Luke 8:48

KJV

And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} he said {G2036} unto her {G846}, Daughter {G2364}, be of good comfort {G2293}: thy {G4675} faith {G4102} hath made {G4982} thee {G4571} whole {G4982}; go {G4198} in {G1519} peace {G1515}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He said to her, "My daughter, your trust has saved you; go in peace."

Berean Standard Bible

“Daughter,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you. Go in peace.”

American Standard Version

And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 8:48 records Jesus' tender and profound words to the woman who had suffered from a hemorrhage for twelve years. After she secretly touched His garment and was instantly healed, Jesus publicly affirmed her, declaring that her faith had made her whole and sending her away with a blessing of peace. This verse encapsulates Jesus' compassion, the transformative power of faith, and the holistic nature of His healing ministry, which extends beyond physical restoration to encompass spiritual and emotional well-being.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This pivotal verse is embedded within the larger narrative of Jesus' ministry, specifically as an interlude in the account of Jairus's daughter. The preceding verses ([Luke 8:40-42](/luke/8-40-42 "Luke 8:40-42 - Jairus's Plea to Jesus")) describe Jairus, a synagogue official, pleading with Jesus to heal his dying daughter. As Jesus makes His way to Jairus's house, a large crowd presses in on Him. It is in this crowded setting that the woman with the issue of blood, described in [Luke 8:43-47](/luke/8-43-47 "Luke 8:43-47 - The Woman with the Issue of Blood"), approaches Him. Her secret touch, immediate healing, Jesus' sensing of power, and His subsequent public inquiry set the stage for His compassionate address in verse 48. The narrative then immediately returns to Jairus's daughter in [Luke 8:49-56](/luke/8-49-56 "Luke 8:49-56 - Jesus Raises Jairus's Daughter"), creating a powerful literary sandwich or "Markan sandwich" structure that highlights the themes of faith, healing, and life over death.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The woman's condition, a chronic hemorrhage, rendered her ritually unclean according to Old Testament law ([Leviticus 15:25-27](/leviticus/15-25-27 "Leviticus 15:25-27 - Laws Concerning Bodily Discharges")). This meant she was ostracized from society, unable to participate in religious life, and anyone she touched would also become unclean. Her twelve years of suffering were not only physical but also social and financial, as she had spent "all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any" ([Luke 8:43](/luke/8-43 "Luke 8:43 - The Woman's Desperation")). Her approach to Jesus from behind in the crowd was an act of desperate faith, born out of a desire to avoid public scrutiny and the risk of defiling Jesus. Jesus' public affirmation of her, addressing her as "Daughter" and declaring her healing, not only restored her physical health but also her social standing and spiritual dignity, integrating her back into the community.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes prevalent throughout [Luke's Gospel](/luke/1 "The Gospel According to Luke") and Jesus' ministry. Firstly, it underscores the **power of faith** as the conduit for divine intervention, demonstrating that genuine trust in Jesus can unlock miraculous healing and transformation. Secondly, it highlights Jesus' profound **compassion and inclusivity**, as He reaches out to an outcast, breaking societal and religious barriers to offer not just physical healing but also emotional and spiritual solace. This aligns with Luke's emphasis on Jesus' ministry to the marginalized and forgotten. Thirdly, the concept of **holistic salvation or wholeness** (Greek: _sṓzō_) is central, indicating that Jesus' work extends beyond mere physical cure to encompass complete restoration—physically, socially, and spiritually. Finally, the benediction of **peace** (Greek: _eirḗnē_) signifies the comprehensive well-being and tranquility that comes from reconciliation with God and release from suffering, a theme that resonates throughout Jesus' teachings, such as in [Luke 7:50](/luke/7-50 "Luke 7:50 - Your Faith Has Saved You").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Daughter (Greek, _thygátēr_):** This term, a direct address from Jesus, is profoundly significant. It is not merely a descriptive label but a term of endearment and affirmation, conveying deep affection, acceptance, and dignity. In a society where her condition rendered her an outcast, Jesus' use of "Daughter" elevates her status, restoring her identity and worth. It signifies her inclusion into God's family and demonstrates Jesus' personal, compassionate regard for her as an individual, not just another person in the crowd or a case to be healed.
* **faith (Greek, _pístis_):** Derived from a root meaning "to persuade," _pístis_ here refers to her profound trust, conviction, and reliance upon Jesus. It is not merely intellectual assent but an active, persistent, and unwavering belief in Jesus' power and willingness to heal. Jesus explicitly attributes her healing to this quality, emphasizing that while His power was the source, her faith was the channel through which that power was accessed and appropriated. This highlights the active role of the individual in receiving God's grace.
* **whole (Greek, _sṓzō_):** This powerful Greek verb is often translated as "save" or "salvation" elsewhere in the New Testament. In this context, its use indicates that the woman's healing was far more than just the cessation of bleeding. It implies a comprehensive restoration—physical, social, and spiritual. She was not just cured of her ailment; she was delivered from her isolation, preserved from further suffering, and made complete in every aspect of her being. This word encapsulates the holistic nature of Jesus' redemptive work.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort:"** Jesus initiates the conversation, not to condemn or expose her, but to tenderly acknowledge her. His address "Daughter" (G2364, _thygátēr_) is a term of profound affection and acceptance, immediately establishing a relationship of intimacy and care. The command "be of good comfort" (G2293, _tharséō_) is an imperative to courage and reassurance, dispelling any fear, shame, or anxiety she might have felt after being discovered. It signifies that her secret act was not an intrusion but a welcome approach.
* **"thy faith hath made thee whole;"** This is the core declaration. Jesus explicitly identifies the catalyst for her healing: her faith (G4102, _pístis_). It was not the physical touch of His garment in isolation, but her deep conviction and trust in Him that activated the divine power. The verb "hath made thee whole" (G4982, _sṓzō_) signifies a complete and comprehensive restoration, encompassing not only her physical healing but also her social reintegration and spiritual well-being. It underscores that her healing was a direct result of her active belief.
* **"go in peace."** This is a profound benediction, a parting blessing from Jesus. "Peace" (G1515, _eirḗnē_) here refers to the Hebrew concept of _shalom_, which denotes not merely the absence of conflict but a state of holistic well-being, prosperity, tranquility, and reconciliation. It signifies that her ordeal was truly over, her suffering had ended, and she could now live a life free from her affliction, its associated stigma, and the fear that had driven her. It is a declaration of complete restoration and divine favor.

