Mark 8:22-26
Unto Bethsaida ( εις Βηθσαιδαν ). On the Eastern side not far from the place of the feeding of the five thousand, Bethsaida Julias. Note dramatic presentsthey come ( ερχοντα ),
they bring ( φερουσιν ). This incident in Mark alone (verses 22-26).
Brought him out of the village ( εξηνεγκεν αυτον εξω της κωμης ). It had been a village, but Philip had enlarged it and made it a town or city ( πολις ), though still called a village (verses 23, 26). As in the case of the deaf and dumb demoniac given also alone by Mark (Mr 7:31-37), so here Jesus observes the utmost secrecy in performing the miracle for reasons not given by Mark. It was the season of retirement and Jesus is making the fourth withdrawal from Galilee. That fact may explain it. The various touches here are of interest also. Jesus led him out by the hand, put spittle on his eyes (using the poetical and Koine papyri word ομματα instead of the usual οπθαλμους ), and laid his hands upon him, perhaps all this to help the man's faith.
I see men, for I behold them as trees walking ( Βλεπω τους ανθρωπους οτ ως δενδρα ορω περιπατουντας ). A vivid description of dawning sight. His vision was incomplete though he could tell that they were men because they were walking. This is the single case of a gradual cure in the healings wrought by Jesus. The reason for this method in this case is not given.
He looked steadfastly ( διεβλεψεν ). He saw thoroughly now, effective aorist ( διεβλεψεν ), he was completely restored ( απεκατεστη, second aorist, double compound and double augment), and kept on seeing ( ενεβλεπεν, imperfect, continued action) all things clearly or at a distance ( τηλαυγως, common Greek word from τηλε, afar, and αυγη, radiance, far-shining). Some manuscripts (margin in Westcott and Hort) read δηλαυγως, from δηλος, plain, and αυγη, radiance.
To his home ( εις οικον αυτου ). A joyful homecoming that. He was not allowed to enter the village and create excitement before Jesus moved on to Caesarea Philippi.
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