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Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Mark 5:21–34. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
The Gadarenes having desired Christ to leave their country, he did not stay to trouble them long, but presently went by water, as he came, back to the other side (Mar 5:21), and there much people gathered to him. Note, If there be some that reject Christ, yet there are others that receive him, and bid him welcome. A despised gospel will cross the water, and go where it will have better entertainment. Now among the many that applied themselves to him,
I.Here is one, that comes openly to beg a cure for a sick child; and it is no less a person than one of the rulers of the synagogue, one that presided in the synagogue-worship or, as some think, one of the judges of the consistory court, which was in every city, consisting of twenty-three. He was not named in Matthew, he is here, Jairus, or Jair, Jdg 10:3. He addressed himself to Christ, though a ruler, with great humility and reverence; When he saw him, he fell at his feet, giving honour to him as one really greater than he appeared to be; and with great importunity, he besought him greatly, as one in earnest, as one that not only valued the mercy he came for, but that knew he could obtain it no where else. The case is this, He has a little daughter, about twelve years old, the darling of the family, and she lies a dying; but he believes that if Christ will but come, and lay his hands upon her, she will return even from the gates of the grave. He said, at first, when he came, She lies a dying (so Mark); but afterward, upon fresh information sent him, he saith, She is even now dead (so Matthew); but he still prosecutes his suit; see Luk 8:42-49. Christ readily agreed, and went with him, Mar 5:24.
II.Here is another, that comes clandestinely to steal a cure (if I may so say) for herself; and she got the relief she came for.
This cure was wrought by the way, as he was going to raise the ruler's daughter, and was followed by a crowd. See how Christ improved his time, and lost none of the precious moments of it. Many of his discourses, and some of his miracles, are dates by the way-side; we should be doing good, not only when we sit in the house, but when we walk by the way, Deu 6:7. Now observe,
1.The piteous case of this poor woman. She had a constant issue of blood upon her, for twelve years, which had thrown her, no doubt, into great weakness, had embittered the comfort of her life, and threatened to be her death in a little time. She had had the best advice of physicians, that she could get, and had made use of the many medicines and methods they prescribed: as long as she had any thing to give them, they had kept her in hopes that they could cure her; but now that she had spent all she had among them, they gave her up as incurable. See here,
(1.)That skin for skin, and all that a man has, will be give for life and health; she spent all she had upon physicians.
(2.)It is ill with those patients whose physicians are their worst disease; who suffer by their physicians, instead of being relieved by them.
(3.)Those that are not bettered by medicines, commonly grow worse, and the disease gets the more ground.
(4.)It is usual with people not to apply themselves to Christ, till they have tried in vain all other helpers, and find them, as certainly they will, physicians of no value. And he will be found a sure refuge, even to those who make him their last refuge.
2.The strong faith that she had in the power of Christ to heal her; she said within herself, though it doth not appear that she was encouraged by any preceding instance to say it, If I may but touch his clothes, I shall be whole, Mar 5:28. She believed that he cured, not as a prophet, by virtue derived from God, but as the Son of God, by a virtue inherent in himself. Her case was such as she could not in modesty tell him publicly, as others did their grievances, and therefore a private cure was what she wished for, and her faith was suited to her case.
3.The wonderful effect produced by it; She came in the crowd behind him, and with much ado got to touch his garment, and immediately she felt the cure wrought, Mar 5:29. The flux of blood was dried up, and she felt herself perfectly well all over her, as well as ever she was in her life, in an instant; by this it appears that the cure was altogether miraculous; for those that in such cases are cured by natural means, recover their strength slowly and gradually, and not per saltum - all at once; but as for God, his work is perfect. Note, Those whom Christ heals of the disease of sin, that bloody issue, cannot but experience in themselves a universal change for the better.
