Luke 8:47

KJV

And when the woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and falling down before him, she declared unto him before all the people for what cause she had touched him, and how she was healed immediately.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} when the woman {G1135} saw {G1492} that {G3754} she was {G2990} not {G3756} hid {G2990}, she came {G2064} trembling {G5141}, and {G2532} falling down before {G4363} him {G846}, she declared {G518} unto him {G846} before {G1799} all {G3956} the people {G2992} for {G1223} what {G3739} cause {G156} she had touched {G680} him {G846}, and {G2532} how {G5613} she was healed {G2390} immediately {G3916}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Seeing she could not escape notice, the woman, quaking with fear, threw herself down before him and confessed in front of everyone why she had touched him and how she had been instantly healed.

Berean Standard Bible

Then the woman, seeing that she could not escape notice, came trembling and fell down before Him. In the presence of all the people, she explained why she had touched Him and how she had immediately been healed.

American Standard Version

And when the woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and falling down before him declared in the presence of all the people for what cause she touched him, and how she was healed immediately.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 8:47 vividly portrays the climactic moment of the woman with the issue of blood, who, after twelve years of suffering, found instantaneous healing by touching Jesus' garment. This verse captures her public revelation, driven by the realization that her miraculous healing could not remain hidden. Overcome with a mixture of fear and awe, she prostrates herself before Jesus, openly confessing to Him and the assembled multitude the desperate circumstances that led her to touch Him and the immediate, complete restoration she experienced. This public testimony transforms a private act of faith into a powerful declaration of Christ's compassion and power.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within a larger narrative in [Luke 8](/luke/8 "Luke Chapter 8 - Parables and Miracles"), specifically as an interruption to Jesus' journey to heal Jairus's daughter, as recounted in [Luke 8:40-42](/luke/8-40-42 "Luke 8:40-42 - Jesus Heals Jairus's Daughter"). The immediate preceding verses ([Luke 8:43-46](/luke/8-43-46 "Luke 8:43-46 - The Woman with the Issue of Blood")) describe the woman's desperate act of faith—touching Jesus' cloak—and Jesus' immediate awareness that "power had gone out of him" ([Luke 8:46](/luke/8-46 "Luke 8:46 - Power Goes Out of Jesus")). Her public confession in [Luke 8:47](/luke/8-47 "Luke 8:47 - The Woman's Public Confession") sets the stage for Jesus' affirming words in [Luke 8:48](/luke/8-48 "Luke 8:48 - Jesus Affirms the Woman's Faith"), which then allows the narrative to return to Jairus's urgent plea. This interlude highlights Jesus' intentionality in acknowledging and affirming faith, even amidst pressing demands.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The woman's condition, a continuous flow of blood for twelve years, rendered her ritually unclean according to Old Testament law ([Leviticus 15:25-27](/leviticus/15-25-27 "Leviticus 15:25-27 - Laws Concerning Discharges")). This meant she was ostracized from society, unable to participate in religious worship, and anyone she touched would also become unclean. Her touch, even of Jesus' garment, was culturally scandalous and legally defiling. Her act of approaching Jesus in a crowd, let alone touching Him, was a profound act of desperation and courage, risking public shaming, condemnation, and even violence. Her "trembling" in [Luke 8:47](/luke/8-47 "Luke 8:47 - The Woman's Public Confession") reflects not only the awe of her healing but also the profound fear of social repercussions for her "unclean" presence and touch. Jesus' decision to call her forth publicly, rather than allowing her to slip away, was a radical act that defied cultural norms, validating her and demonstrating His divine authority over both physical ailment and religious law.