#### Literary Devices
Luke's concise yet impactful phrasing in this verse employs several literary devices to convey its profound meaning. The most prominent is **Direct Address**, as Jesus personally speaks to the woman using the intimate and affirming term "Daughter." This immediate and tender address contrasts sharply with her previous state of anonymity and social ostracization, highlighting Jesus' personal compassion and her restoration of dignity. The phrase "be of good comfort" functions as a **Benediction** or **Exhortation**, offering solace and courage to a trembling woman. Furthermore, the use of the Greek word _sṓzō_ for "whole" demonstrates **Semantic Depth**, as it carries the broader theological meaning of "save" or "salvation." This choice of word subtly communicates that her healing was not merely physical but encompassed a complete, holistic restoration—spiritual, social, and physical—foreshadowing the comprehensive salvation offered through Christ.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This powerful declaration by Jesus in Luke 8:48 reveals profound theological truths about the nature of God, the efficacy of faith, and the breadth of salvation. It teaches us that God is intimately concerned with the suffering of individuals, even those marginalized by society, and that His power is accessible through genuine faith. The healing of the woman with the issue of blood is a vivid illustration of Jesus' authority over sickness and impurity, and His desire to offer not just a cure, but a comprehensive "wholeness" that restores dignity, peace, and spiritual well-being. Her physical healing becomes a tangible sign of the deeper spiritual restoration available to all who trust in Him, demonstrating that faith is the key that unlocks God's transformative grace, leading to a life of peace and reconciliation.

