unlawful. Jesus feels anger and deep sorrow because of their stubbornness and lack of compassion. He challenges their rigid interpretation of the law by asking if it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath. He then commands the man to stretch out his hand, and miraculously, it is restored to full health. This act demonstrates Jesus' authority over the Sabbath and highlights His mission to bring healing and restoration, even in the face of opposition. The healing serves as a powerful reminder that compassion and mercy should prevail over legalism and tradition.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Mark 3:5 to your life
This passage encourages us to prioritize compassion over rigid rules. It challenges us to examine our own hearts for hardness and to be open to acts of kindness, even when they may conflict with our traditions or expectations. We should strive to embody Jesus' love and healing in our interactions with others.
Curated for this public verse page. Mark Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Mark 3:5 teach about Jesus' emotions?
Mark 3:5 reveals that Jesus experienced anger and deep grief due to the hardness of the religious leaders' hearts. This shows that Jesus was not only compassionate but also deeply affected by the lack of empathy and understanding in those around Him. His emotions highlight the importance of compassion and the need to challenge attitudes that prioritize rules over love.
Why did Jesus heal on the Sabbath in Mark 3:5?
In Mark 3:5, Jesus healed on the Sabbath to demonstrate that doing good and showing compassion is always lawful, regardless of the day. This act challenged the rigid interpretations of the law held by the religious leaders and illustrated His authority over the Sabbath. It emphasizes that mercy and healing should take precedence over strict adherence to tradition.
What can we learn about compassion from Mark 3:5?
Mark 3:5 teaches us that compassion should guide our actions, even when faced with societal or religious expectations. Jesus' willingness to heal on the Sabbath illustrates that acts of kindness and mercy are essential, and we should be willing to prioritize them over rigid rules. This encourages us to reflect on our own attitudes and to act with love and understanding towards others.
How does Mark 3:5 relate to the concept of faith?
Mark 3:5 illustrates faith through the man's response to Jesus' command to stretch out his hand. Despite his condition, the man obeyed, demonstrating trust in Jesus' power to heal. This act of faith resulted in his restoration, showing that belief in Jesus can lead to miraculous changes in our lives. It encourages us to have faith in Jesus' ability to heal and restore us.
The Book of Mark
Mark 1: John the Baptist and the Beginning of Jesus's Ministry
John the Baptist appears in the wilderness and preaches a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. People from Judaea and Jerusalem come to him, confess their sins, and are baptized in the river Jordan. John wears camel's hair and a leather belt and eats locusts and wild honey. He announces that someone stronger than he is coming after him and says he is not worthy to stoop down and untie his sandals. He baptizes with water, but the one coming will baptize with the Holy Ghost.
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