* **Key Themes:** [Luke 8:47](/luke/8-47 "Luke 8:47 - The Woman's Public Confession") contributes significantly to several key themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **faith as the conduit for divine power**, emphasizing that it was her belief, not merely the physical contact, that "made her whole" ([Luke 8:48](/luke/8-48 "Luke 8:48 - Jesus Affirms the Woman's Faith")). Secondly, it highlights **Jesus' profound compassion and omniscience**, as He not only knew who touched Him and why, but also sought to bring her out of hiding to publicly affirm her and grant her peace, demonstrating that His healing extends beyond the physical to the spiritual and social. Thirdly, the passage emphasizes the importance of **public testimony and confession**, transforming a private miracle into a powerful witness to God's grace and power, a pattern seen throughout the Gospels (e.g., [Mark 5:19](/mark/5-19 "Mark 5:19 - Go Home and Tell Your Friends")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **woman (Greek, _gynḗ'_):** From G1135, this term broadly refers to a female, but in this context, it emphasizes her identity as a person, not merely a patient or an "unclean" individual. Luke's use of "the woman" (ἡ γυνή) elevates her from an anonymous sufferer to a distinct individual whose faith and experience are worthy of specific attention, setting her apart from the general crowd.
* **trembling (Greek, _trémō'_):** From G5141, this word conveys a deep sense of fear, awe, or terror. Her trembling likely stemmed from a combination of factors: the shock of her immediate healing, the fear of being discovered after her "unclean" touch, the cultural implications of her public exposure, and the overwhelming presence and authority of Jesus. It signifies a profound emotional and physical reaction to the divine encounter.
* **declared (Greek, _apangéllō'_):** From G518, this verb means "to announce," "to report fully," or "to proclaim." It suggests a comprehensive and detailed account, implying that she did not merely state she was healed, but recounted her long suffering, her desperate act of faith, and the instantaneous, complete nature of her healing. This was a full, unreserved testimony before all present.
* **healed (Greek, _iáomai'_):** From G2390, this term signifies to cure or make whole, applicable both literally and figuratively. In this context, it points to the complete physical restoration from her debilitating hemorrhage, but also implicitly suggests a deeper spiritual and social healing as she is brought back into community and affirmed by Jesus.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when the woman saw that she was not hid":** This clause reveals the woman's initial intention to remain anonymous after her healing. She sought a private miracle, likely due to her ritual impurity and social ostracism. However, Jesus' question in [Luke 8:45](/luke/8-45 "Luke 8:45 - Who Touched Me?") and His perception that power had left Him ([Luke 8:46](/luke/8-46 "Luke 8:46 - Jesus Perceives Power Leaving Him")) made it clear that her act, and its miraculous result, could not be concealed. Her realization that she was "not hid" signals a shift from secrecy to unavoidable public acknowledgment.
* **"she came trembling, and falling down before him":** Her approach to Jesus is marked by profound emotion and reverence. "Trembling" (G5141, _trémō_) indicates a mix of fear (of exposure, of Jesus' authority, of social consequences) and awe at the miracle. "Falling down before him" (G4363, _prospíptō_) is an act of prostration, signifying deep humility, worship, and supplication. It demonstrates her recognition of Jesus' divine authority and power.
* **"she declared unto him before all the people":** This highlights the public nature of her confession. What began as a secret touch culminates in a bold, open testimony. The phrase "before all the people" (G1799, _enṓpion_ G3956, _pâs_ G2992, _laós_) emphasizes the vast audience and the significance of her public witness. Her "declaring" (G518, _apangéllō_) implies a full, detailed account of her story.
* **"for what cause she had touched him, and how she was healed immediately":** This final clause specifies the content of her declaration. She explained her desperate, long-standing illness ("for what cause she had touched him") and the instantaneous, complete nature of her healing ("how she was healed immediately"). The adverb "immediately" (G3916, _parachrēma_) underscores the miraculous and undeniable efficacy of Jesus' power, leaving no doubt about the source or completeness of her restoration.

#### Literary Devices
Luke employs several literary devices to enhance the narrative's impact. **Irony** is prominent, as the woman, seeking a hidden healing due to her ritually unclean status, is brought into the public spotlight by Jesus himself. Her attempt at secrecy is met with a divine call to public confession, transforming her private miracle into a public testimony. **Contrast** is also evident between her initial fear and desperation and the subsequent peace and affirmation she receives from Jesus. The narrative uses **Foreshadowing** by placing this healing within the context of Jairus's daughter's illness, demonstrating Jesus' power over death and disease, and highlighting His ability to interrupt and redirect events. The detailed recounting of her declaration acts as a powerful **Testimony**, serving not only to validate her experience but also to instruct the audience about the nature of faith and divine healing.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 8:47 profoundly illustrates the transformative power of faith and the compassionate nature of Jesus. The woman's public confession, though born of fear, becomes an act of profound witness, demonstrating that genuine faith, even when initially expressed in secrecy, is ultimately called to open declaration. Jesus' intentionality in bringing her story to light underscores His desire not just for physical healing, but for holistic restoration that includes spiritual peace and social reintegration. Her immediate healing, after twelve years of suffering and failed remedies, highlights Jesus' unique and sovereign power over all forms of human brokenness, emphasizing that true wholeness comes only through Him.