4.Christ's enquiry after his concealed patient, and the encouragement he gave her, upon the discovery of her; Christ knew in himself that virtue had gone out of him, Mar 5:30. He knew it not by any deficiency of spirits, through the exhausting of this virtue, but rather by an agility of spirits, in the exerting of it, and the innate and inseparable pleasure he had in doing good. And being desirous to see his patient, he asked, not in displeasure, as one affronted, but in tenderness, as one concerned, Who touched my clothes? The disciples, not without a show of rudeness and indecency, almost ridiculed his question (Mar 5:31); The multitudes throng thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me? As if it had been an improper question. Christ passed by the affront, and looks around to see her that had done this thing; not that he might blame her for her presumption, but that he might commend and encourage her faith, and by his own act and deed might warrant and confirm the cure, and ratify to her that which she had surreptitiously obtained. He needed not that any should inform him, for he had presently his eye upon her. Note, As secret acts of sin, so secret acts of faith, are known to the Lord Jesus, and are under his eye. If believers derive virtue from Christ ever so closely, he knows it, and is pleased with it. The poor woman, hereupon, presented herself to the Lord Jesus (Mar 5:33), fearing and trembling, not knowing how he would take it. Note, Christ's patients are often trembling, when they have reason to be triumphing. She might have come boldly, knowing what was done in her; yet, knowing that, she fears and trembles. It was a surprise, and was not yet, as it should have been, a pleasing surprise. However, she fell down before him. Note, There is nothing better for those that fear and tremble, than to throw themselves at the feet of the Lord Jesus; to humble themselves before him, and refer themselves to him. And she told him all the truth. Note, We must not be ashamed to own the secret transactions between Christ and our souls; but, when called to it, mention, to his praise, and the encouragement of others, what he has done for our souls, and the experience we have had of healing virtue derived from him. And the consideration of this, that nothing can be hid from Christ, should engage us to confess all to him. See what an encouraging word he gave her (Mar 5:34); Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole. Note, Christ puts honour upon faith, because faith gives honour to Christ. But see how what is done by faith on earth is ratified in heaven; Christ saith, Be whole of thy disease. Note, If our faith sets the seal of its amen to the power and promise of God, saying, "So it is, and so let it be to me;" God's grace will set the seal of its amen to the prayers and hopes of faith, saying, "So be it, and so it shall be, to thee." And therefore, "Go in peace; be well satisfied that thy cure is honestly come by, is effectually wrought, and take the comfort of it." Note, They that by faith are healed of their spiritual diseases, have reason to go in peace.
Historical interpretation
Seven Centuries of Reception
9 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
But the man who is healed preached in Decapolis, where the Jews, who hang on the letter of the Decalogue, are being turned away from the Roman rule.
Mystically, however, Jairus comes after the healing of the woman, because when the fulness of the Gentiles has come in, then shall Israel be saved. (v. Rom. 11) Jairus means either illuminating, or illuminated, that is, the Jewish people, having cast off the shadow of the letter, enlightened by the Spirit, and enlightening others, falling at the feet of the Word, that is, humbling itself before the Incarnation of Christ, prays for her daughter, for when a man lives himself, he makes others live also. Thus Abraham, and Moses, and Samuel, intercede for the people who are dead, and Jesus comes upon their prayers.
Glory to you, hidden Son of God, because your healing power is proclaimed through the hidden suffering of the afflicted woman. Through this woman whom they could see, the witnesses were enabled to behold the divinity that cannot be seen. Through the Son’s own healing power his divinity became known. Through the afflicted woman’s being healed her faith was made manifest. She caused him to be proclaimed, and indeed was honored with him. For truth was being proclaimed together with its heralds. If she was a witness to his divinity, he in turn was a witness to her faith.… He saw through to her hidden faith, and gave her a visible healing.
(Hom. in Mat. 31) This woman, who was celebrated and known to all, did not dare to approach the Saviour openly, nor to come to Him, because, according to the law, she was unclean; for this reason she touched Him behind, and not in front, for that she durst not do, but only ventured to touch the hem of His garment. It was not however the hem of the garment, but her frame of mind that made her whole. There follows, For she said, If I may but touch his clothes, I shall be whole.
(Vict. Ant. e Cat. in Macr. v. Chrys. Hom. in Mat. 31.) He calls her daughter because she was saved by her faith; for faith in Christ makes us His children.
