Mark 10:50 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus.

NIV: Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus.

NASB: And throwing off his cloak, he jumped up and came to Jesus.

CSB: He threw off his coat, jumped up, and came to Jesus.

NLT: Bartimaeus threw aside his coat, jumped up, and came to Jesus.

KJV: And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus.

NKJV: And throwing aside his garment, he rose and came to Jesus.

A cloak was a wide vest that reached to the ankles and was worn as the outer garment. In the Bible, it's also called a robe or mantle. They were worn by everyone including priests (Exodus 28:31), kings (1 Samuel 23:4–6), and women (2 Samuel 13:18), although apparently there were distinctions between those worn by men and women (Deuteronomy 22:5).

Cloaks play a significant role in the Bible. The Mosaic law states that if a borrow gives a lender his cloak as surety against the loan, the lender must not keep it overnight, as it may be the only shelter the borrower has (Exodus 22:26–27). When Elijah is taken to heaven, Elisha takes Elijah's cloak as a symbol that he has been granted that prophetic authority (2 Kings 2:13). Isaiah prophesies that the kingdom of Judah will see such hardships that a man who still owns his cloak will be considered well-off enough to lead (Isaiah 3:6). When Paul, imprisoned in Rome, senses winter is coming, he asks Timothy to bring him his cloak (2 Timothy 4:13).

The fact that Bartimaeus leaves his cloak on the ground gives an indication of how much he trusts Jesus to heal him. The road is crowded, and he is blind. Even if he knows the area well from long days begging, Bartimaeus will be in dire straits if his cloak is kicked along the road or stolen. We don't know if Bartimaeus goes back for his cloak after he is healed or not. Now, he's not too concerned about it.

Mark 10:46–52 describes Jesus traveling through Jericho on His way to Jerusalem and the cross. He is stopped by a blind man who wishes to be healed. The first account of Jesus healing a blind man comes directly after Jesus accuses the disciples of spiritual blindness (Mark 8:14–26). This, the last of Jesus' healing miracles in Mark, directly follows James and John's spiritually blind request for positions of power in Jesus' kingdom. Luke 18:35–43 records a similar event, possibly the same one; Matthew 20:29–34 mentions that Bartimaeus has a friend who is also healed.

In this passage, Jesus again confronts the Pharisees by clarifying God's views on marriage and divorce. He reminds the disciples not to dismiss the spiritual perspective of children. This chapter also records Jesus' encounter with the rich young ruler, who becomes an object lesson in why wealth makes it hard for people to rely on God. After this, Jesus deftly sets aside an arrogant request from James and John, and again predicts His impending death. Just prior to the triumphal entry of chapter 11, Jesus is sought out by Bartimaeus, whom He heals of blindness.

In between chapters 9 and 10, Jesus resumes His public teaching as He travels to Jerusalem for the Feast of Tabernacles (Luke 9:57—18:14; John 7—10). We meet Him here across the Jordan in Perea and follow as He makes His way west again to Jericho. This chapter surrounds a third prophecy of Jesus' death (Mark 10:32–34) with lessons on His value for those others often dismiss: women (Mark 10:1–12), the powerless (Mark 10:13–16), those who value God more than the world (Mark 10:17–31), servant-hearted leaders (Mark 10:35–45), and those with bold faith (Mark 10:46–52). Next is the triumphal entry and the beginning of Passion Week.

The Gospel of Mark emphasizes both Jesus' servanthood and His role as the promised Messiah: the Son of God. This is done through a concise, action-packed style. Mark provides relatively few details, instead focusing on actions and simple statements. This relates to the Gospel's authorship, which is believed to be based on the memories of the apostle Peter. These include many of Jesus' miracles, in contrast to other Gospels which include many more of Jesus' teachings and parables. Mark also makes frequent mention of Jesus' ministry being misunderstood by others.