Mark 7:34

French (NBS) 2002 (Nouvelle Bible Segond)

puis il leva les yeux au ciel, soupira et dit: Ephphatha  – Ouvre-toi!

What Does This Mean?

In this verse from Mark, Jesus is addressing a deaf man and uses the Aramaic word 'Ephphatha' which means 'be opened'. He is speaking to the man and performing a healing miracle by restoring his ability to hear.

Explained for Children

Imagine if you couldn't hear your favorite music or your mom's stories anymore. That must be very sad, right? In this story, Jesus helps a person who can't hear at all. He says some magic words in another language that mean 'open up', and suddenly the man can hear again! It’s like when you open a door to let the light in.

Historical Background

This verse is from the Gospel of Mark, written around A.D. 65-70 by John Mark, an associate of Peter. The audience was likely early Christians who needed encouragement and examples of Jesus' miracles to strengthen their faith in the face of Roman persecution and skepticism.

Living It Out Today

Think about a time when you felt closed off or unable to connect with others, maybe because of a misunderstanding or lack of trust. This verse reminds us that just as Jesus opened the deaf man's ears, He can open our hearts and minds to understand and connect with others in new ways.

Topics

• miracles
• healing
• faith
• compassion
• divine intervention
• speech

Related Verses

• Exodus 4:11
• Psalm 88:13
• John 9:6-7
• Luke 7:12-15
• James 5:15

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Jesus use Aramaic in this verse?

Jesus used Aramaic because it was the common language spoken by people in Israel during His time. Using a word from their own language helped emphasize the miracle and connect with them on a personal level.

What does 'he looked up to heaven' mean?

Looking up to heaven shows Jesus praying or seeking divine approval before performing the healing, indicating that this miracle is part of God's will and power.

How can we relate to the deaf man in this story today?

We might feel like the deaf man if there are areas of our lives where we struggle to 'hear' God or others. This verse shows us Jesus’ ability to heal and bring clarity when we need it most.

What does Ephphatha teach about faith?

Ephphatha teaches that even in moments where we feel closed off, a simple act of faith can lead to miraculous openings and new opportunities for connection and understanding.