Definition: And he took him aside from the multitude, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spit, and touched his tongue;

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important passage from Mark (a book within the New Testament). This verse is a powerful and unsettling image of Jesus’ response to someone who was washing their hands. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Jesus is speaking to a man who had just washed his hands – likely after touching a filthy surface, perhaps something unclean. He then raises his hand and points to his ears, as if blocking out the sound of the person’s words. He then spits, and then touches his tongue. What it Represents - A Breakdown: “And he took him aside from the multitude”: This means Jesus is withdrawing this man away from everyone else, focusing solely on him. It's a deliberate act of attention. “And put his fingers into his ears”: This is the key image. It’s not literal ears. It symbolizes that Jesus is silencing or blocking out the noise of the person’s sins and negativity. Think of it like a filter – he's preventing the person from speaking anything harmful, condemning, or disruptive. “And he spit”: This suggests a forceful expulsion of something – perhaps a curse, an apology, or simply a condemnation of the person's behavior. It’s a clear statement that Jesus is rejecting the person’s wrongness. “And touched his tongue”: This is the most shocking part. It implies a deep and profound cleansing, almost as if he’s removing something deeply ingrained within the person – perhaps a spiritual corruption or guilt. Overall Meaning - A Focus on Sin & Cleansing This verse paints a picture of Jesus confronting sin and wrongdoing. It’s not just about stopping someone from speaking; it's about actively removing the source of that wrongness. It suggests: Judgment: The act is a judgment – a forceful rejection of the person's actions. Forgiveness & Redemption: Jesus isn't simply condemning, he’s offering a chance for cleansing and renewal. The Power of God: It highlights Jesus’ authority over sin and his ability to purify those who are contaminated by it. Important Note: This is a very symbolic passage. The exact meaning can be debated amongst biblical scholars. However, the image of Jesus silencing the noise of wrongdoing is one of the most striking and memorable images in the Gospels. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further with other related stories? Discuss the context of this passage within the larger narrative of Mark? Talk about possible interpretations of its meaning?