The woman with the hemorrhage had spent all that she had on doctors. Hungering and thirsting, her spirit had died within her. Having lost everything she possessed, because her life was wasting away within her, she cried out to the Lord in anguish. Her touch on the hem of his garment was the cry of a believing heart. In this she is the figure of the assembly of God gathered from all nations.
No seas were ever so troubled by the ebb and flow of the tide, as the mind of this woman, pulled to and fro by the sway of her thoughts. After all the hopeless strivings of physicians, after all her outlay on useless remedies, after all the usual but useless treatment, when skill and experience had so long failed, all her substance was gone. This was not by chance, but divinely ordered, that she might be healed solely through faith and humility, whom human knowledge had failed through so many years. At a little distance apart from him stood this woman, whom nature had filled with modesty, whom the law had declared unclean, saying of her: She shall be unclean and shall touch no holy thing. She fears to touch, lest she incur the anger of the religious leaders, or the condemnation of the law. For fear of being talked about, she dares not speak, lest she embarrass those about her, lest she offend their ears. Through many years her body has been an arena of suffering. Everyday, unceasing pain she can endure no more. The Lord is passing by so quickly. The time is short to think what she must do, aware that healing is not given to the silent, nor to the one who hides her pain. In the midst of her conflicting thoughts, she sees a way, her sole way of salvation. She would secure her healing by stealth, take in silence what she dares not ask for, guarding her respect and modesty. She who feels unworthy in body, draws near in heart to the physician. In faith she touches God. With her hand she touches his garment, knowing that both healing and forgiveness may be bestowed on this stratagem, undertaken due to the demands of modesty, and not as she otherwise would have preferred. She knew the gain she sought by stealth would cause no loss to him from whom she took it.… In an instant, faith cures where human skill had failed through twelve years.
(Vict. Ant. e Cat. in Marc.) He has recorded the name on account of the Jews of that time, that it might mark the miracle. It goes on, And when he saw him, he fell at his feet, and besought him greatly, &c. Matthew indeed relates that the chief of the synagogue reported that his daughter was dead, but Mark says that she was very sick, and that afterwards it was told to the ruler of the synagogue, when our Lord was about to go with him, that she was dead. The fact then, which Matthew implies, is the same, namely, that He raised her from the dead; and it is for the sake of brevity, that he says that she was dead, which was evident from her being raised.
(Vict. Ant. e Cat. in Marc.) Now the virtues of Christ are by His own will imparted to those men, who touch Him by faith. Wherefore there follows, And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes? The virtues indeed of the Saviour do not go out of Him locally or corporally, nor in any respect pass away from Him. For being incorporeal, they go forth to others and are given to others; they are not however separated from Him, from whom they are said to go forth, in the same way as sciences are given by the teacher to his pupils. Therefore it says, Jesus, knowing in himself the virtue which had gone out of him, to show that with His knowledge, and not without His being aware of it, the woman was healed. But He asked, Who touched me? although He knew her who touched Him, that He might bring to light the woman, by her coming forward, and proclaim her faith, and lest the virtue of His miraculons work should be consigned to oblivion. It goes on, And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me? But the Lord asked, Who touched me, that is in thought and faith, for the crowds who throng Me cannot be said to touch Me, for they do not come near to Me in thought and in faith. There follows, And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing.
(Vict. Ant. e Cat. in Marc.) Or else He says, Go in peace, sending her away into that which is the final good, for God dwells in peace, that thou mayest know, that she was not only healed in body, but also from the causes of bodily pain, that is, from her sins
When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind Him in the crowd and touched His garment. For she said, "If I just touch His clothes, I will be healed." And immediately the source of her bleeding dried up. The Church comes and touches the Lord when it approaches Him through the truth of faith. However, it comes from behind, or as He Himself said: "If anyone serves me, he must follow me" (John 12). And elsewhere it is commanded: "You shall walk after the Lord your God." Or, because not seeing the Lord present in the flesh, after the mysteries of His incarnation had been fulfilled, it reached the grace of faith and recognition of Him. Thus, by the participation in His sacraments, it deserved to be saved from sins, as if by the touch of His garments, it dried up the source of her blood. For the source of blood is the origin of sin. The source of anyone's blood is the beginning of impure thought, from which all sin is born. But the Lord, with His evangelical words, not only sought to restrain evil deeds and words but also to uproot the root of wicked thoughts, granting that both be cleansed by evangelical sacraments, as if He endowed His garments with the power to dry up the source of filth.