* [Mark 5:34](/mark/5-34 "Mark 5:34 - Jesus Heals the Woman with Faith")
* [Matthew 9:22](/matthew/9-22 "Matthew 9:22 - Jesus Heals the Woman with Faith")
* [Hebrews 11:6](/hebrews/11-6 "Hebrews 11:6 - Faith is Essential for Pleasing God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 8:48 stands as a timeless beacon of hope and a profound lesson in the power of faith and the depth of God's compassion. For us today, it serves as a compelling invitation to approach Jesus with our deepest needs, no matter how desperate or shameful they may seem. Just as the woman's persistent, though initially secret, faith connected her to divine power, so too our genuine trust in Christ can bring about transformative healing in every area of our lives—physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. This passage encourages us to cast aside fear and shame, to believe in God's personal care for us, and to receive His holistic "wholeness" and the profound peace He offers. It reminds us that our faith is not merely a passive belief but an active reliance that can unlock God's restorative work, enabling us to "go in peace" in the midst of life's challenges, confident in His complete provision.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this account challenge my understanding of what genuine faith looks like and its power?**
* **In what areas of my life (physical, emotional, relational, spiritual) do I most deeply need Jesus' "wholeness" (_sṓzō_)?**
* **What fears or anxieties might be preventing me from fully "going in peace" in my current circumstances, and how can I surrender them to Christ?**

### FAQ

**What does "thy faith hath made thee whole" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: In Luke 8:48, "thy faith hath made thee whole" means that the woman's deep trust and reliance on Jesus were the active conduits through which God's healing power flowed. It's crucial to understand that her faith was not the source of the power, but rather the means by which she accessed it. The Greek word for "whole" is _sṓzō_ (G4982), which carries a much broader meaning than just physical healing. It encompasses being saved, delivered, preserved, and made complete. Therefore, Jesus' statement signifies that her faith brought about a holistic restoration: not only was her physical bleeding stopped, but she was also restored socially (from ritual impurity and ostracization) and spiritually (from fear and shame, into a relationship of peace with God). This holistic meaning of _sṓzō_ is also seen in other healing accounts, such as when Jesus tells the blind man, "[Thy faith hath saved thee](/luke/18-42 "Luke 18:42 - Your Faith Has Saved You")," implying more than just physical sight.

**Why did Jesus call her "Daughter" and make her healing public when she tried to keep it a secret?**

Answer: Jesus called her "Daughter" (G2364, _thygátēr_) as a profound act of compassion, affirmation, and restoration of dignity. Given her chronic condition, she was ritually unclean and socially ostracized. Approaching Jesus secretly was likely an attempt to avoid further shame or defiling others. By publicly addressing her as "Daughter" and commending her faith, Jesus did several things:
1. **Restored her dignity:** He elevated her from an anonymous, unclean outcast to a cherished individual, publicly affirming her worth and acceptance.
2. **Dispelled her fear:** She was "trembling" ([Luke 8:47](/luke/8-47 "Luke 8:47 - The Woman's Confession")) when she confessed. Jesus' words replaced her fear with comfort and peace.
3. **Taught a vital lesson:** Her public confession and Jesus' response served as a powerful object lesson for the disciples and the crowd about the nature of faith, Jesus' authority, and His compassionate heart for the marginalized. It demonstrated that true healing involves not just a physical cure, but also spiritual and social restoration. It also highlighted that genuine faith, even if expressed in desperation, is seen and honored by God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The encounter in Luke 8:48, where Jesus declares, "Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace," profoundly foreshadows and illuminates the comprehensive salvation offered through Christ. Jesus' compassionate address to the woman as "Daughter" reveals His divine nature as the Son of God who came to bring all who believe into the family of God, fulfilling the promise of a new covenant where God would be a Father and we His children ([2 Corinthians 6:18](/2_corinthians/6-18 "2 Corinthians 6:18 - God as Father")). Her "wholeness" (_sṓzō_) through faith points directly to the spiritual salvation that Jesus would accomplish on the cross, where He became the ultimate sacrifice for sin, making it possible for all who believe to be truly "made whole"—saved from sin, reconciled to God, and granted eternal life ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love and Eternal Life")). The "peace" Jesus bestows is not merely the absence of conflict, but the profound _shalom_ that comes from being set right with God through His atoning work ([Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Peace with God Through Faith")). This healing miracle, therefore, is a powerful microcosm of Christ's entire redemptive mission: to heal the broken, restore the outcast, and bring comprehensive peace and salvation to a world suffering under the weight of sin and its consequences, ultimately making all things new in Him ([Revelation 21:5](/revelation/21-5 "Revelation 21:5 - God Makes All Things New")).

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

Matthew 9:22

But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.

Luke 7:50

And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.

Hebrews 4:2

For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard [it].

Acts 14:9

The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed,

Mark 5:34

And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.

Luke 17:19

And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.

2 Corinthians 6:18

And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.