Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Mark 8:25
After that he put [his] hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly.
25. saw every man clearly ] or rather, began to see all things clearly, “So that he syy clerely alle thingis,” Wyclif. The word translated “clearly” literally = “far-shining,” “far-beaming.” The man meant that he could now see clearly far and near. This is one of the few instances of a strictly progressive cure recorded in the Gospels. “His friends asked that He would touch him. To this demand for an instant act followed by an instant cure, the Lord opposed His own slow and circumstantial method of procedure.” Lange. Comp. the cure of Naaman, 2Ki 5:10-11; 2Ki 5:14.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Every man clearly – Could see their form and features. His sight was completely restored. Though our Lord did not by this, probably, intend to teach any lesson in regard to the way in which the mind of a sinner is enlightened, yet it affords a striking illustration of it. Sinners are by nature blind, 2Co 4:4; 1Jo 2:11; Joh 9:39. The effect of religion, or of the influence of the Holy Spirit, is to open the eyes, to show the sinner his condition and his danger, and to lead him to look on him as a Saviour. Yet at first he sees indistinctly. He does not soon learn to distinguish objects. When converted he is in a new world. Light is shed on every object, and he sees the Scriptures, the Saviour, and the works of creation, the sun, the stars, the hills, the vales, in a new light. He sees the beauty of the plan of salvation, and wonders that he has not seen it before. Yet he sees at first indistinctly. It is only by repeated applications to the Source of light that he sees all things clearly. At first religion appears full of mysteries. Doctrines and facts are brought before his mind that he cannot fully comprehend. He is still perplexed, and he may doubt whether he has ever seen anything aright, or has been ever renewed. Yet let him not despair. Light, in due time, will be shed on these obscure and mysterious truths. Faithful and repeated application to the Father of lights in prayer, and in searching the Scriptures, and in the ordinances of religion, will dissipate these doubts, and he will see all things clearly, and the universe will appear to be filled with one broad flood of light.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Verse 25. And saw every man clearly.] But instead of , all men, several excellent MSS., and the principal versions, have , all things, every object; for the view he had of them before was indistinct and confused. Our Lord could have restored this man to sight in a moment; but he chose to do it in the way mentioned in the text, to show that he is sovereign of his own graces; and to point out that, however insignificant means may appear in themselves, they are divinely efficacious when he chooses to work by them; and that, however small the first manifestations of mercy may be, they are nevertheless the beginnings of the fulness of the blessings of the Gospel of peace. Reader, art thou in this man’s state? Art thou blind? Then come to Jesus that he may restore thee. Hast thou a measure of light? Then pray that he may lay his hands again on thee, that thou mayest be enabled to read thy title clear to the heavenly inheritance.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
25. After that he put his handsagain upon his eyes, and made him look up; and he was restored, andsaw every man clearlyPerhaps the one operation perfectlyrestored the eyes, while the other imparted immediately thefaculty of using them. It is the only recorded example of aprogressive cure, and it certainly illustrates similar methodsin the spiritual kingdom. Of the four recorded cases of sightrestored, all the patients save one either came or werebrought to the Physician. In the case of the man born blind, thePhysician came to the patient. So some seek and find Christ; ofothers He is found who seek Him not.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
After that he had put his hands again upon his eyes,…. By the former account it does not appear on what part of him he put his hands; but this determines it; and from hence it seems plain, that he first spit on his eyes, and then closed them, and put his hands on them; which last action of his he repeated, though not the former:
and made him look up. This is omitted in the Syriac, Persic, and Ethiopic versions. The Vulgate Latin reads it, “he began to see”; and so Beza’s ancient copy: but this he did before, upon the first imposition of hands on him. The Arabic version renders it, “he saw well”: this is expressed afterwards. The words are an order, or command of Christ to the man to lift up his eyes, and try again how he could see, and whether any better than before, which he did:
and he was restored; his sight was restored to him as before, and he was perfectly cured of his blindness;
and saw every man clearly; or “all things”, as the Vulgate Latin, Syriac, Arabic, Persic, and Ethiopic versions read: he saw every object distinctly, and afar off, as the word used also signifies; he could distinguish men from trees, and trees from men. This man, as before observed, was a very lively emblem of one that is spiritually enlightened by the grace of God: Christ first separated this man from the rest of the multitude; and such are first distinguished from others in election, and redemption, and calling, who are illuminated by the Spirit of God: means were made use of by Christ for healing this man; though the bare actions, without a divine power, would have been insufficient, as the spittle of his mouth, and the imposition of his hands: and, generally speaking, in the illumination of a sinner the word of Christ’s mouth is a means; though this, without the efficacy of his grace, is not of itself