(in Marc. ii. 22) Observe that the object of His question was that the woman should confess the truth of her long 1want of faith, of her sudden belief and healing, and so herself be confirmed in faith, and afford an example to others. But he said to her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague. He said not, Thy faith is about to make thee whole, but has made thee whole, that is, in that thou hast believed, thou hast already been made whole.
(ubi sup.) Again, the Lord going to the child, who is to be healed, is thronged by the crowd, because though He gave healthful advice to the Jewish nation, he is oppressed by the wicked habits of that carnal people; but the woman with an issue of blood, cured by the Lord, is the Church gathered together from the nations, for the issue of blood may be either understood of the pollution of idolatry, or of those deeds, which are accompanied by pleasure to flesh and blood. But whilst the word of the Lord decreed salvation to Judæa, the people of the Gentiles by an assured hope seized upon the health, promised and prepared for others.
(ubi sup.) Wherefore one believing woman touches the Lord, whilst the crowd throngs Him, because He, who is grieved by divers heresies, or by wicked habits, is worshipped faithfully with the heart of the Catholic Church alone. But the Church of the Gentiles came behind Him; because though it did not see the Lord present in the flesh, for the mysteries of His Incarnation had been gone through, yet it attained to the grace of His faith, and so when by partaking of His sacraments, it merited salvation from its sins, as it were the fountain of its blood was dried up by the touch of His garments. And the Lord looked round about to see her who had done this, because He judges that all who deserve to be saved are worthy of His look and of His pity.
After the miracle of the demoniac, the Lord works another miracle, namely, in raising up the daughter of the ruler of the synagogue; the Evangelist, before narrating this miracle, says, And when Jesus was passed over again by ship unto the other side, much people gathered unto him.
Now this man was faithful in part, inasmuch as he fell at the feet of Jesus, but in that he begged of Him to come, he did not show as much faith as he ought. For he ought to have said, Speak the word only, and my daughter shall be healed. There follows, And he went away with him, and much people followed him, and thronged him; and a woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years, &c.
Most faithful indeed is this woman, who hoped for healing from His garments. For which reason she obtains health; wherefore it goes on, And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed.
For the Lord wished to declare the woman, first to give His approbation to her faith, secondly to urge the chief of the synagogue to a confident hope that He could thus cure his child, and also to free the woman from fear. For the woman feared because she had stolen health; wherefore there follows, But the woman, fearing and trembling, &c.
But He saith to her, Go in peace, that is, in rest, which means, go and have rest, for up to this time thou hast been in pains and torture.
Or else, by the woman, who had a bloody flux, understand human nature; for sin rushed in upon it, which since it killed the soul, might be said to spill its blood. It could not be cured by many physicians, that is, by the wise men of this world, and of the Law and the Prophets; but the moment that it touched the hem of Christ's garment, that is, His flesh, it was healed, for whosoever believes the Son of man to be Incarnate is he who touches the hem of His garment.
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Summary
Mark 5:27 describes the pivotal, faith-driven action of a woman suffering from a chronic hemorrhage for twelve years. Having heard of Jesus' miraculous power and compassion, she bravely navigated a dense crowd, approaching Him from behind with the singular belief that merely touching His garment would bring about her long-awaited healing, setting the stage for a profound encounter with the Son of God.
Context
Literary Context
Mark 5:27 is nestled within a larger narrative in Mark's Gospel, specifically the account of Jesus' journey to heal Jairus's daughter, as requested in Mark 5:22-24. As Jesus proceeds, a large multitude surrounds and presses in on Him. The story of the woman with the issue of blood (Mark 5:25-34) is intentionally interwoven into this journey, serving as a "sandwich" or "intercalation" structure that is characteristic of Mark's writing. This literary device highlights Jesus' immediate responsiveness to individual faith even amidst pressing demands and emphasizes the contrast between the public display of faith (Jairus's plea) and a private, desperate act of faith (the woman's touch). The interruption underscores Jesus' sovereign control over time and circumstances and His profound sensitivity to human suffering.
