33. ἀπολαβόμενος. It was necessary to free the man from all distraction; this taking him apart and the using of appropriate means increased his confidence in Christ’s goodwill and power. Spittle was believed to be remedial; see on Joh 9:6. Syr-Sin. has “He led him from the multitude, and put His finger, and spat in his ears, and touched his tongue.” Cf. Mar 8:23; not Mar 5:37.