New Testament
Mark 7:34
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Looking up to heaven, he let out a deep sigh and said to the man, "Ephphatha!" — which means, "Be opened!"
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And looking up to heaven, he sighed, and saith unto him, Ephphatha, that is, Be opened.
What Mark 7:34 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus is performing a miracle of healing. He looks up to heaven, which signifies his connection to God and reliance on divine power. The deep sigh indicates his compassion and empathy for the man who is deaf and has a speech impediment. By saying 'Ephphatha,' which means 'Be opened,' Jesus commands the man's ears to be opened and his tongue to be loosed. This act not only restores the man's physical abilities but also symbolizes the opening of one's heart and mind to God's truth. The miracle demonstrates Jesus' authority over physical ailments and his desire to bring wholeness to individuals. It highlights the importance of faith and the transformative power of Jesus' words. This moment serves as a reminder of the hope and healing that Jesus offers to all who are suffering or in need of restoration.
How to apply Mark 7:34 to your life
This verse encourages us to seek Jesus in our struggles and to trust in his power to heal and restore. It reminds us to approach God with faith, believing that he can open our hearts and minds to new possibilities and understanding. We can also extend compassion to others, just as Jesus did.
Curated for this public verse page. Mark Summary
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Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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At a Glance — the Book of Mark
- Author
- John Mark
- Written
- Around AD 55-65
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Roman and Gentile Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Mark 7:34 mean?
Mark 7:34 describes Jesus healing a deaf man with a speech impediment. By looking up to heaven and saying 'Ephphatha,' which means 'Be opened,' Jesus demonstrates his divine authority to heal and restore.
What is the significance of 'Ephphatha' in Mark 7:34?
'Ephphatha' means 'Be opened' and signifies Jesus' command for the man's ears to be opened and his tongue to be loosed. This word highlights the power of Jesus' speech in performing miracles.
What does the deep sigh in Mark 7:34 indicate?
The deep sigh that Jesus lets out in Mark 7:34 reflects his compassion for the man. It shows his empathy and understanding of the man's suffering before performing the healing.
How does Mark 7:34 relate to faith?
Mark 7:34 illustrates the importance of faith in Jesus' healing power. The miracle not only restores the man's physical abilities but also symbolizes the opening of one's heart to God's truth.
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