* [Mark 5:33](/mark/5-33 "Mark 5:33 - The Woman's Fearful Confession")
* [Matthew 9:22](/matthew/9-22 "Matthew 9:22 - Jesus Heals the Woman with the Issue of Blood")
* [Acts 4:20](/acts/4-20 "Acts 4:20 - We Cannot But Speak")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 8:47 serves as a powerful reminder that while our faith journeys often begin in private, there are moments when God calls us to public declaration. The woman's trembling confession, despite her fear and vulnerability, transformed her from an anonymous sufferer into a living testament to God's grace. This passage encourages us to consider what "hidden" blessings or transformations God has wrought in our lives that might be meant for public witness. Our testimonies, shared openly and authentically, can not only solidify our own faith but also inspire hope and point others to the healing and saving power of Jesus. Just as Jesus did not allow her healing to remain a secret, He often calls us to step out of the shadows of private experience into the light of shared truth, enabling our stories to become part of His ongoing narrative of redemption in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "hidden" blessings or acts of God's grace in your life might God be calling you to share publicly?**
* **How does fear or vulnerability sometimes prevent you from openly declaring what God has done?**
* **In what ways can your personal testimony serve as a powerful witness to others about Jesus' healing and transformative power?**
* **How does Jesus' compassionate response to the woman encourage you to be more transparent about your own struggles and triumphs of faith?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus make the woman's healing public, rather than letting her remain anonymous?**

Answer: Jesus' decision to bring the woman's healing into the public sphere was multifaceted and deeply significant. Firstly, it prevented her from leaving with a "secret" healing, ensuring she understood that her wholeness was not merely a magical outcome of touching His garment, but a direct result of her faith in Him ([Luke 8:48](/luke/8-48 "Luke 8:48 - Jesus Affirms the Woman's Faith")). By calling her forth, Jesus affirmed her personhood and dignity, freeing her from the social and religious ostracism imposed by her condition. He publicly validated her, demonstrating that His power transcends ritual impurity and cultural norms. Secondly, her public testimony served as a powerful witness to the surrounding crowd, including Jairus, who was anxiously awaiting the healing of his own daughter. This public display of divine power and compassion strengthened the faith of those present and provided undeniable proof of Jesus' authority as the Messiah. It transformed a private miracle into a public declaration of God's glory.

**What is the significance of the word "immediately" in this verse regarding her healing?**

Answer: The word "immediately" (Greek, _parachrēma_) is crucial because it emphasizes the instantaneous and complete nature of Jesus' healing power. For twelve long years, the woman had suffered from a chronic condition that no physician could cure ([Luke 8:43](/luke/8-43 "Luke 8:43 - The Woman's Long Suffering")). The moment she touched Jesus, her bleeding stopped completely and without delay. This instantaneous restoration highlights several points: it underscores the divine, supernatural quality of Jesus' miracle, distinguishing it from any natural healing process. It demonstrates His absolute authority over disease and suffering. Furthermore, it provides irrefutable evidence of the source of her healing, leaving no room for doubt or gradual improvement. The immediate nature of the miracle in [Luke 8:47](/luke/8-47 "Luke 8:47 - The Woman's Public Confession") serves as a powerful testament to Jesus' omnipotent and immediate power to make whole.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 8:47, while a powerful narrative of physical healing and public confession, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus' broader redemptive work. The woman's twelve years of uncleanness and suffering, which cut her off from community and worship, powerfully foreshadow the universal human condition of sin, which separates us from God and others. Just as her touch of faith brought immediate physical cleansing, so too does spiritual faith in Christ bring immediate spiritual cleansing and reconciliation with God. Jesus, the true High Priest, does not become defiled by her touch; rather, His holiness purifies her, demonstrating His power to overcome all forms of spiritual and physical impurity. He is the ultimate "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), whose sacrifice on the cross provides the complete and immediate cleansing for all who believe, making us "whole" in body, soul, and spirit ([1 Peter 2:24](/1_peter/2-24 "1 Peter 2:24 - By His Wounds You Have Been Healed")). Her public confession before "all the people" also prefigures the call for all believers to openly confess Jesus as Lord, not out of fear, but out of grateful love for the salvation He provides ([Romans 10:9-10](/romans/10-9-10 "Romans 10:9-10 - Confession and Belief")). Thus, this narrative is a microcosm of the gospel itself: a desperate need met by divine power, leading to immediate transformation and a public testimony to the Savior.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Mark 5:33

But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth.

2 Corinthians 7:15

And his inward affection is more abundant toward you, whilst he remembereth the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling ye received him.

Psalms 2:11

Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.

Hebrews 12:28

Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:

1 Corinthians 2:3

And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.

Luke 17:15

And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,

Luke 17:16

And fell down on [his] face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.