sufficient. This man, upon his first reception of sight, had a very dim, obscure, and imperfect view of things; could not well distinguish one thing from another, though he saw. As at first conversion, the enlightened soul has but a very glimmering view of things, particularly of Christ, the glory and fulness of his person, the efficacy of his blood, the excellency of his righteousness, of his ability, willingness, and suitableness as a Saviour; and especially of those doctrines of the Gospel, that are more sublime and distinguishing. But as this man afterwards had a more clear, and distinct view of objects; so it is with true believers in Christ; their shining light increases, and shines more and more unto the perfect day. For Gospel light at present is not perfect in any such who have the clearest views of things, have some darkness and imperfection in them; though they may be said to see all things clearly in comparison of what they sometimes did, and others do: particularly saints, under the Gospel dispensation see more clearly than those under the legal dispensation did; the object was at a greater distance from them; they saw the promises afar off; and the medium of their sight or through which they saw were obscure types shadows and sacrifices and dark prophecies. Moses, and his law, had a veil over them; but New Testament saints with open face without a veil behold as in a glass the glory of the Lord Jesus and of Gospel truths: indeed, they that know most see things most clearly and speak of them most distinctly know but in part and prophesy but in part in comparison of the beatific vision; when saints shall see face to face and know, as they are known; they now see but through a glass darkly. How clearly will all things be seen in the new Jerusalem state when there will be no need of the light of the sun or moon of ordinances; but Christ, the Lamb will be the everlasting light thereof in which the nations of them that are saved shall walk!
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
He looked steadfastly (). He saw thoroughly now, effective aorist (), he was completely restored (, second aorist, double compound and double augment), and kept on seeing (, imperfect, continued action) all things clearly or at a distance (, common Greek word from , afar, and , radiance, far-shining). Some manuscripts (margin in Westcott and Hort) read , from , plain, and , radiance.
Fuente: Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament
Made him look up. The best texts omit, and substitute die bleyen, he looked stedfastly. See on Mt 7:5. Instead of vaguely staring, he fixed his eyes on definite objects.
He saw [] . Imperfect tense. Continuous action. He saw and continued to see. Compare the aorist tense above : He looked stedfastly, fastened his eyes, denoting the single act, the first exercise of his restored sight.
Every man. Following the reading apantav. But the best texts read apanta, all things. So Rev.
Clearly [] . From thle, far, aujgh, shining. The farthest things were clearly seen.
Fuente: Vincent’s Word Studies in the New Testament
1) “After that He put His hands again upon his eyes,” (eita palin epetheken tag cheiras epi tous ophthalmous autou) “Then He (Jesus), again placed His hands on the eyes of the blind man,”
2) “And made him look up (kai dieblepsen) “And he looked steadily,” without blur or blinking as one looking through a mist would do.
3) “And he was restored,” (kai apekateste)”And he was restored,” to his normal vision, to perfect vision, made well from that moment,
4) “And saw every man clearly.” (kai eneblepen telaugos hapanta) “And he saw all things (all kind of things) clearly.” He saw distant objects clearly, did not need to go near them, to see them. Jesus doeth all things well, never stops with a task half done, Mar 7:37; Joh 18:23.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
(25) Every man.The better MSS. give all things. Clearly.This is probably the right rendering of the true reading; but the received text gives a word which implies that he was far, as well as clear, sighted.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
‘Then again he laid his hands on his eyes, and he looked steadfastly (aorist – indicating the moment of truth) and was restored and saw all things clearly (imperfect – indicating the continuing result).’
After further action (a unique occurrence for Jesus’ healings in the Gospels) full sight is restored, the half blindness slips away and he can see fully. In the light of the whole context as described above we may see this, not only as an actual miracle, but also as an acted out parable (like the cursing of the fig tree). It was Jesus’ expectation that it would be thus with the disciples spiritually, first partly seeing and then receiving whole vision. And also with others who would follow them. Perhaps the partial healing reflects their somewhat defective recognition of Him as the Messiah, while the whole healing pictures what happens at the Transfiguration, or at His resurrection. But the idea is probably more in order to press home the fact that spiritual illumination comes slowly in stages. We should note here that in Scripture the healing of the blind is regularly seen to be God’s prerogative (Psa 146:8; Isa 29:18; Isa 35:5).
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
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.
Ver. 25. He saw every man clearly ] , Procul et dilucide, longe lateque. When we come to heaven, we shall see as we are seen, who now see but as in a glass obscurely, as old men do through spectacles, 1Co 13:12 .
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
25. ] The distinction in the text here adopted, between and , would be he saw clearly (the work of that instant), and was thoroughly restored, and (thence-forward) saw all things plainly. But the text is in much uncertainty.
