Luke 8:46

And Jesus said, Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me.

And {G1161} Jesus {G2424} said {G2036}, Somebody {G5100} hath touched {G680} me {G3450}: for {G1063} I {G1473} perceive {G1097} that virtue {G1411} is gone {G1831} out of {G575} me {G1700}.

But Yeshua said, "Someone did touch me, because I felt power go out of me."

But Jesus declared, “Someone touched Me, for I know that power has gone out from Me.”

But Jesus said, Some one did touch me; for I perceived that power had gone forth from me.

Commentary

Luke 8:46 captures a pivotal moment in the healing of a woman who had suffered for twelve years with a chronic blood flow. As Jesus was pressed by a large crowd, He suddenly stopped, declaring that someone had intentionally touched Him because He perceived that "virtue is gone out of me." This statement highlights His divine awareness and the tangible nature of His miraculous power.

Context

This verse is part of the narrative often referred to as the healing of the woman with an issue of blood. Jesus was on His way to the house of Jairus, whose daughter was dying, surrounded by a multitude of people pressing in on Him (Luke 8:42). Amidst this bustling scene, a woman, desperate for healing, approached Him from behind and touched the hem of His garment (Luke 8:44). Her act was one of profound faith, believing that even a mere touch would bring about her cure.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Power and Healing: The core message is the active, emanative power of Jesus. His "virtue" or power was not passive but flowed out in response to faith, bringing immediate healing. This demonstrates Jesus' authority over sickness and disease, a central aspect of His ministry.
  • Jesus' Awareness: Despite the throng, Jesus immediately knew that a specific, faith-filled touch had drawn power from Him. This showcases His divine omniscience and sensitivity to the spiritual transactions occurring around Him. It wasn't an accidental brush but a deliberate act of faith that He recognized.
  • Faith as a Catalyst: Though not explicitly stated in this verse, the preceding and subsequent verses (e.g., Luke 8:48) affirm that it was the woman's faith that activated this power. Her belief was the conduit for the divine virtue.

Linguistic Insights

The King James Version's translation of "virtue" in this context is crucial. The original Greek word is dynamis (δύναμις), which directly translates to "power," "strength," or "ability." It is the root of English words like "dynamic" and "dynamite." Therefore, when Jesus says "virtue is gone out of me," He is literally saying that divine, miraculous power has flowed from Him. This is not a moral virtue in the common English sense, but an active, supernatural force.

Related Scriptures

This event is also recorded in Mark 5:30, where Jesus similarly asks, "Who touched my clothes?" The healing emphasizes the principle that without faith it is impossible to please God. The flow of power from Jesus for healing is a recurring theme in His ministry, often associated with a touch or a word, demonstrating His unique divine nature (Acts 10:38).

Practical Application

For believers today, Luke 8:46 offers profound encouragement. It reminds us that Jesus' power is not diminished; it is still available to those who approach Him with genuine faith. Just as the woman's desperate touch released divine power, so too can our earnest prayers and trust in Christ connect us to His healing and transformative virtue. It encourages us to boldly seek Him, believing that He is aware of our needs and willing to extend His power to us.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Luke 6:19

    And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtue out of him, and healed [them] all.

  • Luke 5:17

    ¶ And it came to pass on a certain day, as he was teaching, that there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by, which were come out of every town of Galilee, and Judaea, and Jerusalem: and the power of the Lord was [present] to heal them.

  • 1 Peter 2:9

    But ye [are] a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
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