Historical & Cultural Context
The woman's condition, a chronic hemorrhage, rendered her ceremonially unclean according to the Mosaic Law outlined in Leviticus 15:25-27. This meant she was perpetually ritually impure, unable to participate in temple worship or even touch others without defiling them. Her condition would have led to severe social ostracization, isolating her from family, friends, and community life. Furthermore, the text indicates she had "suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse" (Mark 5:26). This detail paints a grim picture of her medical hopelessness and financial ruin, emphasizing the desperation that drove her to Jesus as her last resort. The public nature of the crowd would have made her act even more courageous, as her presence in such a throng was itself a violation of social and religious norms.
Key Themes
This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Mark's Gospel. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates Desperate Faith. The woman's action is not a casual attempt but a culmination of her hearing about Jesus' power, leading to a deep conviction that even a clandestine touch would suffice. Her belief, further articulated in Mark 5:28, signifies a profound trust in Jesus' inherent ability to heal. Secondly, it highlights Jesus' Accessibility and Compassion. Despite being surrounded by a "press" and on an urgent mission to Jairus's house, Jesus is not oblivious to the quiet act of faith. His immediate awareness of power leaving Him (Mark 5:30) demonstrates His divine sensitivity and willingness to engage with individuals, regardless of their social standing or perceived unworthiness. Finally, the narrative underscores the Power of Jesus' Divine Presence. The healing occurs not through a spoken word or a direct command, but through a physical touch of His garment, signifying that divine power emanates from Jesus Himself, capable of overcoming all human limitations and ceremonial barriers.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This primary verb (G191) means "to hear" in various senses, including to give audience, come to the ears, or understand. In this context, it signifies not merely passive reception of sound, but an active, attentive listening that led to comprehension and belief. Her action was a direct result of having heard reports about Jesus' miraculous works and teachings, cultivating a deep-seated hope and conviction that He was her only solution.
Derived from a word meaning "a vehicle," this term (G3793) refers to a throng, multitude, or rabble. It emphasizes the dense, unruly crowd surrounding Jesus, making it incredibly difficult for anyone, especially a weak and ceremonially unclean woman, to approach Him. The word highlights the physical obstacle and social challenge she overcame through sheer determination.
This reflexive verb (G680) means "to attach oneself to" or "to touch" in many implied relations. It suggests a deliberate, intentional, and perhaps even clinging touch, rather than an accidental brush. For the woman, this touch was an act of profound faith, believing that a direct connection, however slight, to Jesus' person or possessions would transfer His healing power to her.
Verse Breakdown
"When she had heard of Jesus"
This opening phrase establishes the foundation of the woman's action: her faith was not spontaneous but informed. She had received reports or testimonies about Jesus' miraculous healings and teachings, which ignited hope within her. This "hearing" implies a level of understanding and conviction that Jesus possessed the power to heal her, even after twelve years of suffering and failed medical treatments.
"came in the press behind"
This describes the immense physical and social challenge the woman faced. The "press" (Greek: óchlos) refers to the dense, pushing crowd, making movement difficult. Her coming "behind" suggests a desire for discretion, perhaps due to her ritual uncleanness which would have made public interaction forbidden and dangerous, or simply an attempt to avoid drawing attention to herself in her desperate state. It highlights her humility and determination to reach Jesus despite formidable obstacles.
"and touched his garment"
This is the climactic act of faith. Instead of seeking a direct audience or a spoken word, she believed that even contact with Jesus' clothing (specifically, as parallel accounts suggest, the hem or fringe of His outer garment) would be sufficient. This action demonstrates a profound belief in the inherent, radiating power of Jesus, a power that transcended conventional means of healing and could be accessed even indirectly through His clothing.
Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its profound meaning. Synecdoche is present in "touched his garment," where a part (the garment) represents the whole (Jesus' person and power). This highlights the woman's belief that even the periphery of Jesus' presence carried divine efficacy. Irony is also evident: a woman considered ritually unclean by society, whose touch would defile others, is the one who, by touching Jesus, receives cleansing and healing. This subtly critiques the rigid interpretations of purity laws that often overlooked human suffering. Furthermore, the narrative uses Foreshadowing by hinting at the immense power that emanates from Jesus, a power that is not limited by physical barriers or social conventions, setting the stage for the revelation of her healing and Jesus' subsequent affirmation of her faith.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Mark 5:27 serves as a powerful testament to the transformative power of faith and the boundless compassion of Jesus. Theologically, it underscores that God's healing power is not confined to specific rituals or direct requests but can be accessed through a sincere, even desperate, act of belief. The woman's story challenges conventional notions of purity and social exclusion, demonstrating that Jesus' redemptive work extends to those marginalized by society and religious law. Her healing, initiated by a touch of faith, illustrates that Jesus is the ultimate source of life and wholeness, capable of restoring what twelve years of suffering and human effort could not. This encounter highlights Jesus' divine nature, as power emanates from Him, confirming His unique status as the Son of God who brings liberation from all forms of bondage—physical, social, and spiritual.
Reflection and Application
The story of the woman with the issue of blood in Mark 5:27 offers profound encouragement and practical lessons for believers today. Her desperate act of faith reminds us that true faith often arises from a place of deep need and a conviction that Jesus is the only one who can truly help. In our own lives, we may face "issues of blood"—chronic problems, emotional wounds, spiritual struggles, or seemingly insurmountable obstacles that have drained our resources and left us feeling isolated and hopeless. This verse challenges us to move beyond our limitations, societal stigmas, or past failures and to actively seek Jesus. Like the woman who pressed through the crowd, we are called to persevere in our pursuit of Him, believing that even a "touch" of faith—a sincere prayer, an act of obedience, or a humble turning to Him—can unleash His transformative power. Her story assures us that Jesus is never too busy, too distant, or too concerned with other matters to notice and respond to the quiet, desperate cries of a believing heart.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did the woman only touch Jesus' garment instead of speaking to Him directly?
The woman's decision to touch Jesus' garment, rather than speak to Him directly, likely stemmed from a combination of factors rooted in her desperate situation and cultural context. Firstly, her condition—a chronic hemorrhage—rendered her ceremonially unclean under the Mosaic Law (Leviticus 15:25-27). This meant she was forbidden from public interaction and would defile anyone she touched. Approaching Jesus directly and speaking would have publicly exposed her uncleanness, potentially leading to rebuke or further ostracization. Secondly, she had already suffered for twelve years, spending all her money on doctors with no improvement (Mark 5:26). This long history of failure likely fostered a sense of humility and desperation, leading her to believe that even a clandestine, indirect touch would be enough. Her faith was so profound that she believed Jesus' power was so potent it could be accessed even through His clothing, as stated in Mark 5:28: "If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole."
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
The healing of the woman with the issue of blood in Mark 5:27, though a physical miracle, powerfully foreshadows and embodies the spiritual healing offered through Jesus Christ. Her twelve years of suffering and ritual uncleanness represent humanity's chronic spiritual sickness and separation from God due to sin, a condition that no human effort or law could remedy. Just as her touch of Jesus' garment brought immediate physical wholeness, so too does faith in Christ bring spiritual cleansing and reconciliation. Jesus, the Great Physician, not only heals physical ailments but addresses the deepest human need: sin. His power, which flowed from Him to heal her, is the same divine power that was fully unleashed on the cross, where He bore our infirmities and by His stripes, we are healed (Isaiah 53:5). The woman's desperate act of reaching out for life from the "press" of her suffering mirrors humanity's need to reach out to the one who offers abundant life (John 10:10). Her story is a vivid illustration that through faith, we can "touch" the very person of Christ, receiving not just physical restoration but eternal life and freedom from the defilement of sin, becoming clean and whole in His sight (1 Peter 2:24).