Fuente: Henry Alford’s Greek Testament
Mar 8:25 . A second touch brings better vision, so that , and he was now restored to full use of his eyes; the result being permanent perfect vision , imperfect. points to the first act of distinct seeing. ( , here only), shining from afar. He saw distant objects distinctly as if they were near; did not need to go near them to see them.
Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson
upon. Greek. epi. App-104.
made him look up. T Tr. A WH and R read “the man looked steadily”.
saw. Greek. emplepo. App-133.
every man. L T Tr. A WH R read “everything”.
clearly = distinctly; implying at a distance. Greek. telaugos (from tele, far, as in our telescope, telegram, &c.)
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
25.] The distinction in the text here adopted, between and , would be he saw clearly (the work of that instant), and was thoroughly restored, and (thence-forward) saw all things plainly. But the text is in much uncertainty.
Fuente: The Greek Testament
Mar 8:25. , lift up his eyes) and try them.
Fuente: Gnomon of the New Testament
and saw: Pro 4:18, Mat 13:12, Phi 1:6, 1Pe 2:9, 2Pe 3:18
Reciprocal: Mar 10:52 – he received Luk 13:13 – he laid Joh 3:9 – How
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
5
Jesus next touched the man’s eyes and he saw clearly. This circumstance has been referred to by some as an answer to our claim that miraculous cures were instantaneous. But it is no valid argument, for Jesus just saw fit to perform two miracles, and each was instantaneous. To be like the modern so-called miracles, the man should have been receiving repeated treatments and the sight returning gradually, little by little, until he could see clearly. Instead, as soon as Jesus touched the man’s eyes the first time he could see objects. Had nothing more been done he would always have seen that well. So that each of the miracles was complete and instantaneous.
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
Mar 8:25. See foot-note to text. He saw clearly (the work of that instant), and was (thoroughly) restored; and he (thenceforward) saw all things plainly. The last clause represents a continued action. The common reading represents a second trial of vision at our Lords command. All things is preferable to every man. Of course our Lord could have healed the man with a word, but He was not confined to one method. The gradual cure would remove the notion of magical influence. There may have been something in the mans spiritual condition which called for this method to develop his faith. Nor was the mode without an important lesson for the disciples, at this juncture. We need not and ought not to expect Christs work of grace to be manifested in all cases through the same experience; a mistake which caused much distress among real Christians, and encouraged hypocrisy. The work of grace, though always wrought by Christ, is often a gradual process, in which other agencies are apparently involved; a protest against the notions, which look for magical power in sacramental forms, or insist upon sudden illumination and joy as a necessary accompaniment of conversion. Comp, the parable (chap. Mar 4:36-39) peculiar to this Gospel. While the man is not represented as active in curing himself he follows Christ, who leads him by the hand, looks up when Christ bids and tells our Lord both of the cure and its imperfection.
Fuente: A Popular Commentary on the New Testament
8:25 After that he put [his] hands again upon his eyes, and made him {g} look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly.
(g) He commanded him to try again, to determine whether or not he could indeed see well.
Fuente: Geneva Bible Notes
Why did Jesus heal the man gradually in stages? Perhaps He did so to show that He could heal in any manner He chose. [Note: Calvin, 2:285.] Perhaps the man was fearful, and Jesus healed him as He did to accommodate his needs. [Note: Alexander Maclaren, "St. Mark," in Expositions of Holy Scripture, 8:326.] Perhaps He did so to illustrate for the disciples that He chose to give spiritual perception one step at a time. Perhaps He wanted to present Himself as the Great Physician. Probably Jesus had more than one reason.
"Is this miracle paradigmatic of Jesus’ struggle with the disciples? Is Jesus’ earthly ministry stage one, during which time Jesus must contend with the disciples who are at once committed to him but afflicted with incomprehension? Is the time following Easter stage two, when Jesus shall have led the disciples, like this man, to ’see everything clearly’?" [Note: Kingsbury, p. 102.]
Mark was careful to record that the man "looked intently" (NASB). Human responsibility played a part in this healing as does gaining spiritual understanding. Nevertheless it is God who is ultimately responsible for the perception. Perhaps Jesus healed the man’s optic nerve completely at first, but, as with children, the man had to learn to focus on objects. So Jesus touched the man’s eyes a second time, which gave him the ability to see clearly. [Note: J. Dwight Pentecost, The Words and Works of Jesus Christ, p. 248.]
"The primary focus of this story, however, is on the man’s total healing. The disciples show themselves to be in need of the second touch, and the story bespeaks their experiencing it. A time must come when they see all things distinctly." [Note: Guelich, p. 436.]